Tech Hacks PBLinuxGaming: Boost Performance for the Best Linux Gaming Experience

Linux gaming has come a long way, with platforms like Steam Proton, Lutris, and Wine making it easier than ever to play Windows games on Linux. However, optimizing performance can still be a challenge. Whether you’re a seasoned Linux gamer or just getting started, these tech hacks will help you get the most out of your gaming experience.

1. Use Gamemode for Better Performance

Gamemode is a daemon that optimizes system performance while gaming by tweaking CPU governors, I/O priorities, and kernel scheduler settings.

Installation (Debian/Ubuntu):

sudo apt install gamemode

Usage:

Launch games with:

gamemoderun %command%

(Add this in Steam’s launch options for Proton games.)

2. Enable Feral Interactive’s GameMode (Alternative)

Feral Interactive’s GameMode is another optimization tool that adjusts system settings dynamically.

Installation:

sudo apt install meson libsystemd-dev pkg-config ninja-build
git clone https://github.com/FeralInteractive/gamemode.git
cd gamemode
./bootstrap.sh

3. Use Proton-GE for Better Compatibility

Valve’s Proton is great, but Proton-GE (GloriousEggroll) includes additional patches and media codecs for better compatibility.

Installation:

# Install via ProtonUp-Qt (GUI) or manually:
wget https://github.com/GloriousEggroll/proton-ge-custom/releases/download/GE-ProtonX-X/GE-ProtonX-X.tar.gz
tar -xzf GE-ProtonX-X.tar.gz -C ~/.steam/root/compatibilitytools.d/

Restart Steam and select Proton-GE in compatibility settings.

4. Optimize Kernel for Gaming

A low-latency or real-time kernel can reduce input lag.

Install Low-Latency Kernel (Ubuntu):

sudo apt install linux-lowlatency

Or Use Liquorix Kernel (Better for Gaming):

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:damentz/liquorix
sudo apt install linux-image-liquorix-amd64

5. Enable FSync & Esync for Better Performance

Fsync (faster than Esync) reduces CPU overhead in Wine/Proton games.

Check FSync Support:

cat /proc/sys/kernel/futex_waitv

If 1, it’s enabled.

Enable Esync (if FSync is unavailable):

Set in Lutris or launch games with:

WINEESYNC=1 %command%

6. Overclocking & GPU Tweaks

For NVIDIA Users:

• Use GreenWithEnvy for overclocking:

  bash

  Copy

  Download

  flatpak install com.leinardi.gwe

For AMD Users:

• Enable Mesa RADV for Vulkan performance:

  bash

  Copy

  Download

  sudo apt install mesa-vulkan-drivers vulkan-tools

7. Reduce Input Lag with Picom/Compton

If you use a compositor (like Picom), disable it while gaming:

pkill picom

Or add a rule to disable it automatically when full-screen apps run.

8. Use Gamescope for Resolution Scaling

Gamescope (from Valve) helps with resolution scaling and frame limiting.

Installation:

sudo apt install gamescope

Usage:

gamescope -W 1920 -H 1080 -F -f -- %command%

9. Optimize Swap & Huge Pages

Reduce stuttering by adjusting swappiness and enabling huge pages.

Reduce Swappiness:

sudo sysctl vm.swappiness=10

Enable Huge Pages:

sudo sysctl vm.nr_hugepages=2048

10. Monitor Performance with MangoHud

MangoHud is an overlay for monitoring FPS, CPU, GPU, and more.

Installation:

sudo apt install mangohud

Usage:

mangohud %command%

Final Thoughts

Linux gaming is more viable than ever, but fine-tuning your system can make a huge difference. By applying these tech hacks, you can reduce input lag, improve FPS, and enjoy a smoother gaming experience.