Linux Gaming 4 Noobs - Choosing a Distro in 2024
Summary
TLDRThis video guide is aimed at Windows users considering a switch to Linux, focusing on gaming experiences and compatibility. It discusses the ease of running single-player games on Linux with Proton and Steam, while multiplayer compatibility can vary. The script explores various Linux distributions (Dros), their desktop environments, package managers, and the trade-off between stability and cutting-edge features. The presenter recommends Ubuntu-based Dros like Kubuntu for beginners due to its vast support resources and KDE's user-friendly interface, and Endeavor OS for those seeking an Arch-based experience with the latest drivers.
Takeaways
- 🎮 The video is aimed at Windows users considering switching to Linux, especially for gaming.
- 🕹️ The speaker previously made a video about Linux gaming and has since fully transitioned from Windows to Linux.
- 📚 The speaker has also discussed productivity software on Linux in another video, which is useful for content creators.
- 🔍 Linux gaming video received many comments, especially about choosing the right distribution (Distro) and setup questions.
- 👍 Compatibility for single-player games on Linux is generally good, with most running without issues using Proton and Steam.
- ⚠️ Multiplayer game compatibility can be an issue due to some anti-cheat software being incompatible with Linux.
- 🔍 For a list of compatible multiplayer games, the speaker recommends visiting 'are we anticheat yet.com'.
- 📦 The main differences between Linux distros are the desktop environment and the package manager.
- 📈 Debian, Fedora, and Arch are main distros with differences in software package age and stability.
- 🔄 The choice between a standard release and a rolling release distro affects how often major updates are received.
- 🌟 Ubuntu-based distros are recommended for beginners due to their popularity and availability of guides and tutorials.
- 🖥️ Kubuntu, which uses the KDE desktop, is the speaker's personal recommendation for an Ubuntu-based distro.
- 💻 AMD GPUs are generally recommended for Linux, but Nvidia GPUs have improved and work well too.
Q & A
What is the main purpose of the video?
-The main purpose of the video is to guide Windows users who are considering switching to Linux, particularly focusing on gaming and addressing questions about choosing a Linux distribution (Distro) and setting up a Linux environment for gaming.
What was the speaker's previous experience with Linux gaming?
-The speaker had a positive experience with Linux gaming, to the extent that they eventually stopped using Windows and switched to Linux full-time, initially holding onto Windows only for gaming and a few productivity apps.
What are some of the compatibility issues with multiplayer games on Linux?
-Multiplayer game compatibility on Linux can be an issue due to certain anti-cheat software being incompatible with the operating system. The speaker suggests checking 'are we anticheat yet.com' for a list of compatible multiplayer games.
What is the general compatibility of single-player games on Linux?
-The vast majority of single-player games work perfectly fine on Linux, with some requiring custom launch options. They can run straight out of the box with Proton and Steam enabled.
What are the main differences between various Linux distros?
-The main differences between Linux distros are the desktop environment and the package manager. The desktop environment affects the look and some functionalities, while the package manager affects how software is installed and managed.
Why might some game developers be reluctant to make their games compatible with Linux?
-Some game developers may be reluctant to allow compatibility with Linux due to their own stubbornness or lack of interest, but the speaker believes times are changing and these developers will eventually give in as the Steam Deck and Linux gain more popularity.
What is the difference between Debian, Fedora, and Arch in terms of software package age?
-Debian's software packages are generally older by default, possibly at least a year old. Arch-based distros provide the latest versions by default, and Fedora's packages are newer than Debian's but not as recent as Arch's.
What is the difference between a standard release distro and a rolling release distro?
-A standard release distro gets major updates with each new version release and requires users to upgrade to the latest version to continue receiving updates. A rolling release distro continuously updates the system with the latest packages, avoiding the need for major upgrades.
Why might a gamer choose a distro like Noara or Garuda Linux?
-Gamers might choose Noara, a Fedora spin-off, or Garuda Linux, an Arch spin-off, because they are pre-configured for gaming with useful software already installed, providing a ready-to-go gaming environment.
What is the speaker's recommendation for a Linux distro for beginners?
-The speaker recommends an Ubuntu-based distro for beginners due to its popularity, extensive resources, and guides available. Specifically, Kubuntu is recommended for its KDE desktop environment, which is user-friendly and highly customizable.
What is the speaker's stance on using AMD vs. Nvidia GPUs with Linux?
-The speaker notes that while AMD GPUs are traditionally recommended for Linux due to built-in kernel drivers, Nvidia GPUs have improved significantly and now work just fine with Linux.
Outlines
🎮 Transitioning from Windows to Linux for Gaming
This paragraph introduces the video's focus on assisting Windows users considering a switch to Linux, particularly for gaming. The speaker reflects on their positive experience with Linux gaming, which led them to abandon Windows entirely. They mention previous videos on Linux productivity software and gaming, noting the popularity of the latter and the common questions received about choosing a Linux distribution (Distro) and setting up gaming. The paragraph also touches on compatibility issues, especially with multiplayer games and anti-cheat software, and suggests a resource for checking game compatibility with Linux.
🛠️ Understanding Linux Distros and Their Differences
The speaker delves into the nuances between various Linux distributions, emphasizing that while there are many, the core differences lie in the desktop environment and package management system. They explain that desktop environments affect aesthetics and some functionalities, but personal preference is key. Popular environments mentioned include GNOME, KDE, Cinnamon, and XFCE. The paragraph also covers package managers, which influence software installation and updates, and distinguishes between main distributions like Debian, Fedora, and Arch, noting the age of software packages they provide. The speaker also explains the concept of standard release versus rolling release distributions, using Debian, Fedora, and Arch as examples, and discusses the implications for software updates and system stability.
🏆 Choosing the Right Linux Distro for Gaming
In this paragraph, the speaker discusses recommendations for Linux distributions suitable for gaming. They mention spin-offs of Fedora and Arch tailored for gamers, such as Noara and Garuda Linux, but suggest that for most users, a more vanilla distro might be preferable for general use. The speaker expresses a preference for Kubuntu, an Ubuntu-based distro with the KDE desktop, for its user-friendliness and customization options, especially for those transitioning from Windows. They also recommend Endeavor OS for those wanting the latest drivers by default, as it is close to vanilla Arch with minor tweaks. The paragraph concludes with the assertion that while the choice of distro matters less for gaming, an Ubuntu-based distro is ideal for beginners due to the abundance of available resources and guides.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Linux
💡Windows
💡Steam
💡Gaming
💡Compatibility
💡Proton
💡Distros
💡Desktop Environment
💡Package Manager
💡Arch
💡Ubuntu
💡Rolling Release
Highlights
The video is aimed at Windows users considering switching to Linux, especially for gaming.
Linux gaming experience has been positive, leading the creator to fully transition from Windows.
Linux alternatives have been found for all previously Windows-dependent productivity apps.
A previous video detailed Linux gaming, prompting many questions about distribution choices and setup.
Single-player games generally have good compatibility with Linux, often requiring just Proton and Steam.
Multiplayer game compatibility on Linux can be an issue due to some anti-cheat software incompatibility.
Developers are gradually becoming more open to Linux compatibility, especially with the rise of the Steam Deck.
Are We Anticheat Yet provides a list of multiplayer game compatibility with Linux.
Linux distributions (Dros) primarily differ in desktop environment and package manager.
Popular desktop environments include GNOME, KDE, Cinnamon, and XFCE.
Package managers affect software installation and updates, with different Dros offering varying approaches.
Debian, Fedora, and Arch are main Dros with differences in software package age and stability.
Debian offers stability, Arch offers the latest features, and Fedora is a balance between the two.
Debian can be configured to use testing or unstable repositories for more recent software.
Standard release Dros update with new versions, while rolling release Dros update incrementally without new versions.
Many Dros are spin-offs of Debian, Fedora, and Arch, with modifications catering to specific users or aesthetics.
For gaming, most Dros work well, but cutting-edge Dros like Arch and Fedora might offer better performance and compatibility.
Noara and Garuda Linux are gaming-specific spin-offs of Fedora and Arch, respectively.
Ubuntu-based Dros like Kubuntu are recommended for beginners due to their popularity and extensive support resources.
Endeavor OS is recommended for those wanting an Arch-based Dros with the latest drivers.
AMD GPUs are generally recommended for Linux, but Nvidia GPUs have improved and work well too.
Transcripts
[Music]
if you're currently a Windows user and
are thinking about making the switch to
Linux but aren't sure where to start
then this video is for you now about a
year ago I made a video going over my
experiences with Linux gaming and I
demoed several games I was currently
playing overall it's been a great
experience and in fact it's been so good
that I finally ditched windows at that
time the only reason I was holding on to
Windows was for gaming and for a few
productivity apps but I managed to find
alternatives on Linux for every
application I also made another video
talking about productivity software on
Linux so if you do any content creation
then be sure to check out that video as
well the link is in the video
description now my Linux gaming video
wound up being extremely popular and I
received a ton of comments on that one I
noticed there were quite a few people
asking about which Dro to choose and
general questions on how to get
everything set up so I'll be addressing
both of those things in this video I'll
be going over the various dros that are
available in 2024 and give my
suggestions on which drro to choose and
then in my next video I'll be showing
stepbystep how to run games in Steam and
give other helpful tips to have a smooth
experience with Linux gaming now let's
first start off by talking about
compatibility which is something I could
have spent a little more time talking
about in my previous video so when it
comes to single player games the vast
majority of them will work perfectly
fine on Linux some might require custom
launch options but almost all single
player games will run Straight Out of
the Box all you need to do is enable
proton and steam
but when it comes to multiplayer games
compatibility might be an issue
depending on what you play the
multiplayer games that I play personally
all work fine but certain anti-che
software is incompatible with Linux at
the moment so not all multiplayer games
are compatible to be clear it's not the
fault of Linux but rather it's the
developers of these games who are too
stubborn to allow compatibility but
times are changing as the steam deck
continues to gather more steam so I
imagine those stubborn developers will
give in sooner or later if you want to
see a list of which multiplayer games
are compatible then visit are we
anticheat yet.com as of right now it
looks like more than 50% of all
multiplayer games are working which
isn't too bad but unfortunately several
popular games such as fortnite
Battlefield and Val an aren't compatible
at the moment so now let's talk about
the differences between the various
Linux dros I'm going to spend a few
minutes talking about this and give a
complete explanation so that you're not
second guessing yourself later on I'll
first start out by saying that even
though there's countless different dros
available there's actually not too much
of a difference between them under the
hood if someone really wanted to they
could transform one Dro into another for
for the most part there can be some
exceptions but the main differences
really come down to the desktop
environment and the package manager the
desktop environment is mainly cosmetic
although there are some differences in
functionality with how you interact with
the gooey but at the end of the day this
all comes down to personal preference
some popular desktops include gnome KDE
cinnamon and xfce but there are quite a
few more as well some dros allow you to
choose which desktop you want during
installation while other dros only offer
one desktop by default the other major
difference between dros is the package
manager and this affects how you install
and manage downloaded software it can
also affect how upto-date the software
and applications are you can see there
are only a few main dros including
Debian Fedora and Arch there are several
more main dros such as red hat open
Souza gentu and more but I didn't
include them because these tend to be
more Geared for industry and power users
now the main difference between Debian
Fedora and Arch comes down to the age of
their software packages for example if
you download video editing software such
as Da Vinci resolve or shot cut on
Debian then by default you can expect to
get a version of that software that's at
least a year old but if you were to
install these on an arch based drro
you'll be able to get the absolute
latest version of that software by
default and if you go with Fedora then
those packages will be slightly older
than those found in Arch the tradeoff
here comes down to reliability versus
the latest features if you want the
absolute most stable experience then
you'll likely want to go for a Debian
disc drro but if you want the latest
features and drivers then you'll
probably want an arch based drro but to
be honest the difference isn't as big as
you might think and Arch still provides
a very stable experience it's also
possible to configure Debian to use
what's known as the testing or unstable
repositories which will provide the
latest software similar to Arch so the
difference between Debian and Arch isn't
as big as some people make make it out
to be but there's actually one other
thing which I almost forgot to mention
and that's the difference between a
standard release drro and a rolling
release part of the reason why Debian
has old packages is because they only
get major updates when a new version of
Debian is released after a new version
is released the previous version will
continue to get security updates for a
while but only for a limited time if you
want to continue to receive updates
you'll need to update to the newer
version which can bring substantial
changes most of the time the upgrade
process is painless though the current
version of Debian is Coden named
Bookworm and it's the 12th version
likewise Fedora is also a stable release
and it's currently on the 39th version
now a rolling release on the other hand
doesn't have new versions every time you
update your system you'll receive the
latest packages and as a result result
your system will always be on the latest
version as long as you keep it up to
date you never have to worry about doing
a major upgrade instead you'll continue
to receive incremental updates
indefinitely Arch is a popular example
of a rolling release open Souza also
offers a rolling release but in general
rolling releases aren't as common and
the vast majority of dros will follow a
standard release schedule but like I
mentioned a minute ago it is possible to
configure Debian with the unstable repo
which will effectively change it to a
rolling release so again the differences
aren't as big as some people make them
out to be as there is some gray area now
all the other dros I've included here
are actually just spin-offs of Debian
Fedora and Arch these spin-offs usually
have slight modifications to cater to
certain users or have customized desktop
environments to to provide unique
Aesthetics some of these spin-offs are
more heavily modified than others for
the most part these are fine but in
specific scenarios these modifications
might cause issues and you're at the
mercy of that dros developer to make the
necessary updates when problems arise
unless you know what you're doing and
can fix the problem yourself which is
why I generally recommend sticking to a
vanilla drro or a spin-off that's close
to vanilla instead of a heavily modified
drro so when it comes to picking a drro
for gaming it turns out most dros will
work perfectly fine the more cuttingedge
dros such as Arch and Fedora might offer
slightly better performance and better
compatibility with the latest games but
the difference is pretty small let's
first talk about a few commonly
recommended dros and then I'll give my
personal recommendation let's start with
noara which is a spin-off of Fedora
that's specifically catered to gaming
which is why it's commonly recommended
to Gamers but it actually doesn't do
anything that special it does have some
useful pre-installed software that
you'll likely want for gaming but you
can install all that software on any
other drro if gaming is all you really
care about and want something that's
preconfigured and ready to go then it
might be a good choice so feel free to
try it out if you fall into this
category the same thing applies to
Garuda Linux which is a spin-off of arch
that's Geared for gamers but for most
people I recommend a more vanilla drro
which will likely be better for General
use since I imagine most of you will
want to do other things with your PC
reliably than just gaming overall I
think an Ubuntu based drro is the best
choice for beginners Ubuntu is actually
a spin-off of Debian but it's probably
the most popular drro around and as a
result it has a vast number of guides
and tutorials most of these tutorials
also work for Debian but Debian usually
requires extra configurations and isn't
as Noob friendly as Ubuntu so that's why
I recommend Ubuntu for new users Linux
Mint and popos are examples of Ubuntu
based dros and these are good choices
however my favorite Ubuntu drro is
kubuntu which is extremely close to
vanila Ubuntu except it uses the KDE
desktop instead of gnome personally I'm
not a fan of gnome and I feel that KDE
offers a more userfriendly experience
especially for people who are coming
from Windows it's also highly
customizable so that's why kubuntu is
the drro I recommend and this is what
I'll be using for my guide in the next
video now for those of you who want to
try an arch based drro so that you'll
have the latest drivers by default I
recommend trying Endeavor OS which is
extremely close to vanilla arch with a
few minor tweaks I've actually already
made a guide on Endeavor OS so if you're
interested I suggest watching that video
as well another popular arch-based drro
that gets recommended a lot is mangaro
but I'm personally not a fan since they
make some significant changes from
vanilla Arch so I think Endeavor OS is
the better choice and one last thing I
wanted to mention is that AMD gpus are
usually recommended for Linux since the
drivers are built into the kernel but
Nvidia has come a long way and these
days Nvidia gpus will work just fine all
right so that wraps up today's video it
turns out it doesn't make that much of a
difference which drro you choose for
gaming but like I said an Ubuntu based
Dro is probably the best choice for
beginners who want to use their computer
for more than just games since Ubuntu
has the most resources and guides
available if you found this to be
helpful then be sure to give it a thumbs
up in my next video I'll be showing step
bystep how to set up steam and Run games
on Ubuntu and other dros so be sure to
subscribe to the channel and click the
Bell so you can get notified when that
video comes out thanks for watching and
I'll see you in the next
[Music]
one
5.0 / 5 (0 votes)