How to Play RimWorld on Linux Using Steam

Yes. RimWorld runs natively on Linux, so most players can install and launch it from Steam without Proton. This guide uses Steam because its Linux client handles downloads and updates. If you own the game through Ludeon’s official store, you can also use its DRM-free Linux download instead.

Check the Linux requirements

The Steam listing identifies RimWorld as supporting SteamOS + Linux. Its listed minimums are modest, but leave extra free space for updates, saved games, and any mods you add.

See the RimWorld Steam listing for the current platform details. Ludeon also describes the game as available for Windows, Mac, and Linux on its official website.

Install and launch RimWorld through Steam

1. Install Steam from your distribution’s recommended source. Open your Linux software center or package manager and install Steam using the instructions for your distribution and release. Package names and repository setup differ between Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, and Arch, so follow the current distribution guidance rather than copying an old command. Valve’s Steam download page also provides its Linux client. If you choose Flatpak, note that the Steam package on Flathub is community maintained and is not officially supported by Valve.

2. Sign in and open the Steam Store. Search for “RimWorld” and select the matching game page. Buy it through Steam if you do not already own it, or skip the purchase if it is already in your account. Ludeon’s official store also offers a DRM-free download for Linux; use that seller’s download instructions if you purchased there.

3. Install the game from your Library. Select Library, choose RimWorld, and click Install. Pick a Steam library with enough free space and let the download finish. Steam should install the Linux build automatically; you do not need to turn on Steam Play or Proton for the normal native version.

4. Start a colony. When installation finishes, open the game’s Library page and select Play. The first launch may take a little longer while the game completes its startup tasks. If Steam asks to install a runtime component, allow it to finish and then try Play again.

Fix common Linux launch problems

Steam will not open

Use a currently supported Linux distribution and install Steam from its recommended repository or package source. Valve says Steam stopped supporting distributions with glibc older than 2.31 on August 15, 2025. If the client opens and immediately closes, check that your graphics driver and OpenGL libraries are installed and configured for your GPU. Valve’s Linux client troubleshooting guide notes that missing or misconfigured OpenGL drivers can cause Steam startup problems.

RimWorld does not start

Restart Steam, install any pending operating system or graphics driver updates, and try again. If the game still fails, open its Steam Library page, choose Properties, then Installed Files, and run Verify integrity of game files. This checks the local installation and replaces damaged or missing files.

Try Proton only as a fallback

If the native Linux build still will not launch, open RimWorld’s Properties, select Compatibility, and enable Force the use of a specific Steam Play compatibility tool. Choose an installed Proton version and test the game. Steam may download the Windows build when you force a compatibility tool. If this does not help, turn the setting off again and return to the native version. Valve explains that Steam Play can run some Windows-only games on Linux, but RimWorld already has a Linux version; Proton is a troubleshooting option here, not a required setup step. See Steam’s Linux game support information for platform and Steam Play details.