# Silent Hill Linux: The Complete-ish Guide

Last checked: 2026-09-23. Console and PC releases are in release order. Mobile titles are at the bottom.

## Prerequisites
Install only what you need for the games you plan to play.

*   **Install [Flatpak](https://flathub.org/en/setup)**
*   **Install [Bottles](https://flathub.org/en/apps/com.usebottles.bottles):** Runs the Windows-only projects (SH1 PC Port, SH2 Enhanced Edition, SH3, The Arcade, P.T. fan remake).
*   **Install [Flatseal](https://flathub.org/en/apps/com.github.tchx84.Flatseal):** Lets you give Flatpak apps (Bottles especially) access to folders outside their sandbox through a GUI.
*   **Install [Steam](https://flathub.org/en/apps/com.valvesoftware.Steam):** Homecoming, SH2 (2024), Silent Hill f, Townfall.
*   **Install [Heroic](https://flathub.org/en/apps/com.heroicgameslauncher.hgl):** GOG (SH4) and Epic (Townfall).
*   **Install [Protontricks](https://flathub.org/en/apps/com.github.Matoking.protontricks):** Runs an EXE inside a Steam game's Proton prefix. If you use Flatpak Steam, give it access:
    ```bash
    flatpak override --user --filesystem=~/.var/app/com.valvesoftware.Steam com.github.Matoking.protontricks
    ```
*   **Install [mGBA](https://flathub.org/en/apps/io.mgba.mGBA):** Game Boy Advance (Play Novel).
*   **Install [PCSX2](https://flathub.org/en/apps/net.pcsx2.PCSX2):** PS2 (Origins, Shattered Memories, and original PS2 versions of 2, 3 and 4).
*   **Install [PPSSPP](https://flathub.org/en/apps/org.ppsspp.PPSSPP):** PSP (Origins, Shattered Memories).
*   **Install [Dolphin](https://flathub.org/en/apps/org.DolphinEmu.dolphin-emu):** Wii (Shattered Memories).
*   **Install [RPCS3](https://flathub.org/en/apps/net.rpcs3.RPCS3):** PS3 (Downpour, HD Collection).

Some emulators are not on Flathub. Get their Linux builds from their GitHub releases pages: [DuckStation](https://github.com/stenzek/duckstation/releases) (PS1), [Xenia Canary](https://github.com/xenia-canary/xenia-canary-releases/releases) (Xbox 360), [Vita3K](https://github.com/Vita3K/Vita3K/releases) (PS Vita), [shadPS4](https://github.com/shadps4-emu/shadPS4/releases) (PS4), [Mednafen](https://mednafen.github.io/) (Virtual Boy, also in most distro repos).

> **A note on sourcing.** Silent Hill 2 and 3 for PC are not sold anywhere digitally. This guide links MyAbandonware because that is where most people get them, but "abandonware" is not a legal status; these games are still Konami's copyright. If you own the original PC discs, install from those instead and apply the same fixes. The same applies to the arcade and mobile titles below: there is no legitimate way to buy them today.

---

## Silent Hill (1999)

### PC Port - Preferred
A native port built on the Silent Hill PSX decompilation, with heavily AI-assisted development (the project says so openly). It is fully playable start to finish, with optional PC enhancements. Project site: [sh1pc.com](https://sh1pc.com/).

A native Linux build exists, but the developers still call it a work in progress and recommend running the Windows build under Wine for now. The steps below use Bottles.

1.  **Dump your game:** Rip your legally owned PS1 copy of Silent Hill 1 to `.bin` and `.cue` files.
2.  **Download the port:** Grab the latest Windows build (`SHPC_beta-*.zip`) from the [releases page](https://github.com/SlickAmogus/silent-hill-decomp/releases). Once installed, the launcher updates itself from the [nightly repo](https://github.com/SlickAmogus/silent-hill-pc-nightly).
3.  **Create a Bottle:** Open Bottles, click the **+** button, and name the new bottle **Silent Hill 1 PC Port**.
4.  **Prep the files:** Inside the bottle, click **Browse files**. Navigate to `Program Files` and create a folder named `SHPC`. Extract the PC Port beta into this folder.
5.  **Add game data:** Copy your disc image into the `gamedata` folder inside `SHPC`. Any filename works; the launcher detects the region automatically.
6.  **Create a shortcut:** In Bottles, click **Add Shortcut** and select `SilentHillPC_Launcher.exe`.
7.  **Play:** Run the launcher, adjust your settings, and hit Play.

*Optional:* To try the native Linux build, download `SHPC-linux-x64_*.tar.gz` from the same releases page, extract it, and follow the same `gamedata` step. Expect bugs.

### PS1 Original
1.  **Download DuckStation:** Get the Linux AppImage from the [DuckStation releases page](https://github.com/stenzek/duckstation/releases).
2.  **Dump your PS1 BIOS** from your own console.
3.  **Load your `.cue` file** in DuckStation.

---

## Silent Hill: Play Novel (2001)
A Japan-only Game Boy Advance visual novel retelling the first game, with scenarios for Harry and Cybil. The original cartridge is entirely in Japanese.

### Original Japanese Cartridge
1.  **Install mGBA:** Get [mGBA](https://flathub.org/en/apps/io.mgba.mGBA) from Flathub.
2.  **Dump your cartridge** with a GBA cartridge dumper (such as a GBxCart RW).
3.  **Load the dump** in mGBA. No BIOS is required.

### English Options
*   **Virtual Boy port (demo):** A homebrew [Virtual Boy port](https://www.virtual-boy.com/homebrew/play-novel-silent-hill/) by KR155E uses Toby Normoyle's unofficial English translation. It currently covers the first two chapters of Harry's scenario. Download the ROM from that page and load it in Mednafen.
*   **Flash fan recreation:** Amy Balot (Alchemilla Hospital) and Toby Normoyle built a full English HTML/Flash version. Flash is dead, so you need a Flash player such as [Ruffle](https://ruffle.rs/) to run a downloaded copy.

---

## Silent Hill 2 (2001)

### Enhanced Edition (PC) - Preferred
1.  **Get the base game:** Download the "Pre-installed game, works with the Enhanced Edition mod" (1.5 GB) from [MyAbandonware](https://www.myabandonware.com/game/silent-hill-2-restless-dreams-bgd), or install from your own disc.
2.  **Get the mod:** Download the Setup Tool (`SH2EEsetup.exe`) from the [Enhanced Edition project site](https://enhanced.townofsilenthill.com/SH2/).
3.  **Create a Bottle:** Open Bottles, click the **+** button, and name it **Silent Hill 2 Enhanced Edition**.
4.  **Prep the files:** Inside the bottle, click **Browse files** and go to `Program Files`. Extract the base game here. Copy `SH2EEsetup.exe` into the same folder as `sh2pc.exe`.
5.  **Install the mod:** In Bottles, click **Run Executable** and select `SH2EEsetup.exe`. Complete the installation prompts.
6.  **Override DLLs:** In the bottle, go to **Settings > DLL Overrides**. Add `d3d8`, `dinput`, `dinput8`, `dsound`, and `xinput1_3`, each set to **Native, then Builtin**. Without the `d3d8` override, Wine loads its own d3d8 and the Enhanced Edition does nothing.
7.  **Turn off DXVK:** In the bottle's settings, disable **DXVK** so the game uses WineD3D. DXVK 2.2 and newer break this mod: fog renders as blocky cubes and changing resolution crashes. See the project's [Linux/Proton/Wine troubleshooting thread](https://github.com/elishacloud/Silent-Hill-2-Enhancements/issues/557).
8.  **Create a shortcut:** Click **Add Shortcut** and select `SH2EEconfig.exe`.
9.  **Configure and play:** Launch the config tool from your Shortcuts menu, tweak your settings, and click **Save & Launch Game**.

### PS2 Original
1.  **Install PCSX2:** Get [PCSX2](https://flathub.org/en/apps/net.pcsx2.PCSX2) from Flathub.
2.  **Dump your DVD to ISO** and your **PS2 BIOS** from your own console.
3.  **Go through PCSX2 setup:** See this [YouTube Guide](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2MFLSIACVY).

---

## Silent Hill 3 (2003)

### PC with Steam006 Fix - Preferred
1.  **Get the base game:** Download the "Pre-installed game with NoCD included" (2.6 GB) from [MyAbandonware](https://www.myabandonware.com/game/silent-hill-3-bge), or install from your own disc.
2.  **Get the fix:** Download the latest **Silent Hill 3 PC Fix by Steam006** from [PCGamingWiki](https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/1331-silent-hill-3-pc-fix-by-steam006/). The copy on MyAbandonware's page may be older.
3.  **Create a Bottle:** Open Bottles, click the **+** button, and name it **Silent Hill 3**.
4.  **Prep the files:** Inside the bottle, click **Browse files** and navigate to `Program Files`. Extract the game files into a new folder. Extract the PC Fix files directly into that same folder.
5.  **Validate files:** In Bottles, click **Run Executable** and run `SH3FileValidator.exe`.
6.  **Override DLLs:** In your bottle, go to **Settings > DLL Overrides**. Add `winmm`, `dxbcSigner`, `d3d9on12`, and `d3d8` (names without the `.dll` extension). Set each to **Native, then Builtin**.
7.  **Check graphics components:** The fix ships Microsoft's D3D9on12 layer, which runs Direct3D 9 on top of Direct3D 12. Under Wine, D3D12 goes through VKD3D, so make sure **DXVK** and **VKD3D** are both enabled in the bottle's settings.
8.  **Configure:** Click **Run Executable** and open `SH3config.exe` to adjust your resolution and control settings.
9.  **Create a shortcut:** Click **Add Shortcut** and select `sh3.exe`.
10. **Play:** Launch the game via the new `sh3.exe` shortcut.

### PS2 Original
1.  **Install PCSX2:** Get [PCSX2](https://flathub.org/en/apps/net.pcsx2.PCSX2) from Flathub.
2.  **Dump your DVD to ISO** and your **PS2 BIOS** from your own console.
3.  **Go through PCSX2 setup:** See this [YouTube Guide](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2MFLSIACVY).

---

## Silent Hill 4: The Room (2004)

### GOG - Preferred
1.  **Install Heroic:** Get the [Heroic Games Launcher](https://flathub.org/en/apps/com.heroicgameslauncher.hgl) from Flathub.
2.  **Buy the game:** Purchase Silent Hill 4 from [GOG](https://www.gog.com/en/game/silent_hill_4_the_room). The March 2025 GOG update restored all the hauntings that were missing from the original PC release.
3.  **Play:** Open Heroic, log in to your GOG account, install the game, and launch it directly.

### PS2 Original
1.  **Install PCSX2:** Get [PCSX2](https://flathub.org/en/apps/net.pcsx2.PCSX2) from Flathub.
2.  **Dump your DVD to ISO** and your **PS2 BIOS** from your own console.
3.  **Go through PCSX2 setup:** See this [YouTube Guide](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2MFLSIACVY).

---

## Silent Hill: The Arcade (2007)
A two-player light-gun rail shooter released only in arcades. It never had a home release; it runs on PC-based arcade hardware.

1.  **Get TeknoParrot:** Download it from [teknoparrot.com](https://teknoparrot.com/). TeknoParrot is Windows-only.
2.  **Create a Bottle:** Open Bottles, click the **+** button, and name it **TeknoParrot**. Install TeknoParrot inside it.
3.  **Get the game data:** You need a dump of the arcade machine's game files. There is no legitimate way to buy this.
4.  **Apply the codec fix:** Per the [TeknoParrot compatibility page](https://teknoparrot.com/wiki/compatibility/SilentHill.htm), the game crashes without a codec fix that ships as a `.bat` file. Run it from **Run Executable** in the bottle.
5.  **Add the game in TeknoParrot,** map your controls (mouse works as the gun), and launch.

TeknoParrot under Wine is hit and miss, and this setup has not been confirmed on Linux.

---

## Silent Hill: Origins (2007)
Origins launched on PSP; the PS2 version is a later port. Either works.

### PSP (Original Release)
1.  **Install PPSSPP:** Get [PPSSPP](https://flathub.org/en/apps/org.ppsspp.PPSSPP) from Flathub.
2.  **Dump your UMD to ISO** from your own PSP.
3.  **Load the ISO** in PPSSPP. No BIOS is required.

### PS2
1.  **Install PCSX2:** Get [PCSX2](https://flathub.org/en/apps/net.pcsx2.PCSX2) from Flathub.
2.  **Dump your DVD to ISO**
3.  **Dump your PS2 BIOS** from your own console.
4.  **Go through PCSX2 setup:** See this [YouTube Guide](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2MFLSIACVY).

---

## Silent Hill: Homecoming (2008)

1.  **Install Steam:** Get [Steam](https://flathub.org/en/apps/com.valvesoftware.Steam) from Flathub.
2.  **Buy the game:** Purchase Silent Hill Homecoming from [Steam](https://store.steampowered.com/app/19000/Silent_Hill_Homecoming/).
3.  **Install Protontricks:** Get [Protontricks](https://flathub.org/en/apps/com.github.Matoking.protontricks) from Flathub (see the Flatpak Steam override in Prerequisites).
4.  **Get the patch:** Download the latest release from [unknownproject's GitHub](https://github.com/unknownproject/Silent_Hill_Homecoming/releases). It adds 60+ FPS, reworked QTEs, native controller prompts, 21:9 support and crash fixes.
5.  **Run it with Protontricks:** Launch the game once, then use `protontricks --gui`, select Silent Hill Homecoming, and run the patch EXE inside the game's prefix. See this [YouTube Guide](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUZD2brZ1Hg).

Note: the patch moves your save file to `Engine/savegame/shv_save.bin` inside the game folder.

---

## Silent Hill: Shattered Memories (2009)

### Dolphin (Wii) - Preferred
1.  **Install Dolphin Emulator:** Get [Dolphin Emulator](https://flathub.org/en/apps/org.DolphinEmu.dolphin-emu) from Flathub.
2.  **Dump your legally owned copy:** Instructions available on [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTv3QUOeARs).
3.  **Pick a control method:**
    *   **Mouse as pointer (no extra hardware):** Use Dolphin's emulated Wii Remote and map the IR pointer to your mouse.
    *   **Real Wii Remotes:** Your PC needs Bluetooth, and you need a sensor bar. A [Mayflash DolphinBar](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=mayflash+dolphinbar) combines a sensor bar and a Wii Remote receiver in one USB device and avoids Bluetooth pairing problems. Third-party Wii Remote clones often will not pair with a PC, so use official Nintendo remotes if you can.

### PSP / PS2 - Lower Quality Graphics/Effects
The PSP version runs in [PPSSPP](https://flathub.org/en/apps/org.ppsspp.PPSSPP) and needs no BIOS. For the PS2 version:
1.  **Install PCSX2:** Get [PCSX2](https://flathub.org/en/apps/net.pcsx2.PCSX2) from Flathub.
2.  **Dump your DVD to ISO**
3.  **Dump your PS2 BIOS** from your own console.
4.  **Go through PCSX2 setup:** See this [YouTube Guide](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2MFLSIACVY).

---

## Silent Hill: Downpour (2012)

### PS3 - Preferred
1.  **Install RPCS3:** Get [RPCS3](https://flathub.org/en/apps/net.rpcs3.RPCS3) from Flathub.
2.  **Install the PS3 firmware:** Download the official firmware from Sony and install it through RPCS3 (**File > Install Firmware**).
3.  **Dump your legally owned copy:** Instructions available on [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeHpXY7wNpQ).

### Xbox 360
1.  **Download Xenia Canary:** Get the Linux build from the [Xenia Canary releases page](https://github.com/xenia-canary/xenia-canary-releases/releases). Linux support is experimental.
2.  **Dump your disc** from your own Xbox 360 and load it in Xenia Canary.

The [Xenia vs. RPCS3 comparison](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJQTAB54pAg) in Video Resources shows how the two differ.

---

## Silent Hill HD Collection (2012)
Remastered console ports of Silent Hill 2 and 3 for PS3 and Xbox 360. They are generally considered worse than the originals: the fog was reduced, Silent Hill 3 was recast, and both shipped with bugs. The Enhanced Edition and Steam006 routes above are better ways to play these two games. This is here for completeness.

### PS3
1.  **Install RPCS3:** Get [RPCS3](https://flathub.org/en/apps/net.rpcs3.RPCS3) from Flathub.
2.  **Install the PS3 firmware:** Download the official firmware from Sony and install it through RPCS3 (**File > Install Firmware**).
3.  **Dump your disc** from your own PS3 and load it in RPCS3. Check [RPCS3's compatibility list](https://rpcs3.net/compatibility) for the current status.

### Xbox 360
1.  **Download Xenia Canary:** Get the Linux build from the [Xenia Canary releases page](https://github.com/xenia-canary/xenia-canary-releases/releases).
2.  **Dump your disc** from your own Xbox 360 and load it in Xenia Canary.

---

## Silent Hill: Book of Memories (2012)
A PS Vita-exclusive top-down dungeon crawler with four-player co-op. The online co-op servers are gone, so emulation is single-player only.

1.  **Download Vita3K:** Get the Linux build from the [Vita3K releases page](https://github.com/Vita3K/Vita3K/releases).
2.  **Install the firmware:** Download the official PS Vita firmware (`.PUP`) and the font package, then install both through Vita3K's setup wizard.
3.  **Dump your copy:** Dump your cartridge or digital copy from your own Vita (requires a modded Vita).
4.  **Install and play:** Install the dump through **File > Install .zip, .vpk** or **Install Pkg**, then launch it. Check [Vita3K's compatibility list](https://vita3k.org/compatibility.html) for the current status.

---

## P.T. (2014)
P.T. was the Playable Teaser for the cancelled *Silent Hills*, not a standalone Silent Hill game. The original was pulled from the PS4 store in 2015 and cannot be re-downloaded.

### PC Fan Remake - Preferred
The most faithful option is **P.T. Emulation 1.4**, an unofficial Unreal Engine 4 fan remake by Artur Łączkowski (Windows only).

1. **Create a Bottle:** Open Bottles, click the **+** button, and name it **PT**.
2. **Download the fan remake:** Check the creator's [itch.io page](https://arturlaczkowski.itch.io/) first. If it is no longer there, [this itch.io archive](https://the-horror-archiver.itch.io/pt-best-pc-remakes) hosts it. Konami has had several P.T. remakes taken down, so links come and go. Avoid anonymous re-uploads.
3. **Prep the files:** Inside the bottle, click **Browse files** and navigate to `Program Files`. Extract the game files into a new folder.
4. **Add Shortcut:** Add a shortcut to the game's EXE and play.

### Original PS4 Version
Only an option if P.T. is still installed on a PS4 you own, and that PS4 is jailbroken so you can dump it.

1.  **Download shadPS4:** Get the Linux build from the [shadPS4 releases page](https://github.com/shadps4-emu/shadPS4/releases).
2.  **Dump P.T. and your PS4 firmware modules** from your own console. shadPS4 needs the firmware libraries placed in its `sys_modules` folder.
3.  **Load the dump** in shadPS4.

P.T. (CUSA01114) reaches gameplay on Linux in shadPS4 but has texture issues, per its [compatibility report](https://github.com/shadps4-compatibility/shadps4-game-compatibility/issues/2226).

---

## Silent Hill: The Short Message (2024)
1. **PS5 only**, and free on the PlayStation Store. It is not playable on PC yet. [SharpEmu](https://github.com/sharpemu/sharpemu) is an experimental PS5 emulator with Linux builds that may run it someday; it is not usable for this today.

---

## Silent Hill 2 (2024)

1.  **Install Steam:** Get [Steam](https://flathub.org/en/apps/com.valvesoftware.Steam) from Flathub.
2.  **Buy the game:** Purchase Silent Hill 2 from [Steam](https://store.steampowered.com/app/2124490/SILENT_HILL_2/).

---

## Silent Hill f (2025)

1.  **Install Steam:** Get [Steam](https://flathub.org/en/apps/com.valvesoftware.Steam) from Flathub.
2.  **Buy the game:** Purchase Silent Hill f from [Steam](https://store.steampowered.com/app/2947440/SILENT_HILL_f/).

---

## Silent Hill: Townfall (2026)

Releases September 24, 2026 on Steam and the Epic Games Store (Deluxe Edition early access started September 22). Linux/Proton compatibility is not established yet; check [ProtonDB](https://www.protondb.com/) after launch.

1.  **Steam:** Buy it on Steam and play through Proton.
2.  **Epic:** Buy it on Epic and install through [Heroic](https://flathub.org/en/apps/com.heroicgameslauncher.hgl).

---

# Mobile Games

## Silent Hill: Orphan Trilogy (2007 to 2010)
*Silent Hill: Orphan*, *Orphan 2* and *Orphan 3* were Java (J2ME) feature-phone games, released in Japan as the *Silent Hill Mobile* series.

1.  **Get a J2ME emulator:** [FreeJ2ME-Plus](https://github.com/TASEmulators/freej2me-plus/releases) runs natively on Linux (it needs Java installed). It is also available as a RetroArch core.
2.  **Get the game files:** You need the `.jar` (and `.jad` if present) for each game. These are no longer sold anywhere.
3.  **Load the `.jar`** in FreeJ2ME-Plus and set the screen resolution the game expects.

J2ME emulator compatibility varies by game and by phone build. If a version fails in FreeJ2ME-Plus, try a build made for a different phone model.

## Silent Hill: The Escape (2008)
A first-person maze shooter for iPhone and iPod touch, controlled by tilting and tapping. A Symbian version for Nokia phones also exists.

*   **iPhone version:** It is a 32-bit app, so it will not run on any iOS released since 2017. The [touchHLE](https://touchhle.org/) early-iOS emulator currently crashes on launch with this game ([compatibility entry](https://appdb.touchhle.org/apps/524)). Today, the only way to play it is on an old iPhone or iPod touch that still has it installed.
*   **Symbian version:** [EKA2L1](https://github.com/EKA2L1/EKA2L1/releases) emulates Symbian phones and has Linux builds. You need the game's `.sis` install file and a Symbian firmware dump. Compatibility with this game is untested.

## Silent Hill: Ascension (2023)
An interactive streaming series on iOS, Android and the web, where the audience voted on story decisions in daily live sessions. The live run ran from October 31, 2023 to April 25, 2024, and the voting cannot be experienced anymore. Recordings of the episodes are on YouTube.

---

## Video Resources
*   **[Silent Hill 1 PC Port 100% Playable](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p141OgBSc7o):** Video from the SH1PC creator going over the project and verifying it is fully playable. The launcher pulls frequent updates from the nightly repo.
*   **[Silent Hill 2 Enhanced Edition](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEea4zRndAc):** Video from the Enhanced Edition team announcing its completion.
*   **[Silent Hill 3 Widescreen Patch Walkthrough](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZBvQce3DBM):** Shows the Steam006 patch running so you can see what the final widescreen setup looks like.
*   **[Silent Hill 4 is Finally Complete](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZ3TrgaB-og):** Discusses the GOG version of SH4.
*   **[Silent Hill Origins + HD Textures - PCSX2](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CE3qjE9ue0):** Shows the game running in PCSX2 with HD textures.
*   **[Installing Unknownproject Patch in Silent Hill Homecoming](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUZD2brZ1Hg)**
*   **[Silent Hill Shattered Memories - The best way to play on PC](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Hlg6XzV_u4)**
*   **[Silent Hill Downpour Xenia vs. RPCS3](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJQTAB54pAg)**
*   **[Silent Hill The Short Message](https://x.com/BrutalSam_/status/2077055665718403580):** Screenshots of it in an emulator.
*   **[Silent Hill 2 Remake Linux Gameplay](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRv8iII4m98)**
*   **[Silent Hill f on Steam Machine](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpIVerAJRD8)**