With so many desktop Linux distros to choose from, it can be daunting to find that perfect distro that fits your particular use case. If, however, you’re an avid or casual gamer and would like to use the same desktop Linux for gaming that you could also use for performing general computing tasks, this article for you.
In here, I’ve put together a short list of general-purpose distros that are also optimized for gaming out of the box. so you can use them for work and play.
So without further ado, an alphabetical listing of the best desktop Linux for gaming that are just as suitable for performing general computing tasks in 2025 follows . . .
1. Bazzite
Bazzite is a distro based on Fedora Atomic that can be installed on regular PC as well as on handheld gaming devices, like the Steam Deck, Lenovo Legion Go, and ASUS ROG Ally. It comes pre-installed with Steam, so you can play all your favorite Steam games (Steam Gaming Mode is supported). It can also play games from non-Steam stores, like from EA App, Epic Games Store, GOG.com, itch.io, Rockstar Games Launcher, and Ubisoft Connect.
But most importantly, you can use it like any other desktop Linux to perform any mundane computing task. Installation images for KDE Plasma and GNOME desktop environments are available. In case you’re wondering, this article’s featured image is from an installation of KDE Plasma edition of Bazzite .
You may down a Bazzite installation image of your choice from https://bazzite.gg.
2. Fedora Games Lab
Fedora Games Lab is just a spin of Fedora with popular open source games installed. The fact that it’s just a Fedora spin means it can be used for any other computing task you want to do, besides gaming. More info about it is available at https://fedoraproject.org/labs/games.
3. Garuda Linux
Garuda Linux is an Arch Linux-based distro, with support for several desktop environments and window managers, including KDE Plasma, GNOME, Cinnamon, Xfce4, Sway, and i3WM. For your gaming pleasure, there is a KDE Dragonized Gaming Edition that’s loaded with what you need to play your favorite games, including Steam, Lutris, Minigalaxy WINE, Boxtron, Proton GE custom, vkd3d GOverlay, SteamTinkerLaunch, etc.
You may download an installation image of Garuda Linux KDE Gaming Edition from the project’s download page.
4. Nobara
Nobara is a general-purpose distro that’s based on Fedora, but optimized for content creation and gaming. There are KDE and GNOME editions of Nobara. There are also Nvidia-friendly installation images, which come with proprietary Nvidia drivers preinstalled. Regardless of the desktop edition you choose to install, you can use it for work and play. You may find a suitable Nobara installation image for your hardware at the project’s download page.
5. Pop!_OS
Though Pop!_OS is a general-purpose Linux distro based on Ubuntu, the developers also publish an ISO image optimized for gaming on Nvidia GPUs (Nvidia proprietary drivers are installed out of the box). You may download it by clicking the download button at https://pop.system76.com.
6. Regata OS
Regata OS is also a general-purpose Linux distro optimized for gaming out of the box. It is Brazilian in origin and based on openSUSE. It is said to have solid support for AMD and Nvidia GPUs and on computers with hybrid graphics. Vulkan graphics API and AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) technology come built in. And Regata OS Game Access makes it easy to play games from several game publishers, like Steam Store, Origin, Battle.net, Ubisoft Connect and Epic Games Store.
That means you can play as hard as you work on an installation of Regata OS.
More info and how to download it are available at https://get.regataos.com.br
By the way . . .
There is a longer list of distros optimized for gaming, both on desktops and on handheld devices. That list makes up the 13 Linux distros optimized for gaming in 2025 article. Also, here are a few tips on the most effective way to build a Linux gaming machine.
