I’m looking for recommendations for a Linux distribution that’s ideal for everyday use and gaming, particularly one that utilizes the GNOME desktop environment. I’d prefer a distro that has applications easily installed via the terminal, but I want everything set up out of the box without needing to tinker around like I would with Arch. It’s important that it’s not a niche distro since I’d like to have a larger community for support and resources.
I mainly game on Steam with my new AMD setup—a Ryzen 7 7700 and a 7800XT GPU—so compatibility is key. I’ve been considering Ubuntu due to its solid reputation and user-friendliness, but I’ve heard mixed reviews about its gaming compatibility and the Snap packaging format. Will Ubuntu actually work well for gaming, and are there better alternatives out there?
6 Answers
If you’re looking for a great GNOME experience, I’d actually recommend Fedora. It has a solid out-of-the-box setup and is pretty friendly for gamers. Some people also like Ultramarine, which is based on Fedora and has a few tweaks to make it even better right away. Ubuntu can be alright for gaming, but the issue with snaps can be a hassle. Plus, you might miss out on some cutting-edge features that Fedora gets faster. That being said, Ubuntu is stable and many say it ‘just works’.
Bazzite offers a more gaming-optimized setup while still being user-friendly. It bundles most necessary apps and settings you might need, making it easier for a newcomer.
Honestly, Ubuntu is a solid choice and often underrated these days. If you stick with the interim releases like the 25.04 one, you’re likely to stay updated with a good stable kernel and drivers. People often criticize Ubuntu due to its connection with Canonical and the snap store, but from a practical standpoint, it functions well for most users and gamers, and performance is competitive with other distros.
Appreciate it! I’ll probably test Ubuntu 25.04 first with Steam using Flatpak.
Don’t overlook openSUSE Tumbleweed. It can run GNOME and also has a good balance of stability and up-to-date packages since it’s a rolling release. Just be aware that some people find it requires a bit more tweaking initially.
Is it really suitable for new users? I prefer something I can just install and forget.
Look into Bazzite if you’re looking for something tailored for gaming. It doesn’t require constant updates and is built around gaming compatibility with GNOME ready to roll, plus it avoids the pitfalls that come with Arch.
Could you explain why Bazzite is preferable to sticking with Silverblue? I want something easy.
You might also want to consider using CachyOS. It’s a newer distro that focuses heavily on gaming and is designed for minimal hassle. It’s built on Arch but doesn’t require as much tinkering as typical Arch installations. Just something to keep in mind!
If Ubuntu suits your needs and preferences, why not go for it? Just remember two things: avoid using the LTS versions, and don’t install Steam through Snap, as that can cause issues. Stick to Flatpak for a better experience!
Great tips! I’ll definitely check out Flatpak for Steam.
What makes Bazzite a better option than Silverblue? Can’t I just use the Steam Flatpak and be good, or is Bazzite more packaged for gaming?