There has never been a better time to game on Linux

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Linux gaming is widely seen as more viable than ever thanks to Proton, Steam Deck, and tools like Heroic, with many Windows titles now running smoothly or even comparably in performance. However, participants highlight persistent gaps: anti-cheat–protected multiplayer games, VR support, some hardware (especially Nvidia) quirks, and occasional game-specific breakage still keep many players dual-booting or maintaining a separate Windows machine. Underlying the technical points is a broader tension between the convenience and compatibility of Windows and frustration with its ads, telemetry, and forced updates, which is pushing more gamers to tolerate Linux’s remaining rough edges.

Windows Frustrations and Privacy Concerns

  • Many comments express strong dislike of modern Windows (especially 11): forced online/Microsoft accounts, bundled apps, ads, “news,” and OneDrive integration that can unexpectedly delete or de-sync local files.
  • Automatic reboots for updates and UX “dark patterns” (Edge prompts, cloud nags) are major pain points.
  • Some worry about trusting password managers or sensitive data on Windows machines.

Current State of Linux Gaming

  • Several users report gaming exclusively on Linux for years with minimal issues, especially via Steam + Proton, often on Arch/Manjaro/Pop!_OS/Fedora.
  • Steam Deck is repeatedly cited as evidence that Linux gaming is now “good enough” for many titles and users.
  • Many games “just work,” including a wide range of indie and AA/AAA titles; Protontricks and specific Proton builds help with edge cases.

Compatibility Gaps: Anti‑Cheat, Multiplayer, VR, Hardware

  • Biggest remaining blockers: anti‑cheat and DRM. Notable non-working or problematic games include Fortnite, Destiny 2, CoD, PUBG, Genshin Impact, some BattleEye/EAC titles, and VRChat after EAC.
  • VR is described as “the major exception,” especially Oculus Link on Linux.
  • Some racing wheels and other niche peripherals have poor or no Linux support.
  • GPU drivers, particularly Nvidia and some AMD generations, still cause crashes or setup pain for some users. G-Sync on multi‑monitor setups and Wayland is flagged as broken.

Performance Comparisons

  • One side claims Linux is “not even close” to Windows in performance due to compatibility layers.
  • Others counter with benchmarks, Steam Deck experience, and personal testing showing Linux/Proton often close to or matching Windows, occasionally even faster, especially on certain titles or older games.
  • Consensus: compatibility gaps are now a bigger issue than raw FPS for most.

Workarounds and Hybrid Setups

  • Common strategies:
    • Dual-boot Linux/Windows, though many find rebooting annoying.
    • Dedicated Windows gaming PC (sometimes “de‑bloated,” LTSC, or AtlasOS) plus Linux daily driver.
    • Some simply give up on incompatible games or refund them rather than use Windows.

Older Games and Preservation

  • Both Windows and Linux (via Wine/DXVK) are praised for strong backwards compatibility with older Windows games.
  • Some older titles reportedly run better under Wine/Proton than on modern native Windows due to DLL or OS changes.

Ads, Telemetry, and Principles

  • Several participants object to ads and tracking at the OS level on principle, especially on a paid product.
  • Debate over whether targeted ads have any upside; critics stress lack of consent and the broader adtech ecosystem.

Meta: “Best Time Ever” Framing

  • Some note the title is trivially true every year, but others argue there’s been a real phase shift: expectation has flipped from “most games won’t work” to “most games will.”
  • Caution is urged against overselling: Linux gaming is “very close,” but critical gaps (anti‑cheat, VR, specific hardware) remain for many players.