Linux Gaming in 2025: Complete Setup Guide for Steam, Proton and Native Games

Linux gaming has transformed dramatically in recent years. Thanks to Valve Steam Deck, Proton compatibility layer, and native game ports, playing games on Linux is now better than ever. This guide covers everything you need to start gaming on Linux in 2025.

Why Game on Linux?

• Performance – Many games run faster on Linux due to lower system overhead
• No Windows license cost – Save money for more games
• Privacy – No telemetry or forced updates interrupting gameplay
• Steam Deck success – Valve has invested heavily in Linux gaming
• Growing compatibility – Over 80% of top Steam games now work on Linux

Best Linux Distros for Gaming

1. Bazzite (Best Overall)

An image-based Fedora derivative designed specifically for gaming:

• Pre-configured for gaming out of the box
• Steam, Lutris, and drivers pre-installed
• Atomic updates that can be rolled back
• Steam Deck-like experience on any hardware

2. Pop!_OS

System76 distribution with excellent NVIDIA support:

• NVIDIA drivers included in ISO
• Easy GPU switching for laptops
• Gaming-optimized kernel

3. Nobara

Fedora-based distro by GloriousEggroll (Proton-GE creator):

• Gaming tweaks pre-applied
• Latest drivers and software
• OBS Studio and streaming tools included

Essential Gaming Setup

Install Graphics Drivers

NVIDIA (Ubuntu/Pop!_OS):

# Install latest NVIDIA driver
sudo apt install nvidia-driver-545

# Reboot after installation
sudo reboot

AMD (drivers included in kernel):

# Enable AMD ROCm for better performance
sudo apt install mesa-vulkan-drivers

Install Steam

# Ubuntu/Debian
sudo apt install steam

# Fedora
sudo dnf install steam

# Flatpak (universal)
flatpak install flathub com.valvesoftware.Steam

Enable Steam Play (Proton)

Proton allows Windows games to run on Linux:

1. Open Steam → Settings → Compatibility
2. Check “Enable Steam Play for supported titles”
3. Check “Enable Steam Play for all other titles”
4. Select “Proton Experimental” as default

Install Proton-GE (Recommended)

Community Proton with extra game fixes:

# Install ProtonUp-Qt
flatpak install flathub net.davidotek.pupgui2

# Launch and install Proton-GE versions

Game Launchers

Lutris – Universal Gaming Platform

Manages games from multiple sources:

# Install Lutris
sudo apt install lutris

# Or via Flatpak
flatpak install flathub net.lutris.Lutris

Lutris supports: GOG, Epic Games, Ubisoft Connect, EA App, Battle.net

Heroic Games Launcher

Best for Epic Games and GOG:

flatpak install flathub com.heroicgameslauncher.hgl

Check Game Compatibility

Before buying, check ProtonDB.com for compatibility ratings:

• Native – Linux version available
• Platinum – Works perfectly via Proton
• Gold – Works with minor tweaks
• Silver – Playable with some issues
• Bronze/Borked – Significant problems

Popular Games That Work Great

Performance Optimization

GameMode

Feral Interactive tool that optimizes system for gaming:

# Install GameMode
sudo apt install gamemode

# Games automatically use it, or launch manually:
gamemoderun ./game

MangoHud – Performance Overlay

# Install MangoHud
sudo apt install mangohud

# Launch game with overlay
mangohud %command%

Enable Vulkan Shader Cache

# Add to /etc/environment
RADV_PERFTEST=gpl  # AMD
__GL_SHADER_DISK_CACHE=1  # NVIDIA

Anti-Cheat Games

Some games with anti-cheat now support Linux:

• Easy Anti-Cheat – Many games enabled (Fortnite, Apex Legends offline)
• BattlEye – Some games work (DayZ, ARMA 3)
• Not supported – Valorant, PUBG, Destiny 2, Rainbow Six Siege

Check areweanticheatyet.com for current status.

Troubleshooting

Game Not Launching

1. Try different Proton version
2. Check ProtonDB for specific fixes
3. Verify game files in Steam
4. Check launch options on ProtonDB

Poor Performance

• Ensure correct GPU drivers installed
• Enable GameMode
• Check if game uses Vulkan (better) or DirectX
• Try Proton-GE instead of default Proton

Conclusion

Linux gaming in 2025 is a viable option for most gamers. With Steam Proton, the majority of your library will work. Start with Steam, enable Proton, and enjoy gaming on Linux!