I only ever boot up Windows for VR stuff. It’s never been a barrier to me otherwise. Though I don’t often play anti-cheat heavy eSports games.

I have really high hopes about SteamOS for PC. Not because linux, but because Linux + good support

Imho Valve’s crown jewel is proton, which is already available by default on any Linux Steam install. Going for a “boring” Linux like Mint and installing Steam delivers a seamless experience for many gamer profiles already nowadays. The progress has been amazing (ymmv of course)

Still very excited about SteamOS because so many gamers seem to put enough trust in Valve to actually bite the bullet and ditch Windows.

Monado helped me kick windows for VR stuff.

I made the switch in January, and it’s been great. The only game I’ve had trouble with is a fully-kitted Skyrim with a bajillion external apps/runtimes, but I’ve managed to get even that working fine. Every other game is just Install/Play from Steam with no tweaks.

Are you using steamtinkerlaunch? I just discovered that and absolutely love that I can use vortex again

I started the switch over last night. Installed Kubuntu on a spare external ssd. Got Steam installed, figured out how to select the drivers I needed for my nvidia gpu. Even got remote desktop access to the game server I’m running. Linux has amazing capabilities built in, I’m impressed. Took some work to get Enshrouded running on Steam this afternoon (probably not the best game to start off with, it’s problematic) but after a good bit of trying different options it started up. If I can get Orca running for my 3d printer, there really isn’t much I’m going to miss from Windows.

SteamOS already has worse support than Linux distros half it’s age.

I want to go Linux on my main gaming system coz I like KDE and GNOME more than ugly ass Windows 11, but I just don’t want to deal with compatibility crap.

You mean the old debian based version? True, but the steam machines concept was a major misfire. This is not the case with steam deck and its version of SteamOS

i think those times are over. so i put some mint linux on any pc, install steam and then add non steam game .exe file. only setting needed is run with proton10. i have not yet found a thing that doesnt run. and it so far every time outruns windows.

As a primary Linux user, there are many cases that don’t work. Many kernel level anti cheat (which I would refuse to install on windows anyway), some games have noticeable worse performance (obscure expedition 33 has low average fps and terrible dips on linux, but it’s “OK” on windows for my specific hardware ).

On average, I think Linux is still better, but YMMV depending and what games your want and what HW you have.

So what games do you play?

Most just work out of the box for me without having to deal with anything

I don’t think Overwatch 2 and Marvel Rivals work. Mostly coz they are online multiplayers. I also play games ranging from really old from circa late 90’s to brand new games like Doom The Dark Ages. I’m sure there will be a lot of problematic ones in between as some are already problematic with Windows, let alone anything else.

No because that would be like 1/10 it’s age. I mean SteamOS 3.

I’m using an old 2080ti still and Bazzite has given me zero issues. PoE 2 was unplayable at first but that was more of a positive for me.

Kernel level anti cheat is the final obstacle for Linux gaming, I think. Its really the only thing that categorically does not work, so if those are the games you want to play you really are fucked.

The last bit is the key here. Is it gonna be objectively a better pick than any distro on the market right now? Not really. But the Valve name carries a lot of weight and will definitely bring in a lot of interested folks.

Both Overwatch 2 and Marvel Rivals work out of the box. I have had no issues playing either game. Are we anti cheat yet can help you see what multiplayer games work.

The older games you play may actually work better. Many people have found that Wine fixes several of issues when running older games.

I migrated away from Windows to Cachy OS earlier this year and I’ve never been happier. Linux still isn’t perfect for gaming but it’s night and day compared to the last time I tried like 10 years ago.