u/RoniSteam

CIVILIZATION VI has been tested in Linux (Pop!_OS 24.04, COSMIC/Wayland) my dual-boot machine:

RTX 5070 Ti

Ryzen 9 5900X,

RAM 32 GB

Each operating system has its own identical 1TB SSD drive.

The game was run at 1080p using the Ultra profile, VSYNC OFF, FRAME LIMITER OFF.

While Proton converts DirectX to Vulkan using DXVK/VKD3D, the native Linux version primarily uses OpenGL. There is a huge difference. Proton regularly delivers significantly improved CPU utilization, smoother frame pacing, and higher performance. The performance difference might reach several times higher FPS in certain situations, demonstrating how inefficient OpenGL is in comparison to contemporary Vulkan translation layers.

Given that it reflects the actual gaming experience for modern Linux users, this test clearly demonstrates why many Linux benchmarks now focus on Proton performance.

I'm looking forward to the next NVIDIA driver 595 update for POP_OS, which should boost Linux DX12 game performance.

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Disclaimer: Why I Test with Pop!_OS + NVIDIA

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1. Windows gamers

The whole point of these benchmarks is to show that Linux gaming exists, works well, and isn’t nearly as complicated as many Windows users think. I’m basically trying to show a realistic migration path from Windows to Linux, not build a perfect Linux-only lab.

2. NVIDIA dominates the gaming GPU market.

According to the Steam Hardware Survey, NVIDIA usually sits around ~75–80% of GPUs in gaming PCs. If I test on NVIDIA, I’m covering what most gamers actually use.

3. Pop!_OS is one of the easiest distros for NVIDIA users.

It ships with dedicated NVIDIA ISOs, drivers are integrated, and updates are straightforward. I run tests on official Pop!_OS drivers, so the setup reflects something an average user could realistically install.

4. If Linux gaming works on NVIDIA, it works for most gamers.

Yes, AMD often performs better on Linux. I’m aware of that. But testing only on AMD would shrink the scope from ~80% of the market to a much smaller slice. My goal is broader relevance, not best-case scenarios.

WEREWOLF THE INNER BEAST has been tested in Linux (Pop!_OS 24.04, COSMIC/Wayland) and Windows on my dual-boot machine:

RTX 5070 Ti

Ryzen 9 5900X,

RAM 32 GB

Each operating system has its own identical 1TB SSD drive.

The game was run at 1080p using the High settings, DLSS OFF, VSYNC OFF, FRAME LIMIT OFF.

With 50 FPS higher across scenes, Windows clearly has an advantage.

The game ran smoothly on both platforms, with no tearing or stuttering. On Linux, the experience is still totally playable despite the raw FPS difference.

I'm looking forward to the next NVIDIA driver 595 update for POP_OS, which should boost Linux DX12 game performance.

***********************************************

Disclaimer: Why I Test with Pop!_OS + NVIDIA

***********************************************

1. Windows gamers

The whole point of these benchmarks is to show that Linux gaming exists, works well, and isn’t nearly as complicated as many Windows users think. I’m basically trying to show a realistic migration path from Windows to Linux, not build a perfect Linux-only lab.

2. NVIDIA dominates the gaming GPU market.

According to the Steam Hardware Survey, NVIDIA usually sits around ~75–80% of GPUs in gaming PCs. If I test on NVIDIA, I’m covering what most gamers actually use.

3. Pop!_OS is one of the easiest distros for NVIDIA users.

It ships with dedicated NVIDIA ISOs, drivers are integrated, and updates are straightforward. I run tests on official Pop!_OS drivers, so the setup reflects something an average user could realistically install.

4. If Linux gaming works on NVIDIA, it works for most gamers.

Yes, AMD often performs better on Linux. I’m aware of that. But testing only on AMD would shrink the scope from ~80% of the market to a much smaller slice. My goal is broader relevance, not best-case scenarios.

In addition to the new Hagental Base map, the Nightfall update (Season 2) for Battlefield 6, which was released on March 17, 2026, features a few annoying problem - The "Trench Trap" & Geometry Clipping.

Known Workarounds:

Prone-to-Sprint: The character's hitbox can occasionally be " popped" out of the snag by going completely prone and then trying to sprint forward while standing up.

Explosive Reset: If you are playing as a class with explosives (such as C4 or grenades), you can occasionally reset your character's physics state by tossing one at a nearby wall—close enough to induce "screen shake" but far enough to risk killing yourself.

Squad Spawn: Regretfully, redeploying or waiting for a squadmate to offer a vehicle that will allow you to teleport out of the stranded location is currently the most dependable "fix" available.

Archive video from my previous system: Ryzen 7 1700X with an RX 6700 vs GTX 980. This comparison makes the 1700X's CPU bottleneck quite evident.

The RX 6700 completely outperforms the 980 in modern titles, even though the 1700X caps the ceiling. In certain optimized areas, RX 6700 literally doubles the frame rate (100% lead) over the 980, but in many situations, it sits comfortably 20–30 FPS higher.

In contrast, the 6700 has far better frame times and is buttery smooth, whereas the 980 feels like a stuttering mess. It demonstrates that a modern GPU upgrade isn't "wasted" even if your CPU is aging—the responsiveness and enormous performance gains put it at an entirely new level of gaming.

Archive video from my previous system: Ryzen 7 1700X with an RX 6700 vs GTX 980. This comparison makes the 1700X's CPU bottleneck quite evident. Although average FPS remains comparable and the GTX 980 occasionally holds its own in raw numbers, the RX 6700 offers a smoother experience. It significantly reduces micro-stutter, improves rendering, and can outperform the 980 by as much as 30 FPS in specific scenarios. The newer GPUs' full capabilities are limited because the processor cannot keep up. The RX 6700 feels more responsive and constant when playing games, even though the GTX 980 performs similarly in average frame rates. This test demonstrates that, in gaming scenarios where the CPU is the limiting factor, a powerful GPU upgrade alone does not provide significant performance gains.

MONSTER HUNTER STORIES 3 TWISTED REFLECTION has been tested in Linux (Pop!_OS 24.04, COSMIC/Wayland) and Windows on my dual-boot machine:

RTX 5070 Ti

Ryzen 9 5900X,

RAM 32 GB

Each operating system has its own identical 1TB SSD drive.

The game was run at 1080p using the High preset.

With 20–50 FPS higher across scenes, Windows clearly has an advantage. However, both platforms are largely the same when it comes to 1% lows, resulting in a similar gaming experience.

The game ran smoothly on both platforms, with no tearing or stuttering. On Linux, the experience is still totally playable despite the raw FPS difference. I'm looking forward to the next NVIDIA driver update, which should boost Linux DX12 game performance.

***********************************************

Disclaimer: Why I Test with Pop!_OS + NVIDIA

***********************************************

1. Windows gamers

The whole point of these benchmarks is to show that Linux gaming exists, works well, and isn’t nearly as complicated as many Windows users think. I’m basically trying to show a realistic migration path from Windows to Linux, not build a perfect Linux-only lab.

2. NVIDIA dominates the gaming GPU market.

According to the Steam Hardware Survey, NVIDIA usually sits around ~75–80% of GPUs in gaming PCs. If I test on NVIDIA, I’m covering what most gamers actually use.

3. Pop!_OS is one of the easiest distros for NVIDIA users.

It ships with dedicated NVIDIA ISOs, drivers are integrated, and updates are straightforward. I run tests on official Pop!_OS drivers, so the setup reflects something an average user could realistically install.

4. If Linux gaming works on NVIDIA, it works for most gamers.

Yes, AMD often performs better on Linux. I’m aware of that. But testing only on AMD would shrink the scope from ~80% of the market to a much smaller slice. My goal is broader relevance, not best-case scenarios.

As of March 19, 2026, NVIDIA has released beta drivers (starting with 595.45.04 in early March, and updates like 595.44.03/595.92 in mid-March) that include the key Vulkan extensions (primarily VK_EXT_descriptor_heap) needed to address the longstanding DX12 performance gap on Linux.

This is the major breakthrough many were waiting for: the extensions tackle the root cause (inefficient descriptor heap handling in NVIDIA’s Vulkan driver during DX12-to-Vulkan translation via VKD3D-Proton/Proton), which previously caused 20-40% FPS losses in many DX12 titles compared to Windows (or AMD GPUs on Linux).

Key News and Timeline

January 2026: Khronos finalized Vulkan 1.4.340 with the new extensions (including VK\_EXT\_descriptor\_heap). NVIDIA quickly added them to beta/developer drivers (e.g., 580.94.16 betas), sparking excitement and YouTube analyses calling it the “DX12 fix” for NVIDIA Linux gaming.

Early March 2026 (around March 5): NVIDIA pushed stable-branch beta driver 595.45.04 for Linux, explicitly adding VK\_EXT\_descriptor\_heap support. Release notes also fixed some game-specific bugs (e.g., hangs in Black Myth: Wukong). GamingOnLinux and community outlets highlighted this as potentially game-changing for Proton DX12 performance.

Mid-March 2026: Further beta updates (e.g., 595.44.03 on March 13) continued Vulkan refinements. Community reports, X posts, and forum threads show users testing it, with many noting big improvements or claiming the \~30% loss is “fixed” in betas.

Current Status (March 19): The fix is in beta drivers now and delivering real gains in benchmarks/tests for titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Black Myth: Wukong, and others run via Proton. 

Full benefits require:

Using the 595 beta branch.

Proton/Wine/VKD3D-Proton updates to properly utilize the new extensions (some GE-Proton or experimental branches already experiment with this; stable Proton integration is ongoing/expected soon).

It’s not yet in a final stable production driver (the 595 series is still beta/early feedback phase, with some regressions reported in specific games like The Witcher 3 RT). NVIDIA forums’ dedicated DX12 thread and 595 feedback thread remain active with positive momentum but calls for full rollout and VKD3D hooking.

When Will It Be Fully Fixed/Stable?

Short-term (weeks to 1-2 months): Expect the 595 series to move to stable release (likely soon, given beta traction and no major blockers reported). Many predict mid-to-late April 2026 for widespread stable availability and Proton defaults using the extensions.

Longer-term: Full “fixed” status (consistent parity across most DX12 games, no manual tweaks needed) should arrive with stable driver + updated Proton/Wine layers by summer 2026 at latest. Valve/NVIDIA collaboration continues, and this aligns with broader 2026 Linux gaming pushes (e.g., potential Steam hardware).

In summary: The core driver-side fix landed in March 2026 betas-it’s here and working for testers-but wait for stable 595 + Proton updates for plug-and-play reliability. If you’re on NVIDIA and frustrated with DX12 on Linux, trying the 595 beta now could yield noticeable wins already. AMD still edges out in seamless Proton DX12 perf, but NVIDIA is closing the gap fast this year.

HEROES OF MIGHT AND MAGIC OLDEN ERA has been tested in Linux (Pop!_OS 24.04, COSMIC/Wayland) and Windows on my dual-boot machine:

RTX 5070 Ti

Ryzen 9 5900X,

RAM 32 GB

Each operating system has its own identical 1TB SSD drive.

The game was run at 1080p using the High preset.

Throughout the benchmark, performance was consistently far above 250 FPS on both platforms. In many scenes, Windows performs roughly 50–60 FPS more, giving it the lead in raw averages. On the other hand, the difference narrows considerably and is nearly equal when examining 1% lows.

More significantly, both systems' gameplay felt flawless. During the test, there were no indications of stuttering, tearing, or frame pacing issues.

The actual gaming experience is essentially the same on both operating systems, even if Windows has better average numbers.

***********************************************

Disclaimer: Why I Test with Pop!_OS + NVIDIA

***********************************************

1. Windows gamers

The whole point of these benchmarks is to show that Linux gaming exists, works well, and isn’t nearly as complicated as many Windows users think. I’m basically trying to show a realistic migration path from Windows to Linux, not build a perfect Linux-only lab.

2. NVIDIA dominates the gaming GPU market.

According to the Steam Hardware Survey, NVIDIA usually sits around ~75–80% of GPUs in gaming PCs. If I test on NVIDIA, I’m covering what most gamers actually use.

3. Pop!_OS is one of the easiest distros for NVIDIA users.

It ships with dedicated NVIDIA ISOs, drivers are integrated, and updates are straightforward. I run tests on official Pop!_OS drivers, so the setup reflects something an average user could realistically install.

4. If Linux gaming works on NVIDIA, it works for most gamers.

Yes, AMD often performs better on Linux. I’m aware of that. But testing only on AMD would shrink the scope from ~80% of the market to a much smaller slice. My goal is broader relevance, not best-case scenarios.

PRAGMATA has been tested in Linux (Pop!_OS 24.04, COSMIC/Wayland) and Windows on my dual-boot machine:

RTX 5070 Ti

Ryzen 9 5900X,

RAM 32 GB

Each operating system has its own identical 1TB SSD drive.

1080p Max settings. No Frame Gen, RT or Upscaler.

The performance difference is negligible, roughly 5-10 FPS. Both systems deliver stable, fluid gameplay.

FAR CRY 6 has been tested in Linux (Pop!_OS 24.04, COSMIC/Wayland) and Windows on my dual-boot machine:

RTX 5070 Ti

Ryzen 9 5900X,

RAM 32 GB

Each operating system has its own identical 1TB SSD drive.

I did two benchmark runs: one at 1080p Ultra and another at 4K Ultra with a resolution scale of 2.0. Both platforms worked well, with frame rates well over 60 FPS.

However,

MangoHud reports 1% Lows at 28 FPS, but this doesn't match how the benchmark runs. This number might not be correct, so you should take it with a grain of salt. The in-game benchmark results show much more realistic lows: about 75 FPS for the 1080p run and around 62 FPS for the resolution scale 2.0 run. These numbers are more in line with the smooth experience I saw during the test.

Please consider adding the 22.04 download option back alongside 24.04. X11 is still significantly more stable than Cosmic for many users. Cosmic shows great promise, but it probably needs another six months before it becomes a solid daily driver.

I used my dual-boot system (RTX 5070 Ti, Ryzen 9 5900X, 32 GB RAM, 1 TB NVMe) to test Mafia III, comparing Linux and Windows with the same configurations at 1080p High. The outcomes were unexpectedly inconsistent. Windows outperformed by as much as 50 FPS in certain scenarios, particularly in crowded urban regions with complex traffic and illumination. At other times, the performance was almost the same. Additionally, Linux predominated in some sequences by about 10 frames per second, especially in the lighter, less CPU-intensive parts. In general, the two platforms provided essentially the same experience. Frame rates frequently exceeded 200 FPS, providing incredibly fluid gameplay with crisp frame timing and no stutter. On both operating systems, real-world playability is still quite good despite the fluctuations in raw data.

Dual-boot machine (RTX 5070 Ti, Ryzen 9 5900X, 32 GB RAM, 1 TB NVMe), I tested Tomb Raider by comparing Pop!_OS 24.04 running Proton Experimental with Windows. Using the identical conditions, the test was conducted at 1080p Ultra settings.

Depending on the scene, there has been a noticeable 50–70 FPS difference. However, during the test, both systems were producing results significantly higher than 400 FPS. The difference becomes more theoretical than practical at that performance level. With crisp frame timing and no noticeable stutter, gameplay on both platforms feels swift, extremely fluid, and flawlessly smooth.

Linux is still quite competitive even though Windows has better raw numbers. Both platforms offer significantly more performance than is required at these settings for real-world gaming.

Archive video from my previous system: Ryzen 7 1700X with an RX 6700 vs GTX 980. This comparison makes the 1700X's CPU bottleneck quite evident. Overall, the average FPS difference is surprisingly tiny, even while the RX 6700 offers better rendering, removes most micro-stutter, and occasionally displays spikes up to 80 FPS higher. The newer GPU's full capability is limited since the processor just cannot keep up with it. The RX 6700 feels more responsive and constant when playing games, even though the GTX 980 performs similarly in average frame rates. This test demonstrates how, in gaming circumstances where the CPU becomes the limiting component, a powerful GPU upgrade by itself does not provide significant performance benefits.

I used HP Victus with an i5-12500H, 16GB RAM, and RTX 4050 (6GB) to test Crysis 3 Remastered. Performance remains mainly between 55 and 65 frames per second at 1080p on Ultra settings, occasionally reaching 70 FPS depending on the scene. The framerate stays constant throughout the opening "Prophet resurrection" scenario; it is evident that the GPU is exerting significant effort.

Under load, thermals are apparent: the GPU peaks at about 80°C, while the CPU reaches about 78°C. During longer sessions, fan noise is definitely heard, although performance doesn't significantly decline. All things considered, the game runs well at Ultra settings and offers powerful graphics with tolerable heat for a midrange gaming laptop.

I just can’t find my rhythm in this game. I’m constantly dying everywhere. I finished the training and got to Limgrave, and I’m close to selling it. How do you guys play this? It feels like constant, never-ending frustration.

P.S. Uchigatana is +3 now.

Limgrave Tunnels without a bow is rough… but manageable. Walked out with 12 stones. Victory is mine. 😎

ENTITY: The Black Day has been tested in Linux (Pop!_OS 24.04, COSMIC/Wayland) and Windows on my dual-boot machine:

RTX 5070 Ti

Ryzen 9 5900X

32 GB of RAM

1 TB of NVMe

VSync off, FPS limiter off, with the game engine itself capped at 180 FPS.

Both systems easily reach the 180 FPS limit in lighter scenarios, with no noticeable distinction. However, Linux typically lags by up to 10 FPS in heavy sequences. The bigger gap appears in stability metrics, where 1% lows can be up to 50 FPS higher on Windows throughout the test.

Overall, both platforms remain highly playable.

I tested Cyberpunk 2077 on my newly upgraded machine with the RTX 5070 Ti, leaving the rest of the system unchanged - Ryzen 9 5900X, 32 GB RAM, 1 TB NVMe, in a dual-boot Linux (Pop!_OS 24.04, COSMIC/Wayland) and Windows setup. The game was benchmarked at 1080p with all Ray Tracing profiles and the Ultra preset. In intensive RT modes, Windows maintains a little advantage of 5-10 fps, particularly in dense city scenes with sophisticated lighting and reflections. In lighter RT profiles and pure Ultra mode, the difference is barely noticeable, with both systems providing a smooth, high-framerate experience.

It is what it is 😬