The biggest issue nowadays is kernel level anti cheat. For that developers have to turn on Linux support (where it won’t be kernel level). You can see the status of games on that front at https://areweanticheatyet.com/.
My understanding is the biggest issue is kernel level anti-cheat. I’ve never had a game fail to play well for me, but i also don’t play stuff like battlefield or destiny or FIFA or whatever.
Worst bug I’ve had is War Thunder having a 5-second freeze at the start of ground realistic battles. But that’s just bad support for the Linux client.
Other issues I’ve seen the most is forcing dedicated GPU (run parameters fix, e.g. DRI_PRIME=XXX) and connectivity with indie games on steam which is usually fixed with changing proton version, ensuring dedicated gpu, etc.
In the end, Finnish Cottage Simulator runs with proton 9.4 and that’s the only game you will ever need.
Is there a good way to figure out what games do and don’t work on Linux beyond just playing them?
I finally bought a SteamDeck to address this. Now I just use the “SteamDeck Verified” badge on Steam.
It is worth adding that I have found Valve to be very conservative with giving out “playable” and “verified” bages. (I have had to wait for a Nintendo Switch game to get a required emergency patch more times than I have had any issue with a “SteamDeck Verified” game on SteamDeck.)
With “Playable” your mileage may vary. A large number of “SteamDeck Playable” games would be fine on Linux Desktop, but are awkward on the SteamDeck smaller screen and need a hunch of controller mapping done.
But I happily play many games on my SteamDeck that are only badged as “playable”.
I guess my recommendation is what I did:
buy a SteamDeck
Try various games I care about on the SteamDeck
Satisfied, throw out my last copy of Windows
Mostly forget that desktop gaming is a thing, because I’m busy and my SteamDeck let’s me play on the go and from my recliner.
…?..
Declare this the year of the Linux DesktopGaming to my friends.
really the only thing that gives us trouble on linux these days are brand new AAA’s where the publisher is sometimes Linux-hostile or occasionally certain E-sports
if you run a John Deere tractor or a Cricut you might have to learn Docker
Is there a good way to figure out what games do and don’t work on Linux beyond just playing them? I use steam.
The biggest issue nowadays is kernel level anti cheat. For that developers have to turn on Linux support (where it won’t be kernel level). You can see the status of games on that front at https://areweanticheatyet.com/.
Protondb
Protondb
My understanding is the biggest issue is kernel level anti-cheat. I’ve never had a game fail to play well for me, but i also don’t play stuff like battlefield or destiny or FIFA or whatever.
Worst bug I’ve had is War Thunder having a 5-second freeze at the start of ground realistic battles. But that’s just bad support for the Linux client.
Other issues I’ve seen the most is forcing dedicated GPU (run parameters fix, e.g. DRI_PRIME=XXX) and connectivity with indie games on steam which is usually fixed with changing proton version, ensuring dedicated gpu, etc.
In the end, Finnish Cottage Simulator runs with proton 9.4 and that’s the only game you will ever need.
I finally bought a SteamDeck to address this. Now I just use the “SteamDeck Verified” badge on Steam.
It is worth adding that I have found Valve to be very conservative with giving out “playable” and “verified” bages. (I have had to wait for a Nintendo Switch game to get a required emergency patch more times than I have had any issue with a “SteamDeck Verified” game on SteamDeck.)
With “Playable” your mileage may vary. A large number of “SteamDeck Playable” games would be fine on Linux Desktop, but are awkward on the SteamDeck smaller screen and need a hunch of controller mapping done.
But I happily play many games on my SteamDeck that are only badged as “playable”.
I guess my recommendation is what I did:
DesktopGaming to my friends.This is a great place to check out. https://www.protondb.com/
Thanks
Also if it’s even remotely compatible with steam deck then you can usually assume it’s at least playable on any linux distro.
Bauldur’s Gate 3 works and Rimworld works so that’s really all that matters.
really the only thing that gives us trouble on linux these days are brand new AAA’s where the publisher is sometimes Linux-hostile or occasionally certain E-sports
if you run a John Deere tractor or a Cricut you might have to learn Docker