🎮 Gaming on KDE Neon: Setup Guide

KDE Neon is an Ubuntu LTS-based distribution that provides the latest KDE Plasma experience while maintaining a stable core. However, it requires some manual setup for gaming since it doesn’t come with pre-installed gaming tools like Steam or Lutris.

✅ Latest KDE Plasma environment
✅ Stable Ubuntu LTS base
✅ Highly customizable and lightweight

⚠️ Important: KDE Neon does not include pre-installed gaming software or proprietary drivers. You’ll need to manually install Steam, Lutris, and Wine/Proton for gaming.

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1️⃣ Installing Steam on KDE Neon

Steam is not pre-installed but can be easily installed via the terminal:

sudo apt update && sudo apt install steam

Enabling Steam Play (Proton) for Windows Games

1. Open Steam → Go to Settings.
2. Navigate to Steam Play.
3. Check "Enable Steam Play for supported titles".
4. (Optional) Enable "Enable Steam Play for all other titles" to run all Windows games.
5. Select the latest Proton version (Proton-GE is recommended).

To install Proton-GE (a community-enhanced Proton version), use ProtonUp-Qt:

flatpak install flathub net.davidotek.pupgui2

Launch ProtonUp-Qt and install the latest Proton-GE.

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2️⃣ Installing Lutris for Non-Steam Games

Lutris allows you to run Epic Games, GOG, Battle.net, Ubisoft Connect, and more. Install it using:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:lutris-team/lutris
sudo apt update
sudo apt install lutris

Launch Lutris from the applications menu or via terminal:

lutris

To install Epic Games, GOG, or other launchers, open Lutris and search for the respective installer.

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3️⃣ Wine & Proton for Running Windows Games

Step 1: Install Wine & Winetricks

sudo dpkg --add-architecture i386  
sudo apt update  
sudo apt install wine64 wine32 winetricks

Step 2: Verify Wine Installation

wine --version

Step 3: Install Essential Libraries with Winetricks

winetricks corefonts vcrun2019 dxvk

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4️⃣ GPU Driver Setup for KDE Neon

KDE Neon does not install proprietary drivers automatically.

NVIDIA Users

Install the latest NVIDIA drivers using:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:graphics-drivers/ppa
sudo apt update
sudo apt install nvidia-driver-535

Replace 535 with the latest available version.

Verify installation:

nvidia-smi

AMD Users

AMD drivers are built into the Linux kernel, but install Mesa and Vulkan drivers for better performance:

sudo apt install mesa-vulkan-drivers libvulkan1 libvulkan1:i386

Verify Vulkan support:

vulkaninfo | less

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5️⃣ Optimizing Gaming Performance on KDE Neon

1. Enable GameMode (Performance Booster)

Install GameMode to optimize CPU and GPU performance during gaming:

sudo apt install gamemode

For Steam games, go to Properties → Launch Options and add:

gamemoderun %command%

2. Enable Fsync for Lower Input Lag

Add this to Steam’s Launch Options:

PROTON_NO_ESYNC=1 PROTON_NO_FSYNC=0 %command%

3. Enable ZRAM for Better Memory Management

ZRAM compresses RAM to improve performance:

sudo apt install zram-tools
sudo systemctl enable --now zramswap

4. Set CPU Governor to Performance Mode

Check current governor:

cat /sys/devices/system/cpu/cpu*/cpufreq/scaling_governor

Set to performance mode:

sudo apt install cpufrequtils
sudo cpufreq-set -g performance

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6️⃣ Additional Tools for Linux Gaming

MangoHud (FPS Overlay & Performance Monitor)

Install using:

sudo apt install mangohud

Run a game with MangoHud:

mangohud %command%

vkBasalt (Reshade-like Post-Processing for Vulkan Games)

Install:

sudo apt install vkbasalt

Enable it for Vulkan games:

VK_ICD_FILENAMES=/usr/share/vulkan/icd.d/intel_icd.x86_64.json vkbasalt %command%

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Final Thoughts: Is KDE Neon Good for Gaming?

✅ Pros:
✔️ Always up-to-date KDE Plasma desktop.
✔️ Stable Ubuntu LTS base.
✔️ Great for users who love KDE customization.
✔️ Supports all major gaming tools (Steam, Lutris, Proton, Wine).

❌ Cons:
❌ Requires manual setup for gaming.
❌ Lacks pre-installed gaming tools.
❌ Ubuntu LTS base means slower driver updates (compared to rolling distros like Garuda or Nobara).

🔥 KDE Neon is a great choice for KDE fans who want a stable, customizable gaming experience! 🎮