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Linux isn't the first operating system that comes to mind for gaming. But while the vast majority of PC gamers use Windows, thanks to platforms like SteamOS, Linux is a growing alternative.

Here are five Linux gaming distros to try.

Linux Gaming in 2024

While the “year of the Linux desktop” may never actually happen, the open source operating system is increasingly prevalent in gaming. The most prominent is SteamOS 3.0, an Arch Linux-based operating system that runs on the Steam Deck handheld.

Our list of the best gaming distros for Linux in 2024 is as follows:

  • SteamOS
  • Fedora Games
  • SparkyLinux Gameover
  • ChimeraOS
  • DraugerOS

Below, we examine these gaming distros in more detail. Download links and minimum system requirements are listed along with each.

Thanks to the Steam Deck, SteamOS has become the most widely used dedicated gaming operating system on Linux.

Developed by Valve, and based on Arch Linux, SteamOS is available in two versions:

  • A dedicated SteamOS 3.0 build for Valve’s Steam Deck portable gaming consoles.
  • As HoloISO, a PC version of the Steam Deck’s operating system.

Note: Older versions of SteamOS for PC and laptop are based on Debian, but do not feature modern drivers, application layers, and other enhancements for running Windows games.

HoloISO is maintained by theVakhovskeIsTaken; no official PC build of SteamOS 3.0 is available.

SteamOS prioritizes your PC or laptop’s resources for games you're playing, rather than background tasks that a typical desktop OS might favor.

SteamOS is intended to run Steam Deck verified titles (that is, games released for Windows but compatible with the Steam Deck), along with titles published on Linux. Third party games can be installed by switching to desktop mode.

You can interact with SteamOS using most game controllers, or a keyboard and mouse.

HoloISO System Requirements

CPU

64-bit

RAM

4GB

Storage

200GB

GPU

Intel, NVIDIA, or AMD Radeon 8500

Download: HoloISO (Unofficial SteamOS for PC)

2. Fedora Games

Fedora Games spin

The Fedora Games spin is one of the best Linux gaming distros available and ships with a wide variety of games and genres. That's the reason for the image's massive 4.1GB size.

The reasoning behind this is that it is big enough to include many games but small enough to fit onto a DVD. You can use Fedora Games as a Live CD or install it on your PC.

Various games ship with Fedora Games. Many of these are open source homages to popular titles, such as Extreme Tux Racer (similar to Mario Kart), Freeciv (a free version of Civilization), Hedgewars (not dissimilar to Worms) and many others.

Fedora Games System Requirements

CPU

2GHz dual-core

RAM

2GB

Storage

15GB

GPU

Integrated graphics

Download: Fedora Games

3. SparkyLinux Gameover—the All-in-One Linux Gaming Distro

Weighing in with a 3.51GB download, the Debian-based SparkyLinux comes preinstalled with the Steam client, Wine, and PlayOnLinux.

SparkyLinux also features APTus Gamer, an easy way to install game console emulators and other tools helpful for gamers. There are emulators for Atari, PlayStation, and Sega systems, among many others.

SparkyLinux also ships with the Lutris gaming platform, which helps you install and manage your Linux games in a unified interface. Using this single interface, you can view all your Linux, Windows, Steam, emulated and browser games.

SparkyLinux distros run on old and new hardware.

SparkyLinux Gameover System Requirements

CPU

64-bit

RAM

256GB

Storage

50GB

GPU

Integrated

Download: SparkyLinux Gameover

4. ChimeraOS

An impressive option for playing games on Linux, ChimeraOS (formerly GamerOS) comes preinstalled with the Steam client, set to Big Picture mode. It also includes Gamescope, the microcompositor found in SteamOS that offers various display enhancements (including upscaling). Along with titles from your Steam library, you can install games from GOG, Epic Games Store, and even Flathub.

ChimeraOS requires zero configuration. Simply install, boot, sign in to your preferred game services, and download the games before playing.

In many ways, it is the complete Linux gaming distro.

ChimeraOS System Requirements

CPU

Dual-core, 2GHz

RAM

4GB

Storage

20GB

GPU

NVIDIA GTX 900 or AMD RX 400 or Intel HD Graphics 500

Download: ChimeraOS

5. Drauger OS

Based on Ubuntu and sporting the Xfce desktop environment and Pipewire audio, Drauger OS has been designed with gaming performance in mind.

Designed “explicitly for gaming,” Drauger OS is maintained by a small community but runs games effortlessly. This has been achieved by making tweaks to the kernel, thereby improving on stock Ubuntu, for the ultimate Linux-based gaming experience.

The downside of this is that Drauger OS is less flexible than a standard Ubuntu installation. While basic productivity tasks should be achievable, some others will not be, or will require longer installation and setup times.

Drauger OS System Requirements

CPU

Dual-core, 1.8 GHz, 64-bit processor

RAM

1GB

Storage

32GB

GPU

Integrated

Download: DraugerOS

Gaming on Linux Has Never Been Better

Linux has come a long way as a gaming OS. Thanks to Valve's SteamOS 3.0 leading the way on the Steam Deck, the experience is almost perfect. As adoption continues to grow, more and more developers will begin to cater for Linux.

Each of these operating systems has its own community where you can ask questions if you run into any trouble. You'll also find some great community resources on Reddit for each distro, not to mention Wine's extensive game-specific pages if you need some direction.

For both console and desktop experiences, Linux is ideal.