Long gone are the days when Windows was the only option for PC gamers.

With options like Wine and Proton, or even running native titles, Linux users can join the fun.

But which distro is the best for gaming?

Close up of a green and yellow gaming laptop RGB keyboard

Justin Duino / How-To Geek

Just like in virtually every use case, Linux distros for gamers are varied and cater to different needs.

Is Linux Good for Gaming?

That’s a simple answer: yes, a lot!

Installing apps on the Kubuntu Focus Ir14.

Hannah Stryker / How-To Geek

Which Games Run on Linux?

Simply put, almost every game that runs on Windows.

Best Linux Distros for Hardcore Gamers:GarudaandKubuntu

Garudatakes the “Linux for gaming” moniker seriously.

Pop OS background on the System76 Gazelle laptop.

Hannah Stryker / How-To Geek

Kubuntu uses a different approach.

There’s a significant disadvantage in Kubuntu, though.

As in all Ubuntu versions, its apps come as something calledSnap packagesby default.

Home screen of Batocera Linux, a distro designed to run emulators and retro gaming

To avoid the hassle, you may want to considerusing Flatpak appsinstead.

However, the hardware compatibility won’t be as 100% assured as with computers purchased from the company.

Lakka goes for a more minimalist look, something like PS3’s CellOS but with Android’s Material design.

Home screen of Linix Mint version 21.2, codename Victoria, with the start menu open, using light mode

Considering it’s made primarily forRaspberry Pis, that may even be an incentive for aDIY project.

Being emulation-oriented distros, they also feature great compatibility with thebest controllers.