Alternatives to Garuda Linux
An Arch-based Linux distribution with a gaming edition, performance tweaks and the Chaotic-AUR repository. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.
The original
Garuda Linux
An Arch-based Linux distribution with a gaming edition, performance tweaks and the Chaotic-AUR repository.
Replacements
Listings that take over the same core job as Garuda Linux.
Manjaro Linux
An Arch-based rolling-release Linux distribution that aims to make Arch easier to install and use.
Manjaro Linux is also Arch-based and rolling, but adds staged update branches for stability, with packages arriving later than upstream Arch and no dedicated gaming edition.
Nobara
A Fedora-based Linux desktop tuned for gaming, streaming and content creation out of the box.
Nobara moves to a Fedora base with WINE, OBS Studio, codecs and tuned NVIDIA and AMD drivers configured from first boot, run as a hobby project.
Pop!_OS
An Ubuntu-based Linux desktop operating system from System76, focused on productivity and customization.
Pop!_OS switches to an Ubuntu base with NVIDIA hybrid graphics support and full-disk encryption, lagging behind rolling distributions and best tuned for System76 hardware.
Drauger OS
An Ubuntu-based Linux distribution tuned for desktop gaming performance.
Drauger OS uses an Ubuntu base with an in-house gaming kernel, preinstalled launchers and KDE Plasma, avoiding rolling updates but coming from a small team.
ChimeraOS
A Linux operating system that turns a PC into a controller-driven, console-style gaming machine.
ChimeraOS replaces the desktop with a controller-driven console interface built around Steam Big Picture and updates automatically, but is not meant for general desktop use.
Ubuntu GamePack
An Ubuntu-based Linux distribution preloaded with Steam, Wine and other gaming tools.
Ubuntu GamePack uses an Ubuntu base with Steam, Wine tools and DXVK included and a Windows 10 style interface, but is not open source.
CachyOS
A performance-tuned Linux distribution based on Arch Linux, with CPU-optimized packages and a custom kernel.
CachyOS is also Arch-based but builds packages for modern CPU instruction sets and offers a choice of kernel schedulers, targeting newer x86-64 CPUs.
Bazzite
A Fedora-based Linux distribution set up for gaming on desktops, handhelds, tablets and living-room PCs.
Bazzite switches to a Fedora base with Steam and Lutris preinstalled, HDR and VRR support, and updates that can be rolled back.
Also worth comparing
These listings name Garuda Linux as their own alternative, so the relationship runs both ways.
Fedora Games Lab
An official Fedora Linux edition that comes preloaded with a selection of open source games.
Garuda Linux moves to an Arch base with a dedicated gaming edition, Chaotic-AUR packages and performance tweaks, with rolling updates needing regular attention.
Linux Mint
A desktop Linux operating system designed to work out of the box, with a lightweight Xfce edition.
Garuda Linux is Arch-based with a gaming edition, Chaotic-AUR and performance tweaks, with rolling updates and a heavier default desktop.
SteamOS
Valve's Linux-based gaming operating system for the Steam Deck and other supported devices.
Garuda Linux is an open-source Arch-based distribution with a gaming edition and Chaotic-AUR, giving a full desktop but rolling updates that need regular attention.
Void Linux
An independent rolling-release Linux distribution with its own XBPS package manager and the runit init system.
Garuda Linux offers an Arch-based rolling system with a gaming edition, Chaotic-AUR and default performance tweaks, but with a heavier default desktop than Void.
Similar software
Related functionality, not a direct replacement.
Lutris
A Linux gaming platform that installs the right emulator, Wine build or engine for each game and launches them from one place.
Steam
Valve's PC gaming platform and client for buying, installing and playing games, with community features.
Bottles
A friendly manager for Wine prefixes on Linux, so running a Windows program means picking an environment rather than editing config files.
GameMode
A Linux daemon and library that temporarily applies performance optimisations while a game is running.
