Linux is not a very popular operating system when it comes to games, but that doesn’t mean you can’t play games on this platform. In fact, there are many gaming-focused Linux distros (distributions) that provide built-in support for game libraries and game-focused hardware drivers, such as graphics cards. In this article, we are going to list down the best Linux distros for gaming!
Linux Distros for Gaming in 2022
- SteamOS
- Ubuntu GamePack
- Fedora Game Spin
- Play Linux
- SparkyLinux GameOver
1. SteamOS
SteamOS is a Debian-based Linux distribution that comes with Valve’s Steam client, so you can play all Steam games. The graphical environment of Steam OS is GNOME, a popular desktop environment that has been optimized to look even better in Steam OS.
SteamOS supports keyboard and joystick, so it’s a perfect solution for game lovers. It also supports desktop mode but you have to enable it from the Steam settings menu. To do this you need to go to Settings > Interface and select ‘Enable access to Linux desktop’. Now the exit button will have an option to switch to desktop.
Steam is equipped with a huge number of game categories ranging from Racing, Strategy, Action to First Person Shooter, etc. Steam offers new games regularly, so if you don’t find the game you like, wait patiently, maybe the development team is preparing to make it available to you. Steam also has a large number of free games. Some of the best free Steam games are Team Fortress 2, Dota 2, Adventure Capitalist, Radiator 2, etc.
System Requirements for SteamOS:
- Processor that supports Intel or AMD 64-bit.
- RAM 4GB (or more).
- Hard drive 200GB or more.
- NVIDIA (Fermi graphics card or later), Intel or AMD graphics card (Radeon HD 5XXX or later)
- USB port for installation.
- Support UEFI boot.
2. Ubuntu GamePack
Ubuntu Gamepack is a Linux distribution based on Ubuntu. It is preferred for providing a large number of games. Unlike Steam OS, Ubuntu GamePack not only comes with Steam but also Lutris, PlayOnLinux and Wine for playing Windows games on Linux. Ubuntu Gamepack is a complete Linux distribution, which means you can install any other software package you need.
PlayOnLinux offers more than 747 Windows games. Wine allows you to install Windows games and applications, so if you already have a Windows game set up, open it with Wine. Another platform, Lutris, has been included in Ubuntu Gamepack 14.04 for gaming and management.
System requirements for GamePack:
- RAM 2GB or more (4GB recommended)
- 2.0GHz or higher processor (dual core and 64bit recommended)
- Hard drive capacity 20GB or more
- Pendrive/USB 4GB or DVD-RW for installation
- Intel HD Graphics/AMD Radeon 8500 or better (Steam only)
- Intel/Nvidia/AMD graphics card (casual game)
3. Fedora Game Spin
Fedora Game Spin is made for gamers with many games and tools available to install and play more games. The Fedora Game Spin has the largest capacity (4GB) of all the distros mentioned in this list. Some of the popular pre-installed Linux games are Battle for Wesnoth, Freecive, Scorched 3D, SuperTuxkart and Nethack.
Due to size restrictions, Steam and PlayOnLinux are not pre-installed but are available in repositories. Default repositories, and a large number of games that you can install directly. To make Fedora games spin faster, this distro comes with a lightweight XFCE desktop environment.
System requirements for Fedora Game Spin:
- RAM 1GB or more (2GB recommended)
- Processor 2.0GHz or higher (64bit recommended)
- Hard drive space 10GB or more (20GB recommended)
- Pendrive/USB 8GB or DVD-RW for installation
- Intel/Nvidia/AMD . Graphics Card
- Wired or wireless Internet connection
4. Play Linux
Play Linux is another Ubuntu-based Linux distro for gaming. The team intends to provide an easily setupable or dual-boot playing environment with Windows. Play Linux comes with NVIDIA and AMD driver support. The distro is still in beta but fairly stable. However, you must use it carefully and be prepared to face some errors.
Play Linux uses the Cinnamon desktop environment, so it’s very easy to use. Like other gaming Linux distributions, Play Linux also comes pre-installed with Wine, Winetrix, PlayOnLinux, and Play Linux Cosmos.
System requirements for Play Linux:
- RAM 1GB or more (2GB recommended)
- 2.0GHz or higher processor (dual core and 64bit recommended)
- Hard drive space 10GB or more (20GB recommended)
- Pendrive/USB 4GB or DVD-RW for installation
- Intel HD Graphics/AMD Radeon 8500 Graphics Card or better (for Steam games)
- Intel/Nvidia/AMD graphics card (regular Linux game)
- Wired or wireless Internet connection
5. SparkyLinux GameOver
SparkyLinux GameOver is a gaming version of SparkyLinux. It is based on the stable branch of Debian and uses LXDE, one of the most lightweight desktop environments. LXDE is known for its simplicity and lightning speed. GameOver is full of classic and console games. If you love to play classic games then SparkyLinux GameOver is the distro for you. Despite having a very small collection of apps, Sparky has plenty of games to enjoy.
SparkyLinux Linux Gaming is also shipped with Steam, PlayOnLinux, and DOSBox. So in addition to the pre-installed games, you are equipped to install games on Steam and play DOS games with DOSBox.
System Requirements for SparkyLinux:
- CPU i586/amd64
- 256 MB of RAM (some games need more – 500 – 1000MB recommended)
- Optical DVD drive or 4GB USB as Live installation media
- 20GB of space to install on the hard drive (30GB recommended)
- 16GB USB Flash/Pen for “normal” installation (32GB recommended)
That’s all folks. These were some of the best Linux Distros for gaming in 2022. If you believe that we have missed any important Linux distros, do share them via the below comment box.
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