Does The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition run on Linux?
by Bethesda
- 93% of 89 reports say it works
- Steam Deck: Verified
- Games
Yes. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition has no Linux version, but it runs well through Steam’s Proton: 93% of 89 ProtonDB reports from the last 12 months say it works.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition on Linux: the evidence
These figures summarize the 89 compatibility reports that players submitted to ProtonDB in the 12 months before Nov 1, 2026. The most recent report is from Oct 29, 2026.
Does it depend on your graphics card?
| GPU | Reports | Say it works |
|---|---|---|
| AMD | 49 | 96% |
| NVIDIA | 34 | 91% |
Which Linux distros do The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition players use?
The distros named most often in the last year’s reports. They show what people actually play on, not which distro is best.
How to play The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition on Linux
- Install Steam for Linux from your distro’s software manager or Flathub.
- In Steam, open Settings → Compatibility and make sure Steam Play is enabled for all other titles, then install The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition.
- If it misbehaves, right-click the game → Properties → Compatibility and pick a different Proton version.
Sources
Game statistics are distro.watch’s summary of ProtonDB report data, used under the Open Database License.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition on Linux: common questions
Does The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition run on Linux?
Yes. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition has no Linux version, but it runs well through Steam’s Proton: 93% of 89 ProtonDB reports from the last 12 months say it works.
Does The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition work on Steam Deck?
Valve rates The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition “Verified” on Steam Deck and “Playable” for other SteamOS devices.
How well does The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition run with Proton?
In the last 12 months, 93% of 89 ProtonDB reports said it works, and 77% said it worked without any tweaks.