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Does Helldivers 2 Work on Linux - NovaEphemera - 09-04-2025
Helldivers 2 has quickly become one of the most talked-about co-op shooters of 2024. With its chaotic battles, satirical tone, and squad-based gameplay, it’s no surprise that players across different platforms want in on the action. For Linux users, however, the big question remains: does Helldivers 2 actually work on Linux, and if so, how well?
Native Support vs Proton
At the time of writing, Helldivers 2 does not have official native Linux support. That means you cannot simply install and launch it as you might with some other Steam titles that offer Linux builds. Instead, most Linux players are turning to Proton, the compatibility layer developed by Valve that allows many Windows games to run on Linux through Steam Play.
Early reports suggest mixed results. Some players have managed to get the game running smoothly with Proton, while others have encountered issues ranging from crashes during matchmaking to performance dips in larger battles. As with many newer releases, optimizations for Linux through Proton often improve over time as the community and developers release patches and configuration tweaks.
Performance and Stability
The game is graphically demanding, so your experience will heavily depend on your hardware and drivers. Users running modern GPUs with up-to-date Mesa drivers seem to have the best luck. If you’re on older hardware, you may need to adjust settings or experiment with different Proton versions. The good news is that the community is active, and troubleshooting guides are appearing on forums and ProtonDB almost daily.
Gameplay and Progression
If you do manage to get Helldivers 2 working on Linux, the gameplay experience is every bit as intense as on Windows. The cooperative focus shines when coordinating with friends, and progression feels rewarding as you unlock new stratagems and gear. Some players who enjoy the grind even mention looking into ways to buy Helldivers 2 items or buy Helldivers 2 medals to accelerate their loadout building, though the game remains fun without going down that route.
So, does Helldivers 2 work on Linux? The answer is: yes, but with caveats. You’ll likely need to tinker with Proton settings, keep drivers up to date, and stay patient with occasional crashes or bugs. If you’re comfortable with that, Linux gaming is definitely viable for Helldivers 2 right now, and performance should only get better as updates roll out.
For those who enjoy a challenge both in and out of the battlefield, running Helldivers 2 on Linux might be part of the fun.