This is one of our very first articles of the new Gaming in Linux series of articles. In this series, we cover everything that is needed to play games in a Linux system. Linux is a very simple and straight forward OS with a ton of features which is not used by a normal user. But with a little info, you can do great stuff with a Linux System.
Best Distributions for Linux Gaming
Steam OS
Steam is the source of most of the games on every platform either it is Windows or Linux or Console. If you are looking for a full-fledged PC/Console gaming experience, then Steam OS is your one-stop destination. Hardware Requirements
Processor: Intel or AMD 64-bit capable processorMemory: 4GB or more RAMHard Drive: 200GB or larger diskVideo Card: NVIDIA graphics card / AMD graphics card (RADEON 8500 and later) / Intel graphicsAdditional: USB port for installation, UEFI Firmware (recommended)
Get it from here.
Pop OS
If you need the system for work as well as gaming, then Pop OS is a perfect choice. It is a standard GNOME desktop with some custom additions. The OS is built by System76 which is a hardware seller, they configure machines to ship with Linux pre-installed. Hardware Requirements
64-bit x86 architectureMemory: 2GB or more RAMHard Drive: 16GB or larger diskVideo Card: NVIDIA graphics card / Intel graphics (integrated)Additional: USB port for installation, UEFI Firmware (recommended)
Get it from here.
Lakka
Lakka is another one of the best distributions for Linux gaming. If you are a PlayStation fan, then we are glad to inform you that this is for you as Lakka gives you a proper PlayStation 3 user interface. Lakka OS runs the games more smoothly than the normal emulators due to its top-level optimizations. Hardware Requirements
Raspberry PiMemory: 2GB or more RAMHard Drive: 20GB or larger diskAdditional: USB port for installation, UEFI Firmware (recommended)
Get it from here.
Ubuntu GamePack
The name itself is self-explanatory. Ubuntu GamePack is basically a pack of the gaming stuff within an Ubuntu system. It is Ubuntu-based and inherits all the Ubuntu functions. It has all the programs preinstalled that will help you to game without any problems like Lutris, Wine, Steam, and PlayOnLinux. Hardware Requirements
Processor: 2.0GHz Or More Processor (Dual Core And 64bit Recommended)Memory: 2GB Or More RAM (4GB Recommended)Hard Drive: 20GB or larger diskIntel HD Graphics/AMD Radeon 8500 Or Later Graphics Card (Only for Steam)Intel/Nvidia/AMD Graphics Card (Regular Games)Additional: 4GB Pendrive or USB Drive or DVD-RW for Installation, UEFI Firmware (recommended)
Get it from here.
Manjaro Gaming
Manjaro is one of the best Linux distributions on the whole internet. It is based on Arch Linux. But here we are talking about Manjaro Gaming which is an unofficial reconstruct of the Manjaro XFCE edition designed for gamers. Manjaro base with gaming environment is the beast combo. It was designed for Gamers who are new to Linux and have used Windows or MacOS before. Like Ubuntu, it also Includes Steam, Wine, PlayOnLinux, Lutris, Freeware Games, Minecraft (Paid Account Required), and Emulators. Hardware Requirements
Processor: 1GHz Or More Processor (Dual Core And 64bit Recommended)Memory: 2GB Or More RAM (4GB Recommended)Hard Drive: 30GB or larger diskGraphics: Intel HD Graphics/AMD Radeon 8500 Or Later Graphics Card (Only for Steam), Intel/Nvidia/AMD Graphics Card (Regular Games)Additional: 4GB Pendrive or USB Drive or DVD-RW for Installation, UEFI Firmware (recommended)
Get it from here.
Conclusion
That was it for this topic, the best distributions for Linux Gaming from the Gaming in Linux series of articles. We hope, we would be able to clear the first question before migrating to the Linux environment for gaming. We hope you liked the article, if so, please share the article with your loved ones. And if you have any further doubts regarding this then feel free to comment down below. Peace 😉
