Updated at: 06-06-2022 - By: Leo Hall

In today’s world, Linux is one of the most versatile operating systems. Linux may be found on everything from servers to desktops to cellphones, and you may not even be aware of it! It’s true that gaming on Linux hasn’t quite taken off yet, but did you know that there are Linux distributions created just for gamers?

Even if you’ve never worked with Linux before, it’s appropriate for several different skill levels. In the sections below, we’ll go over Linux distribution for experts, beginners, and the above-average user. Your gaming skills don’t have to be anything special, either!

Steam OS

In fact, even if you’ve never worked with Linux, it’s suitable for a wide range of abilities. Here we’ll look at Linux distributions for power users, newbies, and the average Joe. Playing video games doesn’t necessitate having exceptional abilities.

Hệ điều hành SteamOS chơi game quá tệ?

You don’t need to install anything else because this OS is designed around Steam. The OS is built to accept controllers, joysticks, and any other peripherals you might want, too.

Steam OS gives you access to all of Steam’s games (as long as they are Linux-compatible) as well as numerous free Linux-based titles. The only problem is that you’re restricted to only using content from your Steam library. If you’re an advanced user, you can employ workarounds to install other apps. Using a Linux distribution other than Debian is your best bet for playing games that aren’t in the Steam library.

The Steam OS has additional features for advanced users as well. A Steam Machine can be built using the Linux distribution and then sold on the open market. The Steam Machine, on the other hand, differs from a typical gaming PC in several ways. Additionally, the Steam Machine is designed to run on its own, without the need for additional peripherals like a mouse or keyboard.

To put it another way, the Steam Machine is designed to compete with consoles rather than PCs. As a result, its construction should be left to the hands of professionals alone. It was Valve’s decision to produce the Steam Link, a cheaper streaming alternative to consoles, instead of the Steam Machine, which never caught on.

However, the Steam OS is still a strong and realistic alternative for gamers who want a gaming PC with access to a large library of Steam titles. People who want to play more than only Steam games might benefit from a separate Linux operating system.

Dual-booting the Steam OS with something like Windows or adding other software capabilities through some technical workarounds is doable, but it would be simpler to simply install a new game-oriented OS.

Ubuntu GamePack

The Ubuntu GamePack is a good option for individuals who don’t want to be limited to Steam games. If you’ve used Ubuntu before, this is the distro for you. However, the Ubuntu GamePack is a little different from ordinary Ubuntu.

Steam, Lutris, PlayOnLinux, and Wine are all readily available right out of the box with Ubuntu’s GamePack installation. You can use any of the four programs to improve your gaming experience on Linux. The advantage of the Ubuntu GamePack over Steam is that it can play non-Steam games as well.

It also has Java and Flash support, which means it can run web-based games as well.

Essentially, if you’re looking for the most fully-featured Linux distribution for playing PC games, the Ubuntu GamePack distro is currently your best choice. While other distributions like the Steam OS are suitable for more casual or inexperienced gamers and programmers, the Ubuntu GamePack isn’t as friendly to beginners.

If you want to play PC games on Linux, the Ubuntu GamePack distribution is the best option at the moment. Ubuntu GamePack, on the other hand, is not as welcoming to novice gamers and developers as other distributions such as Steam OS.

In the same way Steam supports any game available on Steam and compatible with Linux, Steam OS does the same thing. Similar to Steam, but with a wider selection of apps and games, Lutris is an app and game shop. Lutris, for example, has the Twitch app.

Many products, including Twitch, that aren’t natively accessible for Linux can now be used on other platforms thanks to Wine, a tool that allows Windows-based programs to operate on Linux. That’s why it’s less user pleasant than Steam OS but if you know how to troubleshoot a little, it’s an extremely versatile operating system.

Fedora Games Spin

If you’re looking for an operating system that comes pre-loaded with hundreds of games, Fedora Games Spin is the right choice for you! In comparison to the Ubuntu GamePack, Fedora Games Spin can support just as many games, but it is also more stable.

Fedora Games Spin 25 | Linux.org

In contrast, Steam, Wine, and Lutris aren’t natively supported by Fedora Games Spin, so you’ll need to download and install them yourself. In order to do more than just play the pre-installed games, you’ll need more skill than the Ubuntu GamePack. It is, nevertheless, still possible to use this operating system.

As an alternative to the Ubuntu GamePack, Fedora Games Spin is a great option to consider. Many preinstalled games are one of its key advantages, but that is also one of its main drawbacks. To make more games work, you’ll need to get more software and drivers. In any case, it’s a capability of the OS.

Lakka OS and SparkyLinux – Gameover Edition

It’s all about emulation in the Lakka OS. Emulation, if you’ve never heard of the computing phrase, is running a different system, such as a console, within a PC or other device through a piece of code. A GameBoy Advance, for example, can still be used to play games if the original source code is recreated.

Many of these emulators are pre-installed on Lakka OS, making it stand out from the crowd. Even though you’ll need to source your games and ROMs (ideally legally) for copyright reasons, this puts you up for success straight away.

Because Lakka OS is merely an emulator OS, there is no desktop to speak of. SparkyLinux, a dual-purpose desktop, is better if you’re a die-hard emulator lover but wish to play other PC games from time to time. Installable emulators and preinstalled games are both included in the SparkyLinux-Gameover Edition operating system.

Even though SparkyLinux doesn’t come pre-loaded with the ability to run games on Steam OS and other software, it can be installed manually. All things considered, Lakka OS is the best option if you’re simply interested in playing emulated games. SparkyLinux – Gameover Edition is a better option if you’re seeking for a mix of PC and emulator gaming.

There are far too many Linux distributions to list here. Only a few stand out above the others, however. This guide’s selection of Linux distributions includes the most gamer-friendly options available today, and they come in a variety of levels of complexity.

Are you familiar with any other Linux distributions geared toward gamers? In that case, which one is it, if it is possible? What can you tell me about your time with it? Leave your thoughts in the box below and we’ll read them.

Pop!_OS

REASONS TO BUY

+Hybrid graphics support is now available.

REASONS TO AVOID

Nothing more than the bare essentials.

ARM’s Pop! OS operating system Gamers who wish to create their own gaming setup can consider using System76.

Pop!OS is built on Ubuntu’s long-term support release and uses Pop Shell as its user interface over Gnome. The distribution has all the plumbing it needs to be customized by its users. Linux hybrid graphics support and the ability to launch games directly from the GPU context menu are both part of this.

Even though it doesn’t come pre-installed with any gaming platforms, you can easily download the likes of Steam, Lutris, and GameHub from its app store. Additionally, the distro is available in two flavors: a regular image and one that includes the Nvidia proprietary driver.

Ubuntu GamePack

REASONS TO BUY

+Multiple game platforms supported

+Includes improvements to GameMode

REASONS TO AVOID

-No pre-installed games.

UALinux, the Ukrainian developers behind Ubuntu GamePack, has a similar look and feel to Drauger OS. Despite the fact that Ubuntu GamePack uses a modified version of the Gnome desktop, both distributions are based on Ubuntu. Ubuntu GamePack also includes several gaming platforms and tools, such as PlayOnLinux and Steam, alongside proprietary codecs and drivers.

You can also acquire a trial version of CrossOver, a proprietary tool built on WINE that can be used to run Windows games on your Ubuntu system (and apps). ScummVM, a classic adventure and role-playing game emulator, is also included in the distro.

As the name suggests, it’s all about the GameMode, a set of changes designed to make the system more ideal for gaming. Additionally, the distribution offers a slew of standard desktop productivity apps so it can be marketed as a powerful desktop environment for gamers. Drauger, on the other hand, uses a modified version of the Ubuntu Ubiquity installer.

Manjaro

Manjaro is an excellent distribution that combines the rolling release mechanism of Arch with greater stability and core strength. You should try this if you’re looking for a little more out of your Linux experience. Things move considerably faster in Manjaro than in Ubuntu-based distros because of the imminent release of new features.

It’s much easier to manage drivers using the new mainline kernels and Manjaro’s hardware discovery tool (mhwd). As a result of Manjaro’s efforts, Nvidia systems on Linux aren’t nearly as problematic as they are on other systems. New drivers are being introduced at a rapid pace. Recent years have seen significant improvements in the stability of Manjaro. Keep a copy of your data in case something goes wrong or an update ruins it.

Garuda

The new kid on the block, Garuda Linux is built on Arch. There are some who see it as a potential rival to Manjaro, and I believe it is well on its way to accomplishing that aim. There are many settings and adjustments to choose from, as well as a wide range of useful features. It’s easy to learn and has all the power of Arch without all the fuss and complication.

Gamer-friendly applications include Steam, Winetricks, PlayOnLinux (the Linux version to GOG Galaxy 2.0), Lutris, DXVK, and Proton, all of which may be accessed using the Garuda user interface. This is a one-stop shop for setting up your gaming system. As a stand-alone operating system, it’s a fantastic choice. In my opinion, the retrowave/cyberpunk aesthetic used by Garuda is spot on. KDE is the most well-known desktop environment because it offers the greatest degree of personalization. Manjaro should know about Garuda, a lovely and outstanding distro.

Spin of Fedora Games

At Fedora Games, our goal is to highlight and promote open source games accessible in the Fedora repository. Everything from first-person shooters to strategy games are all included in the 4.1GB image that the distribution sells. There is nothing better than being able to watch all of the games unfold in real time. Each major edition of Fedora brings new features to Fedora Games, which runs on the Xfce desktop environment. As a result, Fedora Workstation 33 is the basis for the most recent release.

Fedora Games Spin 25 | Linux.org

In spite of the fact that Spin is a very good gaming distribution, it falls short in comparison to our featured competitors. For starters, it excludes third-party platforms like Steam and programs like PlayonLinux and WINE, all of which can be manually loaded.

FAQS:

Is Linux getting better for gaming?

Yes, Linux is a good operating system for gamers, especially now that Valve’s SteamOS, which is built on Linux, is boosting the number of Linux-compatible titles. There are many differences between Windows and Linux, but there are also some commonalities.

Is Debian better than Ubuntu?

Debian is considered more stable than Ubuntu because of their release cycles. It’s less frequently updated, highly tested, and truly stable on Debian (Stable). However, Debian’s stability comes at a price.

Is lubuntu good for development?

Web developers will like this feature. See for yourself by giving it a shot. Each time you login, you can choose from among the various desktop environments that are installed on the same operating system.