Confused on Steam Play and Proton? Be sure to check out our guide.
We do often include affiliate links to earn us some pennies. See more here.

This XCOM 2 video shows Linux and Windows very close in performance

By - | Views: 19,201
Another excellent comparison video from Penguin Recordings has shown just how close XCOM 2 is on Linux and Windows, and Linux actually beats Windows in some tests.

YouTube Thumbnail
YouTube videos require cookies, you must accept their cookies to view. View cookie preferences.
Accept Cookies & Show   Direct Link

Pretty good work by Feral Interactive really to have it so closely matched up. Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
0 Likes
About the author -
author picture
I am the owner of GamingOnLinux. After discovering Linux back in the days of Mandrake in 2003, I constantly came back to check on the progress of Linux until Ubuntu appeared on the scene and it helped me to really love it. You can reach me easily by emailing GamingOnLinux directly. Find me on Mastodon.
See more from me
The comments on this article are closed.
20 comments
Page: 1/2»
  Go to:

Teal Feb 18, 2016
QuoteThrough the development of this video, I obtained results I didn't think I would. I went into this expecting the usual 20% upwards to 50% loss of performance with the Linux title versus the base Windows title.

At first, the 361 driver on Linux gave me those kinds of results. Then I tested the 358 drivers, and it's a world of difference! To note, this same driver on Windows makes no difference. I have a feeling we've lost performance on the Linux driver due to the recent addition of GLVND.

So apparently, the game runs significantly better on 358 driver than the 361 driver?

I don't have time to test it, can anybody here?
Teodosio Feb 18, 2016
Quoting: Teal
QuoteThrough the development of this video, I obtained results I didn't think I would. I went into this expecting the usual 20% upwards to 50% loss of performance with the Linux title versus the base Windows title.

At first, the 361 driver on Linux gave me those kinds of results. Then I tested the 358 drivers, and it's a world of difference! To note, this same driver on Windows makes no difference. I have a feeling we've lost performance on the Linux driver due to the recent addition of GLVND.

So apparently, the game runs significantly better on 358 driver than the 361 driver?

I don't have time to test it, can anybody here?

That was my impression as well, I noticed a drastic performance drop after I installed 361.28. I may have to roll back.


Last edited by Teodosio on 18 February 2016 at 1:05 pm UTC
Eike Feb 18, 2016
View PC info
  • Supporter Plus
It's running so bad on Windows that the performance nearly equals that on Linux? *duckandcover*

No, seriously: Great work, Feral. Bought for full price this time.
(With a Steam controller, the package is waiting for me today! Yeah!)
Mountain Man Feb 18, 2016
Developers take note! This is what happens when software is designed from the ground up for Linux!


Last edited by Mountain Man on 18 February 2016 at 2:56 pm UTC
linux_gamer Feb 18, 2016
Quoting: EikeIt's running so bad on Windows that the performance nearly equals that on Linux? *duckandcover*
Instead of paying the Linux devs to make good ports, we should pay the Windows devs to make games worse and the hardware vendors would also love it!
Renzatic Gear Feb 18, 2016
Quoting: Eike(With a Steam controller, the package is waiting for me today! Yeah!)

Enjoy the Steam Controller, man. I got mine through the same deal, and while it does take a bit to get the hang of it, it's awesome once you do.
Sabun Feb 18, 2016
Thank you very much Liam for sharing my video, I appreciate it!

Nick from Feral has contacted me, and we may be getting Linux-specific fixes and possibly more soon. Anything can happen though, but I hope for the best.

I really appreciate them taking the performance and quality of their Linux ports seriously. Their support team is also very active in talking to me when I address bugs I've found with them.
rkfg Feb 18, 2016
There was a hotfix released but it didn't hit the Linux playerbase for whatever reason. SteamDB shows that the public branch is at 981411 build id while Steam itself says it's 960248 (equals to mac_linux_1_0 branch). I didn't know that branch pointers are per-platform. Or is it just me?
Beamboom Feb 18, 2016
QuoteAt first, the 361 driver on Linux gave me those kinds of results. Then I tested the 358 drivers, and it's a world of difference!

Aha! This is really interesting. Cause I thought it felt "something is wrong" when I installed 361 just a few days ago. I'm gonna friggin' downgrade this every evening!

Quoting: Mountain ManDevelopers take note! This is what happens when software is designed from the ground up for Linux!

Except, this is a port. :D


Last edited by Beamboom on 18 February 2016 at 3:56 pm UTC
rkfg Feb 18, 2016
Quoting: BeamboomExcept, this is a port. :D
What is port?
Spoiler, click me
Baby don't hurt me, don't hurt me, no more

I mean, what qualifies as a port and what is just a game released on several platforms? On which platforms it's not a port and on which it is? I'd understand it being called a port if it were released on Windows first and on Mac/Linux later but that's not the case. The release was simultaneous.
While you're here, please consider supporting GamingOnLinux on:

Reward Tiers: Patreon. Plain Donations: PayPal.

This ensures all of our main content remains totally free for everyone! Patreon supporters can also remove all adverts and sponsors! Supporting us helps bring good, fresh content. Without your continued support, we simply could not continue!

You can find even more ways to support us on this dedicated page any time. If you already are, thank you!
The comments on this article are closed.