How to Optimize Gaming Performance on Arch Linux

Arch Linux, known for its simplicity and control, is a favorite among power users and Linux enthusiasts. While it isn’t tailored out-of-the-box for gaming like some distributions (such as Pop!_OS or Nobara), its flexibility makes it an excellent choice for those willing to tinker for optimal performance.

This guide will walk you through a comprehensive set of steps to optimize your Arch Linux setup specifically for gaming. Whether you’re playing native Linux titles, running games through Proton, or emulating classic consoles, these tweaks can help you get the most out of your hardware.

1. Keep Your System Updated

The first and most important rule on Arch Linux is to keep your system updated. Arch is a rolling-release distribution, and updates often include improvements to drivers, kernel performance, and gaming-related packages like Mesa and Proton.

sudo pacman -Syu

You may also consider enabling the Testing Repositories if you’re comfortable with bleeding-edge features, though it comes with more risk.

2. Install the Latest GPU Drivers

Gaming performance is highly dependent on proper GPU drivers. Here’s how to get the right drivers for your graphics card.

For AMD GPUs

Install the open-source Mesa drivers:

sudo pacman -S mesa lib32-mesa vulkan-radeon lib32-vulkan-radeon

These support Vulkan, which is essential for modern gaming.

For NVIDIA GPUs

Install the proprietary driver:

sudo pacman -S nvidia nvidia-utils lib32-nvidia-utils nvidia-settings

For Vulkan support:

sudo pacman -S vulkan-icd-loader lib32-vulkan-icd-loader

You can also enable the DKMS package (nvidia-dkms) if you run custom kernels.

Verify Vulkan Support

Check that Vulkan is working correctly:

vulkaninfo | less

3. Enable the Multilib Repository

Many games, especially those using Proton or Wine, rely on 32-bit libraries. Ensure that multilib is enabled in /etc/pacman.conf:

[multilib]
Include = /etc/pacman.d/mirrorlist

Then update:

sudo pacman -Syu

4. Use a Performance-Oriented Kernel

The default Arch kernel is great for general use, but a gaming-tuned kernel can reduce latency and improve responsiveness.

Option 1: Linux-zen

sudo pacman -S linux-zen linux-zen-headers

Reboot into the new kernel using your boot manager.

Option 2: Custom Kernel (e.g., Liquorix or Xanmod)

You can install these from the AUR if you’re comfortable using yay or another AUR helper:

yay -S linux-xanmod

These kernels have preemptive patches and are optimized for real-time performance.

5. Enable GameMode by Feral Interactive

GameMode is a lightweight daemon that adjusts system settings on the fly for optimal gaming performance (e.g., sets CPU governor, I/O priority).

Install it with:

sudo pacman -S gamemode lib32-gamemode

You can launch games with GameMode like so:

gamemoderun ./YourGameExecutable

Many Steam games automatically detect GameMode if it’s installed.

6. Install and Configure Steam (With Proton)

Steam is the largest platform for PC gaming and works well on Arch.

sudo pacman -S steam

Make sure the lib32 variants of required libraries are installed for compatibility.

Enable Proton

1. Go to Steam > Settings > Compatibility.
2. Enable Proton for all titles.
3. Select the latest stable or experimental Proton version.

Proton includes DXVK and VKD3D for translating DirectX to Vulkan.

7. Use MangoHud for Performance Metrics

MangoHud is an overlay that shows performance stats like FPS, GPU/CPU usage, and more.

Install it:

sudo pacman -S mangohud lib32-mangohud

To launch a game with MangoHud:

mangohud ./YourGameExecutable

Or set it globally via environment variable:

export MANGOHUD=1

For Steam games, add mangohud %command% as a launch option.

8. Use DXVK and VKD3D for Wine Gaming

If you’re running games through Wine or Lutris, use these tools to improve DirectX performance.

DXVK

sudo pacman -S dxvk-bin

VKD3D (for DirectX 12)

sudo pacman -S vkd3d

Many launchers like Lutris and Heroic automatically manage these.

9. Use Lutris and Heroic Launcher

Lutris and Heroic Games Launcher help manage games from GOG, Epic Games, and more.

Install via AUR:

yay -S lutris heroic-games-launcher-bin

They provide tools like Wine/Proton version switching, DXVK/VKD3D integration, and game-specific tweaks.

10. Optimize CPU Governor and I/O Scheduler

Performance can vary depending on how your CPU is managed.

Set CPU Governor to Performance

sudo cpupower frequency-set -g performance

Make it persistent with a systemd service.

Change I/O Scheduler to mq-deadline or none (for SSDs)

Check device:

cat /sys/block/sdX/queue/scheduler

Set:

echo none | sudo tee /sys/block/sdX/queue/scheduler

11. Tweak Compositor Settings (Xorg or Wayland)

If you’re using a desktop environment like GNOME or KDE, compositors can interfere with fullscreen games. You can either:

• Disable the compositor in fullscreen.
• Use a lighter compositor like picom.
• Disable the compositor entirely while gaming.

For example, with picom, you can set unredir-if-possible = true; in the config.

12. Use zram or a Swap File

Using zram can improve memory performance on systems with limited RAM:

sudo pacman -S zram-generator

Create a config in /etc/systemd/zram-generator.conf:

[zram0]
zram-size = ram
compression-algorithm = zstd

Enable and start the service:

sudo systemctl daemon-reexec
sudo systemctl start /dev/zram0

13. Monitor Bottlenecks

Knowing where the bottleneck is can help you fix issues faster. Use tools like:

• htop / bpytop – CPU/RAM
• iotop – Disk usage
• nvidia-smi – GPU (NVIDIA only)
• MangoHud – Real-time game stats

You can also use OBS Studio for recording and see how much strain recording puts on your system.

14. Use a Lightweight Desktop Environment or Window Manager

Gnome and KDE are great, but for minimal resource usage, consider using:

• XFCE
• LXQt
• i3
• Sway (Wayland)

The lighter your environment, the more resources are available to your games.

15. Tweak Steam Launch Options

For Proton games, you can fine-tune performance:

Example launch options:

PROTON_NO_ESYNC=1 DXVK_HUD=1 gamemoderun %command%

Common variables:

• PROTON_NO_ESYNC / PROTON_NO_FSYNC – tweak threading
• DXVK_HUD=1 – performance overlay
• gamemoderun – activate GameMode

Conclusion

Gaming on Arch Linux might require some elbow grease, but the results can be impressive. You gain total control over your system and can tailor it for maximum performance and stability. By following the above steps—keeping drivers updated, using optimized kernels and tools like GameMode, and tuning your system’s CPU, I/O, and graphical settings—you’ll create a smooth and efficient gaming environment.

Arch’s flexibility is a double-edged sword: it gives you full control, but also puts the responsibility of maintenance in your hands. Still, for the dedicated gamer who wants to learn and optimize, Arch can be a powerful and rewarding platform.

Further Reading & Tools

• Arch Wiki - Gaming
• ProtonDB
• DXVK GitHub
• GameMode GitHub
• MangoHud GitHub