For a long time, the phrase “Linux gaming PC” sounded like something only hardcore tinkerers would attempt. These days, that is no longer true. Linux has become a serious option for gamers who want a fast, efficient, and more affordable custom-built computer.
At Lithgeek, when you ask us to build a custom gaming computer, you can request Linux instead of Windows 11. For the right person, that can mean a smoother system, lower upfront cost, and fewer headaches over time.
That naturally leads to a few big questions.
What about drivers?
Will everything run on Linux?
Which Linux distro is best for gaming?
Let’s go through it honestly.
Why choose Linux for a gaming computer?
The biggest reason many people look at Linux is value.
If you skip a Windows 11 licence on a custom-built gaming PC, the machine can cost less from the start. That matters when every dollar could instead go towards a better graphics card, more RAM, faster storage, or improved cooling.
But Linux is not only about saving money. Many gamers also like it because it feels leaner and more focused. A well-set-up Linux system can avoid a lot of the background clutter people associate with modern Windows installs. That can make the whole PC feel snappier for everyday use, not just gaming.
For some buyers, Linux also has an appeal because it gives them more control. You decide how your system works, what is installed, and how much bloat you want to tolerate. For a custom PC, that makes sense. If you are paying to have a machine tailored to your needs, why not tailor the operating system as well?
But what about the drivers?
This is one of the first concerns people raise, and fair enough.
Look, drivers can be an issue on almost any computer platform. Apple avoids a lot of that pain because it controls the hardware and the software together. In the wider PC world, things are always a bit messier.
The good news is that Linux drivers are often less of a problem than many people expect, especially when you choose the right hardware. AMD graphics support is built deeply into the Linux kernel and Mesa graphics stack, while NVIDIA support is also available and some distros even offer images with NVIDIA drivers prepared from the start. System76 notes that AMD drivers are included in the Linux kernel, and both Pop!_OS and Nobara provide gaming-friendly support options for NVIDIA users.
That said, here is the honest answer: when Linux driver problems happen, they usually show up with less common hardware, unusual accessories, or niche software and games. Mainstream parts tend to be the safest path.
This is why a custom build matters. If you tell us you want Linux on your gaming PC, we can help steer the build towards hardware that is more Linux-friendly from the start. That reduces surprises later.
Will everything run on Linux?
The honest answer is no.
Not every game, launcher, anti-cheat system, or creative app works perfectly on Linux. Anyone telling you otherwise is overselling it.
However, the list of games and programs that work on Linux keeps growing. A huge reason for that is Steam Play and Proton. Valve’s Proton compatibility layer allows many Windows games to run on Linux, and Valve says the vast majority of the Steam library runs on SteamOS thanks to Proton, with more than 18,000 titles playable on SteamOS. Steam also explains that Steam Play can allow Windows-only games to work on Linux.
That point matters because SteamOS is Linux. The same company behind the Steam Deck has helped push Linux gaming further into the mainstream. SteamOS itself is Arch Linux-based.
Outside Steam, tools such as Lutris and Heroic Games Launcher can help Linux users manage games from other platforms. Lutris describes itself as an open gaming platform for Linux that helps you install and play games from many eras and systems, while Heroic supports Epic, GOG and Amazon Prime Games across Linux, Windows and macOS.
So no, Linux does not run everything. But it runs far more than many people realise, and it gets better every year.
The best gaming-friendly Linux distros
Not every Linux distro is equally friendly for gaming. Some are brilliant but demand more experience. Others are better for people who just want to get stuck into their games.
Here are some of the better-known gaming-friendly options right now.
1. Bazzite
Bazzite has built a strong reputation as a Linux gaming distro for people who want a polished experience without too much messing around. Its developers describe it as an operating system for newcomers and enthusiasts alike, with Steam pre-installed, HDR and VRR support, and gaming-focused tweaks. The project also describes Bazzite as a user-friendly Fedora Atomic-based system with a focus on PC gaming.
For many people, Bazzite feels like one of the closest things to a “console-style Linux gaming PC” experience.
2. Nobara
Nobara is another excellent option, especially for people who want a distro already tuned for gaming, streaming, and content creation. The project says it is Fedora-based and ships with things like Wine, OBS, codecs, and third-party repositories configured to reduce setup time. Nobara also offers optional images with pre-installed NVIDIA drivers, which can be very helpful for gaming builds using NVIDIA cards.
For customers who like the idea of Linux but do not want to spend days setting things up, Nobara is a very attractive choice.
3. Pop!_OS
Pop!_OS is often recommended because it is friendly, tidy, and practical. System76 provides a dedicated NVIDIA version of Pop!_OS 24.04 LTS, and its gaming documentation covers Steam, Lutris, and graphics management clearly. Pop!_OS also includes graphics switching tools for supported hardware.
It may not brand itself as a pure gaming distro first, but it is absolutely a strong option for a custom gaming PC that will also be used for school, work, streaming, or general day-to-day tasks.
Is Linux better than Windows for gaming?
That depends on the gamer.
If you need every single competitive title, every launcher, every anti-cheat system, and every odd bit of software to work without compromise, Windows is still the safer universal option.
But if your game library lines up well with Steam, Proton-supported titles, emulators, indie games, older classics, or selected launchers, Linux can be fantastic. It can also be a better fit for people who want a cleaner machine, lower software cost, and a system that feels more personal.
So the real question is not “Is Linux better than Windows for everyone?”
It is: “Is Linux better for the way you actually use your gaming PC?”
For some customers, the answer is absolutely yes.
The Lithgeek approach: honest advice first
At Lithgeek, we are big on honesty. We want to take your money for the right reasons, not by pretending every option is perfect for every person.
Linux on a gaming computer is not magic. It is not for every gamer. But it is also not some weird fringe experiment anymore. For the right build and the right game library, it can be a brilliant choice.
And because we build custom systems, we can help you choose hardware with Linux in mind from the beginning. That matters. A carefully planned custom build is always better than a rushed box off the shelf.
Sometimes that means waiting a little longer while the right parts come in. That is part of building something worthwhile. A proper gaming PC should feel less like grabbing fast food and more like commissioning something crafted to suit you.
Thinking about a custom Linux gaming PC?
If you are in Lithgow, Katoomba, Bathurst, Orange or Dubbo and you are planning your next gaming rig, talk to us about Linux as an alternative to Windows 11.
You might end up with:
- a lower upfront price
- a smoother and more efficient system
- a gaming PC tailored to the games you actually play
- a machine that feels like yours from day one
If you want a custom-built gaming computer with Linux, come and chat with us at Lithgeek, 85 Main Street Lithgow or visit lithgeek.com. We can help you work out whether Linux is the right fit, which distro makes sense, and what hardware will give you the best experience.
Because the best gaming PC is not just the most expensive one.
It is the one built properly for you.