Citra on Linux: Play 3DS Games via AppImage

Yes, Citra runs on Linux. The final build comes as an AppImage. You download it, mark it as executable, and run it. For ongoing updates, the maintained version, Azahar, offers both an AppImage and a Flatpak. This guide covers download, making it run, adding your games and performance.

Does Citra work on Linux?

Yes. Citra runs on Linux and plays 3DS games across common distributions. The final build ships as an AppImage, which is a single file that runs on most systems without a full install.

The final Citra build still works today. For fixes and easier updates, Azahar continues the same code and adds a Flatpak. Both are on our download page.

Which Linux build should you use?

Two good options:

• Final Citra AppImage. The last official Linux build. It works, but it never updates.
• Azahar. The maintained version. It offers an AppImage and a Flatpak, so updates are simple.

For most Linux users, Azahar through Flatpak is the easiest to keep current. We compare the two on our Citra vs Azahar page. For a wider view, see our best 3DS emulator guide.

How to download and run Citra on Linux

An AppImage does not install like a normal program. You just make it runnable. Follow these steps:

1. Download the Linux AppImage from our download page.
2. Make it executable. In a file manager, right-click the file, open Properties, and turn on Allow executing file as program. Or use the terminal:

chmod +x citra-qt.AppImage

3. Double-click the file to launch it, or run it from the terminal.
4. Citra opens and is ready to use.

Use the real file name of your download in the command above.

Install Azahar with Flatpak instead

If you want automatic updates, Azahar is on Flathub. You can install it from your software center by searching for Azahar. You can also install it with Flatpak from the terminal. Our download page links the exact Flathub command, so it always matches the current listing.

What you need to run Citra on Linux

The basics:

• A 64-bit Linux distribution.
• Graphics drivers with modern OpenGL or Vulkan support.
• FUSE, which many AppImages need to run. On Ubuntu you can add it with:

sudo apt install libfuse2

• Your own 3DS games, saved as .3ds or .cia files.

We do not host game files. Our guide shows how to get games the legal way, from a console you own.

How to add your games

Open Citra. The game list starts empty. Open the File menu, or double-click the list, to point Citra at your games folder. Choose the folder with your .3ds or .cia files. Your games then appear. Double-click one to play. You can also use Load File to open a single game right away.

Best settings for Linux

Good drivers matter most on Linux. Keep your graphics drivers current for the best speed. Open Emulation, then Configure, then Graphics. Raise the internal resolution for a sharper image, and lower it if the frame rate drops. Leave the hardware graphics options on. For a full, tested setup, see our best settings guide.

Common Linux problems and fixes

Most trouble is quick to sort out:

• AppImage will not open: make sure it is executable, then install FUSE if needed.
• Black screen: update your graphics drivers, and check the game file.
• Low speed: lower the internal resolution and confirm your GPU driver is current.

For deeper help, see our troubleshooting guide.

Is the Citra download safe on Linux?

The real Citra is safe on Linux. The risk is fake copies from reupload sites, since the official site is gone. Only download from a source you trust, and check the SHA-256 value where it is shown. We host a verified build so you can confirm the file is clean.

Frequently asked questions