Helldivers 2 on Linux: How to Play and How It Performs

Helldivers 2 doesn’t have a native Linux version, but it runs great through Proton. Whether you’re on desktop Linux or Steam Deck, you can dive in and start spreading democracy without much fuss.

This guide covers how to get Helldivers 2 running on Linux, what settings work best, and how to get the most out of your hardware.

Does Helldivers 2 Work on Linux?

Yes. Helldivers 2 works well on Linux using Proton, Valve’s compatibility layer for Steam.

The game has a Gold rating on ProtonDB, meaning the vast majority of players report a smooth experience. It’s not officially Steam Deck Verified, but it runs fine on the Deck with the right settings.

One thing worth noting: the game uses nProtect GameGuard anti-cheat, but on Linux it runs through Proton without kernel-level access. It’s actually less invasive on Linux than on Windows, which is a nice bonus if that kind of thing matters to you.

System Requirements

Minimum

• CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K or AMD Ryzen 5 1500X
• GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti or AMD Radeon RX 470
• RAM: 8 GB
• Storage: 100 GB SSD

Recommended

• CPU: Intel Core i7-9700K or AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
• GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 or AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT
• RAM: 16 GB
• Storage: 100 GB SSD

The SSD requirement is real. Helldivers 2 loads a lot of assets during missions, and a spinning hard drive will cause stuttering and long load times.

How to Install Helldivers 2 on Linux

Step 1: Install Steam

If you don’t have Steam installed yet, grab it from your package manager:

Ubuntu / Debian:

sudo apt install steam

Arch / Manjaro:

sudo pacman -S steam

Fedora:

sudo dnf install steam

Step 2: Enable Proton

Open Steam, go to Settings, then Compatibility. Check the box for Enable Steam Play for all other titles.

In the dropdown, select Proton Experimental for the best compatibility with newer games.

Step 3: Install and Play

Find Helldivers 2 in your Steam library, click Install, and launch it when ready. Steam handles the Proton setup automatically.

First launch compiles shaders in the background, so expect some stuttering during your first couple of missions. This is normal and goes away once the shader cache builds up.

Performance Tips

Helldivers 2 runs well on Linux out of the box, but here are a few tweaks if you want to squeeze out extra performance:

In-game settings that help FPS without hurting visuals much:

• Set Volumetric Fog Quality to Medium
• Turn off Depth of Field
• Set Shadow Quality to Medium
• Disable Bloom if you don’t care for the effect

For AMD GPU users: Make sure you’re on recent Mesa drivers. Versions 24.0 and newer have good Vulkan performance for this game.

For Nvidia users: Use the latest proprietary drivers. The 550+ series works well.

Steam Deck Settings

Helldivers 2 is playable on Steam Deck, but it’s demanding. Don’t expect desktop-level performance here.

For stable 30 FPS (recommended):

• Resolution: 1280x800
• Render Scale: Native (no upscaling)
• Frame limit: 30 FPS
• Texture Quality: Medium
• Render Distance: Medium
• Shadow Quality: Lowest
• Particle Quality: Lowest
• Volumetric Fog: Lowest
• Depth of Field: Off
• Motion Blur: Off

For 40 FPS (with visual tradeoffs):

• Same as above, but set Render Scale to Ultra Quality (FSR upscaling)
• Frame limit: 40 FPS
• Note: FSR1 upscaling hurts image clarity noticeably

The 30 FPS target gives you better visuals and stays more stable during intense fights. Higher difficulties with swarms of enemies will push the hardware hard either way. Expect dips during the most chaotic moments.

Battery life is roughly 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on your settings and mission intensity.

Skip the Setup with CloudDeck

If tweaking settings and managing Proton versions isn’t your thing, there’s an easier option.

CloudDeck is a cloud gaming service that gives you a full Linux gaming PC in the cloud. Helldivers 2 works out of the box with no setup required. Just install from Steam and start playing.

The environment is already configured for compatibility, so you don’t need to think about Proton versions or graphics drivers. Works on any device with a decent internet connection.

Available in Europe and North America, starting at $19.99/month.

Try CloudDeck →

Is Helldivers 2 Worth Playing on Linux?

Absolutely. It’s one of the better co-op shooters out there, and the Linux experience is solid. Performance is comparable to Windows, cross-play works with PlayStation and PC players, and the community is active.

If you’ve got hardware that meets the requirements and a friend or three to squad up with, Helldivers 2 on Linux is a great time.

FAQ

Does Helldivers 2 anti-cheat work on Linux?

Yes. The nProtect GameGuard anti-cheat runs through Proton without kernel-level access. You can play online without issues, and it’s actually less invasive on Linux than on Windows.

What Proton version works best for Helldivers 2?

Proton Experimental is the safest choice since it gets the latest compatibility updates. Proton GE also works well if you prefer that.

Can I play Helldivers 2 on Steam Deck?

Yes. It’s not officially Verified, but it’s playable with adjusted settings. Target 30 FPS for stable performance, or 40 FPS with FSR upscaling at the cost of image clarity. Higher difficulties with lots of enemies will be more demanding.

Why does Helldivers 2 stutter at first?

Proton compiles shaders the first time you play, which causes temporary stuttering. This goes away after a few missions as the cache builds up.

Is cross-play supported on Linux?

Yes. You can play with friends on Windows and PlayStation. The Linux version connects to the same servers as everyone else.