For those not interested in the dual boot

Linux is a great platform for many things, but gaming isn’t really one of them. As a server, workstation, or media center, Linux offers many advantages over Windows, such as speed and security. However, most gamers will likely look for alternatives, as Windows is the dominant PC platform for gamers outside of consoles.

If you’re not interested in dual-booting Windows with Linux, then you’ll want to look into gaming-ready Linux distributions that will let you play your favorite games. While Linux gaming isn’t a seamless or painless experience, you should be able to enjoy it by trying out one of these five best Linux distributions for gaming.

Before you rush out to install one of the major Linux distributions like Ubuntu or Debian, you should be aware of the state of Linux gaming. Most game developers do not support Linux, with support limited to indie titles or the (very rare) AAA release via platforms like Steam.