How to Stream Games on Linux Using OBS Studio 🎮📡

Want to stream games on Linux like a pro? Whether you’re broadcasting on Twitch, YouTube, or Facebook Gaming, OBS Studio is the best tool for the job. OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) is free, open-source, and highly customizable—perfect for Linux gamers!

In this guide, we’ll cover:
✅ Installing OBS Studio on Linux
✅ Optimizing settings for smooth streaming
✅ Capturing gameplay with high FPS
✅ Configuring your microphone & webcam
✅ Going live on Twitch or YouTube

Let’s get started! 🚀

1️⃣ Install OBS Studio on Linux

For Ubuntu & Debian-based Distros : sudo apt update && sudo apt install obs-studio -y

1. Open OBS Studio
2. Go to Settings → Video
3. Set Base Resolution to 1920×1080 (or your screen resolution)
4. Set Output Resolution to 1280×720 (for better performance on mid-range PCs)
5. Set FPS to 60 FPS (or 30 FPS for weaker hardware)

1. Go to Settings → Output
2. Set Output Mode to Advanced
3. Choose Streaming Encoder (depends on your GPU):
   • NVIDIA users: Select NVENC (H.264)
   • AMD users: Select FFmpeg VAAPI (H.264)
   • Intel users: Select QuickSync (H.264) or VAAPI
   • CPU encoding: Use x264 (not recommended for gaming)
4. Set Bitrate based on your internet speed:
   • 6000 Kbps for 1080p 60 FPS
   • 4500 Kbps for 720p 60 FPS
   • 2500 Kbps for 720p 30 FPS

🔹 Pro Tip: Run a speed test at Speedtest.net and set Bitrate to 70% of your upload speed.

1. Click + in Sources
2. Select Window Capture
3. Choose your game window
4. Click OK

1. Click + in Sources
2. Select Game Capture (Xcomposite)
3. Choose your game process
4. Click OK

1. Click + in Sources
2. Select Screen Capture (XSHM)
3. Choose your monitor
4. Click OK

🔹 Pro Tip: If Screen Capture lags, enable “Allow GPU Acceleration” in Settings → Advanced.

1. Click + in Sources
2. Select Audio Input Capture
3. Choose your microphone
4. Adjust volume in Audio Mixer

🔹 Pro Tip: Use Noise Suppression (Filters → Noise Gate) to remove background noise.

1. Click + in Sources
2. Select Video Capture Device
3. Choose your webcam
4. Resize & position it in the scene

🔹 Pro Tip: If the webcam lags, reduce resolution to 1280×720 or 640×480.

• Twitch: Go to Twitch Dashboard → Settings → Stream Key
• YouTube: Go to YouTube Studio → Create → Go Live

1. Open OBS Studio
2. Go to Settings → Stream
3. Choose Service (Twitch, YouTube, Facebook, etc.)
4. Paste your Stream Key
5. Click Apply

1. Click “Start Streaming” in OBS
2. Open your stream on Twitch/YouTube to check quality
3. Engage with your audience and have fun! 🎉

✅ Use a Lightweight Desktop Environment – XFCE or KDE is better for streaming than GNOME.
✅ Close Background Apps – Avoid high CPU usage.
✅ Enable Hardware Encoding – Reduces CPU load.
✅ Optimize Your Internet Connection – Use wired Ethernet for stable speeds.
✅ Monitor CPU & RAM Usage – Use htop or glances.

Now you know how to set up OBS Studio on Linux for smooth, high-quality game streaming. Whether you’re playing CS:GO, Elden Ring, or Minecraft, Linux can handle it all!

💬 Got any questions or need troubleshooting help? Drop a comment below! 😊