Home » How to Play Games on Linux: A Beginner’s Guide

How to Play Games on Linux: A Beginner’s Guide

by sophiajames

If you’re a gamer considering Linux, you might wonder if the platform can handle your favorite games. The great news is that Linux has made tremendous strides in gaming support over the years. Thanks to tools like Steam’s Proton, Wine, and Lutris, you can enjoy thousands of games on Linux, whether they’re native to the platform or designed for Windows.

In this beginner’s guide, I’ll walk you through the basics of gaming on Linux. From setting up your system to installing games and optimizing performance, you’ll learn everything you need to get started. Linux gaming isn’t just possible—it’s an exciting way to combine your love for open-source software with your passion for gaming.

1. Choosing the Right Linux Distribution for Gaming

The first step to playing games on Linux is selecting the right distribution (distro). Some distros are more gaming-friendly than others.

Top Distros for Gaming:

  • Pop!_OS: Known for its excellent driver support and performance.
  • Ubuntu: A beginner-friendly option with easy access to gaming tools.
  • SteamOS: Designed by Valve specifically for gaming.

Each distro has its strengths, but Pop!_OS is a great all-around choice for beginners, offering out-of-the-box support for gaming hardware.

2. Installing Graphics Drivers

To ensure smooth gameplay, you need the right drivers for your graphics card.

For NVIDIA Cards:

  1. Open the terminal and run:sudo apt install nvidia-driver-470
  2. Reboot your system to apply the changes.

For AMD Cards:

  • AMD drivers are usually pre-installed on modern Linux distros. If not, you can install the latest Mesa drivers.

Having the correct drivers installed ensures you get the best performance from your GPU.

3. Using Steam for Gaming on Linux

Steam is the go-to platform for Linux gaming, with thousands of native and Windows-compatible titles.

How to Install Steam:

  1. Open your terminal and run:sudo apt install steam
  2. Launch Steam from your applications menu.
  3. Log in and browse the library for Linux-compatible games.

Proton for Windows Games:
Enable Proton in Steam Play to run Windows games on Linux:

  1. Go to Steam > Settings > Steam Play.
  2. Check Enable Steam Play for all other titles.
  3. Select the latest Proton version from the dropdown menu.

Proton has excellent compatibility with many popular Windows games, making Steam an essential tool for Linux gamers.

4. Exploring Lutris for Non-Steam Games

Lutris is an open-source gaming platform that allows you to manage games from various sources, including GOG, Epic Games, and emulators.

How to Install Lutris:

  1. Open your terminal and run:sudo apt install lutris
  2. Launch Lutris and connect it to your game libraries.

Benefits of Lutris:

  • Pre-configured settings for popular games.
  • Support for retro games through emulators.
  • Easy installation for launchers like Epic Games Store.

Lutris simplifies the process of playing non-Steam games on Linux.

5. Playing Native Linux Games

Many developers now release games natively for Linux, meaning you can play them without any additional setup.

Where to Find Native Games:

  • Steam: Use the Linux/SteamOS filter when browsing.
  • GOG: Offers a selection of Linux-compatible titles.
  • Itch.io: A platform for indie games, many of which support Linux.

Native games tend to run more efficiently than emulated or Proton-powered titles, making them a great choice for Linux users.

6. Optimizing Performance for Gaming

To get the most out of your Linux gaming experience, you’ll want to optimize performance.

Tips for Better Performance:

  • Enable Game Mode: Install the GameMode package to prioritize system resources for gaming:sudo apt install gamemode
  • Reduce Background Processes: Close unnecessary apps before launching a game.
  • Adjust Graphics Settings: Lower in-game settings like resolution or shadows to improve frame rates.

Performance tweaks can make a big difference, especially on older hardware.

7. Troubleshooting Common Issues

Gaming on Linux isn’t without its challenges. Here’s how to solve some common problems:

Game Won’t Launch:

  • Check if the game is compatible with your distro and drivers.
  • Update your system and Proton to the latest versions.

Poor Performance:

  • Install proprietary drivers for your GPU.
  • Use tools like MangoHud to monitor performance and identify bottlenecks.

Controller Not Detected:

  • Ensure the controller is connected before launching the game.
  • Install joystick packages:sudo apt install joystick

8. Exploring Cloud Gaming on Linux

If your hardware struggles with demanding games, cloud gaming services are a great alternative.

Popular Cloud Gaming Platforms:

  • GeForce Now: Stream games from NVIDIA’s servers.
  • Xbox Cloud Gaming: Play Xbox titles through a browser.
  • Steam Link: Stream games from another PC to your Linux system.

Cloud gaming lets you enjoy high-quality games without needing top-tier hardware.

Conclusion

Playing games on Linux has never been easier. With tools like Steam, Proton, and Lutris, you can enjoy a vast library of games, including many designed for Windows. By selecting the right distro, optimizing your system, and exploring both native and cloud gaming options, you can turn Linux into a gaming powerhouse.

Start with small steps—install Steam, enable Proton, and try a few games. As you get comfortable, you’ll see just how versatile Linux is for gaming. For more gaming tips, check out https://developnsolve.com/ or explore advanced guides at https://www.thelasttech.com/.

FAQs

Can I play Windows games on Linux?

Yes, tools like Proton (on Steam) and Wine allow you to run Windows games on Linux with excellent compatibility.

What is the best Linux distro for gaming?

Pop!_OS and Ubuntu are great choices for beginners, while SteamOS is designed specifically for gaming.

Do I need a high-end PC for Linux gaming?

Not necessarily. Many native Linux games and cloud gaming services run well on modest hardware.

How do I update my graphics drivers on Linux?

Use your distro’s package manager or settings to update drivers. For NVIDIA cards, proprietary drivers are recommended.

Is gaming on Linux worth it?

Absolutely! Linux offers a growing library of games, reliable performance, and tools to play both native and Windows titles.

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