Thinking About Switching to Linux - Is It Worth It for Gaming?

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I recently got a new PC featuring an NVIDIA RTX 3080 and an Intel I5 12th CPU. I’ve loved using Linux in the past, and I found some compatibility info on the Proton DB site. The thing is, I really dislike Windows because of how much space it takes up. My friends and I play a lot of online games, mostly Counter Strike 2, which I know runs natively on Linux, and we’ve also started playing Marvel Rivals, which I’ve heard works too. I’m worried about switching completely to Linux because I want to make sure everything runs smoothly. I’ve mostly played single-player games, like I just finished Half-Life 2. Is there anyone out there who can share their experiences about running games on Linux? Should I just stick with Windows for the hassle-free experience?

Thinking About Switching to Linux - Is It Worth It for Gaming
Counter-Strike 2

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5 Answers

StraightTalker101 -

Honestly, if you can handle the switch, it sounds like Linux would be a great fit for you. Just keep in mind some anti-cheat games won’t work. With Steam’s compatibility layers, most games run smoothly. If you want to try, just make sure you can go back to Windows if needed!

SinglePlayerPro -

If most of your gaming is single-player, you should be fine on Linux. Counter Strike and Marvel Rivals work well there. Just check the compatibility of any games and programs you want to use beforehand. I was hesitant to switch but barely touch Windows anymore, thanks to my dual boot setup—I only use it for Fortnite now.

CheatFreeGamer -

Since you’re not focusing on games that have heavy anti-cheat, you should be good! My main issues have been figuring out which Proton version works best, but that’s relatively minor. For most games, including those you mentioned, the experience is pretty smooth now.

LinuxLover99 -

I dual boot between Windows and Linux. Honestly, I prefer Linux and spend about 90% of my time on it. There can definitely be hiccups when games get updates or bugs pop up, but that happens on Windows too. Recently, I’ve been playing games like The Finals, OW2, POE2, and Marvel Rivals on Linux without issues. If you’re worried, dual booting is a great option. You can transition fully later if you find everything works well for you.

NewbieGamer88 -

Quick question—does dual booting absorb a lot of space? I have a 500 GB SSD. Is it worth it? I’m a bit confused, sorry!

GameChanger88 -

Swapping to Linux has its perks! No ads, low hardware demands, and you don’t need to create an online account to use it. Plus, if you’re tech-savvy, you can customize your experience however you like.

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