OMSI 2 running on Linux through Steam Proton.
OMSI 2 has been around since 2013, but it’s still one of the most popular bus simulators among enthusiasts. With thousands of community-created buses, maps and modifications, there’s plenty of reason to keep playing.
But what if you’ve moved away from Windows?
The good news is that OMSI 2 can run on Linux, despite never receiving an official Linux release. Thanks to Steam Proton, you can play the original simulator without installing Windows.
There are a few things worth knowing before getting started, though.
Does OMSI 2 Work on Linux?
Yes! OMSI 2 can run on Linux through Steam Proton, a compatibility tool developed by Valve that allows Windows games to run on Linux.
You don’t need a special Linux version of OMSI or a modified game executable.
You’ll still be playing the original OMSI 2, complete with its familiar interface, vehicles and maps.
However, OMSI 2 wasn’t designed for Linux, so some players may experience crashes, graphical issues or problems with certain add-ons.
Your experience will depend on your hardware, Linux distribution and Proton version.
How to Play OMSI 2 on Linux Using Steam Proton
Getting OMSI 2 running on Linux is relatively straightforward if you already use Steam.
- Install Steam on your Linux computer.
- Download OMSI 2 from your Steam library.
- Right-click OMSI 2 and select Properties.
- Open Compatibility and enable Force the use of a specific Steam Play compatibility tool.
- Select Proton Experimental, then launch the game.
That’s it!
Steam handles most of the complicated compatibility work for you.
If OMSI 2 doesn’t launch, try selecting a different Proton version from the same menu.
This process is similar whether you’re using Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Fedora or another Linux distribution.
You can also check OMSI 2 compatibility reports on ProtonDB to see what has worked for other players.
Do OMSI 2 Buses and Maps Work on Linux?
One of OMSI 2’s biggest attractions is its enormous collection of community-made content.
Fortunately, many existing OMSI 2 buses and maps can also work through Proton.
You can generally install add-ons the same way you would on Windows, by copying the required files into your OMSI 2 installation folder.
However, not every add-on is guaranteed to work.
Some buses rely on additional Windows components, while others use installers or plugins that may behave differently under Linux.
If you’re just getting started, it’s worth testing OMSI 2 with its original content before installing lots of modifications.
Does OMSI 2 Run Better on Linux?
Not necessarily.
Although Proton allows OMSI 2 to run on Linux, it doesn’t fix the limitations of the original game.
OMSI 2 is still a 32-bit simulator, and demanding maps, complex buses and heavy AI traffic can cause performance problems even on modern hardware.
Some Linux players may experience comparable or better performance than Windows, while others may encounter additional issues.
Ultimately, switching operating systems isn’t a guaranteed solution to OMSI 2’s performance problems.
That’s one of the reasons projects like OMX are working towards recreating the OMSI experience using a modern engine.
You can read more about the limitations of the original simulator in our article about OMSI 2 and 64-bit support.
Can You Play OMSI 2 on Steam Deck?
The Steam Deck runs Linux, so you might be wondering whether OMSI 2 works there too.
It’s possible to experiment with OMSI 2 through Proton, but the game is currently classified as Unsupported for Steam Deck.
Even if you manage to get it running, OMSI’s complicated controls and interactive bus dashboards aren’t particularly well suited to a handheld console.
You may need custom controller layouts, and performance will depend heavily on the bus and map you’re using.
For now, a conventional Linux gaming PC is likely to offer a more practical experience.
Will OMSI 2 Ever Support Linux Natively?
The original OMSI 2 was built for Windows, and there’s no official native Linux version.
However, that doesn’t mean Linux support is impossible for the future of OMSI.
OMX is an independent project rebuilding the OMSI 2 experience using a modern, 64-bit engine.
The aim is to preserve what makes OMSI special, including compatibility with existing buses, maps and scripts, while moving beyond the limitations of the original engine.
OMX is being developed using modern, cross-platform technologies, opening up the possibility of native Linux support in the future.
Native Linux support isn’t a finished feature, and OMX is still under active development.
For anyone interested in the future of OMSI, you can learn more about OMX and its goals, or explore how OMX differs from openOMSI.
So, Is OMSI 2 Worth Playing on Linux?
Absolutely, especially if you already own the game and prefer using Linux.
Steam Proton has made running Windows games on Linux considerably easier, and OMSI 2 is no exception.
You might need to experiment with Proton versions or troubleshoot the occasional add-on, but there’s no reason you can’t give it a try.
Just remember that running OMSI 2 on Linux doesn’t eliminate the original game’s limitations.
If you’re interested in seeing how those limitations could be addressed while keeping the OMSI experience intact, follow the development of OMX.
The goal isn’t to replace what people love about OMSI. It’s to make sure that experience has a future.