UT 2004 on Linux
Posted: Tue 7. Apr 2015, 20:28
Yesterday I switched my PC from Win7 to Linux (Mint x64 /Mate). I've heard somewhere before that there is UT2k4 client for Linux, so I started to dig it...
My first try was to download my copy of UT from GOG.com. Alas, the only installer they provide is the Windows one, and it is not same as DVD installer (see below why does it matter). So, I had to roll my sleeves up and go to Google.
The first link in the list was the topic on help.ubuntu.com (https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Games ... nament2004). The good thing about it was that it provided all of the possible ways to do it; the bad thing was that half of them was broken (bad links) and other half was about tuning it up (updates, content packs). But, having this information, I concluded that there are 2 approaches:
- to use an original DVD and separate linux installer script;
- to use a version of DVD where Linux installer is already present.
As my version was not suitable for this, I had to go and get another one - and, as I needed a new source of files anyway, I decided to use the one with native installer. As I can tell from the manuals, using the standalone installer is not much harder.
Here I have to add a remark about copyright enforcement company. I do own a legal copy of UT2k4, but I wasted an hour or so searching the torrents and other "illegal" sources for a version with Linux installer, which goes for the same damn price as a version without one. Thank you, Shining Knights of Thou Shalt Not Pirate This!
It was surprisingly hard to get what I needed: for each relevant result I stumbled upon 3-4 useless ones. I want a Linux version, dammit, I don't need "cracked", "crack included" and all the other rubbish!
There was only one problem during installation - missing libstdc++.so.5 ; But it was in the package manager list, so I installed it in the convenient way and it didn't bother me anymore.
It took me some time to understand, which version do I have and which content packs/updates do I need, and it all came down to MegaPack and native update from the internets. It should have been on the official site and beyondunreal site, but both links were broken. It was pretty easy to find them though.
THINGS TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT IF YOU WANT TO DO THE SAME
- as with all the other non-native Linux games ports, there is no guarantee it would work like intended or would work at all;
- finding the suitable version of UT2k4 files (ISO, archive, DVD) is not trivial; the easiest way is to buy a new copy, but it will cost you some money;
- you need not only the game itself, but also the obligatory content packs and update patches; on the one hand, the Linux versions of these files are pretty hard to find; on the other hand, the game itself is old enough, so there was enough time for the files to spread across the Web;
- obviously, the only render system is OpenGL; not to say it's a problem per se, but it should be noted for the record;
- all the systems (input, video, audio etc.) MAY run different from the Windows version. Some even say the graphics performance is better; as for me, the mouse control feels different a bit.
- it's AWESOME!
I hope this post will be of help and of encouragement
Sincerely yours,
10^99 years left until the heat death of our Universe.
My first try was to download my copy of UT from GOG.com. Alas, the only installer they provide is the Windows one, and it is not same as DVD installer (see below why does it matter). So, I had to roll my sleeves up and go to Google.
The first link in the list was the topic on help.ubuntu.com (https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Games ... nament2004). The good thing about it was that it provided all of the possible ways to do it; the bad thing was that half of them was broken (bad links) and other half was about tuning it up (updates, content packs). But, having this information, I concluded that there are 2 approaches:
- to use an original DVD and separate linux installer script;
- to use a version of DVD where Linux installer is already present.
As my version was not suitable for this, I had to go and get another one - and, as I needed a new source of files anyway, I decided to use the one with native installer. As I can tell from the manuals, using the standalone installer is not much harder.
Here I have to add a remark about copyright enforcement company. I do own a legal copy of UT2k4, but I wasted an hour or so searching the torrents and other "illegal" sources for a version with Linux installer, which goes for the same damn price as a version without one. Thank you, Shining Knights of Thou Shalt Not Pirate This!
It was surprisingly hard to get what I needed: for each relevant result I stumbled upon 3-4 useless ones. I want a Linux version, dammit, I don't need "cracked", "crack included" and all the other rubbish!
There was only one problem during installation - missing libstdc++.so.5 ; But it was in the package manager list, so I installed it in the convenient way and it didn't bother me anymore.
It took me some time to understand, which version do I have and which content packs/updates do I need, and it all came down to MegaPack and native update from the internets. It should have been on the official site and beyondunreal site, but both links were broken. It was pretty easy to find them though.
THINGS TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT IF YOU WANT TO DO THE SAME
- as with all the other non-native Linux games ports, there is no guarantee it would work like intended or would work at all;
- finding the suitable version of UT2k4 files (ISO, archive, DVD) is not trivial; the easiest way is to buy a new copy, but it will cost you some money;
- you need not only the game itself, but also the obligatory content packs and update patches; on the one hand, the Linux versions of these files are pretty hard to find; on the other hand, the game itself is old enough, so there was enough time for the files to spread across the Web;
- obviously, the only render system is OpenGL; not to say it's a problem per se, but it should be noted for the record;
- all the systems (input, video, audio etc.) MAY run different from the Windows version. Some even say the graphics performance is better; as for me, the mouse control feels different a bit.
- it's AWESOME!

I hope this post will be of help and of encouragement

Sincerely yours,
10^99 years left until the heat death of our Universe.