KickOS

Linux built for gamers. Pick your edition.

Download Arch Edition Download Debian Edition

Why KickOS?

🎮

Zero setup gaming

Wine, Proton-GE, and KickBoost FPS preinstalled. Just install and play.

🖥️

Your DE, your choice

Pick KDE, Hyprland, i3, Niri, or Cutefish at install time.

⚡

Hardware ready

Auto-detects GPU, installs drivers, and configures controllers.

🔄

Always up to date

KickNotify and KickUpdate keep your system fresh automatically.

Which edition is right for you?

Recommended for gamers

KickOS Arch Edition

Based on Arch Linux

  • Rolling release — always the latest software
  • linux-zen kernel (low latency, gaming optimized)
  • Bleeding edge Mesa, Wine, Proton, GPU drivers
  • AUR access — install almost any software instantly

Best for: power users, enthusiasts, people who want the newest everything

Best for stability

KickOS Debian Edition

Based on Debian Bookworm

  • Stable release — tested, reliable, rarely breaks
  • Liquorix kernel (performance kernel for Debian)
  • Slightly older packages but rock-solid stability
  • Flatpak-first for gaming software

Best for: casual gamers, older hardware, set-it-and-forget-it

For handheld devices

KickOS Handheld Edition

Based on Arch Linux

  • Optimized for handheld PCs (GPD Win, AYANEO, mini PCs)
  • Gamepad navigation UI, auto display scaling
  • Aggressive TDP and battery management
  • Big Picture style game launcher as default UI

Best for: handheld gaming devices, couch gaming setups

Arch vs Debian — explained simply:
The Arch edition is like a sports car — fast, customizable, always current, but needs occasional attention. The Debian edition is like a reliable truck — stable, dependable, and just works. Both run the same games, same KickBoost FPS system, and same installer experience. The only difference is how often things update and how cutting-edge the software is.

Download KickOS

Recommended for gamers

Arch Edition

kickos-arch-v1.0.iso

~2.1 GB

linux-zen kernel

Rolling release for gamers who want the latest.

Download ISO Verify checksum
Best for stability

Debian Edition

kickos-debian-v1.0.iso

~2.1 GB

Liquorix kernel

Rock-solid stable for casual gamers.

Download ISO Verify checksum
For handheld devices

Handheld Edition

kickos-handheld-v1.0.iso

~2.4 GB

linux-zen kernel

Optimized for handheld gaming PCs.

Download ISO Verify checksum

ISOs are not yet pre-built. Build from source or check GitHub Releases for pre-built images.

Setup Instructions

1

Build the ISO

Clone the repo and build. Requires Arch Linux.

git clone https://github.com/Speedyboy61/kickos.git
cd kickos
sudo pacman -S archiso
./build.sh arch
2

Flash to USB

Use Balena Etcher or dd to write the ISO to a USB drive (8GB+).

# Find your USB device
lsblk
# Flash the ISO (replace sdX with your USB)
sudo dd if=kickos-arch-*.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress
3

Boot & Install

Reboot and boot from the USB. KickOS runs live with no install needed. When ready, click "Install KickOS" on the desktop. The Calamares installer will guide you through:

  • ✓ Partition your disk
  • ✓ Pick your desktop environment (KDE, Hyprland, i3, Niri, or Cutefish)
  • ✓ Select gaming packages (Steam, Lutris, Heroic, etc.)
  • ✓ Configure bootloader
  • ✓ Auto GPU driver detection