The 7 Linux distros I recommend most for gaming in 2025 – including my favorite

Linux gaming isn’t the punchline it used to be. Between Proton, Vulkan, modern Mesa drivers, and smart distro tuning, you can boot into a Linux desktop and be in a game launcher within minutes—no scavenger hunt required. If you’re building a dedicated rig, upgrading a laptop, or just curious about how far the penguin has come, these are the seven distros I consistently recommend for gaming in 2025, plus the one I personally reach for first.

1) Bazzite (my top pick)

If you want a console-like experience on a PC, Bazzite is the vibe. It delivers a Steam-first setup out of the box with a Fedora base, GameScope goodness, and smart defaults tailored to play rather than tinker. HDR and VRR support are baked in, the System76 CPU scheduler keeps frame pacing smooth, and Nvidia users get first-boot driver sanity. Controller pairing is painless, Waydroid enables Android apps, and full-disk encryption is available for those who travel with their library. It’s the closest thing to a living-room-ready Linux gaming OS without actually being the handheld-focused system it emulates.

2) Nobara

Nobara starts with Fedora’s dependable core and adds what many gamers usually install by hand: gaming kernels, media codecs, custom Proton builds, an optional Nvidia-focused ISO, and creator-minded tools like OBS. The result is a “just play” desktop that recognizes a wide range of controllers (Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo, and third-party pads) and minimizes the friction that can creep in when you’re chasing performance on vanilla Fedora. If you want a general-purpose workstation that’s immediately game-ready, Nobara is an easy win.

3) Pop!_OS

Not strictly a gaming distro, but Pop!_OS nails the part most people dread: GPUs. Separate AMD and Nvidia ISOs, clean hybrid-graphics switching on laptops, and reliable driver handling make it a great daily driver that doubles as a gaming box. You’ll install launchers (Steam, Lutris, etc.) yourself from the Pop! Shop, but setup is painless. Pop!_OS is ideal if you split your time between productivity and play, especially on mixed-GPU laptops or if you value a tidy desktop with sensible defaults and tiling options.

4) Regata OS

Regata OS is laser-focused on maximizing frame rates without turning your desktop into a science project. GameMode integration, AMD FSR support, and Vulkan-first performance tuning set a confident baseline. Laptops with hybrid graphics benefit from automatic offloading to the dedicated GPU for supported apps, and launchers from multiple ecosystems are supported through its tooling. If you want a smooth path to running titles from various storefronts and you care about battery-versus-power trade-offs on mobile hardware, Regata is a smart pick.

5) Drauger OS

Drauger OS wears its purpose on its sleeve: it’s a gaming-first Ubuntu descendant with a custom low-latency kernel and scheduling tweaks that prioritize responsiveness. A custom Plasma desktop, controller support, and out-of-the-box compatibility with platforms like Steam and Lutris keep you focused on your library. The installer and workflow differ a bit from stock Ubuntu, but that’s the price of a system built around twitchy input and tight frame timing. If your priority is raw playability over office polish, Drauger delivers.

6) Ubuntu GamePack

Prefer a familiar Ubuntu feel with gaming conveniences preloaded? Ubuntu GamePack packages Steam, Lutris, PlayOnLinux, Wine, classic emulation tools, and a GameMode switch that dials in CPU/GPU behavior when you launch. It keeps the friendly GNOME environment and broad repo support, so you get a “daily desktop” experience with minimal prep before you’re installing titles. Not every component is free-as-in-beer, but the included stack covers a huge chunk of modern and legacy gaming use cases.

7) Fedora Games Spin

Fedora Games Spin is different: it’s a curated trove of open-source games ready at first boot. Think strategy, arcade, puzzlers, and shooters—hundreds of titles to explore without touching your wallet. You won’t find your latest AAA blockbuster here, but as a zero-cost playground for experimentation, old hardware, or family setups, it’s terrific. And because it rides Fedora’s performance and hardware compatibility, it feels snappy even on modest machines.

How to choose the right one

• Want a console-like experience with minimal setup? Pick Bazzite.
• Need an “it just works” Fedora base with creator tools? Go Nobara.
• Daily driver that handles GPUs elegantly (especially laptops)? Pop!_OS.
• Chasing frame-rate gains and multi-storefront access? Regata OS.
• Latency-optimized, gaming-first desktop? Drauger OS.
• Ubuntu comfort with launchers and GameMode ready to roll? Ubuntu GamePack.
• Open-source games, classrooms, or older PCs? Fedora Games Spin.

Quick hardware notes

• AMD GPUs tend to shine on Linux thanks to excellent in-kernel and Mesa support. Nvidia is fine too—just choose a distro with a dedicated Nvidia ISO or preinstalled drivers.
• Laptops with hybrid graphics benefit from distros that clearly expose GPU switching (Pop!_OS, Regata OS) or handle it transparently.
• For high-refresh monitors, look for HDR/VRR support and GameMode integration (Bazzite, Nobara, Regata OS).
• VR on Linux is viable with supported GPUs and headsets, but check device compatibility before committing.

Bottom line: in 2025, Linux can be a fantastic place to play. Whether you want a living-room-friendly experience, a tinkerer’s playground, or a polished daily driver that crushes after-hours, one of these seven distros will get you in the game fast—and keep the frames flowing.