Borderlands 2 still works on Linux through Steam. Steam continues to list a native SteamOS + Linux version, so the simplest route is to install Steam, download the game from your Library, and launch it normally. If the older native build gives you trouble on a modern distribution, Steam's Proton compatibility layer is a practical fallback.
Yes. The official Borderlands 2 Steam page still lists SteamOS + Linux support and names Aspyr as the Linux developer. Steam also currently marks the game as Playable on Steam Deck.
One detail needs context: the Linux system-requirements block on the store page still mentions Ubuntu 14.04 and hardware from the original Linux release era. Those are legacy game requirements, not a good guide to today's Steam client support. Valve's current Steam for Linux requirements call for a 64-bit Linux system, current 64-bit and 32-bit graphics drivers, and glibc 2.31 or newer. Valve officially targets the latest Ubuntu or Ubuntu LTS, while other distributions generally rely on their own maintained Steam packages.
Install Steam from your distribution's trusted package source or use Valve's official Linux package on a supported Ubuntu system. Launch Steam, let the client update, and sign in to the account that owns Borderlands 2. Keep your graphics drivers current before troubleshooting the game itself.
Open Library, select Borderlands 2, and choose Install. If you do not own it yet, purchase it from its Steam store page first. Steam lists about 13 GB for the base Linux game, but leave additional free space for updates and DLC.
By default, Steam should install the native Linux build when no compatibility tool is forced. Let the download finish before changing compatibility settings.
Select Play after installation. Starting with the native build keeps the setup simple and avoids adding a Windows compatibility layer when you do not need one. The Steam listing also shows Steam Cloud and controller support.
The store currently states that a third-party SHiFT account is required. If Steam or the game asks you to link or sign in to SHiFT, follow the account prompt. 2K's current SHiFT support page confirms that Steam accounts can be used with SHiFT.
If the game fails to start, crashes, or behaves badly with your current Linux stack, try the Windows build through Proton. In Steam, right-click Borderlands 2, open Properties > Compatibility, enable Force the use of a specific Steam Play compatibility tool, and select the newest stable Proton version Steam offers.
Valve documents this same per-game compatibility setting in its Steam Deck troubleshooting guide. Proton is Valve's Steam Play compatibility tool for running Windows games on Linux; Valve recommends using the Proton version supplied by Steam rather than manually installing it for normal use.
Changing from native Linux to Proton can cause Steam to download different game files. Back up any local saves you cannot afford to lose before switching builds, even though Steam lists Cloud support for the game.
| Option | Best use |
|---|---|
| Native Linux build | Start here. It is still officially listed on Steam and requires no forced compatibility layer. |
| Proton | Use it when the native build has launch, graphics, or compatibility problems on your current Linux setup. |
For most users, the shortest path is simple: install Steam, install Borderlands 2, try the native version, and only enable Proton if you actually need it.
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