Step 1: Install XIVLauncher

XIVLauncher is available as a package for most Linux distributions. Choose the method for your system:

Arch Linux / CachyOS / Manjaro (AUR)

yay -S xivlauncher
# or
paru -S xivlauncher

Flatpak (all distros)

flatpak install flathub dev.goats.xivlauncher

NixOS

# In configuration.nix:
environment.systemPackages = [ pkgs.xivlauncher ];

Step 2: Launch and configure XIVLauncher

1. Start XIVLauncher from the app menu or with xivlauncher in the terminal
2. On first launch, it will ask for the path to your FF14 installation
3. If you have FF14 through Steam, XIVLauncher usually finds it automatically
4. Log in with your Square Enix account

Steam integration (optional)

If you play FF14 through Steam, add XIVLauncher as a Non-Steam Game or set the Steam launch option:

env PROTON_NO_ESYNC=0 %command%

Step 3: Enable Dalamud

1. Open XIVLauncher settings (gear icon)
2. Go to In-Game Features
3. Enable Enable Dalamud
4. Launch the game — Dalamud will load automatically at login

Step 4: Using Dalamud in-game

• /xlplugins — open the plugin installer
• /xlsettings — Dalamud settings
• /xlerror — view the error log
• /xldev — developer menu

Common issues

Dalamud doesn't load

After FF14 updates it can take 1–2 days for Dalamud to be updated. Switch to In-Game Features → Beta Track for early access versions.

Black screen on startup

PROTON_USE_WINED3D=1

XIVLauncher can't find FF14

# Steam (default)
~/.steam/steam/steamapps/common/FINAL FANTASY XIV Online

# Steam (Flatpak)
~/.var/app/com.valvesoftware.Steam/data/Steam/steamapps/common/FINAL FANTASY XIV Online