Since the launch of the Steam Deck and the ensuing flurry of gaming-focussed Linux distributions, CachyOS has become one of the more popular Linux distros for gamers, thanks to its performance-oriented kernel and Arch base, but that same Arch DNA has been a deterrent for many first-time Linux users. It seems as though the developers behind CachyOS are aiming to address some of that and make the distribution less intimidating, announcing a new CachyOS Package Installer 2.0.

The new Package Installer 2.0 moves away from the largely text-based Octopi and more modern Shelly. CachyOS Package Installer 2.0 will launch with support for the AUR and Flatpak, alongside the regular CachyOS repos, and it will have a fresh new UI with a layout similar to Bazaar, the app store commonly used in Bazzite. Unlike Bazaar, CachyOS Package Installer 2.0 will have support for themes, with nine themes in total available at launch. It will also seemingly support proper app previews and more user-friendly descriptions. Alongside the new package launcher, the official CachyOS account on X also announced that a new CachyOS release is coming soon.