Don't partition the same drive for dual boot. Use an entirely different physical disk altogether and boot from there. It's logistically simpler and less prone to failure (maybe you'll need to finagle with UEFI secureboot). Maybe just use an SSD for Windows (no, don't whine, you won't notice the speed difference while in game).
For virtual machines, be aware that performance takes a massive hit. You can pass-through a graphics card, but you better be very comfortable with whatever virtualization solution you're using because it's the most technically complex and involved thing you can do with a VM. And you most likely will need a separate dedicated graphics card than the one your host system use (I think it's hardware dependent now).
Best option for someone who’s only ever used Linux on servers, and who plays at least 1 game that does not run on Proton bc of EAC?
Split my m2 for a Linux partition and dual boot? Vm windows in Linux?
If dualbooting, advice on not accidentally overwriting my primary drive (again)
I already know I should use arch, right?
Don't partition the same drive for dual boot. Use an entirely different physical disk altogether and boot from there. It's logistically simpler and less prone to failure (maybe you'll need to finagle with UEFI secureboot). Maybe just use an SSD for Windows (no, don't whine, you won't notice the speed difference while in game).
For virtual machines, be aware that performance takes a massive hit. You can pass-through a graphics card, but you better be very comfortable with whatever virtualization solution you're using because it's the most technically complex and involved thing you can do with a VM. And you most likely will need a separate dedicated graphics card than the one your host system use (I think it's hardware dependent now).
I like Debian, tho GNOME isn't my piece of cake
Is that an intentional malaphor?
Use Nobara as a beginner arch will destroy you. And nowadays EAC works with proton most if the time so don’t forget to check your game on protobdb