Forza Horizon 5 now runs on Linux, sort of
Shame the Steam Deck got delayed.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
What you need to know
Forza Horizon 5is one of the biggest games of the year and has seen unprecedented player numbers and rave reviews. The PC version it’s fair to say has had some issues, but the fact it’s available through Steam also opened up the possibility of playing on Linux, and thereforeSteam Deck, thanks to Valve’s Proton.
Initially, it was a bust, but these folks don’t sit still for long and already there have been some positive developments. Improvements in the bleeding edge versions of Proton Experimental have enabled Forza Horizon 5 to be played on Linux with some positive reports.
It Pops!Forza Horizon 5Proton Experimental bleeding-edgePop!_OS 21.10 BetaOne day after general release y’all, gonna play more tonightpic.twitter.com/6UHhdShdOgIt Pops!Forza Horizon 5Proton Experimental bleeding-edgePop!_OS 21.10 BetaOne day after general release y’all, gonna play more tonightpic.twitter.com/6UHhdShdOg— Jeremy Soller (@jeremy_soller)November 10, 2021November 10, 2021
Not too bad for linux for a game that released 5 days ago \o/ <insert it’s working gif>pic.twitter.com/aoBKEKQKsqNot too bad for linux for a game that released 5 days ago \o/ <insert it’s working gif>pic.twitter.com/aoBKEKQKsq— GloriousEggroll (@GloriousEggroll)November 11, 2021November 11, 2021
There is, however, one massive caveat. Those enjoying the most success so far are all using AMD GPUs, while folks using NVIDIA cards are seeing the game crash as per thethread on the Proton Github.
Indeed, I tried Forza Horizon 5 on Linux myself using the same RTX 2080 I’d tried it on Windows with and had the same issue. The game loaded, the benchmark doesn’t work, but the game would start and play really well until mid-way through the drive to the festival when it completely freezes.
Of course, the Steam Deck, which was meant to be arriving next month, has now been delayed into 2022, so there’s more time for fettling before it arrives. But considering it runs on an AMD GPU and the success already just a few days after launch, we can at least be hopeful for some handheld Forza Horizon 5 next year.
For most players
Forza Horizon 5 is a large game, so don’t be overwhelmed. Just take it at your own pace and enjoy Mexico. It’s a gorgeous game that runs well, no matter which way you choose to play.
Get the Windows Central Newsletter
All the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards.
Richard Devine is a Managing Editor at Windows Central with over a decade of experience. A former Project Manager and long-term tech addict, he joined Mobile Nations in 2011 and has been found on Android Central and iMore as well as Windows Central. Currently, you’ll find him steering the site’s coverage of all manner of PC hardware and reviews. Find him on Mastodon atmstdn.social/@richdevine
