Like 10-15 years ago I was into linux and tried a bunch of different distros (PCLinuxOS, Mint, CentOS, OpenSuse…) and was quite happy with the, then, limited options of gaming on linux (It was the time Valve released TF2 for linux)
But time passed, I got a new PC and didn’t bothered install any linux distro (because I got a small HDD and didn’t wanted to split it in partitions for linux)
Back then stuff like Proton did not even exists, so today I’m kind of lost and don’t know what flavour I should pick, so here I am asking for advice
A couple of relevant details about the hardware, my PC is a little bit old (i7-7700) I hope that’s not an obstacle to enjoy gaming on linux I also have an Nvidia graphic card
Also, while most people just use Steam I also use GOG regularly, if that matters
Arch runs great, it’s a slight learning curve but you’ll figure it out. I’m having personal issues with it lately so I’m trying out nixos today. But arch is usually my go to for older pcs and just in general, especially for how much software is available for it.
I think Arch could be a good idea, I’ve forgotten almost everything about linux and build it from the scratch will be a nice excersice (I knew how to create partitions, tinker with the permissions and all that, but is now lost knowledge I’d like to recover)
Arch added not to long ago an in built cli installer tool. Makes it where you can get installed in about 10 minutes. Very useful, and how I recommend doing it now. You can just install manually though if you want, whichever works. Also, I find that people who criticize it as something that breaks constantly or needs constant fixing usually install software without care or do things without much concern, causing breakage. My arch isn’t working due to some issues with wine; might be my fault, might not. I’m using nixos now, and it’s difficult but functioning how I need.
Arch is fine if you like tinkering. If you want stuff just to work try Mint.