Gaming on Linux
Linux is no longer just for developers and power users—it’s also becoming a serious platform for gaming. Thanks to major advancements and community support, more gamers are discovering that they don’t need to rely on Windows to enjoy their favorite titles.
Steam is fully functional on Linux, offering a native client and seamless access to thousands of games. Even many titles originally built for Windows can now be played effortlessly through Steam Play, powered by Proton—a groundbreaking compatibility tool developed by Valve Software. With Proton, launching Windows-only games is as easy as clicking Play in your Steam library.
Behind the scenes, Proton combines powerful technologies like Wine and DXVK, removing the need for manual setup or advanced technical know-how. This makes the transition to Linux much more accessible for gamers who want performance and freedom—without losing their existing game libraries.
While Proton is still evolving, support continues to improve with each update, expanding the range of compatible games and enhancing the overall experience. Gaming on Linux is no longer a compromise—it’s a growing, exciting alternative.
Steam can be easily installed on MX Linux, giving you access to a full-featured gaming platform within a sleek and modern Linux environment. With just a few steps, you can enjoy native Linux games or run Windows titles using Steam Play with Proton—no complex setup required.
What You Need to Know:
Linux has come a long way as a gaming platform, with native support from Steam and the powerful Proton compatibility layer making thousands of Windows games playable with minimal effort. But beyond Steam, gaming on other platforms is also possible—though it often requires a bit more tweaking, manual setup, or third-party tools to get things running smoothly.
While Linux gaming has made huge strides, there are still some limitations to be aware of. A handful of popular titles remain incompatible—either due to technical challenges or deliberate blocking. For instance, Fortnite is currently unplayable on Linux, as Epic Games has chosen not to support compatibility layers like Wine or Proton. Similarly, League of Legends and Valorant are hindered by anti-cheat systems such as Vanguard, which operates at the kernel level—a deeply embedded and highly intrusive method that is not supported on Linux and raises concerns even among Windows users.
Still, these exceptions are becoming fewer. With constant improvements from developers, open-source contributors, and tools like Proton, Linux gaming is stronger than ever. For most gamers—especially those using Steam—Linux offers a powerful, private, and highly customizable gaming experience.
No matter your style, Linux gives you the freedom to build your ideal gaming experience—with powerful tools and growing support from the gaming world.
