Do games run better on Linux?
The short answer is it depends. Linux offers several performance advantages that can boost FPS in games by up to 10-15%. However, lack of widespread official game support means getting titles running properly can be challenging. For most gamers, Windows remains the best platform. But Linux gaming is progressing quickly – one to keep an eye on!
How Linux squeezes more juice from your hardware
As an open-source operating system, Linux has some inherent efficiency advantages:
- Leaner system overhead frees up more RAM and CPU cycles for games rather than background tasks.
- Superior scheduler reduces stuttering by handling GPU/CPU requests more smoothly.
- Native AMD/Intel graphics drivers translate to 5-15% better frame rates in supported titles.
For example, according to benchmarks from FlightlessMango and Level1Techs, popular games like CS:GO run around 5-12% faster on Linux depending on hardware. Here‘s a comparison of average FPS across 10 games:
| OS | Average FPS |
| Windows 10 | 97 fps |
| Linux (Most Distros) | 105 fps |
Why does this performance advantage exist? Linux was designed from scratch to efficiently allocate memory and schedule processes. The open-source community also rallies around optimizing drivers. It‘s simply better tuned for graphical workloads.
The state of gaming support on Linux
Over 6,000 games on Steam now support Linux including popular titles like Team Fortress 2, Civilization VI, and Life is Strange. That said, it still only represents about 25% of Steam‘s catalog.
Steam gaming support on Linux (Data from Steam)
Additionally, anti-cheat software from BattlEye and Easy Anti-Cheat do not work on Linux – making online games like PUBG and Apex Legends unplayable.
As for drivers, AMD and Intel GPUs perform very well with open-source options. However Nvidia proprietary drivers lag behind Windows causing 5-15% slower frame rates for some users.
In summary – Linux leaves plenty of performance on the table but a good chunk of games may not cooperate!
Compatibility – Far from perfect
While titles that invest resources into Linux ports generally run flawlessly, gaming compatibility outside this approved list can be hit or miss:
- Graphics glitches or crashes are common for unsupported games.
- Getting games to launch can involve terminal tweaks and community guides.
- Anti-cheat and DRM limitations block more than just online play.
According to ProtonDB – a community rating system – only 76% of top Steam games work flawlessly on Linux. Another 18% can run but have glitches or require special launches.
So is conquering compatibility issues worth enjoying higher frame rates? For Linux gaming enthusiasts – absolutely! But for most gamers just wanting seamless entertainment, Windows provides a safer bet for now.
The verdict – promising but aim for 100 FPS on Windows first
In times of GPU shortages, extracting every last bit of performance matters. And titles that*:
- Support Linux officially
- Avoid anti-cheat limitations
- Have mature graphics drivers
*Can certainly achieve better FPS on Linux.
But since the vast majority of games remain untested or problematic on Linux, sticking to Windows is generally wisest for serious players… for now at least!
If you‘ve already maxed settings/upgrades and want to experiment further – test driving Linux could unlock extra smoothness.
Just don‘t expect the reliability of playing on Windows natively quite yet. As more developers add Vulcan/Linux support down the road, the scales may tip!
