> steam version [...] I guess I could try running it with Wine

Seems like you're not familiar with Proton[0], The "Wine + enhancements" compatibility layer that the native Linux version of Steam uses to run the majority[1] of significant Windows games.

User reports are that DF runs without problems under proton[2,3,4]

Anecdotally, as a thoroughgoing and (evidently) shameless cheapskate, I can report the free "classic" ascii only Windows version[5] works well under stock Wine-staging via apt on my Ubuntu laptop.

Having said all that, I share your sadness that a native Linux version wasn't released along with the windows Steam release, though reportedly it is planned for the future[6,7]

0: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proton_(software)

1: https://www.protondb.com/

2: https://www.protondb.com/app/975370

3: https://www.reddit.com/r/dwarffortress/comments/zwk7b8/linux...

4: https://www.reddit.com/r/dwarffortress/comments/zsv6fl/insta...

5: http://www.bay12games.com/dwarves/df_50_05_win.zip

6: https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2022/11/dwarf-fortress-release...

7: References by Tarn Adams to "the ports", e.g.: https://www.reddit.com/r/dwarffortress/comments/z82m0g/im_ta...

I know others have said it works great on Proton, but it's really just launch Steam and click "Play". It runs better than many native games.

Worst case scenario you must install some proton fork like GloriousEggroll but even then it is fully integrated into steam and just a drop-down away.

Presumably just "for now"

Plus I'm sure it works fine on Proton

According to ProtonDB[1], it's rated as Platinum

[1]: https://www.protondb.com/app/975370

It's basically pure c/c++ simulation and SDL for graphics probably one of the easiest games for wine.