Elden Ring on Linux: How to play and how it performs

Elden Ring may not have a native Linux release, but thanks to Proton, Steam Deck optimizations, and ongoing improvements in Linux gaming, it now runs very well on most Linux distributions. Whether you’re gaming on a desktop PC with Ubuntu, Arch, Fedora, or playing on the Steam Deck, running Elden Ring on Linux is absolutely possible – and it performs far better than many expect.

This guide covers the best way to install, configure, and optimize Elden Ring on Linux and also shows a way to try Linux gaming without installing Linux yourself and risk breaking your current setup.

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Does Elden Ring Run on Linux?

Yes – Elden Ring runs great on Linux using Proton, Valve’s compatibility layer for Steam.

Elden Ring has a Platinum rating on ProtonDB and is SteamDeck Verified meaning the game will work just as well as it does on Windows PCs with no tweaks required.

System Requirements for Elden Ring on Linux

Minimum

• CPU: Intel Core i5-8400 or AMD Ryzen 3 3300X
• GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB or AMD Radeon RX 580 4 GB
• RAM: 12 GB
• Storage: ~60 GB

Recommended

• CPU: Intel Core i7-8700K or AMD Ryzen 5 3600X
• GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 8 GB or AMD Radeon RX Vega 56 8 GB
• RAM: 16 GB
• Storage: ~60 GB

How to Install Elden Ring on Linux (Step-by-Step)

1. Install Steam

Install Steam from your distro’s software center or via the package manager:

• Ubuntu / Debian: sudo apt install steam
• Arch: sudo pacman -S steam
• Fedora: sudo dnf install steam

2. Enable Proton in Steam

1. Open Steam and go to Settings → Compatibility
2. Check “Enable Steam Play for all other titles”
3. In the drop-down, select Proton Experimental

3. Install Elden Ring

1. Go to your Steam Library
2. Search for Elden Ring
3. Click Install
4. Launch it – Steam will automatically run it via Proton

Elden Ring Linux Performance

Elden Ring on Linux performs just as well as on Windows out of the box. No performance tweaks are necessary.

Playing Elden Ring on Steam Deck

Elden Ring is SteamDeck Verified and runs great with the right settings:

• Resolution: 1280x800
• FPS Limit: 40
• Ray tracing quality: Off
• Texture quality: Medium
• Antialiasing quality: High
• SSAO: Medium
• Depth of field: Off
• Motion blur: Off
• Shadow quality: Low
• Lighting quality: Medium
• Effects quality: Medium
• Volumetric quality: Medium
• Reflection quality: Low
• Water surface quality: High
• Shader quality: Low
• Global Illumination quality: Medium
• Grass quality: Medium

Battery life on the Deck is typically around 1.5–2.5 hours.

The best way to try Linux gaming

If you’re curious about Linux gaming but don’t want to install a new operating system or risk breaking your current setup, the easiest option is to try it in the cloud with CloudDeck.

CloudDeck is a cloud gaming platform that lets you play your existing PC games on almost any device with an internet connection. It provides a full Linux gaming environment where you can install and run nearly any title you own – no dual-booting, no drivers, no configuration required. You can play from your laptop, tablet, smartphone, or TV, and CloudDeck’s console-style interface makes managing and launching games effortless.