Recent updates to AMD's Windows GPU drivers have raised concerns among users, but Linux gamers can rest easy. The changes, limiting new features to newer Radeon series, apply only to Windows. Linux relies on open-source Mesa drivers that continue supporting older hardware.
AMD's Adrenalin Edition 25.10.2 driver release notes state that "New Game Support and Expanded Vulkan Extensions Support is available to Radeon™ RX 7000 and 9000 series graphics products." This indicates a shift, moving the Radeon RX 5000 and RX 6000 series into "maintenance mode," as confirmed by AMD to computerbase.de.
These adjustments pertain exclusively to Windows drivers. On Linux, the situation differs significantly due to the open-source Mesa project, which includes drivers like RADV. AMD has discontinued its proprietary AMDVLK driver to focus fully on Mesa's RADV, ensuring ongoing support for a wide range of GPUs, including older ones.
Mesa's open-source nature allows community developers to maintain and update drivers for legacy hardware if official maintainers step back—a flexibility not available with closed-source Windows drivers. Additionally, Valve's commitment to SteamOS for the Steam Deck, powered by an AMD APU, means continued driver advancements that benefit the broader Linux ecosystem.
Overall, Linux users face no disruptions from these Windows-specific changes, preserving compatibility for popular RX 5000 and 6000 series cards in gaming and other applications.