As Linux continues to evolve, our guide to the Best Linux Distributions for Gaming 2025 highlights 15 top picks that offer improved Proton/Wine support, better GPU drivers, and seamless gaming performance. Whether you’re a casual player or an eSports fan, this guide has the distro for you.
Here’s our handpicked list of the 15 best Linux distributions for gaming in 2025.
Quick Comparison Table
| Distro | Base | Key Feature | Ease of Setup |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pop!_OS | Ubuntu | Auto GPU drivers | Beginner-friendly |
| SteamOS 3 | Arch | Pre-integrated Steam UI | Easy on Deck |
| Garuda Gaming | Arch | Zen kernel | Intermediate |
| Ubuntu GamePack | Ubuntu | 85+ game clients | Easy |
| Manjaro Gaming | Arch | AUR & latest drivers | Intermediate |
| Linux Mint | Ubuntu | Beginner-friendly UI | Beginner |
| Fedora Games Spin | Fedora | Pre-installed Linux games | Easy |
| ChimeraOS | Arch | Couch gaming focus | Very easy |
| EndeavourOS | Arch | Minimal Arch | Advanced |
| Zorin OS | Ubuntu | Windows-like UI | Beginner |
| Drauger OS | Debian | Real-time kernel | Intermediate |
| Solus | Independent | Budgie desktop | Easy |
| Kubuntu | Ubuntu | KDE Plasma | Easy |
| Batocera.linux | Independent | Emulation focused | Easy |
| Slackware (Custom) | Slackware | Ultimate control | Advanced |
1. Pop!_OS
Why it’s great: Developed by System76, Pop!_OS comes pre-packaged with GPU drivers and a clean GNOME-based desktop that’s ready for gaming right out of the box.
- Pros: Built-in NVIDIA/AMD driver support, easy Steam & Lutris setup, frequent updates
- Cons: Slightly heavier than minimal distros
2. SteamOS 3 (Arch-based)
Why it’s great: The official OS behind the Steam Deck. Optimized for gaming with full Steam integration and support for Proton.
- Pros: Designed by Valve for gaming, Game Mode UI, rolling release
- Cons: Not ideal for productivity
3. Garuda Linux – Gaming Edition
Why it’s great: A performance-focused Arch-based distro with a Zen kernel and preloaded tools for high-performance gameplay.
- Pros: Performance tuned, stunning UI, Zen kernel
- Cons: Requires powerful hardware
4. Ubuntu GamePack
Why it’s great: Based on Ubuntu LTS, packed with over 85 game clients including Steam and Wine—perfect for casual gamers.
- Pros: Easy setup, Windows/Linux support, stable base
- Cons: Dated interface
5. Manjaro Linux – Gaming Edition
Why it’s great: User-friendly Arch derivative with extensive software library and AUR support for game tools.
- Pros: Latest kernels/drivers, rolling release, active gaming community
- Cons: AUR may cause occasional instability
6. Linux Mint
Why it’s great: Beginner-friendly, lightweight, and compatible with most gaming platforms.
- Pros: Easy UI, stable, desktop options
- Cons: Not gaming optimized
7. Fedora Games Spin
Why it’s great: Fedora Official spin with hundreds of free Linux games pre-installed.
- Pros: Pre-installed games, clean XFCE, secure and performant
- Cons: Limited AAA or Windows game support
8. ChimeraOS
Why it’s great: Designed for couch gaming—boots directly into Steam Big Picture like a console.
- Pros: Console-like experience, auto-updates, remote management
- Cons: Not for desktop tasks
9. EndeavourOS
Why it’s great: Arch-based and minimal, with easy install options for experienced users to build a custom gaming setup.
- Pros: Lightweight, customizable, up-to-date packages
- Cons: Not beginner-friendly
10. Zorin OS
Why it’s great: Windows-like interface with Wine support, ideal for switchers transitioning to Linux.
- Pros: Familiar UI, Wine pre-installed, good performance
- Cons: Heavier than minimal distros
11. Drauger OS
Why it’s great: A niche gaming distro featuring a real-time kernel and Xbox controller support.
- Pros: Real-time kernel, controller support, gaming focus
- Cons: Smaller community, limited non-gaming use
12. Solus
Why it’s great: Independent distro with Budgie desktop and native gaming API support.
- Pros: Sleek, stable, Steam integration
- Cons: Smaller repo size
13. Kubuntu
Why it’s great: Ubuntu with KDE Plasma—lightweight, customizable, and fully compatible with Ubuntu gaming tools.
- Pros: Snappy UI, low resource use, stable base
- Cons: Manual driver setup required
14. Batocera.linux
Why it’s great: Ideal for retro gaming—built-in emulator support and portable USB booting.
- Pros: Emulator library, gamepad support, portability
- Cons: Only for retro gaming
15. Slackware (Custom Setup)
Why it’s great: For hardcore users who want ultimate control and ultra-optimized performance.
- Pros: Full control, no bloat, ultra-optimized
- Cons: High learning curve, time-consuming setup
🛠️ Tools & Setup Tips
- Use **ProtonDB** for game compatibility stats: protondb.com
- Install Lutris on Ubuntu via:
sudo apt install lutris - On Arch-based distros, enable AUR or use **Chaotic-AUR** for gaming libraries.
🎯 Frequently Asked Questions
Which distro runs AAA Windows games best?
Pop!_OS and SteamOS 3 excel with Proton Play. Arch-based distros receive latest drivers fastest.
Is Wine still needed?
Proton covers most Steam apps, but Wine remains useful for older launchers like Epic or Blizzard.
Can I game on low-end hardware?
Yes—Linux Mint, Kubuntu, and Ubuntu GamePack are lightweight. Heavier GUIs like Garuda or SteamOS 3 need modern hardware.
Conclusion – Best Linux Distributions for Gaming 2025
The Best Linux Distributions for Gaming 2025 offer solutions for every gamer—from SteamOS 3’s console-like interface to highly customizable setups on Pop!_OS or Garuda. Choose based on your hardware, workflow, and preference for flexibility or simplicity.
Need step-by-step help? See our complete Linux gaming installation guide.
Your Turn: Pick a distro, test a few games, and share your experience in the comments below!
