OpenMandriva Lx Gaming - MalwareTester74/Linux-gaming-guide GitHub Wiki

🎮 Gaming on OpenMandriva Lx: Setup Guide

OpenMandriva Lx is an independent, performance-optimized Linux distribution that provides a cutting-edge gaming experience with the latest kernels and system optimizations. While it’s not as well-known for gaming as Arch-based or Ubuntu-based distros, it supports Steam, Lutris, Wine/Proton, and Vulkan with proper setup.

✅ Optimized for performance with Clang-built packages
✅ Latest kernel and Mesa drivers out of the box
✅ Supports Steam, Lutris, and Wine gaming

⚠️ Important: OpenMandriva does not include some proprietary gaming drivers and tools by default, so manual setup is required for NVIDIA users.

1️⃣ Installing Steam on OpenMandriva

Step 1: Enable Non-Free Repositories

Before installing Steam, enable the non-free repo to access proprietary software:

sudo dnf install openmandriva-repo-non-free
sudo dnf update

Step 2: Install Steam

sudo dnf install steam

Step 3: Launch Steam

steam

2️⃣ Setting Up Proton for Windows Games on Steam

  1. Open Steam → Settings
  2. Go to Steam Play
  3. Enable "Enable Steam Play for supported titles"
  4. (Optional) Enable "Enable Steam Play for all other titles"
  5. Choose Proton Experimental

To install Proton-GE (GloriousEggroll) for better game compatibility:

flatpak install flathub net.davidotek.pupgui2

Launch ProtonUp-Qt, install Proton-GE, and select it in Steam Play settings.

3️⃣ Running Non-Steam Games (Epic Games, GOG, Battle.net)

Installing Lutris on OpenMandriva

Lutris allows running Epic Games, GOG, Battle.net, Ubisoft Connect, and more.

sudo dnf install lutris

Adding Epic Games, GOG, or Battle.net

  1. Open Lutris
  2. Click "Add Game" → Choose Installer
  3. Search for Epic Games Launcher, GOG Galaxy, or Battle.net
  4. Install & launch the game from Lutris

For Epic Games (alternative method):

flatpak install flathub com.heroicgameslauncher.hgl

Launch Heroic Games Launcher from the menu.

4️⃣ Running Windows Games with Wine & Proton

Step 1: Install Wine & Winetricks

sudo dnf install wine winetricks

Step 2: Install DXVK & Essential Libraries

winetricks corefonts vcrun2019 dxvk

Use Bottles (a better Wine manager):

flatpak install flathub com.usebottles.bottles
flatpak run com.usebottles.bottles

5️⃣ GPU Driver Setup for OpenMandriva

For NVIDIA Users

OpenMandriva does not ship with NVIDIA proprietary drivers by default. You need to install them manually.

  1. Enable NVIDIA repository:
sudo dnf config-manager --set-enabled openmandriva-non-free-nvidia
  1. Install NVIDIA drivers:
sudo dnf install x11-driver-video-nvidia
  1. Reboot your system:
reboot

For NVIDIA Optimus (Hybrid Graphics) laptops, use Prime:

sudo dnf install nvidia-prime
prime-run %command%

For AMD Users

AMD users do not need to install drivers manually—they are included in the kernel. However, you can install the latest Mesa drivers for better performance:

sudo dnf install mesa-dri-drivers mesa-vulkan-drivers

Check Vulkan support:

vulkaninfo | less

6️⃣ Optimizing Gaming Performance on OpenMandriva

1. Enable GameMode (Performance Booster)

GameMode optimizes CPU and GPU performance while gaming.

sudo dnf install gamemode

Add this in Steam Launch Options under game properties:

gamemoderun %command%

2. Enable Fsync for Lower Input Lag

Add this to Launch Options:

PROTON_NO_ESYNC=1 PROTON_NO_FSYNC=0 %command%

3. Enabling ZRAM for Better Performance

ZRAM can improve gaming performance on low-memory systems:

sudo dnf install zram
sudo systemctl enable --now zram

7️⃣ Additional Tools for Linux Gaming

MangoHud (FPS Overlay & Performance Monitor)

sudo dnf install mangohud

Run a game with MangoHud:

mangohud %command%

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

Install:

sudo dnf install vkbasalt

Enable it for Vulkan games:

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

Final Thoughts: Is OpenMandriva Good for Gaming?

✅ Pros:
✔️ Performance-optimized with Clang-built system
✔️ Latest Mesa & Vulkan drivers included (great for AMD/Intel GPUs)
✔️ Rolling-release option available (ROME version)
✔️ Strong security & unique features like DNF5 package manager

❌ Cons:
❌ Smaller gaming community compared to Ubuntu, Arch, or Fedora
❌ NVIDIA driver installation is not automatic
❌ Some gaming software needs manual setup

🔥 OpenMandriva Lx is a great choice for performance enthusiasts and AMD/Intel gamers who want a cutting-edge, independent Linux distro. 🎮