Choosing the right Linux distro for Steam can enhance your gaming experience, providing better performance and compatibility. This page covers the best options available for gamers in 2026.
Distros with optimized performance ensure smooth gameplay, reducing lag and improving frame rates.
Comprehensive driver support, especially for GPUs, is crucial for running the latest games seamlessly.
A wide range of available packages and easy access to Steam and related tools enhance the gaming setup.
Regular updates and a stable environment prevent crashes and keep your system secure while gaming.
Our top picks for steam, ranked by overall experience.
Best Overall Experience
Pop!_OS offers a sleek user interface and excellent hardware support, making it ideal for gamers using Steam. It provides out-of-the-box NVIDIA support for optimal performance.
Most Popular Choice
Ubuntu is a widely used distro with robust community support, making it easy to install and configure Steam. It offers a stable environment for gaming.
Cutting-Edge Features
Manjaro provides users with the latest software and drivers, ensuring a cutting-edge gaming experience. Its rolling release model keeps your system up-to-date.
Beginner-Friendly Option
Linux Mint is known for its ease of use, making it a great choice for newcomers to Linux gaming. It provides a stable and polished experience.
Latest Technologies
Fedora offers the latest technologies and features, making it ideal for gamers looking for the newest improvements and packages.
Performance-Driven Design
Garuda Linux focuses on performance and aesthetics, providing a gaming-optimized environment with a sleek design.
Not sure which to pick? These comparisons might help.
While many Steam games are compatible with Linux, some may require additional tweaks or tools like Proton to run smoothly.
Linux offers a stable and customizable environment, but Windows generally has broader game support. However, Linux gaming is improving rapidly.
Most modern graphics cards have driver support in Linux, especially NVIDIA and AMD. It's essential to check compatibility for optimal performance.
Proton is a compatibility layer developed by Valve, allowing Windows games to run on Linux through Steam, enhancing game compatibility.
Some games and software may not be natively available on Linux, requiring compatibility layers or alternative solutions.
Steam can be installed via package managers or by downloading the installer from the Steam website. Most major Linux distros offer straightforward installation processes.
Compare any two distros side-by-side.
