Does Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) 40th Anniversary Edition run on Linux?
Verdict: Yes
Yes. Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) 40th Anniversary Edition is a Windows game that runs on Linux through Proton, the tool built into Steam, and players on ProtonDB rate it Gold, the second-highest rating.
Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) 40th Anniversary Edition is a simulation game from Asobo Studio, published by Xbox Game Studios, first released on 25 August 2026.
It has a single-player side and an online one. Steam lists it as fully playable with a controller. Critics scored it 91 out of 100 on Metacritic.
The evidence
- Its own Linux version
- No, it runs through Proton
- Player rating on ProtonDB
- Gold, from 300 reports
- Steam Deck (which runs Linux)
- Playable, with small niggles
- Anti-cheat
- None listed
How to play it
- Install Steam from your Linux app store and sign in. Your library is already there.
- In Steam's settings, under Compatibility, switch on "Enable Steam Play for all other titles". That turns on Proton for every Windows game. You only do this once.
- Install Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) 40th Anniversary Edition and press Play.
New to this? Can I play my games on Linux? explains Proton, anti-cheat and which Linux to pick for games.
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Ratings are reported by players at ProtonDB and anti-cheat status by Are We Anti-Cheat Yet. Both change, so follow the links below for today's picture.
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