In 2025, Linux has finally established itself as a gaming-friendly platform, offering performance, customization, and freedom that gamers love. It’s not all about Windows/Mac gaming anymore!
Whether you’re a hardcore competitive player on major games like Counter-Strike 2, or just exploring Steam’s BIG library, choosing the right Linux distro can make all the difference.
With improved driver support, seamless compatibility with gaming platforms like Proton, Wine and Lutris, and user-friendly interfaces, Linux gaming has never been this accessible and this good.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best Linux distros for gaming in 2025, highlighting options for why each distro made this list. If you want to leave feedback or if you think we should add another distro, contact us.
Best Linux Distro for Playing Games in 2025
SteamOS
Best for: Dedicated gamers who want a console-like experience.
Why Choose It?
SteamOS is the ultimate choice for gamers who want a seamless, console-like experience on their PC. Built by Valve, it’s optimized for gaming with Proton integration, allowing you to play thousands of Windows games effortlessly. The Big Picture Mode is perfect for living room setups, and it’s the same OS powering the Steam Deck, so you know it’s built for performance.
Features:
- Proton integration for Windows game compatibility.
- Big Picture Mode for a console-like experience.
- Optimized for the Steam Deck hardware.
Quick Tip: 💡 Enable Steam Play in the settings to unlock Proton compatibility for thousands of Windows games.
Download: SteamOS Official Website
Support Forums: Steam Community | ProtonDB
Pop!_OS
Best for: Gamers who also need a powerful workstation.
Why Choose It?
Pop!_OS is a favorite among gamers and developers alike. It offers separate images for AMD and NVIDIA GPUs, ensuring you get the best performance for your hardware. The tiling window manager is great for multitasking, and it integrates seamlessly with Steam and Lutris.
Features:
- Separate GPU images for AMD and NVIDIA.
- Built-in tiling window manager for multitasking.
- Excellent integration with Steam and Lutris.
Quick Tip: 💡 Use the built-in GPU switcher to optimize performance for gaming or productivity tasks.
Download: Pop!_OS Official Website
Support Forums: System76 Support | Pop!_OS Reddit
Manjaro
Best for: Gamers who want cutting-edge software with ease of use.
Why Choose It?
Manjaro is a user-friendly, Arch-based distro that offers the latest software and drivers through its rolling release model. It’s perfect for gamers who want a balance of performance and customization. With access to the Arch User Repository (AUR), you can easily install gaming tools like Steam, Lutris, and Wine. Plus, its KDE Plasma desktop is highly customizable and optimized for gaming.
Features:
- Rolling release model for the latest software and drivers.
- Access to the Arch User Repository (AUR) for additional gaming tools.
- KDE Plasma desktop for a customizable and gaming-friendly experience.
Quick Tip: 💡 Enable Flatpak and install ProtonUp-Qt to easily manage Proton versions for Steam games.
Download: Manjaro Official Website
Support Forums: Manjaro Forum | Arch Wiki
Garuda Linux
Best for: Performance enthusiasts who love customization.
Why Choose It?
Garuda Linux is a visually stunning distro that doesn’t compromise on performance. It uses the Zen kernel, which is optimized for gaming, and comes with the Garuda Gamer Tool to simplify the installation of gaming software. It’s perfect for gamers who want a highly customizable experience.
Features:
- Zen kernel for optimized gaming performance.
- Garuda Gamer Tool for easy software installation.
- BTRFS snapshots for easy system rollbacks.
Quick Tip: 💡 Enable BTRFS snapshots for easy system recovery in case of issues.
Download: Garuda Linux Official Website
Support Forums: Garuda Linux Forum | Garuda Discord
Fedora Games Spin
Best for: Open-source advocates and retro gamers.
Why Choose It?
Fedora Games Spin is perfect for gamers who love open-source software. It comes with a large collection of pre-installed open-source games and supports Wayland for smoother performance. It’s stable, secure, and great for retro gaming.
Features:
- Pre-installed open-source games.
- Supports Wayland for better performance.
- Stable and secure with regular updates.
Quick Tip: 💡 Use Flatpak to install additional gaming tools like Steam and Lutris.
Download: Fedora Games Spin Official Website
Support Forums: Fedora Discussion | Fedora Reddit
Drauger OS
Best for: Gamers who want a lightweight, gaming-focused distro.
Why Choose It?
Drauger OS is designed specifically for gaming, with a custom low-latency kernel and pre-installed tools like Steam, Lutris, and Wine. It’s optimized for high frame rates and reduced screen tearing, making it a great choice for performance-focused gamers.
Features:
- Custom low-latency kernel for gaming.
- Pre-installed gaming tools (Steam, Lutris, Wine).
- Built-in GameMode for resource optimization.
Quick Tip: 💡 Use the built-in GameMode to optimize system resources while gaming.
Download: Drauger OS Official Website
Support Forums: Drauger OS Forum | Drauger Discord
Lakka
Best for: Retro gaming enthusiasts.
Why Choose It?
Lakka turns your PC into a retro gaming console, supporting a wide range of emulators for classic consoles like NES, Sega Genesis, and more. It’s lightweight, easy to set up, and perfect for reliving your favorite childhood games.
Features:
- Turns your PC into a retro gaming console.
- Supports a wide range of emulators.
- Lightweight and easy to set up.
Quick Tip: 💡 Use RetroArch’s autoconfig feature to automatically map your controller inputs.
Download: Lakka Official Website
Support Forums: Lakka Forum | RetroArch Discord
Nobara Linux
Best for: Gamers who want a Fedora-based distro with gaming optimizations.
Why Choose It?
Nobara Linux is a Fedora spin that includes gaming-focused tweaks, such as enhanced performance and pre-installed gaming tools. It’s stable, secure, and perfect for gamers who want a Fedora-based experience with extra gaming features.
Features:
- Gaming-focused tweaks for enhanced performance.
- Pre-installed gaming tools and custom repositories.
- Stable and secure with regular updates.
Quick Tip: 💡 Use the Nobara Project’s custom repositories for additional gaming software.
Download: Nobara Linux Official Website
Support Forums: Nobara Reddit | Fedora Discussion
Sparky Linux GameOver Edition
Best for: Gamers who want a lightweight distro with emulation support.
Why Choose It?
Sparky Linux GameOver Edition is perfect for gamers who want a lightweight distro that supports both retro and modern gaming. It comes with tools for emulation and supports Steam, Wine, and PlayOnLinux.
Features:
- Lightweight and fast, perfect for older hardware.
- Pre-installed tools for emulation and modern gaming including Steam, PlayOnLinux, Itch, Wine etc.
- Built-in driver utility for easy hardware optimization.
Quick Tip: 💡 Use the built-in driver utility to find the best drivers for your hardware.
Download: SparkyLinux GameOver Edition Wiki | Sparky Linux Official Website
Support Forums: Sparky Linux Forum | Sparky Discord
Ubuntu
Best for: Beginners and gamers who want a stable, well-supported distro.
Why Choose It?
Ubuntu is the go-to Linux distro for millions of users worldwide including Linux gamers because at this point, despite what you might here, Ubuntu is still, the most used(tested) Linux distro for Desktop users.
Its massive community and extensive documentation make it easy to troubleshoot issues, and it works seamlessly with gaming tools like Steam, Lutris, and Wine. Plus, it’s compatible with cloud gaming platforms like GeForce NOW.
Features:
- Massive community and extensive documentation.
- Works seamlessly with gaming tools (Steam, Lutris, Wine).
- Compatible with cloud gaming platforms like GeForce NOW.
Quick Tip: 💡 Install the Gamemode package (sudo apt install gamemode) to optimize system performance while gaming.
Download: Download Ubuntu | Ubuntu Official Website
Support Forums: Ubuntu Forums | Ask Ubuntu
Want more Linux distros to check out? Best Linux distros for programming.
Do you want to learn more about Linux? Be sure to check out our Edureka Linux courses, Udemy Linux courses and our edX Linux courses.
