SimRacing on Linux: A New Reality

If a few years ago someone had told me that Linux would become a platform where 95% of games run better than on Windows and that installation would be relatively straightforward via Steam, I wouldn’t have believed it. In this post, we’ll review the current state of simulators and how Proton has revolutionized gaming on the Linux operating system.

Proton is a software layer developed by Valve, the creators of Steam, and it has enabled Linux to grow as a gaming platform. This innovation allows Valve to release hardware products like the Steam Deck, which has been a critical and commercial success. There’s a database listing which games work with Proton and which don’t, and that includes all simulators.

Regarding wheels and bases, there are drivers for Fanatec, Thrustmaster, Logitech, and even Moza. Not everything is supported, but given the state of the Linux ecosystem, this is challenging unless companies support it as they do with the Android-iOS duality.

Assetto Corsa

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Works with the Proton GE branch, apparently without external configuration needed as of now. Some additional tasks are required for Content Manager to manage everything from there. This video contains “outdated” instructions but gives an idea of how it works and what its installation entails.

Opinions and updated tips here.

• Assetto Corsa Ultimate

Assetto Corsa Competizione

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Works without issues in most cases. Recognizes Logitech wheels as well. You can find the latest reports by clicking here.

• Assetto Corsa Competizione

Automobilista

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Runs correctly with the new versions. The latest reports can be found here.

Automobilista 2

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There appears to be a native version, but even so, emulation through Proton also works correctly without errors. The latest reports are here.

Beam.NG

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There are minor issues, but overall it seems to work properly. However, occasional crashes or freezes have been reported. To see the latest reports, click here.

EA Sports WRC

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Too many changes with the inclusion of Anti-Cheat to achieve stability. It does not currently work, but it worked before.

Dirt Rally

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It has a native version for Linux, so Proton emulation is unnecessary. For emulation, you may need to configure some options related to the CPU type.

Dirt Rally 2.0

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Appears to work correctly with the latest versions of Proton for most users. However, you can read the reports here.

F1 2024

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Same situation as EA Sports WRC. When Anti-Cheat was added, it stopped working. The 2023 version works without issues.

Forza Motorsports

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Requires the installation of Microsoft Gaming Services, which installs but fails to launch the game. The latest reports can be found here.

iRacing

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Interestingly, it worked before Anti-Cheat inclusion. If EOS had a Linux profile, it would work, but this hasn’t been implemented yet, and there’s no word on whether it will be. The game worked well until that point. Latest updates here.

This video is from 2018. We’ve been exploring this space since even earlier. You can sign up for iRacing here.

Live for Speed

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Not listed in Proton’s database because it must be installed from a natively available Linux package. It is presumed to work perfectly.

Raceroom

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Works correctly from recent versions. Online play is functional, and performance seems adequate. Compatibility with standard Logitech devices, known to work on Linux, is confirmed. The latest reports are here.

Rennsport

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Works correctly, although performance might be an issue. It appears to recognize Moza wheels and bases according to some reports.

rFactor 2

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Should work correctly with the latest versions, but there haven’t been many recent reports due to its ongoing development.

Le Mans Ultimate

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Does not work when loading tracks. Not even with the latest versions. Given its Early Access status and ongoing development, it remains to be seen what happens in the coming months.

In my opinion, given how companies “license” software, charge us, and annoy us even after payment with ads and use of our data, having alternatives is crucial. Linux offers a breath of fresh air, and distributions designed to launch games in under 20 minutes like CachyOS deserve a try.