5 best Linux distributions for gamers in 2024

The idea that Linux isn’t a practical choice for gamers is slowly becoming outdated. Here are the best Linux distros every gamer should consider using.

According to Gaming Today, the first quarter revenue for the gaming industry was $17.67 billion. 

That’s a big number, clearly indicating that the gaming industry should be taken seriously. But what about the world of gaming on Linux? Back in the day, Linux was lucky to get Frozen Bubble or Tux Racers. But then came Loki Games to prove gaming could be a real thing for the open-source OS. (But then Loki Folded, and that was that.)

But there was still Wine.

And then Proton.

And then SteamOS.

At this point, gaming on Linux isn’t an afterthought. Case in point, there are some distributions built specifically for gaming (and some that are perfectly suited for the task). I’ve come up with five of my favorite distributions for gaming, so you don’t have to go on the hunt.

Put your fingers on the keypad and slip on your headsets ’cause we’re going gaming.

1. Drauger OS

Drauger OS is based on Ubuntu and ships with tons of optimizations and modifications intended to improve gaming performance and the gaming experience. You’ll find simple changes (such as a custom Plasma desktop) to far more complicated optimizations (such as a custom kernel with lot latency enabled and a scheduling frequency from 250Hz to 1000Hz). 

Everything in Drauger OS has been tweaked to make it an ideal gaming platform. In fact, the developers make no bones about the fact that Drauger OS is designed explicitly for gaming. This isn’t your normal desktop OS. It’s not aimed at productivity, shopping, socialization, project management, or development.  

Drauger OS supports several gaming platforms (such as Steam, Lutris, PlayOnLinux, etc.), works with several different game controllers, offers higher frame rates, and reduced screen tearing, as well as an overall increase in performance. The one downfall of Drauger OS is that the installation is a bit of a departure from the standard Ubuntu offering. The installation isn’t hard, it’s just… different. 

Drauger OS is free to install and use.

2. Ubuntu Game Pack

If you prefer a more traditional Ubuntu desktop but still want something geared toward gaming — Ubuntu Game Pack is a great option. This distribution supports multiple gaming platforms, offers a GameMode with several optimizations, and includes the usual Ubuntu user-friendliness and all the apps found in the standard repositories. Ubuntu Game Pack includes Steam, Lutris, Itch.io, and Game Jolt, as well as PlayOnLinux, CrossOver, Wine, DoxBox, ScummVM, and more. Some of those options are free, while others are pay-to-play or subscription-based.  

Although there are no pre-installed games, you’ll find a wealth of options via the various services. Ubuntu Game Pack ships with a custom GNOME desktop environment. The real focal point of Ubuntu Game Pack is GameMode, which gives Ubuntu the necessary tweaks to make it a viable gaming solution. GameMod is a daemon/lib combination that allows for certain optimizations, such as CPU governor, I/O Priority, process niceness, kernel scheduler, screensaver inhibiting, GPU performance mode (for NVIDIA and AMD), GPU overclocking (NVIDIA), CPU core pinning or parking, and customized scripts. 

Ubuntu Game Pack can be installed and used for free.

3. Fedora Game Spin

If you’d like a gaming-specific spin on your favorite Fedora distribution, look no further than Fedora Game Spin. However, there is a catch in that it’s only for open-source games. But the good news is that there are hundreds of available games. The bad news is that they tend to look and feel like cheap knock-offs of other games. 

You’ll find games like Extreme Tux Racer, Wesnoth, Hedewars, Colossus, BZFlag, Freeciv, Warzon 2100, MegaGlest, and Fillets. There are games ranging from first-person shooters, real-time and turn-based strategy, and puzzle games. In the end, if you’re looking for varied free games, Fedora Game Spin might be a great option. And when you combine that with Fedora’s inherently great performance, this spin becomes even more appealing.

Fedora Game Spin can be installed and used for free.

4. Regata OS

Regata OS is about achieving as much performance as possible so your favorite games play as expected. Regata OS includes GameMode as well as AMD FSR (to help boost frame rates while delivering a high-resolution experience). 

If you have a laptop with hybrid graphics, Regata OS can run some applications with the dedicated GPU by default on AMD and NVIDIA-based laptops. Regata also supports Vulkan for faster performance and improved video quality. 

Moreover, you’ll find support for Steam and Game Access, which allows you to run games from Origin, Battle.net, Ubisoft Connect, and the Epic Games Store. Unlike other gaming-specific distributions, Regata OS can also serve as a great desktop solution for productivity and other uses.

You can download and install Regata OS for free.

5. Pop!_OS

Pop!_OS isn’t a gaming-specific distribution but it does such a great job with GPU hardware that it’s an easy solution. Pop!_OS supports hybrid graphics and even offers separate ISO versions for AMD and NVIDIA hardware. Because of that separate ISO option, you don’t have to worry about the challenges of installing graphics drivers on Linux, as Pop!_OS takes care of it for you. 

The one caveat of Pop!_OS is that it doesn’t ship with gaming platforms pre-installed. That’s okay because you can grab software like Steam from the Pop Shop. Even better, if you’re running Pop!_OS on System76 hardware, you can be certain the OS is perfectly optimized for your hardware.

You can download and install Pop!_OS for free.

And there you have it, five Linux distributions that are geared toward gaming. One of these options should have you gaming like a champ in no time.

Source: ZDNET