Is Linux Good For Gaming? Every day, more and more people are adopting Linux as their operating system of choice. It’s seen as more customizable than Windows or macOS, and its open-source software makes it possible to configure it for anything from playing games to 3D modeling.
It offers a lot of different features and seems to be catering to gamers these days. In general, Linux runs slower than other operating systems, but the graphics card drivers have improved a lot in recent years.
So if you’re curious to find out if Linux is good for gaming, look no further than this article to find out what you need to know before making your choice.
What is Linux?
Linux, an operating system that has been around almost as long as Windows, is Linux. It has different distributions (also called distros) that make it stand out from Windows and macOS.
These distros are Linux OS versions that have different themes and user experiences. One of these distros is for you if you enjoy customizing your OS to suit your preferences.
Interface
Windows’ ease-of-use was one of the reasons it was so popular when it first came out. This was a turning point in history when anyone could finally use Windows without the help of a complicated interface like its predecessor MS-DOS, and other operating systems.
Although Linux might seem as simple and intuitive as Windows 10, there are two essential differences.
Linux’s interface is customizable and can vary significantly from distribution to distribution.
Because the system is not meant to be held in the user’s hand, it has a steeper learning curve.
This means that Windows will be a better choice for people who don’t have much technical knowledge than Linux.
Convenience
A personal computer should be capable of performing multiple functions and allowing users to customize their computer. What is the difference between these operating systems?
Both Linux and Windows are great for everyday tasks like browsing the internet and playing multimedia content. Both platforms have many options for programs, many of which can be found on both.
Linux can have problems with software implementation and may require some streamlined processes.
Although Microsoft’s OS automatically downloads drivers and codecs and syncs data between devices, it can take some time to get everything working correctly under Linux. Many of the previously automated tasks may now be manual.
Customization
Linux is the leader in customization. Linux’s user interface can vary significantly from one distribution to the next, as mentioned earlier.
There are many distros available – Fedora and CentOS, Debian, Ubuntu, and many others. Each might seem like a different operating system.
Windows will still be known as Windows. Windows 10 allows users to customize the OS much more flexibly than older versions, but this is still largely down to themes that are merely re-skins that do not change the functionality.
Linux’s open-source nature is what enables it to be customized like Android. Linux is an excellent OS for anyone who likes the freedom to design it exactly how you want it.
With its limited customization options, Windows may be more suitable for users who value convenience over overall functionality and flexibility.
Read also: How to Optimize Windows 10 for Gaming and Performance? 2022
Security
Linux, being an open-source operating system that is highly customizable, may appear to be vulnerable to security breaches and malware at first glance. It has been proven to be safer than Windows over and over again.
Linux is open-source, to repeat it. Linux’s source code is open-source, which means that it can be modified and improved by anyone who wants to. With so many dedicated developers all over the globe, vulnerabilities can be quickly identified and fixed.
Yet, it is hard to imagine an open-source operating platform being more secure than Windows. Windows was developed by the world’s most renowned software companies. Windows’ popularity is the key.
Windows is the perfect target for malware because of how many users depend on it. It is possible to protect Windows with specialized anti-malware software such as Kaspersky or Norton.
However, they will incur additional costs. Despite the fact that Avast is still a great free program, it does not offer as much functionality as its paid counterparts.
However, you can still get viruses, spyware, Trojans, and other malware through the internet. If you don’t visit suspicious websites and have an anti-malware program installed, you have nothing to worry about.
A selection of games
Next, let’s get to the most important question about choosing your gaming operating platform: How many games are there?
There are nearly six thousand Linux games on Steam as of March 2019. It may not seem like much, but it is more than the roughly 1000 titles available on Steam a year ago.
There are over 30 000 games for Windows already on Steam. This may not seem like a lot, but there are over twenty thousand Windows games.
This is a substantial gap, but it is essential to remember that Steam’s number of Linux games has increased steadily over the last few years and this trend is not likely to slow.
This is fantastic news for Linux gamers. We have Valve to thank because their SteamOS is built on Linux. This pace can be expected to continue and possibly even increase.
There is also a way to run Windows applications on Linux using Wine. However, the games will suffer from decreased performance and stability.
At this point, the only thing that will decide between Linux and Windows is whether or not the games in your library can be run on Linux.
Price
Linux, contrary to popular belief, is free because it’s open-source. Many of the distros are available online. There are some paid distros available, but these are typically for businesses and professionals.
Linux is free for both the average user and gamer. Linus’s best selling point is its ability to save you money on basic computer functions.
Linux for Gaming
Now you might be asking, Is Linux good for gaming? Linux is a great gaming computer. There are many reasons Linux is a great gaming PC.
Linux has a wide range of games you can download or buy from Steam. There are at least 6,000 games on Steam, up from just 1000 a few years back. This number will continue to grow as there is a steady and constant addition to the Steam library. This is enough for casual gamers.
Linux does not require a high-end computer to be able to function well. Linux is an excellent option for those on a budget. It will help you save money. Linux will let you focus on the parts that are most important for your computer.
Linux’s customization is another reason to love it. Linux is the best OS for gamers who want a custom setup. You’ll love it because it’s customizable. If you’re tech-savvy, you’ll also find it fascinating to use.
Linux isn’t perfect. Some things make Linux challenging to use. These problems are mostly caused by games that don’t work well on Linux or the user experience.
Who should get a Linux computer?
This article will give you a good idea about who should and should not purchase Linux. It’s great but not for everyone.
Linux will be highly convenient and easy to use if you have some computer skills. Linux was not designed to be used by end-users or for the general public. Linux will certainly cause you problems if you aren’t proficient in using different operating systems and software.
You should also consider Linux if you are a gamer who prefers to run on Linux. It’s still possible to find popular games that don’t support Linux. Therefore, it is a smart move to check if your games support Linux. If it doesn’t, then you might consider a Windows OS or macOS.
Comparison Between Windows/Linux Gaming
Windows OS generally provides a feature called backward compatibility. This allows programs developed for older versions of Windows to run backward compatibility by setting compatibility for the version. It works well for most applications, including computer gaming, and is very efficient.
They take years to adapt to the current system tools and libraries. If they don’t, they won’t run. You will need to install them and run them on an older Linux distribution.
Due to Windows’s high market share and unique operating system, computer games have been released digitally and physically. These games can be purchased online or physically on DVDs. Blue Ray. Due to incompatible changes to various components of the operating systems, you might not be able to run a purchased game on a later distribution.
Unix-like environments, such as Linux, have many operating systems and distributions that are incompatible. This means that it is difficult to install and run pre-compiled programs on different Linux distributions. Linux games are generally released under one framework and service, like Steam.
This makes it easy to install and run different Linux distributions. It is also challenging to distribute games outside of Steam and other online stores.
FAQs
Is it possible to play Linux games?
Let me be apparent. You won’t find GNU/Linux the best platform for gaming if you are a gamer. Don’t worry! This is what Linux enthusiasts have admitted to me. This isn’t enough to disregard Linux gaming. You can see why Linux gamers still enjoy playing games.
- Linux is free and open-source.
- Linux is highly customizable.
- Over 6000 various games.
- Windows games can be played in Linux using Wine software.
- Linux does not require a powerful build to be effective.
What Linux distributions are suitable for gaming?
- SteamOS Linux distribution
- Lakka Linux Distribution
- Linux distribution Game Drift
- Ubuntu GamePack Linux distribution
What are the Categories Games on Linux?
Many games can be played on GNU/Linux, as we have already mentioned. Below is a list that categorizes Linux games that differ in quality.
- Native Linux Games
- Windows games for Linux
- Browser games
- Terminal games
Conclusion
Now you know if Linux is good for gaming or not and you can make an informed decision about your next operating system. It’s a good choice for anyone who wants to customize their computer, or anyone looking for a faster, more reliable system.
Thanks for reading my article, I really hope you found it useful and helpful! If you did, please tell your friends about it so they can get the same benefit.
Eyal Ephrat serves as the co-founder and CEO of medCPU.com, where technology is making significant strides in the field of medicine. Through his experience in purchasing PC and laptop equipment and various other tech products, Eyal Ephrat contributes valuable insights to medCPU’s mission.
