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Setting up Arch Linux with KDE for Gaming

This guide configures a fresh Arch Linux installation with KDE Plasma, optimized for gaming. It covers pre-installation setup, the archinstall script, post-installation configuration, gaming tools, and customizations. Commands are grouped for easy copying, with detailed explanations for beginners. Run sudo pacman -Syu before starting, and consider testing in a virtual machine (e.g., VirtualBox or QEMU).

Note: Commands assume a terminal. If a command fails, consult the Arch Wiki or Arch Linux forums.

A. Pre-Installation Configuration

Configure the package manager pacman for performance and usability.

Why?

  • Colors and verbose lists improve readability.
  • Parallel downloads speed up installation, matching CPU core count.
  • Fast mirrors ensure quick downloads.

Steps

  1. Edit pacman.conf:

    • Enable Color, VerbosePkgLists, and ILoveCandy. Set ParallelDownloads to your CPU cores.

    sudo nano /etc/pacman.conf

    Modify under # Misc options:

    # Misc options
Color
CheckSpace
VerbosePkgLists
ParallelDownloads = 8  # Replace with `nproc` output
ILoveCandy

    Save Ctrl+O, Enter, Ctrl+X.

  2. Optimize mirrors:

    • Use reflector to select fast mirrors for your region.

    sudo pacman -S reflector
sudo reflector --country 'United States' --latest 20 --sort rate --save /etc/pacman.d/mirrorlist

    Note: Replace --country 'United States' with your country e.g., --country 'Germany,France' or omit for all mirrors.

  3. Verify:

    cat /etc/pacman.d/mirrorlist
sudo pacman -Syy

B. Run the Archinstall Script

The archinstall script simplifies the installation process, setting up KDE Plasma for gaming.

Why?

  • Automates installation for beginners.
  • KDE Plasma is lightweight and gaming-friendly.
  • multilib enables 32-bit libraries for Steam.

Detailed Walkthrough

Run:

archinstall

Navigate with arrow keys, Enter to select, Space to toggle.

1. Select Mirrors

  • Purpose: Choose servers for fast package downloads.
  • Action: Select your region e.g., United States or Global.
  • Tip: Keep the default if reflector was used.

2. Disk Configuration

  • Purpose: Partitions the drive.
  • Action: Choose Auto-partition (EFI, root, 4–8 GB swap, ext4 or btrfs filesystem).
  • Why for Gaming?: Swap handles memory-heavy games; ext4 is stable and btrfs is more reliable in terms of backup friendliness.
  • Tip: Back up data; check SSD lsblk -d -o NAME,ROTA, ROTA=0.

3. Profile

  • Purpose: Selects desktop environment.
  • Action: Choose desktop > plasma.
  • Why for Gaming?: KDE Plasma supports Wayland and HDR.
  • Tip: Avoid minimal profiles unless advanced.

4. Audio

  • Purpose: Selects audio server.
  • Action: Choose pipewire.
  • Why for Gaming?: Low-latency audio for games.
  • Tip: Preferred over pulseaudio.

5. Kernel

  • Purpose: Selects kernel.
  • Action: Choose linux-zen.
  • Why for Gaming?: Reduces latency.
  • Tip: Use linux if hardware issues arise.

6. Network Configuration

  • Purpose: Sets up internet.
  • Action: Select NetworkManager.

7. Timezone

  • Purpose: Sets system clock.
  • Action: Choose region/city e.g., America/New_York.
  • Tip: Use Tab to search.

8. Hostname

  • Purpose: Names computer.
  • Action: Enter name e.g., gaming-pc.
  • Tip: Use lowercase, no special characters.

9. Root Password

  • Purpose: Sets admin password.
  • Action: Enter secure password.

10. User Account

  • Purpose: Creates daily-use account.
  • Action: Add user, e.g., gamer, set password, enable sudo.
  • Tip: Choose simple username.

11. Additional Packages

  • Purpose: Installs extra packages.
  • Action: Enter firefox vulkan-tools.
  • Why for Gaming?: Sets up web access, graphics, and gaming.
  • Tip: Use / to search.

12. Additional Repositories

  • Purpose: Enables multilib for 32-bit libraries.
  • Action: Toggle multilib.
  • Why for Gaming?: Required for Steam.
  • Tip: Ensure checked.

13. Bootloader

  • Purpose: Installs bootloader.
  • Action: Choose grub.
  • Why for Gaming?: Supports kernel/microcode.
  • Tip: Verify UEFI ls /sys/firmware/efi.

14. Install

  • Purpose: Starts installation.
  • Action: Review choices, select Install.
  • Tip: Note errors, check logs journalctl -b.

15. Post-Installation

  • Purpose: Completes setup.
  • Action: Select Reboot.
  • Tip: Access GRUB Shift or Esc if boot fails.

Verify

echo $XDG_CURRENT_DESKTOP  # Should output "KDE"
grep -A1 "\[multilib\]" /etc/pacman.conf

C. Post-Installation Setup

Configure tools and services in KDE Plasma.

Why?

  • Bash completion improves usability.
  • AUR helper simplifies package installation.
  • Microcode enhances CPU stability.
  • GPU drivers optimize gaming.
  • Tools prepare the system.

Steps

  1. Install bash completion:

    sudo pacman -S bash-completion --needed
nano ~/.bashrc

    Add:

    # Enable bash completion
[ -f /usr/share/bash-completion/bash_completion ] && . /usr/share/bash-completion/bash_completion
complete -cf sudo

    Save Ctrl+O, Enter, Ctrl+X, refresh:

    source ~/.bashrc

  2. Install AUR helper (Paru or Yay):

    sudo pacman -S git base-devel --needed
git clone https://aur.archlinux.org/paru.git
cd paru
makepkg -si --needed
cd ..
pwd  # Verify directory
rm -rf paru

    In case this doesn't work due to AUR being down, use this as a backup.

    sudo pacman -S git base-devel --needed
git clone https://aur.archlinux.org/paru-bin.git
cd paru-bin
makepkg -si --needed
cd ..
rm -rf paru-bin
paru --version

    For yay:

    sudo pacman -S git base-devel --needed
git clone https://aur.archlinux.org/yay.git
cd yay
makepkg -si --needed
cd ..
pwd
rm -rf yay

    Verify:

    paru --version  # or yay --version

    Note: If makepkg fails, check dependencies sudo pacman -S <package> or PKGBUILD less PKGBUILD.

  3. Install CPU microcode:

    lscpu | grep "Vendor ID"  # Look for "GenuineIntel" (Intel) or "AuthenticAMD" (AMD)

    For AMD:

    sudo pacman -S amd-ucode

    For Intel:

    sudo pacman -S intel-ucode

    Update GRUB:

    sudo grub-mkconfig -o /boot/grub/grub.cfg
sudo cat /boot/grub/grub.cfg | grep ucode

    Note: For non-GRUB bootloaders, consult Arch Wiki.

  4. Install GPU drivers:

    lspci | grep -i vga  # Check for NVIDIA, AMD, Intel

    For NVIDIA:

    sudo pacman -S nvidia nvidia-utils lib32-nvidia-utils --needed

    For AMD:

    sudo pacman -S mesa lib32-mesa vulkan-radeon lib32-vulkan-radeon --needed

    For Intel:

    sudo pacman -S mesa lib32-mesa vulkan-intel lib32-vulkan-intel --needed

    Verify:

    glxinfo | grep "OpenGL renderer"

  5. Install essential tools:

    sudo pacman -S curl wget zip unzip nano net-tools dnsutils vulkan-tools --needed

  6. Reboot:

    reboot

    Verify microcode:

    dmesg | grep microcode

D. Gaming and Desktop Applications

Install gaming, productivity, and KDE customization packages, including Chaotic-AUR.

Why?

  • Gaming tools enable Windows games.
  • Desktop apps provide a complete experience.
  • Chaotic-AUR simplifies AUR package access.
  • AUR packages add custom tools/themes.

Steps

  1. Install Chaotic-AUR:

    sudo pacman-key --recv-key 3056513887B78AEB --keyserver keyserver.ubuntu.com
sudo pacman-key --lsign-key 3056513887B78AEB
sudo pacman -U 'https://cdn-mirror.chaotic.cx/chaotic-aur/chaotic-keyring.pkg.tar.zst'
sudo pacman -U 'https://cdn-mirror.chaotic.cx/chaotic-aur/chaotic-mirrorlist.pkg.tar.zst'

    Now open pacman.conf

    sudo nano /etc/pacman.conf

    Add:

    [chaotic-aur]
Include = /etc/pacman.d/chaotic-mirrorlist

    Save, update:

    sudo pacman -Syyu

    Warning: Chaotic-AUR is third-party. Review PKGBUILDs paru -Si <package> for safety.

  2. Install core packages:

    paru -S bluez bluez-utils fastfetch fish ghostty gnome-disk-utility kvantum \
        kwalletmanager kdeconnect legacy-launcher networkmanager nerd-fonts \
        mangohud openrgb onlyoffice-bin pamac-aur pacman-contrib \
        power-profiles-daemon proton-ge-custom protonplus protontricks \
        reflector rsync starship thunderbird timeshift ufw kdotool loupe \
        topgrade plasma6-themes-layan-git tela-icon-theme-git \
        breezex-cursor-theme plasma6-applets-arch-update-notifier \
        heroic-games-launcher-bin firefox jre21-openjdk jre22-openjdk \
        jre23-openjdk flatpak sgdboop-bin lsfg-vk-git vvave okular showtime \
        fluent-reader-bin alsa-plugins giflib glfw gst-plugins-base-libs \
        libjpeg-turbo libva libxslt mpg123 openal opencl-icd-loader \
        ttf-liberation vulkan-tools winetricks wine gamemode gamescope lutris \
        steam lib32-alsa-plugins lib32-giflib lib32-gst-plugins-base-libs \
        lib32-gtk3 lib32-libjpeg-turbo lib32-libva lib32-mpg123 lib32-ocl-icd \
        lib32-opencl-icd-loader lib32-openal webapp-manager chromium \
        pdfarranger phonon-qt6-gstreamer-git mission-center kdepim-addons \
        merkuro --needed

    Note: The backslash \ splits long commands for readability without affecting execution. Multiple Java versions may cause conflicts; consider only jre-openjdk (In my case, I need multiple versions for Minecraft. Review AUR PKGBUILDs.

    If you would like the list broken into categories, see below.

    • Connectivity Companions
      Tools for managing network connections, Bluetooth, and device integration.

      paru -S bluez bluez-utils networkmanager kdeconnect --needed

    • System Sentinels
      Utilities for system monitoring, maintenance, backups, and updates.

       paru -S fastfetch gnome-disk-utility power-profiles-daemon reflector rsync \
         timeshift ufw topgrade mission-center pacman-contrib pamac-aur \
         plasma6-applets-arch-update-notifier --needed

    • Shell Sorcerers
      Enhancements for the command-line experience, including shells, terminals, and prompts.

       paru -S fish ghostty starship --needed

    • Aesthetic Artisans
      Customization tools for themes, icons, cursors, and fonts to enhance the desktop's look.

       paru -S kvantum nerd-fonts plasma6-themes-layan-git tela-icon-theme-git \
         breezex-cursor-theme --needed

    • Gaming Gladiators
      Software and libraries for gaming, including launchers, compatibility layers, and performance tools.

       paru -S mangohud openrgb proton-ge-custom protonplus protontricks winetricks \
         wine gamemode gamescope lutris steam heroic-games-launcher-bin \
         legacy-launcher sgdboop-bin lsfg-vk-git alsa-plugins giflib glfw \
         gst-plugins-base-libs libjpeg-turbo libva libxslt mpg123 openal \
         opencl-icd-loader ttf-liberation vulkan-tools lib32-alsa-plugins \
         lib32-giflib lib32-gst-plugins-base-libs lib32-gtk3 lib32-libjpeg-turbo \
         lib32-libva lib32-mpg123 lib32-ocl-icd lib32-opencl-icd-loader \
         lib32-openal --needed

    • Productivity Pioneers
      Applications for office work, email, scheduling, and document management.

       paru -S onlyoffice-bin thunderbird pdfarranger okular merkuro kdepim-addons \
         kwalletmanager fluent-reader-bin flatpak --needed

    • Web Wanderers
      Browsers and tools for web navigation and turning sites into desktop apps.

       paru -S firefox chromium webapp-manager --needed

    • Media Maestros
      Players and viewers for audio, video, and images.

       paru -S vvave showtime phonon-qt6-gstreamer-git loupe --needed

    • Development Dynamos
      Runtimes and tools for development, focusing on Java environments.

       paru -S jre21-openjdk jre22-openjdk jre23-openjdk --needed

    • Automation Allies
      Tools for automating user inputs and system tasks.

       paru -S kdotool --needed

  3. Enable Flatpak:

    sudo pacman -S flatpak
flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

    Verify:

    flatpak remote-list  # Should show flathub

  4. Install Bazaar:

    flatpak install flathub io.github.kolunmi.Bazaar

    Note: Bazaar configuration is handled by dotfiles in Section F.

E. Enable System Services

Enable services for SSD maintenance, Bluetooth, networking, and firewall.

Why?

  • fstrim optimizes SSDs.
  • Bluetooth and NetworkManager ensure connectivity.
  • UFW secures the system with Steam compatibility.

Steps

  1. Enable SSD trim (if SSD):

    lsblk -d -o NAME,ROTA  # ROTA=0 for SSD
sudo systemctl enable fstrim.timer
sudo systemctl start fstrim.timer

  2. Enable Bluetooth:

    sudo systemctl start bluetooth.service
sudo systemctl enable bluetooth.service

    Verify:

    systemctl status bluetooth.service

    Tip: Use bluez-tools sudo pacman -S bluez-tools for pairing.

  3. Enable NetworkManager:

    systemctl list-unit-files | grep network  # Check conflicts
sudo systemctl disable netctl  # Disable if present
sudo systemctl start NetworkManager.service
sudo systemctl enable NetworkManager.service

    Verify:

    systemctl status NetworkManager.service

  4. Enable UFW:

    # Enable UFW
sudo ufw default deny incoming
sudo ufw default allow outgoing
sudo ufw allow ssh
sudo ufw allow http
sudo ufw allow https
sudo ufw enable

    Then run the following command [optional] If you use Steam, add the following to enable features from SteamOS through your network.

    # Allow specified ports and services
sudo ufw allow 53/tcp
sudo ufw allow 8080/tcp
sudo ufw allow 32000/tcp
sudo ufw allow 8081/tcp
sudo ufw allow 2020/tcp
sudo ufw allow 1716/tcp
sudo ufw allow 27060/tcp
sudo ufw allow 33220/tcp
sudo ufw allow 44101/tcp
sudo ufw allow 37653/tcp
sudo ufw allow 47317/tcp
sudo ufw allow 5355/tcp
sudo ufw allow 53/udp
sudo ufw allow 27036/udp
sudo ufw allow 50547/udp
sudo ufw allow 59838/udp
sudo ufw allow 5353/udp
sudo ufw allow 5355/udp
sudo ufw allow 1714:1764/udp

    Finally, to confirm they have all been added (they are mostly to allow Steam services)

    # Show the status of UFW
sudo ufw status verbose

F. Configure Dotfiles

Customize tools and shells with dotfiles.

Why?

  • Dotfiles streamline gaming tools (e.g., MangoHud) and shells (e.g., Fish).
  • Symlinking keeps configurations synced.

Steps

  1. Clone dotfiles:

    mkdir -p ~/Documents/GitRepos
cd ~/Documents/GitRepos
git clone https://github.com/linuxury/dotfiles.git
cd dotfiles

    Warning: Verify repository curl -I https://github.com/linuxury/dotfiles.

  2. Create symlinks:

    • Back up existing configurations [optional]:

    mv ~/.config/MangoHud ~/.config/MangoHud.bak 2>/dev/null
mv ~/.config/Kvantum ~/.config/Kvantum.bak 2>/dev/null
mv ~/.config/fish ~/.config/fish.bak 2>/dev/null
mv ~/.config/fastfetch ~/.config/fastfetch.bak 2>/dev/null
mv ~/.config/ghostty ~/.config/ghostty.bak 2>/dev/null
mv ~/.config/bazaar-config ~/.config/bazaar-config.bak 2>/dev/null
mv ~/.config/helix ~/.config/helix.bak 2>/dev/null
mv ~/.config/starship ~/.config/starship.bak 2>/dev/null
    • Create symlinks:

    ln -s ~/Documents/GitRepos/dotfiles/MangoHud ~/.config
ln -s ~/Documents/GitRepos/dotfiles/Kvantum ~/.config
ln -s ~/Documents/GitRepos/dotfiles/fish ~/.config
ln -s ~/Documents/GitRepos/dotfiles/fastfetch ~/.config
ln -s ~/Documents/GitRepos/dotfiles/ghostty ~/.config
ln -s ~/Documents/GitRepos/dotfiles/bazaar-config ~/.config
ln -s ~/Documents/GitRepos/dotfiles/helix ~/.config
ln -s ~/Documents/GitRepos/dotfiles/starship ~/.config

    Verify:

    ls -l ~/.config | grep dotfiles

G. Optimize Steam for Gaming

Configure Steam with proton-ge-custom for optimal performance.

Why?

  • proton-ge-custom (installed in Section D) enables Windows games for Steam and Lutris.
  • Custom launch options maximize performance and features.

Steps

  1. Set proton-ge-custom:

    • Open Steam, go to Settings > Compatibility (Steam Play), enable Steam Play for all titles, select Proton-GE.
    • For Lutris, set proton-ge-custom as the runner for games (configured in Lutris GUI).

  2. Set Steam launch options:

    • Right-click a game in Steam, select Properties, add to Launch Options:

    PROTON_ENABLE_WAYLAND=1 PROTON_ENABLE_HDR=1 PROTON_FSR4_UPGRADE=1 gamemoderun %command%
    • Explanation:
      • PROTON_ENABLE_WAYLAND=1: Enables Wayland for scaling/HDR.
      • PROTON_ENABLE_HDR=1: Enables HDR (monitor must support it).
      • SteamDeck=1: Optimizes for Steam Deck-like behavior.
      • PROTON_FSR4_UPGRADE=1: Experimental FSR 4.0 upscaling.
      • PROTON_DLSS_UPGRADE=1: Experimental DLSS (NVIDIA only).
      • gamemoderun: Optimizes CPU/GPU.
      • mangohud: Shows FPS/GPU usage.

    Note: For wayland specific flags and options, please refer to: Etaash-mathamsetty guide

    • Alternative for beginners: Use simpler options to avoid issues with experimental flags:

    PROTON_ENABLE_WAYLAND=1 gamemoderun mangohud %command%

    Verify Wayland:

    echo $XDG_SESSION_TYPE  # Should output "wayland"

    Warning: Experimental flags (PROTON_FSR4_UPGRADE, PROTON_DLSS_UPGRADE) may cause instability. Test games without them if issues arise.

  3. Verify ProtonPlus:

    • Ensure proton-ge-custom is installed:

    ls ~/.local/share/Steam/compatibilitytools.d  # Should list Proton-GE-Custom

  4. Configure Lutris:

    • Open Lutris, set proton-ge-custom as the runner for games in the game settings.

H. Optional Customizations

Enhance KDE Plasma with tweaks.

Why?

  • Improves usability (e.g., Numlock, Fish) and aesthetics (e.g., global menu, SDDM theme).

Steps

  1. Configure SDDM (login screen):

    • Minimal setup: Enable Num Lock and set the Breeze theme for a clean login screen.

    sudo mkdir -p /etc/sddm.conf.d
sudo nano /etc/sddm.conf.d/kde_settings.conf

    Add:

    [General]
Numlock=on

[Theme]
Current=breeze
    • Custom setup (recommended for your setup): Include Num Lock, power commands, and Breeze theme.

    sudo nano /etc/sddm.conf.d/kde_settings.conf

    Add:

    [General]
Numlock=on
HaltCommand=/usr/lib/systemd/systemd-shutdown poweroff
RebootCommand=/usr/lib/systemd/systemd-shutdown reboot

[Theme]
Current=breeze

    Save (Ctrl+O, Enter, Ctrl+X).

    Note: Numlock=on enables the numpad at login. HaltCommand and RebootCommand customize shutdown/reboot behavior for specific hardware needs. Current=breeze sets the Breeze theme for a polished, KDE-native login screen matching your Plasma desktop.

    Verify:

    cat /etc/sddm.conf.d/kde_settings.conf  # Check configuration
ls /usr/share/sddm/themes/breeze  # Confirm Breeze theme exists

    Tip: Reboot to test the login screen. If the Breeze theme doesn’t load, ensure sddm and plasma-desktop are installed sudo pacman -S sddm plasma-desktop.

  2. Set Fish as default shell:

    which fish  # Verify Fish
echo /usr/bin/fish | sudo tee -a /etc/shells
chsh -s /usr/bin/fish

    Log out and back in.

  3. Enable global menu:

    sudo pacman -S appmenu-gtk-module libdbusmenu-glib
kquitapp5 plasmashell && kstart5 plasmashell

    Note: Works best with Qt apps, may not function in Wayland or with all GTK apps.

  4. Customize GRUB for fast, silent boot:

    sudo nano /etc/default/grub

    Modify:

    GRUB_TIMEOUT=0
GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT="loglevel=0 quiet splash"
GRUB_TIMEOUT_STYLE=hidden
GRUB_HIDDEN_TIMEOUT=0
GRUB_HIDDEN_TIMEOUT_QUIET=true
    • Explanation:
      • GRUB_TIMEOUT=0: Skips GRUB menu for fastest boot.
      • GRUB_TIMEOUT_STYLE=hidden: Hides menu.
      • GRUB_HIDDEN_TIMEOUT=0: No delay for hidden menu.
      • GRUB_HIDDEN_TIMEOUT_QUIET=true: Suppresses countdown.
      • loglevel=0: Suppresses all kernel messages.

    Update GRUB:

    sudo grub-mkconfig -o /boot/grub/grub.cfg

    Warning: GRUB_TIMEOUT=0 and loglevel=0 make boot fast and silent but may hide errors and make GRUB menu access difficult (use Shift or Esc during boot).

    After all changes, it should look something similar to this:

    image

  5. Arch Update Counter configuration:

    • General:

      • Change the option for update to: 5 minute(s)
      • Select the option for: Retry if error

        image

    • Search & Count:

      • Count ARCH command: checkupdates | wc -l
      • Count AUR command: paru -Qua | wc -l
      • List ARCH command: checkupdates
      • List AUR command: paru -Qua

        image

    • Update Package:

      • Update command: topgrade
      • Update one command: paru -Sy
      • Terminal cmd for update action: ghostty -e
      • Terminal cmd for update with do not close: ghostty --noclose -e

        image

    • Change Popup color:

      • Name: White #D8DEE9
      • Source: Teal #88C0D0
      • From Version: Light Gray #E5E9F0
      • Separator: Green #A3BE8C
      • To Version: Bright white #ECEFF4

        image

I. Troubleshooting Tips

  • Package fails: Check dependencies sudo pacman -S <package> or PKGBUILD paru -Si <package>.
  • Service fails: Check status systemctl status <service>, logs journalctl -xe.
  • Gaming issues: Verify drivers glxinfo | grep "OpenGL renderer", Proton settings.
  • AUR errors: Update paru -Syyu, check AUR page.
  • Chaotic-AUR issues: Remove from pacman.conf, update sudo pacman -Syyu.
  • SDDM issues: If the Breeze theme doesn’t load, reinstall sddm and plasma-desktop, sudo pacman -S sddm plasma-desktop.
  • UFW issues: If Steam features (e.g., Remote Play) fail, verify ports sudo ufw status and test incrementally.

Conclusion

This guide sets up a gaming-optimized Arch Linux system with KDE Plasma, using proton-ge-custom, a polished Breeze login screen, and custom configurations. Commands are grouped for easy copying, with verification steps. For help, consult the Arch Wiki or forums.

About

This is my personal guide on what to do after a clean install of Arch Linux.

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