5 Best Linux Gaming Distributions That You Should Give a Try

Linux has always been known as go-to operating system for developers and programmers. However, with rise in popularity of gaming on Linux, several Linux distributions have come forward to cater to gaming community. These distributions have been specifically designed to enhance gaming experience on Linux. In this article, we will look at 5 best Linux gaming distributions that you should give a try.

What is a Linux Gaming Distribution?

A Linux gaming distribution is a Linux distribution that has been customized and optimized for gaming purposes. These distributions come pre-installed with gaming software, drivers, and libraries, making it easier for users to set up and play games on their system. Linux gaming distributions are typically lightweight and fast, providing a smooth and seamless gaming experience.

SteamOS

SteamOS is one of most popular Linux gaming distributions, and it is developed by Valve Corporation. It is based on Debian, which is a popular Linux distribution, and it is optimized for gaming. SteamOS is designed to work with Steam platform, which is one of largest online gaming platforms. distribution comes pre-installed with Steam and a range of gaming-related tools, making it easy for users to install and play games.

SteamOS is designed to be used on a TV, and it has a user-friendly interface that can be easily navigated using a controller. distribution supports both Steam games and non-Steam games, allowing users to play a wide range of games on their system. SteamOS also supports local multiplayer games, which is perfect for those who enjoy playing games with friends and family.

Pop!_OS

Pop!_OS is a Linux distribution that has been developed by System76, a company that specializes in building and selling Linux laptops and desktops. Pop!_OS is based on Ubuntu, which is one of most popular Linux distributions. It is designed to be user-friendly and easy to use, making it a great choice for beginners.

Pop!_OS comes with a range of gaming-related software, including Steam, Lutris, and Wine. It also comes with Nvidia drivers pre-installed, making it easier for users to set up their system for gaming. Pop!_OS also has a feature called "Auto-Tiling," which automatically organizes windows on screen, making it easier for users to multitask while gaming.

Manjaro Gaming Edition

Manjaro Gaming Edition is a Linux distribution that is based on Manjaro Linux, which is a popular Arch Linux-based distribution. Manjaro Gaming Edition is specifically designed for gamers, and it comes with a range of pre-installed gaming software, including Steam, Lutris, and Wine.

Manjaro Gaming Edition is optimized for gaming, and it comes with latest Nvidia and AMD drivers pre-installed, making it easier for users to set up their system for gaming. distribution also comes with a range of desktop environments to choose from, including Xfce, KDE, and GNOME.

Ubuntu GamePack

Ubuntu GamePack is a Linux distribution that is based on Ubuntu, which is one of most popular Linux distributions. It is designed for gamers, and it comes with a range of pre-installed gaming software, including Steam, Lutris, and Wine. Ubuntu GamePack also has a range of system tools and utilities that are useful for gaming, including a system monitor, a disk usage analyzer, and a network manager.

Ubuntu GamePack is optimized for gaming, and it comes with latest Nvidia and AMD drivers pre-installed. distribution also has a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate, making it a great choice for beginners.

Lakka

Lakka is a Linux distribution that is designed for retro gaming. It is based on OpenELEC, which is a lightweight Linux distribution that is optimized for media centers. Lakka is designed to run on a variety of hardware, including Raspberry Pi, PC, and even Android devices.

Lakka comes with a range of pre-installed emulators, including RetroArch, which is a popular frontend for emulators. distribution also has a range of features that are designed to enhance retro gaming experience, including support for game controllers, save states, and netplay.

Lakka is perfect for those who enjoy retro gaming, and it is a great way to turn an old PC or Raspberry Pi into a retro gaming console.

Fedora Games Spin

Fedora is a popular Linux distribution that is known for its stability and security. Fedora Games Spin is a version of Fedora that is specifically designed for gaming. It comes with a range of pre-installed gaming software, including Steam, Lutris, and Wine. distribution is also optimized for gaming, and it comes with latest Nvidia and AMD drivers pre-installed.

The Fedora Games Spin is a great choice for those who want a stable and secure Linux distribution that is also great for gaming.

SparkyLinux GameOver Edition

SparkyLinux is a lightweight Linux distribution that is based on Debian. GameOver Edition is a version of SparkyLinux that is specifically designed for gaming. It comes with a range of pre-installed gaming software, including Steam, Lutris, and Wine.

The SparkyLinux GameOver Edition also has a range of system tools and utilities that are useful for gaming, including a system monitor, a disk usage analyzer, and a network manager. It is a great choice for those who want a lightweight Linux distribution that is great for gaming.

Zorin OS Gaming

Zorin OS is a Linux distribution that is designed to look and feel like Windows. Gaming edition of Zorin OS is specifically designed for gaming. It comes with a range of pre-installed gaming software, including Steam, Lutris, and Wine.

The Zorin OS Gaming edition also has a range of features that are designed to enhance gaming experience, including support for game controllers, save states, and netplay. It is a great choice for those who want a Linux distribution that is easy to use and looks like Windows.

Solus Gaming

Solus is a Linux distribution that is known for its speed and stability. Gaming edition of Solus is specifically designed for gaming. It comes with a range of pre-installed gaming software, including Steam, Lutris, and Wine.

The Solus Gaming edition also has a range of features that are designed to enhance gaming experience, including support for game controllers, save states, and netplay. It is a great choice for those who want a lightweight and fast Linux distribution that is great for gaming.

Arch Linux

Arch Linux is a popular Linux distribution that is known for its customizability and flexibility. While Arch Linux is not specifically designed for gaming, it is a great choice for gamers who want to customize their system to their liking.

Arch Linux provides access to a large collection of software packages, including gaming software such as Steam, Lutris, and Wine. With a bit of configuration and setup, Arch Linux can provide a great gaming experience.

Debian

Debian is a stable and reliable Linux distribution that is used by many developers and system administrators. While Debian is not specifically designed for gaming, it is a great choice for gamers who want a stable and reliable system.

Debian provides access to a large collection of software packages, including gaming software such as Steam, Lutris, and Wine. While Debian may not have latest gaming software, it provides a stable and reliable environment for gaming.

Ubuntu

Ubuntu is a popular Linux distribution that is known for its ease of use and user-friendliness. While Ubuntu is not specifically designed for gaming, it is a great choice for gamers who want a user-friendly system.

Ubuntu provides access to a large collection of software packages, including gaming software such as Steam, Lutris, and Wine. While Ubuntu may not have latest gaming software, it provides a user-friendly environment for gaming.

Conclusion

Linux gaming distributions have come a long way in recent years, and there are now several distributions that are specifically designed for gaming. These distributions come pre-installed with gaming software, drivers, and libraries, making it easier for users to set up and play games on their system.

In this article, we have looked at 5 best Linux gaming distributions that you should give a try. These distributions are SteamOS, Pop!_OS, Manjaro Gaming Edition, Ubuntu GamePack, and Lakka. Each of these distributions has its own unique features and advantages, and they are all great choices for gamers.

Whether you are a retro gaming enthusiast or a hardcore PC gamer, there is a Linux gaming distribution out there that will suit your needs. So, give one of these distributions a try, and take your gaming experience to next level.