Bazzite

Overview

Bazzite is a free, open-source Linux distribution based on Fedora Atomic (immutable design) with a focus on gaming and desktop optimization. It aims to provide a SteamOS-like experience for Linux newcomers and enthusiasts while maintaining universal desktop functionality. Developed by the Universal Blue project team and hosted at bazzite.gg and GitHub, it supports x86_64 and arm64 architectures (including Raspberry Pi and Steam Deck) and is suitable for desktops, laptops, handheld devices, and cloud environments. Bazzite uses the rpm-ostree package manager (with atomic updates), comes pre-installed with Steam, Gamescope, and HDR/VRR support, and offers interfaces such as KDE Plasma, GNOME, and Steam Big Picture.

History and Development

• Origin:
  • 2023: The Bazzite project was launched as part of the Universal Blue family, aiming to create a Fedora derivative similar to SteamOS to address compatibility and usability issues for Linux gaming.
  • Inspired by Nobara (Fedora Gaming Edition) and SteamOS 3, but based on the immutable Fedora Atomic design.
• Development History:
  • April 2023: Initial release of Bazzite 38, based on Fedora 38, with Steam and Gamescope pre-installed.
  • 2024: Bazzite 40 introduced KDE Plasma 6 and ARM64 support, along with optimizations for handheld devices (such as Steam Deck).
  • September 17, 2025: Bazzite 42 was released, based on Fedora 42, with kernel 6.10, Mesa 24.2.2, HDR/VRR support, and more gaming optimizations.
• Community and Support:
  • Maintained by the Universal Blue team, hosted on bazzite.gg, GitHub, and the forums (ublue.it).
  • Supports English and some Chinese (via GNOME/KDE setup). Documentation covers installation and game configuration.
  • A Reddit user called Bazzite "the best desktop replacement for Steam Deck."
• Open Source License:
  • GPL v3 (core), MIT (some tools).

Key Features

Bazzite is built with a gaming-first, immutable design, and Steam integration at its core, making it suitable for both gaming and desktop users. Here are its key features:

1. Steam and Game Optimization
   • Pre-installed with Steam, Gamescope (game window management), MangoHud (performance monitoring), and Proton (Wine compatibility layer), with support for HDR, VRR, and FSR.
2. Immutable Design
   • Based on Fedora Atomic, using rpm-ostree atomic updates, the root filesystem is immutable and supports rollbacks.
3. Multiple Desktop Environments
   • Supports KDE Plasma, GNOME, Steam Big Picture, and Hyprland.
4. Hardware Compatibility
   • Supports x86_64 and arm64 (Raspberry Pi, Steam Deck). Minimum requirements are 2GB RAM and 20GB disk (4GB RAM and 50GB disk recommended).
5. Security and Privacy
   • Firewalld is enabled by default, with SELinux support.
   • No data collection.
6. Development Support
   • Pre-installed Python and Git, and supports Flatpak and Snap.

Advantages and Limitations

Advantages

• Game Integration:
  • Steam and Proton are available out of the box, surpassing the manual configuration required by Pop!_OS.
  • X's post claims, "Bazzite 42's Gamescope makes the Steam Deck experience perfect."
• Immutable Stability:
  • Atomic updates reduce risk, better than Archcraft's rolling updates.
• User-Friendliness:
  • Pre-installed tools and a GNOME/KDE interface make it suitable for beginners.
• ARM64 Support:
  • Native support for Raspberry Pi and Steam Deck, better than the beta version of Chimera Linux.
• Community Support:
  • The Universal Blue forum is active and offers game tutorials.

Limitations

• Immutable Limitations:
  • The root filesystem is immutable and requires rpm-ostree for modifications. Better than EndeavourOS's native support but not as flexible as Arch Linux's.
• Community Size:
  • Smaller than Fedora or Ubuntu, with limited Chinese documentation.
• ARM Beta:
  • ARM64 beta, not as good as Raspberry Pi OS.

Summary

Bazzite is a free, open-source Linux distribution based on Fedora Atomic. The latest version 42 (September 17, 2025) is based on Fedora 42, features kernel 6.10, and supports x86_64 and arm64. It prioritizes gaming, immutable design, and Steam integration, offering desktop options such as KDE Plasma and GNOME. Bazzite's Steam integration and immutable stability are outstanding, but the community is small and it's currently in beta for ARM.