Homeworld on Linux: Notes & Tips
| Title | Homeworld |
|---|---|
| Year | 1999 |
| Developer | Relic Entertainment Inc |
| Graphics API | OpenGL, Software Renderer |
| Audio API | DirectSound |
Runtime Environment
- Wine version:
wine-ge-8-26-x86_64 - Prefix architecture:
32-bit - DXVK Version:
none
Setup
The game should be installed on C:\Sierra\Homeworld to avoid issues when following along these notes.
The game needs to be patched with the update 1.05 and then you can apply the NOCD patch on top.
Launch arguments
/noglddraw /safeGL /triple /enable3DNow /enableSSE -window
Change renderer to OpenGL
The application crashes when attempting to change the renderer or resolution from within the game. Upon first launch, the Windows registry is initialized with default values. Subsequent modifications to the registry keys allow manual configuration of both the renderer and resolution settings.
The registry file required to create the necessary keys can be downloaded from archive.org, eliminating the need to launch the game even once.
Zink - OpenGL over Vulkan
To improve performance is possible to use Zink driver, Zink is an implementation that translates OpenGL API calls into Vulkan API calls. The following environment variables need to be passed to Wine:
GALLIUM_DRIVER=zinkMESA_LOADER_DRIVER_OVERRIDE=zink__GLX_VENDOR_LIBRARY_NAME=mesa
Black Screen Of Death
The following environment variable is also required if the game doesn't start or you get a black screen.
LIBGL_KOPPER_DRI2=1
Downloads
- Homeworld Update 1.05 Patch – Official patch that updates the game to version 1.05
- Homeworld NOCD Patch – Patch to bypass CD check for easier launching
- Registry File – Registry file to create required keys for renderer and resolution configuration