Advice needed from PC gamers who run Linux, please!
I’m thinking seriously about ditching Windows on my main PC. The only reason I haven’t done so years ago is gaming. I have a massive library on Steam and I really don’t want to kiss that goodbye.
I understand Linux gaming has got wildly better in recent years. Can anyone point me in the direction of a good primer on the subject? Debian or Debian-like focused preferably, as that’s what I’m most comfortable with.
@hedders I was in a very similar situation and indeed still have a big rattly Windows locomotive under the desk, which is now my kiddo's gaming PC.
I am happy to report that gaming from my Steam collection on Ubuntu (which is Debian derived) works almost flawlessly. I got a System76 gazelle laptop with Nvidia graphics card, and more or less, everything Just Works.
@hedders Perhaps I see fewer problems than some might, because I don't tend to play the latest big AAA multiplayer shooting people in the face simulators, which tend to be where the most problematic severe anti cheat measures are deployed. (Tho CS works)
I play what I'd characterize as mainstream genX gamerDad titles. I don't have a single game in my collection which I can't play.
@hedders Gaming on Linux is pretty good for general info and forums.
Don't assume that the websites telling you which game will/won't work are reliable - I've found they're wrong about 25-50% of the time.
However, a lot of games have a native Linux version or run through Proton (which you can opt into based on the games Steam says are tested, or you can just try everything through Linux).
The only way to be sure, if there's not a native port, is to try running the game.
@hedders
Well...Once SteamPlay activated, 80% of Windows games run as is under Linux.
Some studios also have native Linux versions (which Steam supports, like Metro Exodus).
I have been playing under Linux with Steam (and out of Steam) for some years now.
@hedders I don't know of any primers, but I've been Linux-only for a few years now, and any game I've had in my Steam library I had no problems running. I'm currently on Mind which is Debian based.
@hedders The only special work you need to do is go to Compatibility in Steam settings and toggle on the second option. And then you can install and run any game on Linux
Primer wise, install steam, install game as on windows, hit play. There's really not a lot to add to that for most games. Some need a bit of tinkering.
@hedders@etchedpixels You can also try Lutris, which I've been able to use to get step by step instructions in the rare cases that proton doesn't Just Work.
Someone else pointed out protondb, but if you have to do any work to get a game to run, often the steps will be nicely annotated in teh protondb reports.
@sleepybisexual thanks. I’m pretty familiar with Linux Mint and have used it in other contexts, and it’s a strong contender. I guess what I’m looking for is guidance on getting games, especially Steam games, working. I’ve heard of Proton, but never used it. Is it hard to set up?
@hedders@sleepybisexual
Not much into games most the time, but I have a small casual and shooter library on Steam, and run Debian since more than 25 years on my PC.
Never had any issues with Steam games on Linux! Only point is, many games are simply only available for Windows 😒
@Boerdejakobiner All those "Windows only" games run on Linux directly through Steam these days. It's the pervasiveness and reliability of that process that the OP is asking about. 🤗
@sleepybisexual@hedders Most stuff you get similar performance, sometimes better (ESO for example runs better on Linux than on Windows). Does seem to vary a lot. I've not hit any problems but Ghostwire Tokyo and Thief are probably as hard as I've pushed the graphics card I have.
@hedders know there's websites out there for information if the game would run through Proton and stuff as some games don't run due to anti-cheat and restrictions by the developer.
@hedders@sam also, be aware that Steam just handles this for you, out of the box, so unless you're getting very hardcore, you won't need to worry about it, other than occasionally selecting a particular version of Proton to use for an obstinate game, in the Steam UI.
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