Extra players are switching to Linux than ever earlier than. In keeping with Valve’s April 2026 Steam {Hardware} Survey, 4.52% of all Steam customers now use Linux. Whereas that may sound like a minuscule proportion, that’s nonetheless round double what it was final 12 months. A lot of that progress has been due to the Steam Deck, which runs a Linux-based working system referred to as SteamOS.
There’s quite a bit to like about gaming on Linux—but additionally quite a bit to bear in mind for those who’re considering of constructing the change. Right here’s what you could know.
Select the Proper Distro From the Begin
These unfamiliar with Linux mistakenly suppose it’s an working system very similar to Home windows or macOS.
However technically talking, Linux is a kernel—a program that manages {hardware} and system assets. What you’ll really need is a Linux distribution (“distro” for brief), which is an working system constructed on Linux. Consider the Linux kernel as an engine, and the distro as the complete automobile.
There are numerous Linux distros to select from. The most well-liked distros for players are:
- Pop!_OS has stable NVIDIA driver help out of the field.
- Bazzite is a distro purpose-built for gaming.
- Manjaro has entry to an enormous software program library for gaming.
These three are nice for players and inexperienced persons to Linux, as they require far much less setup than different distros.
One of many important strengths of Linux distros for gaming is that they’re extra light-weight than Home windows. So with fewer background processes and bloatware competing for CPU and RAM, you may get higher or extra steady FPS.
Most (however Not All) Video games are Playable Due to Proton
Round 90% of Steam video games at the moment are out there to Linux customers. That is because of Proton, a compatibility device developed by Valve that makes Home windows video games on Steam playable on Linux distros.
Nonetheless, it’s not a easy click-and-play for all Proton-enabled video games. Some video games would require you to tweak settings, set up runtime libraries, or await fixes. So for those who plan to play video games on launch day, Linux won’t be for you.
Be sure that to take a look at the location ProtonDB to see simply how appropriate a particular recreation is on Linux.
Some On-line Video games are Unavailable As a result of Anti-cheat
A few of the hottest on-line video games use anti-cheat software program (Simple Anti-Cheat, BattlEye, Vanguard) that both doesn’t work on Linux or isn’t formally supported.
Whereas Simple Anti-Cheat and BattlEye have each added Linux help, it’s as much as particular person builders to really allow it.
Most notably, Riot’s video games, akin to Valorant and League of Legends, that use the Vanguard anti-cheat system don’t work on Linux.
You’ll Have to Assume About Drivers
On Home windows, driver set up is usually automated. On Linux, it relies upon.
AMD GPU customers are in luck, since their open-source drivers are baked into the Linux kernel and usually work nice out of the field.
NVIDIA has improved considerably with its proprietary Linux drivers, however there’s nonetheless a good bit of setup concerned. And traditionally talking, NVIDIA {hardware} has at all times been considerably finicky on Wayland, Linux’s show server protocol.
On-line Gaming and Your Privateness
When you play on servers in different areas or by means of recreation launchers that hook up with exterior platforms, you might have considered trying a VPN in your setup.
Linux has stable VPN shopper help, so that is one space the place you gained’t be at an obstacle in comparison with Home windows. For gaming, you’ll be able to be taught extra about gaming-focused VPN choices that stability latency with sturdy privateness.
You’ll Run Into Hiccups
Linux has grow to be much more beginner-friendly over time, however Home windows will nonetheless provide you with fewer complications.
Even with Linux-compatible video games, you may have to troubleshoot some issues, particularly with newer video games or after updates. It’s nearly inevitable that one thing will break eventually, and also you’ll must undergo a studying curve.
The excellent news is which you can get ideas and help from the web Linux group. You can begin with Reddit’s r/linux_gaming or the ProtonDB boards.
Conclusion
Gaming on Linux in 2026 is genuinely good—higher than it has any proper to be in an business nonetheless constructed round Home windows. It’s leaner, extra customizable, and arguably much more safe than Home windows.
Now, whether or not that’s definitely worth the tinkering is as much as you. Some folks simply need to play their video games with zero complications, some don’t thoughts (and even get pleasure from) messing round with their system.
When you’re one of many latter, then Linux is properly price a attempt.
