- Rolling releaseAlways up to date
- KDE PlasmaDefault desktop
- Arch Linux basePacman packages
- Intermediate level8 GB RAM suggested
Strengths
- Game launchers, Wine and performance overlays preinstalled
- linux-zen kernel tuned for desktop responsiveness
- One-click NVIDIA driver install from the Welcome app
Trade-offs
- Very new, pre-1.0 project with a single maintainer
- Large installation image (about 6.4 GB)
- Rolling updates still require maintenance
Popularity snapshot · 30 days
Not ranked: no separate reader-interest source.
What is CobaltX?
CobaltX is a young Arch-based rolling distribution aimed at gaming. It ships KDE Plasma 6 on the linux-zen kernel and installs through Calamares. Steam, Heroic Games Launcher, Lutris, Bottles, Wine, RetroArch, MangoHud and GameMode come preinstalled, and the Welcome app offers a one-click NVIDIA driver install. It first appeared in 2026 and is still before version 1.0, maintained by a single developer.
Who is CobaltX for?
CobaltX fits best for gaming. Where it ranks in our lists:
CobaltX system requirements
For a comfortable desktop with a modern web browser, plan for about 8 GB of RAM. CobaltX is available for x86_64. Leave at least 25 GB of storage for the system and applications. These figures are editorial guidance; check the official documentation for minimums.
Try CobaltX before you install
Write the image to a USB stick and boot it as a live session to test Wi-Fi, graphics, sound, and suspend on your own computer. A browser trial on DistroSea shows the desktop, but cannot verify your hardware.
Popular apps on CobaltX
Flatpak versions published by each app’s developer, from Flathub. Set up Flathub first if CobaltX does not include it. Open an app for other install options.
| App | Install command |
|---|---|
| Firefox on Linux | flatpak install flathub org.mozilla.firefox |
| Discord on Linux | flatpak install flathub com.discordapp.Discord |
| Brave on Linux | flatpak install flathub com.brave.Browser |
| Telegram on Linux | flatpak install flathub org.telegram.desktop |
| OBS Studio on Linux | flatpak install flathub com.obsproject.Studio |
| GIMP on Linux | flatpak install flathub org.gimp.GIMP |
More apps that run on CobaltX
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9 side-by-side comparisons of CobaltX, each built from the same catalog and support data.
More around CobaltX
- Other Arch-based distros: Arch Linux, Manjaro, CachyOS, EndeavourOS, Garuda Linux, Omarchy, SteamOS, Artix Linux (all Arch-based Linux distros)
- Other distros with KDE Plasma: Debian, MX Linux, openSUSE Tumbleweed, Kali Linux, NixOS, Bazzite, Kubuntu, RakuOS, Anatase, openSUSE Leap, Alpine Linux, Nobara Project (all Best KDE Plasma distros)
Best CobaltX alternatives
CobaltX: common questions
What is CobaltX based on?
CobaltX is based on Arch Linux. It uses Pacman · AUR (community) for software and systemd as its init system.
Is CobaltX good for beginners?
It is manageable if you are comfortable troubleshooting and occasionally using a terminal. Complete beginners may prefer Linux Mint or Ubuntu first.
How much RAM does CobaltX need?
We suggest about 8 GB of RAM for a comfortable desktop experience with a modern browser. This is editorial guidance, not the project’s official minimum, which can be lower. It runs on x86_64.
What desktop does CobaltX use?
CobaltX offers KDE Plasma.
Is CobaltX a rolling release?
Yes. CobaltX updates continuously, so there are no version upgrades to perform.
Is CobaltX free?
Yes, CobaltX is free to download and use.