See which flight simulators run on Linux, including native options, browser sims and the practical limits of Proton, add-ons and flight controls.
The best flight simulators that run natively on Linux are X-Plane 12, FlightGear and Aerofly FS 4. GeoFS also works in a supported web browser. Microsoft Flight Simulator, DCS World, Prepar3D and most older Windows-only sims have no native Linux edition, although some can run through Proton or Wine.
Which flight simulators have native Linux versions?
The practical native choices cover civilian flying, open-source simulation and online combat without requiring a Windows compatibility layer.
| Simulator | Linux support | Best suited to | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| X-Plane 12 | Official native build | Civil aviation, IFR, peripherals and add-ons | Compiled plug-ins must include Linux binaries |
| FlightGear | Native and open source | Free civilian simulation and technical experimentation | Less polished setup and aircraft consistency |
| Aerofly FS 4 | Native desktop build | Quick setup, smooth performance and visual flying | Smaller third-party ecosystem than X-Plane |
| War Thunder | Native Linux client | Online military aviation and simulator battles | Not a general-aviation procedure trainer |
| GeoFS | Runs in a compatible web browser | Casual flying without a local installation | Browser and connection limits reduce depth |
X-Plane 11 also has a native Linux edition and remains useful for existing aircraft or scenery collections. For a new installation, X-Plane 12 is usually the more sensible starting point.
What is the best flight simulator for Linux?
X-Plane 12 is the strongest all-round Linux flight simulator for civilian aircraft, realistic procedures, hardware support and third-party expansion. Before buying, you can try the Linux-compatible X-Plane demo on the exact computer and graphics driver you intend to use.
Choose FlightGear when the priority is a completely free, open-source simulator. Its aircraft vary in quality because they come from many contributors, but the stronger models support serious navigation and systems practice. Our Linux-compatible FlightGear download provides a straightforward place to start.
Aerofly FS 4 suits people who value fast loading and uncomplicated visual flying over the largest add-on catalogue. War Thunder is the relevant native choice for online combat, while a browser simulator is useful on a machine where installing packages is not possible.
Can Microsoft Flight Simulator or DCS run on Linux?
Neither Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 nor Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 has a native Linux PC build. DCS World and Prepar3D are also Windows applications rather than supported Linux simulators.
Proton or Wine may translate some Windows games well enough to launch, but that does not turn them into supported Linux software. Simulator updates can break account sign-in, launchers, video playback, multiplayer, VR or peripheral utilities without warning. Performance and reliability also vary with the distribution, graphics driver and compatibility-layer version.
DCS World is sometimes made to run this way, but multiplayer protection and updates can create additional failures; our DCS World Linux compatibility breakdown explains those limits. If a Windows-only simulator is your main platform, a separate Windows installation is generally more predictable than building an entire setup around an unsupported workaround.
How do you install a flight simulator on Linux reliably?
Start with the native Linux build, test it without add-ons and confirm graphics and controller operation before changing anything else.
- Confirm the supported Linux environment. A simulator may run on several distributions while receiving official support only on selected 64-bit releases. X-Plane users can follow our step-by-step Linux installation notes for permissions, Vulkan and installer problems.
- Check the graphics driver first. X-Plane and other modern simulators depend on working Vulkan support. A message about an unavailable Vulkan device, a black window or an immediate crash often points to the driver rather than damaged aircraft files.
- Install on a Linux filesystem. Running from an NTFS or removable drive can cause permission and filename-case problems. If a downloaded installer will not open, check its executable permission before repeatedly downloading it;
chmod +xis the usual terminal fix for a trusted standalone installer. - Launch once without extensions. Establish that the base simulator works, then add aircraft, scenery and plug-ins one at a time. This prevents a faulty extension from being mistaken for a Linux installation failure.
- Map each control only once. Duplicate pitch, throttle or rudder movement usually means the same device is assigned through two input layers. Clear the unwanted mapping rather than adding dead zones to conceal it.
Will Windows add-ons and flight controls work on Linux?
Some add-ons and most standard USB flight controls work, but Windows executables and compiled plug-ins are not automatically portable to Linux.
Liveries, scenery and aircraft containing only data files are often usable on both platforms. An X-Plane aircraft that depends on a plug-in must include a Linux binary such as lin.xpl; a package containing only win.xpl may load visually while its displays, engines or custom systems remain inoperative. Windows .exe installers also require special handling even when the files inside are platform-neutral.
Linux filenames are case-sensitive. A scenery package referring to Textures when its folder is named textures may work on Windows but show missing objects or textures on Linux.
Generic yokes, joysticks, throttles and rudder pedals commonly appear as standard USB input devices. Advanced LEDs, force feedback, firmware tools and profile editors may depend on Windows-only vendor software. Native Linux support also does not guarantee VR compatibility: the headset runtime, graphics driver and simulator must all support the same Linux configuration.