Best Linux distros for gaming in 2026
The best Linux distro for gaming in October 2026 is CachyOS, followed by Bazzite and Manjaro. Picks follow our live popularity ranking among the distros that meet the criteria below. For this list, picks exclude distros that need expert setup. SteamOS is built for specific hardware, so it is ranked but not picked.
Most Linux gaming runs through Steam and Proton, which work on any modern distribution. The differences are in how quickly you get new graphics drivers and kernels, and how much setup you need for NVIDIA cards, controllers, and handhelds. Always check anti-cheat support for the games you play.
- Recent kernels and Mesa graphics drivers
- Simple NVIDIA driver setup
- Steam, Proton, and controller support ready or one step away
Waiting for GTA 6? See whether it runs on Linux and Steam Deck, and how to stream it from a console today: GTA 6 on Linux: live status.
Top picks at a glance
| Best for | Pick | Why | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top pick | CachyOS | #4 overall in the live ranking · Optimized package builds for newer CPUs | Intermediate |
| Easiest to start with | Bazzite | Gaming-focused defaults and image choices | Beginner |
| Stable releases | Pop!_OS | NVIDIA image with the proprietary driver preinstalled | Beginner |
| Rolling release | Manjaro | Graphical kernel and driver management | Intermediate |
Full ranking
- 1
CachyOS
An Arch-based system tuned for speed.
Arch LinuxKDE Plasma, GNOME, COSMIC, Hyprland, niri, moreRollingIntermediate4 GB+ RAM
Optimized package builds for newer CPUs
#4 overallProfile - 2
SteamOS3
Valve’s console-style Linux for handheld gaming.
Arch LinuxGaming Mode + KDE PlasmaAtomicBeginner16 GB+ RAM
Console-like Gaming Mode
#5 overallProfile - 3
Bazzite
A gaming-focused desktop built on Fedora Atomic.
Fedora AtomicKDE Plasma, GNOMEAtomicBeginner8 GB+ RAM
Gaming-focused defaults and image choices
#6 overallProfile - 4
Arch Linux
Build the system you want. Keep learning.
IndependentYour choiceRollingAdvanced2 GB+ RAM
Highly configurable installation
#8 overallProfile - 5
Manjaro
Arch packages with a slower, tested rollout.
Arch LinuxKDE Plasma, GNOME, XfceRollingIntermediate4 GB+ RAM
Graphical kernel and driver management
#12 overallProfile - 6
Pop!_OS24.04
A developer-friendly desktop with built-in tiling.
Ubuntu LTSCOSMICStableBeginner4 GB+ RAM
NVIDIA image with the proprietary driver preinstalled
#13 overallProfile - 7
openSUSE Tumbleweed
Rolling releases with tested snapshots.
openSUSEKDE Plasma, GNOME, XfceRollingIntermediate4 GB+ RAM
Automated testing of rolling snapshots
#15 overallProfile - 8
EndeavourOS
An approachable installer for an Arch-based system.
Arch LinuxKDE Plasma, moreRollingIntermediate4 GB+ RAM
Accessible setup for an Arch-based environment
#17 overallProfile - 9
Garuda Linux
A striking Arch-based desktop with snapshots.
Arch LinuxKDE Plasma (Dr460nized, Mokka), moreRollingIntermediate8 GB+ RAM
Btrfs snapshots before system updates
#19 overallProfile - 10
Nobara Project
Fedora, pre-tuned for gaming and streaming.
FedoraKDE Plasma, GNOMEStableBeginner8 GB+ RAM
Codecs and NVIDIA drivers included
#20 overallProfile - 11
Solus
An independent desktop with a curated rolling model.
IndependentBudgie, KDE Plasma, GNOME, XfceRollingBeginner4 GB+ RAM
Weekly, curated rolling updates
#43 overallProfile - 12
RakuOS
Atomic Fedora that still lets you install native packages.
FedoraKDE Plasma, GNOME, COSMIC, niriAtomicIntermediate4 GB+ RAM
Atomic image updates with instant rollback
UnrankedProfile - 13
Anatase
One immutable Fedora image for desktop, handheld, and gaming.
FedoraKDE Plasma, Plasma Mobile, GamemodeAtomicIntermediate8 GB+ RAM
One image for desktops, laptops, handhelds, HTPCs, and NVIDIA
UnrankedProfile
Order follows the live popularity ranking, which measures attention, not suitability. Test your own hardware with a live USB before installing.
Gaming distro map
Tile size is Wikipedia readers; green distros are gaining readers, red ones losing them. Tap or hover a tile for details, or see every distro on the full map.
Gaining readers
Losing readers
- EndeavourOS−29%
- SteamOS−14%
- Manjaro−12%
- openSUSE Tumbleweed−9%
- Bazzite−9%
How to choose a Linux distro for gaming
How gaming on Linux works
Most Linux gaming runs through Steam and Proton, Valve’s compatibility layer that runs Windows games on Linux. Proton works the same on every distribution, so the game library you can play barely changes between them. Heroic Games Launcher and Lutris do the same job for Epic Games, GOG, and other stores.
What differs between distributions is how much setup you do before the first game starts, and how quickly you receive new kernels and graphics drivers, which matter most for new GPUs and new games.
Graphics drivers: AMD, Intel, and NVIDIA
AMD and Intel graphics drivers are part of the Linux kernel and Mesa, so they work out of the box. A distribution with recent kernels and Mesa, such as CachyOS, Bazzite, or Fedora, gives new cards the best support.
NVIDIA cards need NVIDIA’s own driver for good gaming performance. Bazzite and Pop!_OS offer images with it preinstalled, and CachyOS sets it up during installation. On Ubuntu and Linux Mint it is one click in the driver manager; on others it is a short setup step.
Gaming distro or general distro?
Gaming-focused distributions add tweaks that would otherwise take an evening: Steam preinstalled, controller support, performance tools, and kernels tuned for responsiveness. Bazzite is an atomic system that is very hard to break and has images for handhelds such as the ROG Ally and Legion Go. CachyOS is Arch-based with packages optimized for newer CPUs.
A general-purpose distribution such as Linux Mint, Ubuntu, or Fedora can run the same games after installing Steam and, for NVIDIA, the driver. That can be the better choice if the PC is also for work or family use.
Check anti-cheat before you switch
The biggest limit is anti-cheat. Some multiplayer games use kernel-level anti-cheat that blocks Linux entirely, while others enable Linux support for Easy Anti-Cheat or BattlEye. Before switching, look up each game you play on ProtonDB or areweanticheatyet.com.
Gaming: common questions
What is the best Linux distro for gaming?
Bazzite, CachyOS, Nobara, and Pop!_OS are popular because they ship recent drivers and gaming tweaks by default. Any mainstream distribution with Steam and Proton can run the same games.
Can Linux run all Windows games?
No. Proton runs a large share of the Steam library, but some games with kernel-level anti-cheat block Linux entirely. Check a game’s status on ProtonDB before switching.
Is Linux good for NVIDIA graphics cards?
Yes, with the proprietary or open NVIDIA kernel driver. Distributions such as Pop!_OS, Bazzite, and Nobara install it for you; on others it is a short setup step.
Is Bazzite or CachyOS better for gaming?
Bazzite suits people who want a console-like system that updates as a whole image and is hard to break, including on handhelds and NVIDIA PCs. CachyOS suits people who want an Arch-based system with optimized packages and full control. Both run the same Steam games.
Do games run slower on Linux?
Usually not by much. Many games run at similar frame rates through Proton, and some run faster. Results vary by game and GPU, so check ProtonDB reports for the games you care about.
Can I play Fortnite or Valorant on Linux?
Not at the moment: their anti-cheat blocks Linux. Check areweanticheatyet.com for the current status of any multiplayer game before switching.