Top 7 Best Linux Distros for Gaming in 2025 [Tested & Compared]

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For years, Linux has been seen as a poor choice for video gaming. If you have thought the same, now is the time to give Linux another chance, and you will not regret it .Why? Strong support from Valve, along with tools like Proton and Wine, has made it possible to run almost all new games on Linux.But which Linux distribution is best for gaming? In this post on Monovm, we will introduce the best Linux distros for gaming in 2025. Join us to discover the top choices for both professional and beginner Linux distros for gaming.

How to Choose the Right Linux Distro for Gaming?

To choose the best Linux distro for gaming in 2024, you should consider several key factors. The most important ones include the following:

Full GPU Driver Support:

Your GPU driver, especially for NVIDIA, directly impacts frame rate and stability. Choose a distro with built-in or auto-updated drivers.

Hardware Compatibility:

Make sure the distro runs smoothly on your system, from GPU to controllers. Linux Mint suits older PCs, while Fedora or Garuda Linux shine on high-end rigs.

Steam, Proton, and Wine Support:

These tools power gaming on Linux. Pick a distro that installs them easily or comes with them preinstalled, such as SteamOS or Fedora Games Spin.

Up-to-Date Kernel and Software:

Newer kernels and Mesa drivers often boost modern game performance. Garuda and Fedora update frequently, while Ubuntu focuses on long-term stability.

Performance:

A great gaming distro balances speed and reliability. Garuda and Nobara use tuned kernels and CPU optimizations to keep gameplay smooth and consistent.

Anti-Cheat Compatibility:

If you play online titles, ensure your distro supports Proton GE and Steam Play, now compatible with EAC and BattlEye.

Active Community:

Even experienced gamers need help sometimes. Distros with active communities like the Arch Wiki or Pop!_OS forums make troubleshooting easier and keep you gaming without interruptions.

For gaming, look for a distribution that offers the latest kernel and drivers and makes setting up key gaming tools (Steam/Proton/Lutris) quick and easy.

Top 7 Best Linux Distros for Gaming [Compared]

In this section, we introduce and compare the top 7 Linux distributions based on performance, ease of use, and gaming-specific features.

1. Pop!_OS

Pop!_OS, based on Ubuntu LTS (Long-Term Support), is known as a rock-solid allrounder. Developed by System76, it’s well-regarded for its strong support for modern hardware and its optimized desktop environment.

Gaming Features of Pop!_OS:

Among the important benefits of Pop!_OS for gaming:

• Pre-installed GPU Drivers: Separate versions for NVIDIA and Intel/AMD are available, so, you don’t need to install graphics drivers manually.
• Ready-to-use Gaming Tools: Installing Steam and Lutris on Pop!_OS is very simple. Just launch Steam, and you’re ready to play!
• GameMode for Gaming Optimization: Pop!_OS comes with Feral Interactive’s GameMode, which optimizes your system while gaming and prioritizes CPU/GPU resources for your games.
• Strong NVIDIA Support: Thanks to pre-installed NVIDIA drivers, gamers with NVIDIA cards usually get into games without any hassle.

In summary, Pop!_OS is an excellent choice for users who don’t want to do extensive setup but still want a beautiful and functional desktop for both gaming and everyday tasks.

2. Fedora Games Spin

Fedora Games Spin is an official Fedora “Lab” aimed at providing a curated collection of the best games available in Fedora repositories. This distro comes with a wide variety of pre-installed open-source games and emulators. However, to unlock full gaming performance (especially for AAA titles) and proprietary NVIDIA drivers, you’ll need to manually enable the RPM Fusion repositories to install Lutris and Steam with full Vulkan support.

Gaming Features of Fedora

The most notable advantages and features of Fedora for gamers:

• Hundreds of pre-installed open-source games: Over 1,000 free and open-source games come installed by default. This means you can try open-world or classic Linux games without extra downloads to get familiar with Linux.
• Latest software and drivers: Fedora typically releases the newest Linux kernel, Mesa drivers, and tools faster than Ubuntu, improving performance on modern hardware.
• Flatpak support: Installing Steam, Lutris, and other applications via Flatpak on Fedora is straightforward.
• Up-to-date and stable: Fedora combines innovation with stability, allowing gamers to use new features without running into too many bugs.

In summary, Fedora Games Spin is ideal for those who want to start with Linux-native games and later add tools for Windows games.

3. SteamOS 3.0

SteamOS is an operating system developed by Valve specifically for gaming. The operating system is fully optimized for the Steam Deck, providing a console-like experience. It features deep integration with Proton, controller optimizations, and fast suspend/resume capabilities. While its fixed design imposes some limitations for general desktop use, it remains the go-to choice for a seamless, fully optimized gaming experience.

Gaming Features of SteamOS

If you want smooth Windows gaming on Linux, SteamOS is a reliable choice, because:

• Focused on gaming: SteamOS is built mainly for gaming, with its Big Picture interface optimized for controllers. The KDE Plasma desktop mode is available for everyday use.
• Arch-based with rolling release: It uses Arch Linux’s latest kernel and drivers to support new hardware, perfect for users who value staying up to date.
• Includes Proton: SteamOS integrates the Proton layer, enabling many Windows games on Linux. The latest version embeds Proton into the core to minimize game compatibility issues.
• Supports Steam Deck: SteamOS is the official OS for the Steam Deck and also supports devices like the ASUS ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go. It can be installed on regular PCs too.

In short, SteamOS is excellent for Steam Deck users or anyone seeking a console-like experience.

4. Garuda Linux

Garuda Linux, based on Arch, is designed for users who want to tweak, optimize, and maximize their system. It benefits from Arch’s rolling-release model (always up-to-date software) while adding its own set of performance enhancements.

Gaming Features of Garuda

Garuda Linux’s advanced technical features that make it an ideal choice include:

• Pre-installed gaming tools: Garuda comes with Steam, Lutris, PlayOnLinux, and Wine by default, so there’s no need to install them manually.
• Optimized from the start: This distro uses techniques like ZRAM, the Btrfs file system with automatic snapshots, and performance profiles to ensure smooth gaming right after installation.
• Rolling release: Like Manjaro, Garuda always provides the latest software. If you want the newest packages and drivers, Garuda is a great choice.

Garuda Linux is designed for gamers who want a fast, ready-to-play system without extensive configuration. If you want hassle-free gaming, Garuda gives you that flexibility.

5. Nobara Project

Nobara, an optimized fork of Fedora, was created with the goal of offering “maximum compatibility with zero setup” for gamers. This distribution provides all the necessary tools to run Windows games right after installation—eliminating the need for driver, codec, or additional software installations.

Nobara Project Gaming Features:

If you are a Fedora fan but want to jump into gaming without hassle, Nobara comes highly recommended, because:

• Fixes gaming issues in Fedora: Fedora lacks certain third-party packages like WINE, OBS Studio, NVIDIA drivers, and some codecs, which users must install manually. Nobara enables most of these automatically.
• • Easy user experience: Nobara comes with pre-installed gaming settings and packages, so casual users avoid the terminal while advanced users can still customize freely.
• Ideal for gamers and content creators: This distro provides all necessary tools for gaming, streaming, and content creation. 

Benchmarks show that Nobara delivers exceptionally strong and competitive performance compared to other highly optimized distributions.

6. Ubuntu GamePack

Ubuntu GamePack is a gaming-focused Linux distribution developed by the Russian company UALinux, based on Ubuntu LTS. Its main goal is to provide a plug-and-play environment where thousands of Linux, Windows, and even console games can run with minimal setup. It officially claims compatibility with over 90,000 games. This makes it one of the most comprehensive gaming distros available.

Gaming Features of Linux Mint

The key benefits that Ubuntu GamePack offers gamers are:

• Emulators and launchers: The distro includes tools such as Steam, Lutris, Itch.io, and Game Jolt (offering access to over 15,000 games on Steam, 2,000 on Lutris, 34,000 on Itch.io, and 2,000 on Game Jolt). 
• Additional gaming tools: GamePack comes with helpful software such as WINE, Winetricks, and Q4Wine, along with special repositories containing native Linux games. It even includes Adobe Flash and Java for smoother online gaming.
• GameMode optimization: Like Pop!_OS, GamePack uses GameMode to automatically adjust system settings for better gaming performance.

Overall, Ubuntu GamePack is ideal for those who want to start playing Linux and Windows games without complex configuration

7. Linux Mint

Mint is one of the easiest distros for Windows users to migrate to, thanks to its familiar and stable Cinnamon desktop. It’s excellent for general stability and personal use, though it requires manual setup and optimization for gaming (e.g., hybrid driver management or GPU switching).

Gaming Features of Linux Mint

Although Linux Mint is not specifically a "gaming distribution", it is widely recommended due to its simplicity, stability, and benefits such as:

• Built-in driver support: Mint automatically installs many graphics drivers and codecs by default. Installing NVIDIA or AMD drivers is almost as easy as on Ubuntu.
• Stable and well-tested: Mint is based on the final Ubuntu LTS release, so it avoids bugs from newer projects and tends to run games more reliably.
• Steam and Proton support: Once Steam is installed, enabling Steam Play/Proton is straightforward. Lutris and Wine can also be installed via PPA or .deb packages. 

For beginners, Mint offers a hassle-free environment to test popular games, and if needed, they can later move to more specialized gaming distros.

Comparison Table: Gaming Features at a Glance

The table below shows a quick comparison between the introduced distributions and can help you make a better decision.

As you can see, each distro offers a unique balance of ease, performance, and customization, so your ideal choice depends on your hardware and gaming needs.

Best Linux Distros by Use Case

Every gamer and every PC setup has its own unique needs. In this section, we’ll quickly look at different scenarios and the Linux distros that fit them best.

Beginners → Pop!_OS or Linux Mint

Both offer excellent stability and extremely simple driver management. Pop!_OS is especially great for NVIDIA users and laptop gamers thanks to its easy hybrid graphics switching and polished user experience.

Advanced Users → Garuda Linux or Nobara Project

These are ideal for users who want full control, the latest Mesa drivers, and performance-tuned kernels like Zen. Garuda gives you bleeding-edge updates, while Nobara comes with Wine performance patches pre-applied for optimized gaming.

Low-End Systems → Linux Mint (Xfce/MATE editions)

On weaker hardware, desktop overhead can bottleneck your performance. Using lightweight environments such as Cinnamon or Xfce frees up more CPU/GPU resources for gaming, improving responsiveness and frame rates.

High-End Gaming Rigs → Nobara Project or Garuda Linux

These distros deliver maximum raw performance with low-latency kernels and Fsync/NTsync patches for Wine, giving high-end setups minimal input lag and optimal frame pacing for demanding titles.

Steam Deck → SteamOS

SteamOS provides the native, seamless experience designed for the Deck. If you want a similar “console-like” experience on your desktop PC that is optimized, stable, and Arch-based, Bazzite is the perfect alternative.

Post-Installation Setup and Configuration

After installing your Linux distro, a few extra tweaks can make a big difference in gaming performance and stability. Here’s what to do next:

1. Install GPU Drivers: If your distro doesn’t include proprietary drivers, install the latest version for your GPU. Use RPMFusion (on Fedora) or PPA repositories (on Ubuntu-based distros). Pop!_OS and Nobara already include NVIDIA and AMD drivers out of the box, saving you setup time.
2. Enable Steam Play / Proton: Open Steam → Settings → Steam Play, and enable “Steam Play for all titles.” This allows you to play most Windows games on Linux via Proton. If a game doesn’t launch properly, try switching to Proton-GE, which includes extra patches and performance improvements.
3. Install Lutris and Wine: Set up Lutris and Wine to manage and play non-Steam or Windows-based games easily. Lutris supports GOG, Epic Games, Battle.net, and even emulators, with ready-made scripts that simplify installation and configuration.
4. Set Up Vulkan and DXVK: Make sure Vulkan support is properly installed for your graphics card (vulkan-driver or mesa-vulkan-drivers). Add DXVK, which translates DirectX 9/10/11 calls into Vulkan, drastically improving performance in many older and modern Windows games.
5. Configure GameMode: If your distro doesn’t include GameMode, install it manually. Created by Feral Interactive, this tool automatically boosts performance by adjusting CPU governors, I/O priorities, and GPU behavior while gaming. You can also configure it to trigger custom optimizations.
6. Update Your System: Always update your distro and drivers before testing games. Kernel updates and new Mesa or NVIDIA drivers often fix major bugs, boost FPS, and enhance compatibility with the latest titles.

Once these steps are done, your Linux system will be fully optimized for gaming. Now just open Steam or Lutris, download your favorite game, and enjoy smooth, stable performance.

Anti-Cheat Compatibility & Multiplayer Notes

Valve allows you to run anti-cheat tools like Easy Anti-Cheat and BattlEye with Proton, but this feature is optional and must be enabled by the game developer. It should be noted that the patches required for anti-cheat are not included in the official version and you must use special versions of Proton such as Proton GE or Proton Experimental.

This method works in some games such as Squad, but can be unstable. So before installing, check the game's running status on ProtonDB, areweanticheatyet.com, and anti-cheat compatibility lists (such as ACLIST).

Next Step: Linux Gaming

The year 2025 is without a doubt the best time to step into the world of Linux gaming. With major advancements in Proton and new gaming tools, running games on Linux has become easier and more enjoyable than ever. Now it’s time to take the next step. Don’t just play, host your own game server! With LinuxGSM Game VPS, you can easily install and manage your favorite game servers using just a few simple commands. And if you’re looking for a powerful, high-speed server for a lag-free and smooth experience, we recommend the Gaming VPS Server, optimized specifically for stable, high-performance gameplay.