You’ve heard all the accusations. Gaming on Linux is crazy, isn’t it? Players need to use a Windows PC and be done with it. Linux is all terminal commands and Firefox stuff. Valve wants to talk to you. After all, Valve Steam Deck runs on Linux. Steam is available on Linux, with over 6,000 titles available. Many game developers have also started creating for Linux systems.
However, you can’t get all the same games that you would on PC. popular shooters like aura and rainbow six siege they don’t work on linux. None of EA’s games run on Linux, so forget about most sports titles. Die-hard gamers may find gaming on Linux a lesson in frustration.
Casual gamers, on the other hand, should be fine. Linux distributions have elegant, fluid and intuitive interfaces with a lot to offer. For starters, they are free. They don’t track or advertise to you like Windows, Chrome OS, and MacOS do. Best of all, they are lightweight and easy to use. Older computers can suddenly look like new again.
So which Linux distributions are the best to play? Fortunately, you have several to choose from. Let’s dive.
ubuntu
image courtesy of Canonical Ubuntu 22.04 Courtesy of Canonical Ubuntu 22.04
Ubuntu is one of the most popular Linux distributions on the planet. 4% of all computers have Ubuntu installed, putting it just behind MacOS and Chrome OS.
As a result, Ubuntu is the best Linux distro for gaming, if only because it has the most titles available out of the box. You can install Steam directly from the Ubuntu Universe repository without having to browse the Internet. It is the same as the app store or the windows store. Click Install and you’re going to play
There are also many open source games available in the Ubuntu Universe and Ubuntu Multiverse repositories. And if something you want isn’t there, you can look it up online or on GitHub. Other game libraries available for Ubuntu are GameHub and Lutris, which allow you to play some Windows games on Linux.
The best part of gaming on Ubuntu is the community built around the operating system. You can get help with any questions you have, and you’ll likely find answers to any problems you encounter. The Ubuntu community will provide you with all the help you need.
linux mint
Linux Mint is an Ubuntu-based Linux distribution with a Windows twist. For people who are used to Windows, Mint is the best Linux distro for gaming. Everything is easy to find, and much of the navigation is the same as in Windows.
Since Linux Mint is based on Ubuntu, it shares many of the same repositories, so you can easily install games. Steam is available without problems.
You will also be surrounded by a massive Linux Mint community, similar to Ubuntu.
fedora
Fedora is one of the best Linux distributions. Based on the GNOME 3 shell (like Ubuntu), it features smooth animations and easy-to-use repositories. This makes it ideal for gaming because it doesn’t get in the way.
The thing with Fedora is that the entire operating system relies on easy access to the repository. You’ll have to search for the right repositories (there are tons on Fedora), but you’ll find what you’re looking for. For example, Steam is available in the RPM Fusion community repository.
This is a bit more demanding to use than Ubuntu, as you need to dig around a bit more to find the right places to download your games, but the concept is the same. Plus, there’s a decent-sized community to help you out when you’re in trouble.
basic operating system
Elementary OS is another distribution based on Ubuntu, but they have gone for a MacOS look and feel. Elementary OS is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful Linux distributions, so if you like aesthetics, this is for you.
Fortunately, it’s also great to play. You can find some games in Elementary OS’s default store, called the AppCenter, but you won’t find many game titles here. They’re still trying to be Apple. Instead, you will need to go to the Steam Store + Linux website and download it from there. It’s the same with other stores like GameHub.
Ubuntu game pack
Despite its name, Ubuntu Game Pack is a standalone Linux distribution designed for gaming. He is Ubuntu also uses the GNOME 3 shell just like Ubuntu, but it was developed by a Ukraine-based company called User and Linux, not Canonical.
The GNOME shell used in the Ubuntu Game Pack is heavily modified from its Ubuntu cousin. The operating system also includes support for Flash and Java and has a custom optimizer to help your graphics card better handle more complicated graphics.
The best thing about Ubuntu Game Pack is that the entire operating system is based on the games. You have easy access to repositories for Steam, Lutris, PlayOnLinux, Game Jolt, itch.io, and more. You can also pay a monthly fee for Cross Over, a premium Linux app that lets you play Windows PC games on Linux.
Pop!_OS
image courtesy of System76
Pop!_OS is a custom Linux distribution created by computer manufacturer System76. The system is a custom interface layered on top of Ubuntu, making it easy on the eyes, but with all the power of Ubuntu behind it.
Gamers will love Pop!_OS because it allows them to run graphics directly from the GPU in the menu settings. No command lines are required in the terminal. Players can also download Steam and Lutris directly from the Pop! App store.
Pop!_OS includes Nvidia drivers out of the box.
Lakka
What if you don’t care for all the modern AAA titles and would rather kick back and enjoy retro gaming? If so, Lakka is the best Linux distro for you.
This is a basic distro and it turns your old PC into a retro gaming console. You don’t even need a computer. It works great on Raspberry Pi.
Lakka is based on Libretro and uses a custom RetroArch shell for its interface. You can buy a proprietary key from Lakka and use PlayStation and Xbox controllers with the operating system. You don’t get any games with Lakka, but you can easily install games from ISO images or ROM files.
manjaro
Manjaro is another non-Ubuntu distribution based on Arch Linux. However, it turns that clunky, unintuitive distro into a beautiful, smooth operating system that’s great for gamers.
Manjaro looks like Windows, with an applications menu at the bottom left and information at the bottom right. It also has a huge repository full of software and games. Best of all, Steam comes pre-installed. Just sign in to your account and start downloading games.
The distribution also includes automatic hardware detection, which tells you what components you have and automatically installs the correct drivers. Arch Linux receives continuous updates throughout the year, including Manjaro, so it always stays ahead.
Although it can be a bit cumbersome to use compared to Ubuntu, anyone who isn’t a fan of GNOME 3 will find Manjaro a great alternative for game distributions. Learn a few command line queries, ask the massive Manjaro community questions, and you’ll be good to go.
Which distro is best for you?
There are many Linux distributions to choose from. The best game distribution depends a lot on your preferences. Do you prefer a simple and easy to use interface? Do you prefer a Windows-like environment or a MacOS-style system? Don’t forget independent developers like Pop!_OS and Lakka. They are doing something good with Linux.
No matter which one you choose, the best Linux distro for gaming is the one that gives you the most access to your games with the least hassle. All of these distributions do this, to some degree.
editor’s recommendations
Categories: GAMING
Source: newstars.edu.vn