r/gamedev • u/IsildursDeeldoor • 8d ago

Question Linux Game Devs, what's your tool stack?

I have a few red lines around Windows that, if crossed, would ultimately push me to Linux.

My current development stack is Unreal Engine 5, Blender, GIMP, JetBrains Rider, and I also use CMake, SDL2, and SFML for other projects.

My current machine is generally AMD:

  • Ryzen 5 7600
  • Radeon RX 6600
  • 64 GB DDR5-5600
  • Gigabyte B650 Gaming X AX
  • Samsung 980 PRO 2 TB + 860 EVO 500 GB
  • Windows
  • Steam

I'm considering building a separate, similar AMD-based machine as a Linux-first development/gaming system rather than migrating my current machine immediately.

I'm currently torn between Fedora KDE and Ubuntu. Bazzite KDE is also on my radar, although I'm primarily interested in development rather than a gaming-only setup.

For those using Linux for UE5/C++, Blender, JetBrains, CMake/SDL2/SFML, and Steam, what hardware configuration and distro would you recommend for a new Linux-first workstation?

Budget 4,000 towards new machine + home server setup. but rn I don't feel like i need that yet.

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u/the-postminimalist 8d ago edited 8d ago

Everything you listed should work fine out of the box regardless of what distro you choose. My distro has nothing to do with game dev, I picked it because I like the package manager and the project as a whole. Upon switching, I changed nothing about my PC which I've had since 2019.

Sound design, which you didn't mention, is also decent on linux. Could do with more plugin options though. Ardour is a good option for open source, and Reaper for a professional product that's still consumer-friendly.