Are you looking for the best Linux distribution for gaming?
You may have heard that gaming on Linux is crazy and you’re better off using a Windows PC. But what if I told you this: Linux systems are less resource-intensive compared to Windows? Ultimately, this leaves more of your system’s power for your favorite games.
Sounds like a good deal, right?
Below I will show you the 10 best Linux distributions for gaming. Each of these distributions has its own unique features, gaming approach, and optimizations to enhance your gaming experience.
So, let’s jump right in!
The Best Linux Distributions for Gaming
Some of the best Linux distributions for gaming are:
1. Ubuntu
Ubuntu is one of the most popular Linux distributions. It offers a smooth gaming experience thanks to its extensive software repositories and community support. In addition, NVIDIA drivers in this distribution are just one command away.
On my Ubuntu system, I installed Heroic, Steam, and other game launchers using Snaps easily. However, if you don’t like Snaps, you can choose a flat hub.
There are also many open-source games available in the Ubuntu Multiverse and Universe repositories. If you’ve switched from Windows to Ubuntu, you can use Wine, Lutris, and GameHub to run some Windows games on Linux.
| Pros | Cons |
| Compatible with Steam and other gaming platforms. | Pictures are slow |
| Great community support | The default installation may include additional packages. |
| Stable distribution |
Try – Ubuntu
2. Manjaro
Manjaro is a user-friendly Arch-based distribution that offers the latest software updates. With a rolling release model, you can take advantage of the latest graphics drivers and software. Additionally, it provides access to the Arch User Repository (AUR), which enhances the gaming software’s capabilities.
Manjaro also has a dedicated game repository that contains several game-related packages. So, you can easily install games on your Manjaro system.
Additionally, this distribution also comes with a Game Mode to improve overall system performance. This mode ensures that unnecessary services and background tasks are turned off to free up resources for gaming.
| Pros | Cons |
| Installing NVIDIA drivers is simple and easy | Occasional compatibility issues |
| Excellent performance and up-to-date software. | Small community compared to other distros |
| Highly customizable (KDE) | Steep learning curve for users new to Arch-based distribution. |
| Rolling release of newest features |
Try – Manjaro
3. Fedora
Fedora is known for its open-source software and innovative features. This means you will always have access to the latest gaming technology. Moreover, you can install NVIDIA drivers in a few clicks.
By default, Fedora is not gaming-oriented. However, technologies such as Wayland and the latest kernel version help improve gaming performance.
Like Ubuntu, Fedora is based on the GNOME 3 shell, which offers easy-to-use repositories and smooth animations. It also comes preloaded with FlatHub to download apps like Bottles to play Epic games, as well as stores like Heroic or other libraries.
| Pros | Cons |
| High-Performance Gaming with Wayland | It’s a little more difficult to find a suitable place to download games |
| A stable distribution for its release cycle. | It does not come with pre-installed game launchers. |
| Decent sized community | |
| Great for GNOME lovers |
Try – Fedora
4. Lakka
If you are not interested in the latest AAA games and want to relax and enjoy retro games, you should try Lakka! This distribution can turn your old computer into a retro-style gaming console.
Lakka is based on Libretro and uses its own RetroArch. shell for its front part. It doesn’t come with games pre-installed, but you can easily install them from ROM files or ISO images.
Lakka allows you to play games from old Nintendo consoles such as 2D, 3D/s, Wii, GBA, NES, original PlayStation, and PlayStation 2. This distribution is also highly customizable and scalable.
| Pros | Minuses |
| Supports a wide range of game consoles. | Limited customization options compared to other distributions. |
| Based on the RetroArch interface. | Some tuning may be required for optimal performance. |
| Great for retro games. | Limited support for modern gaming software |
Try – Lakka
5. StimOS
Association Valve Corporation developed SteamOS specifically for gaming and created it as the operating system for Steam Machine game consoles.
It comes with a pre-installed Steam client which provides direct access to a vast library of games. It also features Steam Big Picture Mode for a smooth gaming experience.
Plus, its user interface is easy to navigate even if you’re not familiar with Linux.
| Pros | Cons |
| Direct access to Steam’s vast library of games. | No NVIDIA support |
| Optimized for Steam games. | Additional effort may be required for non-Steam games. |
| SteamOS clone on Steam Deck | Limited software capabilities outside of Steam. |
Try – SteamOS
6. Drauger OS
Drauger OS is an Ubuntu-based distribution designed for Linux gamers. This distribution claims certain changes for games and overall system performance.
Drauger OS has the Xfce desktop environment by default, making it easy to run your favorite games on your old PC. This distribution comes pre-installed with PlayOnLinux, Wine, Heroic, DXVK Extension, and Steam applications.
Moreover, you can also use GameHub to play games from GOG and other platforms.
| Pros | Cons |
| Comes with pre-installed launchers | Some games may require additional setup. |
| Game mode for optimized performance | Limited community support and smaller user base compared to other distributions. |
| Lightweight and suitable for older computers. | |
| Kernel settings for excellent performance |
Try – Drauger OS
7. Linux Mint
If you want to try a Linux distribution for gaming with a Windows-like interface, choose Linux Mint. Much of the navigation is the same as in Windows, so things are much easier to find.
Since Linux Mint is an Ubuntu-based Linux distribution, it has many common repositories, making it easy to install games. Moreover, it replaces Snaps with Flatpak for a fast and organized package management system.
Linux Mint has a Cinnamon desktop environment known for its simplicity and ease of use. Moreover, it also has several gaming-friendly features such as Game Mode and another performance overlay.
| Pros | Cons |
| Installing NVIDIA drivers is very easy | Small gaming community compared to other distros. |
| Easy installation of game launchers using Flatpak | |
| Reliable and stable platform | |
| Wide range of gaming software support |
Try – Linux Mint
8. Ubuntu GamePack.
Ubuntu Gamepack is a standalone Linux distribution. It is based on Ubuntu and therefore inherits the wide support and stability of its parent distribution. It is equipped with a set of pre-installed gaming programs to minimize installation time.
The ideal feature of Ubuntu GamePack is that it is designed specifically for gaming. It includes Java and Flash support and also has a custom optimizer to help the graphics card.
In Ubuntu GamePack you can easily use Lutris, Game Push, and PlayOnLinux. It also allows you to use Cross, a premium Linux app for Windows games.
| Pros | Fewer customization options compared to other distributions. |
| Access to extensive Ubuntu software repositories | May include unnecessary packages |
| Pre-installed gaming software | Less customization options compared to other distributions. |
| Based on Ubuntu for stability. |
Try – Ubuntu Game Pack
9. Pop! _OS
Pop!_OS is developed by System76 and designed with a focus on performance. It includes a separate ISO for running NVIDIA GPUs, which saves a lot of time instead of trying – to install drivers manually.
This distro is based on Ubuntu, so it has a vast library of gaming apps like Heroic, Steam, Lutris, etc. Plus, it has Pop!_Buy management software to make installing gaming apps easier
Pop!_OS allows graphics to run directly from the GPU without any command-line interaction. So, if you prioritize both gaming performance and a modern, visually appealing interface, then Pop!_OS is the right choice for you!
| High stability thanks to the Ubuntu base | Cons |
| Always uses the latest kernel version | Additional configuration may be required for certain games. |
| High stability thanks to Ubuntu base | It does not come with pre-installed launchers. |
| Gaming features are not as noticeable |
Try – Pop!_OS
10. Solus
The Solus distribution is designed to be fast and lightweight, making it ideal for older systems with limited resources. It comes with the Budgie desktop environment and its package manager.
Although Solus is not specifically aimed at gamers, it does support a variety of gaming software through its Software Center. A rolling release model keeps packages up to date so you always have access to the latest games.
| Pros | Cons |
| Rolling release of updated packages | Limited gaming features |
| Ease of use of the Budgie desktop | Limited community support compared to other distributions. |
| Performance oriented distribution |
Try – Solus
So now you have all the information you need to choose the best Linux distro for gaming. Feel free to share in the comments below which distro you prefer!
