Tech Hacks for PBLinuxGaming: Smart Tips to Make Gaming Better on Linux

If you play games on Linux using PBLinuxGaming, you may want to make your setup faster, smoother, and easier to use. Many users do not know that simple tech hacks can improve gaming on Linux without spending more money.

Below are the best tech hacks for PBLinuxGaming that can make your gaming experience better. These tips are easy to follow and work well for both beginners and experienced Linux gamers.

1. Use the Right Kernel for Gaming

PBLinuxGaming uses the Linux kernel, but not all kernels are the same. For gaming, a low-latency or Zen kernel can reduce input lag and improve performance. These kernels are made to give faster response times during gaming.

• Search for “liquorix kernel” or “Zen kernel”
• Install using your package manager (example: sudo apt install linux-zen)
• Reboot and select the new kernel at startup

This small change can make games feel smoother, especially in fast-action games.

2. Use GameMode from Feral Interactive

GameMode is a tool that helps your system give more power to your games. It adjusts CPU settings and improves performance while you play.

• Install GameMode with this command:
• sudo apt install gamemode libgamemode0 libgamemodeauto0
• Add gamemoderun %command% in Steam launch options

GameMode is very light and works in the background while you play. It is safe and made by a trusted game studio.

3. Use MangoHud to Monitor Performance

MangoHud is a helpful tool that shows FPS, CPU usage, and other system stats on your screen while gaming. It helps you understand how your system is working.

• Install MangoHud:
• sudo apt install mangohud
• To use it, add mangohud %command% to Steam launch options or run mangohud yourgame

Knowing your FPS and system load can help you change settings for better performance.

4. Enable Async Reprojection in Proton Games

If you’re using Proton (the tool that lets Windows games run on Linux), enabling async reprojection can reduce stuttering.

• Go to Steam settings > Steam Play
• Select the latest Proton version or use Proton GE (Glorious Eggroll version)
• Launch the game with:
• PROTON_NO_ESYNC=0 PROTON_USE_WINED3D=0 %command%

These commands help your game run smoother and give you better graphics.

5. Choose the Right File System for Your Game Drive

Your file system can affect loading times and performance. If you are installing games on a separate drive, format it with a fast Linux file system like ext4 or XFS.

• Use GParted or Disks to format the drive
• Mount the drive at boot and give full access

NTFS is slower on Linux. Avoid using it if you can.

6. Use DXVK and VKD3D for Better DirectX Support

Many games use DirectX, which is made for Windows. DXVK and VKD3D are tools that translate DirectX into Vulkan for Linux.

• These are included in Proton but can be updated manually
• Download from GitHub and replace the DLL files in the game’s Proton folder

With updated DXVK, games using DirectX 9, 10, 11, and 12 run faster and look better.

7. Keep GPU Drivers Updated

If you are using Nvidia or AMD graphics cards, keeping drivers updated helps improve performance and compatibility with new games.

• For Nvidia:
• sudo apt install nvidia-driver-XXX (replace XXX with latest version)
• For AMD:
• Use Mesa drivers: sudo apt install mesa-vulkan-drivers mesa-utils

Using open-source AMD drivers is also a good choice if you want stable performance.

8. Use Lutris for Non-Steam Games

Lutris is a game manager that helps you run games from many platforms, including Epic Games, GOG, and old Windows games.

• Install from the website: https://lutris.net
• Use community installers for easy setup

Lutris uses Wine and other tools to give you smooth performance even with games not made for Linux.

9. Turn Off Background Apps

Linux uses less memory than Windows, but background tasks can still slow down games. Use these tips to free up resources:

• Turn off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi if not needed
• Close apps like browsers, file managers, and chat tools
• Use the command htop to check system load

Freeing up CPU and RAM helps your games run better, especially on low-end systems.

10. Enable Swap File If You Have Low RAM

If your computer has less than 8GB RAM, enabling a swap file can stop crashes and freezing during gaming.

• To add a swap file:
• bash
• CopyEdit
• sudo fallocate -l 4G /swapfile
• sudo chmod 600 /swapfile
• sudo mkswap /swapfile
• sudo swapon /swapfile
• Add it to /etc/fstab to make it permanent

Swap helps your system use disk space as backup RAM when needed.

11. Use Esync and Fsync for Wine/Proton Games

Esync and Fsync reduce CPU bottlenecks in Wine or Proton games.

• Make sure your kernel supports them (Zen kernel or patched kernel)
• Set launch options like:
• arduino
• CopyEdit
• export WINEESYNC=1
• export WINEFSYNC=1

They are very helpful for games with lots of threads or multiplayer titles.

12. Configure CPU Governor for Gaming

Linux has different power modes (called governors). Setting your CPU to “performance” mode can stop slowdowns.

• Run:
• cpp
• CopyEdit
• sudo apt install cpufrequtils
• sudo cpufreq-set -g performance

This makes sure your CPU stays at high speed during gameplay.

13. Use TLP or Auto-cpufreq Only When Not Gaming

TLP and Auto-cpufreq save battery on laptops. But during gaming, these tools may lower performance. Stop these services before gaming:

• Stop TLP: sudo systemctl stop tlp
• Stop auto-cpufreq: sudo systemctl stop auto-cpufreq

Turn them back on later when not playing games.

14. Clean Shader Cache Regularly

Old or broken shader cache can cause stuttering in Vulkan or Proton games.

• Clear Vulkan cache in: ~/.cache/mesa_shader_cache/ or ~/.steam/steam/steamapps/shadercache/

This forces games to rebuild the cache, which may fix performance issues.

15. Enable FPS Limiter for Smooth Gameplay

Not every game runs better with high FPS. Use an FPS limiter to make gameplay smoother and reduce screen tearing.

• Use MangoHud or built-in Steam settings
• Or add launch option:
• DXVK_FRAME_RATE=60 %command%

A steady 60 FPS is better than 80–40 FPS drops.

These tech hacks for PBLinuxGaming help you get the best performance out of your Linux gaming setup. Each step is easy, safe, and trusted by the Linux gaming community. These tips work best when used together, and they support better speed, visuals, and system health over time. Keep exploring and tuning your setup as Linux gaming keeps growing.