Tech News
← Back to articles

The 7 Linux distros I recommend most for gaming in 2025 - including my favorite

read original related products more articles

Aleksandra Konoplia vis Moment / Getty Images

Linux isn't the first platform most folks associate with gaming. 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 operating system. (But then Loki folded, and that was that.)

But there was still Wine. And then Proton. And then SteamOS.

Also: How much RAM does your Linux PC need in 2025? Here's my ultimate sweet spot

Today, gaming on Linux is no longer an afterthought. Case in point: Some distributions are built specifically for gaming (and others are perfectly suited for the task). I've come up with seven of my favorite distributions for gaming, so you don't have to hunt them down.

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

1. Bazzite

Bazzite is a Linux distribution designed specifically for gaming -- and it's quickly become my favorite for this purpose. Part of what makes Bazzite so good for gaming is that it includes everything necessary to play Steam games right out of the box.

Also, Bazzite includes support for HDR & VRR; uses the System76 CPU scheduler for improved gameplay; adds community-developed tools and tweaks to streamline the gaming and streaming experience; includes a proprietary driver for GeForce GPUs; adds Waydroid to run Linux games; and offers LUKS full-disk encryption and game controller support.

Also: Want to learn Linux? These 5 games make it fun - and they're free

... continue reading