I'm considering switching to Linux, but I have a couple of concerns. First, how well does Linux support older games? I'm a fan of niche RPGs from the 2000s, like the Gothic series, Arx Fatalis, and classic top-down DnD titles like Planescape: Torment and Baldur's Gate I & II. Are there good fixes available for these games on Linux? I've seen some patches for Windows, but I'm unsure about their effectiveness on Linux.
Secondly, what's the modding scene like on Linux? I enjoy modding games such as Skyrim, Mass Effect, Morrowind, Mount and Blade: Warband, and Daggerfall Unity. Will mods still work on Linux, especially the ones I usually get from Nexus? If you know of any better modding sites, I'd appreciate that info too. I'm okay with some workarounds as long as they don't heavily affect performance. Thanks!
3 Answers
Modding is a mixed bag on Linux. Some mods work out of the box, while others that rely on Windows-specific tools or scripts can be a hassle. For games like Skyrim or the Mass Effect series, you might need to find Linux-friendly versions of the mods or do some manual tweaking. Nexus is pretty good for mods, but you might want to look into ModDB or even Gamebanana for more options.
I appreciate the advice! I didn't realize there were other sites for mods.
Linux can actually be a great platform for older games! Many of them can run on Wine, and tools like Lutris can make installation easier. For your favorite RPGs, I'd recommend checking sites like ProtonDB or WineHQ for user-submitted reports on how well they work. Just remember, the experience might vary depending on the game, but there are often community fixes available.
That's awesome to hear! I was worried about compatibility.
I've also heard great things about using DOSBox for really old titles!
You'd be surprised how many older games still run smoothly on Linux, thanks to programs like Wine and even virtual machines if needed. For Arx Fatalis, there are specific fixes documented, so definitely look into that! Just remember that sometimes a little experimentation is part of the fun of Linux gaming!
Yeah, I’ve had a great experience with some classics using Wine!
Thanks for the info! I’ll definitely explore those fixes.
Have you tried any Linux-specific modding tools? They could save you some trouble.