This glorious-looking Linux distro is unlike anything I’ve ever seen in my decades of use

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ZDNET's key takeaways

• StratOS is one of the coolest Linux desktops I've seen.
• This Arch-based distribution uses the Hyprland compositor.
• StratOS can be downloaded and installed for free.

I've seen and customized some really cool Linux desktops over the years, from minimal environments to those crazy with effects, animations, transparencies, and every bell and whistle you can imagine.

And then I run into a Linux distribution that's so cool out of the box, I'm reminded just how special the open-source operating system is.

Recently, I discovered StratOS, and my immediate reaction was, “Wow.” I honestly can't remember the last time a Linux distribution had me staring wide-eyed at all its glory.

Also: 10 Linux apps I install on every new machine (and why you should, too)

Now, before I go on, I should mention that this Arch-based distro comes in three flavors: GNOME, Hyprland, and Niri. I tested all three, and the Hyprland option struck me the hardest. 

Hyprland is a tiling window manager that's not exactly suited for new Linux users. Hyprland is totally keyboard-driven. You can click your mouse all you want, but nothing will happen. In other words, you have to learn a lot of keyboard shortcuts. 

I won't go too deep into Hyprland, but some of the more important keyboard shortcuts are:

• Open terminal: Super + Return
• Open application launcher (Rofi): Super + Space
• Open file manager: Super + E
• Close focused window: Super + Q
• Switch to next workspace: Mod + Right Arrow
• Switch to previous workspace: Mod + Left Arrow
• Scroll existing workspaces: Mod + Mouse Scroll
• Reload Hyprland configuration: Mod + Shift + R
• Toggle fullscreen state: Mod + Shift + F
• Kill Hyprland session: Super + Shift + M
• Lock screen: Super + L
• Exit Hyprland: Super + Shift + E
• Take a screenshot: Print

What's really cool about StratOS is that the default Hyprland look is probably the first time I didn't immediately want to switch from dark mode to light mode. The developers have done a great job creating a look that is modern, stylish, and not even the slightest bit confusing. 

Also: How to install Arch Linux without losing your mind

The devs got everything right with this custom desktop. It's just flippin' cool.

On the desktop, you'll find a basic system resource monitor, a clock, a calendar, and an uptime timer. There are also indicators for volume, network, and workspaces.

I can't believe this is coming out of my mouth: This version of StratOS made me think I might actually want to use Hyprland as my default desktop environment. Until now, I was certain that Hyprland wasn't for me, but the way the developers have this desktop decked out has given me a slight case of envy.

OK, enough with the cool looks.

Preinstalled apps

As for preinstalled apps, you'll find Ghostty, Conky, Emacs, Kvantum Manager (a GUI for selecting Kvantum themes), Neovim, Thunar file manager, Zen Browser, and a few more utilities. When you open the desktop menu (Super + Space), you'll also find quick access to several commands, such as those for searching files, suspend/power off/restart/soft reboot, search emojis, extension store, open config file, set theme, and more.

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The one thing you'll find missing is a GUI app store. Why? StratOS is based on Arch Linux, and many Arch Linux-based distros don't ship with a GUI app store. You can always install Pamac with:

yay install pamac

Installing Pamac levels StratOS up to more user-friendly spaces.

Even installing apps from the command line is cool in StratOS.

Once Pamac is installed, you can install whatever apps you need via the GUI.

Who is StratOS for?

I wish I could say that StratOS was for everyone, simply because it's just so — yes, I'll say it again — cool. Unfortunately, the combination of Arch Linux and Hyprland makes this distribution targeted specifically for those who know their way around Linux. 

However, don't despair, as you can always download the GNOME version, which removes the biggest hurdle to using StratOS for newish users. The GNOME version isn't quite as nifty looking, but it's considerably easier to use.

Also: I finally found an Arch-based Linux distro even newbies can run

If you're brave and curious enough to try Hyprland, don't want to muck around with config files to get a killer look, and don't mind using an Arch-based distribution, StratOS is what you want. 

You can download StratOS from the official site, just make sure you grab the Hyprland version and tell them Jack sent you. 😉