How to play Path of Exile on Linux
Path of Exile is a free, online role-playing game for Microsoft Windows. It centers around the world of Wraeclast and is loved for its character customization options and PVP modes. For the longest time, Path of Exile would not run on Linux. Thanks to tools like Lutris, Wine and Steam Play, times are changing. That’s why in this article, we’re going to go over how you can play Path of Exile on Linux!
Note: Path of Exile was not designed to run on Linux, so keep in mind that the instructions outlined in this post may not work in all cases. Follow them at your own risk!
Method 1 – Lutris/Wine instructions
If you want to play Path of Exile on Linux, the best way to make it work is with the Lutris.com DirectX9 installation script. In this section of the guide, we’re going to go over the step-by-step instructions for getting PoE working.
Step 1: The Path of Exile is a Windows application, and the easiest way to install it is through Valve’s Steam store, so it is critical that you have the latest version of Wine set up and ready to go.
The Lutris automated installation script for PoE doesn’t specifically call for Wine-Staging, and will probably work with any release of Wine that is version 3.0.
To get Wine working on Linux, head over to our installation tutorial.
Step 2: Now that Wine is installed on your Linux PC, you must install the Lutris game management application on Linux. Without it, the automated installation script will not work.
To install the Lutris application, check out our in-depth tutorial on the subject! Alternatively, go to the official Lutris website, click on “Downloads” and grab a release for your Linux OS.
Step 3: With Wine and Lutris up and running on your Linux PC, it’s time to start the game installation. Go to the Path of Exile game page on Lutris.com.
On the page, find “Steam (Windows)” and click the install button to launch the script in Lutris.
Step 4: Once the installation script opens up in Lutris, you’ll see a warning message letting you know that you need to install Wine. Click “OK” to close it and allow it to continue with the installer.
Step 5: After you dismiss the Wine warning, Lutris will immediately download E-sync and the Windows version of Steam. Sit back and be patient while the installer does its thing.
Step 6: E-sync and the Steam for Windows are done downloading on your Linux PC. Now, you must log into Steam. Click on “Log into an existing account” and enter your Steam account details.
Step 7: Immediately after you log into Steam, the Lutris installer will bring up the Path of Exile installer.
Click “Next,” “Next,” and “Finish” to start the download. The game will be stored in the Wine C:/ drive on your Linux computer.
Step 8: Let Path of Exile download through Steam in Wine. When the download is complete, click “Play” to start the game!
You’ll also be able to run Path of Exile at any time by searching for it in the application menu on your Linux desktop.
Method 2 – Steam Play instructions
Another way to play Path of Exile on Linux is through Steam’s new, built-in emulation software known as Steam Play. So, in method 2, we will go over how you can get PoE working on Linux in this way.
Keep in mind that because we are using Steam Play, you will need to have it turned on in your Steam client on Linux (be sure to enable unsupported games also). If you’re not sure about how to enable this feature, do yourself a favor and check out the “How to play modern Windows games on Linux with Steam Play” guide.
When you’ve got Steam Play working on your Linux PC, follow the steps below to get Path of Exile working.
Step 1: In the Steam application, click the “Store” button at the top to go to the Steam storefront.
Step 2: On Steam’s storefront, look for the search box and click on it with the mouse. Then, type in “Path of Exile” and press Enter on the keyboard.
Step 3: In the search results, click on “Path of Exile” to take Steam to its store page.
Step 4: Click the “Play Game” button to install it on Linux.
Step 5: When Path of Exile is done installing on your Linux PC, click on “Library,” locate Path of Exile in the list and click the “Play” button to start the game.
It is also possible to start the game by searching for “Path of Exile” in your application menu.
Disclaimer: on the ProtonDB website, it says that PoE works on Linux, but has some issues for some people. If you have problems running it on Linux, be sure to check the page. It’ll help you tweak the game, so it runs better on your Linux setup.
