Has Sim Racing Finally Broken the Windows Barrier?

For many sim racers, Windows has always been a “necessary evil” due to driver compatibility and software support. However, with the constant evolution of Steam’s compatibility layers, the landscape has shifted. We recently put Automobilista 2 (AMS2) to the test running via Proton on Zorin OS 18.1 Core, and the result was nothing short of impressive.

The Test Setup

To ensure the simulator delivered maximum graphical fidelity and stable FPS, we used a balanced “sweet spot” configuration:

• CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5700X
• GPU: AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT (using integrated Mesa Drivers on Linux)
• Memory: 48GB RAM
• OS: Zorin OS 18.1 Core (Ubuntu/Debian based)

How to Configure AMS2 on Linux (Step-by-Step)

The secret to Automobilista 2’s stability on Linux isn’t complex modding, but choosing the right Proton version. Follow these steps:

1. Open Steam on your Linux machine.
2. Right-click Automobilista 2 in your Library and select Properties.
3. Under Compatibility, force the use of Proton Experimental.
4. The game will download a small shader pre-caching update and you’ll be ready for the track.

Track Performance: Kyalami and Nordschleife

During our tests with the Formula Ultimate Gen2 at Kyalami and the Mercedes-AMG GT3 at the daunting Nordschleife, frame rates remained rock-solid above 60 FPS on High settings. Input lag, which used to be a major hurdle in older Wine versions, is now practically imperceptible, providing the precision needed for competitive Sim Racing.

The Verdict: Is it Worth Switching?

If you already use Linux for work or productivity and want to keep your Sim Racing hobby without the hassle of Dual Booting, the answer is a resounding YES. With the exception of iRacing (which still faces anti-cheat hurdles), titles like AMS2, Assetto Corsa, and Le Mans Ultimate are running flawlessly.