Gaming on Linux hasn't been great so far...

Summary

This video explores the performance differences between Windows and Linux for gaming, highlighting how Linux lags behind in terms of FPS and smoothness, especially in titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora. The presenter discusses the challenges of dual-booting, the ethical dilemmas around activating Windows without paying, and troubleshooting issues when Linux setups fail, including corrupted system installations. Despite the frustration of technical difficulties, the video emphasizes the value of Linux for certain use cases while recognizing the limitations and difficulties for newcomers.

Takeaways

• 😀 Linux gaming performance tends to have a larger gap between average FPS and 1% low FPS compared to Windows, which can impact perceived smoothness in games.
• 😀 Cyberpunk 2077 showed smaller performance gaps between Linux and Windows, especially when using the built-in benchmark, but this test may not fully represent actual gameplay performance.
• 😀 Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora demonstrated noticeable performance drops on Linux, especially with a large gap between average FPS (140.8 on Windows vs 115.3 on Linux) and 1% low FPS.
• 😀 The performance differences between Linux and Windows are more pronounced at 1440p resolution, with Linux showing lower FPS across the board while maintaining a similar performance shape.
• 😀 Dual-booting Windows and Linux is recommended for certain titles that have compatibility issues or platform-specific requirements, such as those with secure boot or VBS settings.
• 😀 Linux can be a cost-effective solution for gaming, as it's free and open-source, but using Windows for certain games may still be necessary.
• 😀 While dual-booting Linux and Windows, users may face challenges when issues like system corruption occur, leading to frustration without sufficient Linux knowledge.
• 😀 The speaker’s Linux system experienced a major failure during testing, resulting in an 'emergency mode' error, making it difficult for them to recover their game installations and data.
• 😀 The importance of system backups and recovery tools is highlighted, as the speaker's backup OS failed to boot as well, indicating a potential risk for users relying solely on Linux for gaming.
• 😀 The Linux gaming community is supportive of open-source software but acknowledges that some Windows-exclusive games may require dual-booting for seamless gameplay and access to essential features.
• 😀 Users should be cautious when experimenting with Linux for gaming, as troubleshooting can be difficult, especially for beginners, and may involve seeking help from more experienced users or the community.

Q & A

What are the primary performance differences between Windows and Linux for gaming in the provided script?

The script indicates that Windows generally outperforms Linux in gaming, offering higher average FPS and lower 1% lows, which results in smoother gameplay. On Linux, the FPS drops are more noticeable, particularly in titles like *Cyberpunk 2077* and *Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora*. However, Linux can still provide smooth performance in certain benchmarks, although the performance gap is noticeable.

Why did the creators use built-in benchmarks for testing Cyberpunk 2077?

The built-in benchmarks were used for their convenience, as they provided quick, controlled, and repeatable results. However, the creators acknowledged that these benchmarks are not fully indicative of real-world gameplay, as factors like game saves and personalized settings might differ.

What is the significance of the 1% low metric in gaming performance testing?

The 1% low metric represents the lowest frame rates observed during gameplay, which is crucial for understanding the smoothness of the gaming experience. A larger gap between the 1% low and average FPS suggests stuttering or less consistent performance, which was observed more on Linux in comparison to Windows.

How does the higher resolution (1440p) affect gaming performance on Linux vs Windows?

At higher resolutions like 1440p, both Linux and Windows show lower FPS compared to 1080p, but the performance gap between the two platforms remains similar. This suggests that the performance hit is primarily due to the increased GPU load rather than how the OS utilizes hardware resources.

Why is dual-booting recommended for certain games that don’t work well on Linux?

Dual-booting is recommended for games like *Battlefield 6*, which are not expected to work well on Linux due to software or hardware requirements that Linux cannot currently overcome. Dual-booting allows users to switch between Linux and Windows, ensuring access to games that are better supported on Windows.

What ethical concerns are raised in the script regarding using cracked versions of Windows for gaming?

The script discusses the ethical dilemma of using cracked or script-activated versions of Windows to bypass purchasing a license. While not explicitly condoning piracy, it mentions that some users may resort to these methods in order to play certain games that don't run on Linux, highlighting a gray area in the discussion around ownership and access to software.

What problems were encountered when trying to use the dual-boot system, and how were they resolved?

The dual-boot system encountered issues after returning from a trip, with both the primary and backup operating systems failing to boot properly. The system entered emergency mode, displaying error messages about missing system files and permissions issues. Despite attempts to troubleshoot, the creators were unsure of the cause and had to rely on the community for potential solutions.

What troubleshooting steps did the creators take to resolve the issues with their dual-boot system?

The creators attempted to use journal logs to understand the issue, but the errors indicated problems with system groups and drivers. They also consulted AI tools like ChatGPT, but these failed to provide usable solutions, leaving them unsure of the next steps.

What is the potential impact of the errors encountered on the dual-boot system?

The errors led the creators to believe that their game installations and other data on the Linux partition may be lost, as both OS trees exhibited the same issue. Although a reinstall was possible, the fear of data loss and the complexity of recovery was a significant concern.

What role does the Linux community play in troubleshooting issues like those encountered in the script?

The Linux community is seen as a vital resource for troubleshooting, with the creators reaching out for help after encountering difficulties that they could not resolve on their own. The script highlights the complexities of Linux for beginners and the reliance on community expertise to solve more technical issues.