CachyOS vs Windows 11 gaming test shows Linux leading in Cyberpunk 2077, Space Marine 2 and more

Crimson Desert was the first game tested at 1080p Ultra settings without any upscaling. It ran at an average of 59 FPS on Windows 11, with 1% lows at 48 FPS. Meanwhile, on CachyOS, the game averaged 63 FPS with 1% lows of 50 FPS.

This difference widened further while running Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 at 1080p Ultra settings. Windows 11 ran the game at an average of 68 FPS, with 1% lows at 58 FPS, while CachyOS delivered better performance with an average of 81 FPS and 1% lows of 72 FPS.

CachyOS continued to lead in games like Red Dead Redemption 2 at 1080p Max settings and Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p Ultra without any upscaling. It ran these games at an average of 85 FPS and 98 FPS, respectively, beating Windows 11, which delivered 81 FPS and 91 FPS on average.

However, Windows 11 closed the gap in games like The First Descendant at 1080p Ultra settings with FSR 3 Native, where it ran the game at 63 FPS, while CachyOS managed only 54 FPS. While running The Division 2 at 1080p Ultra, both Windows 11 and CachyOS achieved 128 FPS, with Windows 11 delivering better 1% lows at 97 FPS compared to 93 FPS on CachyOS.

What's really notable here is that all these games do not have a native Linux port. Meaning they're still using the Proton compatibility layer which translates the Windows API calls into Linux-friendly commands on the fly.

The fact that Linux can outperform Windows 11 shows how incredibly impressive is Proton's optimization. The YouTuber also tested more games, and you can watch the full in-depth video linked below.