Recent benchmark tests suggest that Linux gaming performance is steadily improving, with an Arch-based distribution, CachyOS, outperforming Windows 11 in several modern games.
The comparison, conducted by NJ Tech, used identical hardware across both platforms, including an AMD Ryzen 5 5600X processor, Radeon RX 6700 XT graphics card, 16GB RAM, and an NVMe SSD. Windows 11 was tested with AMD Adrenalin drivers, while CachyOS ran on Mesa drivers.
In multiple titles, Linux showed a noticeable performance edge. In Crimson Desert, CachyOS achieved 63 FPS compared to 59 FPS on Windows. The gap widened further in Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, where Linux reached 81 FPS against 68 FPS on Windows, along with better 1% lows, indicating smoother performance.
Similar gains were recorded in demanding games. Red Dead Redemption 2 averaged 85 FPS on Linux versus 81 FPS on Windows, while Cyberpunk 2077 reached 98 FPS on CachyOS compared to 91 FPS on Windows under the same settings. Overall, Linux delivered roughly 3 to 10 percent higher frame rates in several tests.
However, results were not universally in Linux’s favor. The First Descendant performed better on Windows, and The Division 2 showed identical average FPS on both systems, though Windows maintained slightly more stable frame lows.
A key factor behind Linux’s performance gains is Proton, which allows Windows-based games to run on Linux. Over time, Proton has evolved into a reliable solution capable of handling even demanding modern titles.
While Windows still holds an advantage in terms of broader developer support and compatibility, these results highlight a shift in the gaming landscape. The performance gap between Linux and Windows is narrowing, and in some cases, Linux is beginning to outperform its long-dominant competitor.
