XC2 Recomp on Linux & Steam Deck

Q: Where does the Linux installer save my last-used file paths for updates?

On Linux, XC2-Setup saves your last selected paths (never the key contents) in $XDG_CONFIG_HOME/xc2-recomp/launcher.json or ~/.config/xc2-recomp/launcher.json.

Every tagged release of AksharDP/xc2-recomp ships a self-contained Linux x86_64 type-2 AppImage (XC2-Setup-0.1.12-linux.AppImage, 218.7 MB) with an automatic Steam Deck 1280x800 / 40 FPS device profile.

Download Linux AppImage (v0.1.12)Setup steps

AppImage: XC2-Setup-0.1.12-linux.AppImage (218.7 MB)
Kernel & libc: Linux 6.7+ · glibc 2.34+
Deck preset: 1280x800 · 40 FPS · fifo
Shader cache: Portable mesa-cache/

Linux x86_64 AppImage and SteamOS handheld target (1280x800, 40 FPS device profile)

Linux kernel 6.7+ & glibc 2.34+ requirements

Added as a first-class target in v0.1.6, the Linux release (XC2-Setup-0.1.12-linux.AppImage) packs Python 3.14, Tcl/Tk 9.0.4, LLVM 23 (clang, lld, llvm-ar), the Steam Runtime 3 "sniper" SDK sysroot, libSDL3.so.0, and xc2_xlate inside a static type-2 AppImage that requires no libfuse2 on the host:

Linux Subsystem	Requirement	Why XC2 Recomp Needs It
Linux Kernel	6.7 or newer	Required for the kernel memory write-watch mechanism (`PAGEMAP_SCAN` / userfaultfd write-watch) used by the runtime’s memory tracking.
C Library (glibc)	glibc 2.34+ (Setup) · glibc 2.31+ (Game)	The compiled game binary (`xc2`) links against the Steam Runtime 3 sniper sysroot (glibc 2.31) and static Opus/libvpx/zstd/libstdc++, while the setup’s bundled LLVM 23 and `cryptography` wheel require glibc 2.34 (Ubuntu 22.04+, Debian 12+, Fedora 35+, SteamOS 3.5+).
Graphics Driver	Vulkan 1.3 + `VK_EXT_external_memory_host`	Mesa RADV (AMD / Steam Deck) or proprietary NVIDIA driver supporting Vulkan 1.3 host-memory imports.

Installing on Steam Deck (Desktop Mode → Gaming Mode)

Switch your Steam Deck to Desktop Mode and download XC2-Setup-0.1.12-linux.AppImage (218.7 MB).

Open Konsole (or Dolphin file manager properties) and make the AppImage executable:

chmod +x ~/Downloads/XC2-Setup-0.1.12-linux.AppImage
~/Downloads/XC2-Setup-0.1.12-linux.AppImage

In the XC2-Setup window, select your base game archive, Update 3.0.1 (or JP 3.0.0), optional DLCs, console decryption key file, and target install folder (internal NVMe or microSD card), then press Start.
Because the AppImage is mounted read-only and a Steam Deck’s /home partition can be tight on space when installing to an SD card, the Linux installer automatically places its temporary C build folder at .setup-temp/ inside your chosen install directory (configurable via --temp).
Once setup finishes, right-click the generated xc2 binary inside your install folder, choose Add to Steam, and return to Gaming Mode. No Proton compatibility layer should be enabled—xc2 is a native Linux ELF executable!

Automatic Steam Deck device profile & portable Mesa cache

When device_profile = auto (the default in xc2.ini) detects a Steam Deck, XC2 Recomp automatically applies handheld-tuned defaults for any key you have not manually overridden:

Fullscreen & Window: fullscreen = 1 and window_size = 1280x800 (fills the 16:10 Steam Deck display while keeping 16:9 proportions via picture_fit = keep).
Resolution & Scaling: output_res = 1280x720 and render_scale = game with AMD FSR 1 spatial sharpening (upscaler = fsr, sharpness = 80).
Frame Pacing: vk_present = fifo (VSync) and fps_limit = 40 for smooth 40 Hz / 40 FPS frame delivery on Steam Deck LCD and OLED panels.
Memory Mode on Linux: Linux defaults to memory = import with staging storage, saving ~1.3 GiB of unified APU memory.
Portable RADV Shader Cache: Unless MESA_SHADER_CACHE_DIR is set in the environment, the Linux runtime stores Mesa RADV’s shader cache in mesa-cache/ right next to xc2 so it does not fill ~/.cache on the internal drive.

Recommended PC controllers

XC2 Recomp uses SDL3 controller input with automatic Nintendo, Xbox and PlayStation button prompt generation (plus custom rumble curve and Xbox impulse trigger options):

Controller	Best For in XC2 Recomp	Hardware Advantage	Link
8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless	Nintendo layout & Windows/Deck dock	Zero-drift TMR sticks, charging dock, native Switch/XInput mode toggle	View on Amazon
GameSir Cyclone 2	1000 Hz Blade combo canceling	TMR sticks, micro-switch ABXY buttons and 1000 Hz wireless dongle	View on Amazon
Sony DualSense	PlayStation button prompts	Automatic PlayStation icon rendering in XC2 tutorials and Driver Arts HUD	View on Amazon
Xbox Wireless Controller	Xbox prompts & impulse triggers	Supports rumble_triggers = 1 in xc2.ini with redrawn Xbox button glyphs	View on Amazon

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Mountain peaks rising above a dense sea of clouds at sunrise — Karst peaks emerging above a morning sea of clouds, echoing the Cloud Sea Titans of Alrest

Natural green emerald crystal prism embedded in dark mineral matrix — Hexagonal emerald crystal prism in matrix, echoing the Aegis Core Crystal geometry

Desktop gaming PC workstation with dual monitors and tempered glass chassis — Windows 10/11 x64 desktop workstation for Vulkan 1.3, AMD FSR 3.1/4 and 3040x1710 internal rendering

Common questions

Should I force Proton Experimental when adding xc2 to Steam on Steam Deck?

No! The Linux AppImage compiles a native Linux x86-64 ELF binary (xc2) linked against libSDL3.so.0 and the system Vulkan loader. Leave "Force the use of a specific Steam Play compatibility tool" unchecked in Steam properties.

Where does the Linux installer save my last-used file paths for updates?

On Linux, XC2-Setup saves your last selected paths (never the key contents) in $XDG_CONFIG_HOME/xc2-recomp/launcher.json or ~/.config/xc2-recomp/launcher.json.