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Linux Setup

This section will help you through the process of setting up PCSX2 on Linux.

AppImage​

  • Head over to the download page and grab the latest Nightly AppImage build.
  • You will likely have to make the AppImage file executable. There are a few ways to do this:
    • Right-click on the AppImage, choose properties, then find the option to mark as executable.
      • This will varies from distros to distros (Below is an example for KDE Plasma).
    • Or in a terminal, run chmod +x <path-to-AppImage-file>
  • You should be able to open the file like any other application.

Flatpak​

  • PCSX2 is also available on Flatpak!

  • In order to install PCSX2 from Flatpak using the command line, open the terminal and type flatpak install net.pcsx2.PCSX2.

    • Typing flatpak install pcsx2 should find this same reference.
    • When asked if you want to proceed, type Y and press Enter.
    • PCSX2 is now installed on your machine!

  • Some distributions and desktop environments have a visual software manager which can also install Flatpak applications.

    • These include:
      • GNOME Software
      • KDE Plasma's Discover
      • Linux Mint's Software Manager
      • Manjaro's pamac
      • Pop!_OS' Repoman

  • In order to update PCSX2 in the future, you can type flatpak update, which will update all of your out-of-date Flatpak applications.

    • If you want to exclusively update PCSX2, you can type flatpak update net.pcsx2.PCSX2.
    • You will be asked if you would like to proceed. Type Y and press Enter.

  • That's all there is to it!

Build from source (Advanced users)​

tip

For more details on building from source for Linux (or even Windows), check out our GitHub Wiki.

  • PCSX2 can be built from source using Ninja.
    • This method is not recommended for inexperienced users and assumes you know how to navigate directories from the command line.
  • To obtain the source code from the command line, type git clone https://github.com/PCSX2/pcsx2 --recurse.
  • Next, enter the pcsx2 directory you created and type cmake --preset=clang-release.
  • Finally, enter the build subdirectory which was just created and enter the command ninja.
  • This will build PCSX2, which could take several minutes depending on your CPU.
  • After the build is compiled, the executable file pcsx2-qt will be in the build/bin directory.