I'm currently running Linux without updates for a couple weeks now so I can continue to play. However, Any update I install causes any game to stay stuck on the integrated GPU instead of switching to the dedicated GPU. Some games will just close while others will run but it's super slow and choppy.
I've tried running steam with the dedicated GPU option but that causes steam to launch, attempt to open the library window several times before the system freezes for a moment. After the system unfreezes, I can move the mouse but nothing on the desktop is responsive.
I also get the freezing issue without running with the dedicated GPU when I launch steam but found that launching directly to the steam settings window from the menu reduces the chances of freezing.
I had the exact same problem with Ubuntu trying to get steam games to run. Unfortunately I could not resolve it and was advised to move to another distro. I chose Fedora and now everything works perfectly without having to make any adjustments. I know it's not the answer you're looking for, but it is a solution.
I may just switch to another distribution in the future when I have the time. I think I'm also traumatized by windows.
Usually I have to schedule an entire day reformatting and updating windows. Compared to setting up Mint the first time which took maybe a couple hours. A lot of that time was going through the settings just to set things to my preferences.
Still can't shake the feeling of dread about installing a new OS when deep down inside I know it's not so bad hahaha
I had this dread too! I thought it would be incredibly time consuming but it ended up being a 30 min job (when I'd spent at least 4 days trying to make steam work on Ubuntu). Distro hopping is definitely one of the best features of Linux.
You'd then back up your data, and restart your computer and then, depending on the computer, it might either start the distro installation or you'll need to go into bios and configure your computer to boot from USB.
It sounds more complicated than it is, but there are lots of online tutorials to show you how to do it. Just make sure to back up your data first just in case.