Running Crossfire Freelancer on Linux with Steam Proton (Also works with Steam Deck)

Hi, I was wondering if crossfire would work on steam deck or any linux, here is a guide. Have fun.

Step 1: Prepare Files

1. Download the Freelancer ISO (or use your original CD) and the Crossfire Mod.
2. Place both files in a convenient location, such as your Downloads folder.

Step 2: Set up Steam for Proton

1. Open Steam and go to:
   • Steam -> Settings -> Compatibility
   • Enable Steam Play for all other titles by selecting the option "Force the use of a specific Steam Play compatibility tool."
2. Ensure Proton is installed (you can choose any version, but the latest Proton version is recommended).

Step 3: Install Freelancer

1. Create a Non-Steam Game in your library:
   • Go to Games -> Add a Non-Steam Game to My Library.
   • Add any random executable for now; you will change this later.
2. Edit the Game to Use Proton:
   • Right-click the newly added game and select Properties.
   • Under the Compatibility tab, check Force the use of a specific Steam Play compatibility tool and select your Proton version.
3. Set Freelancer ISO Setup as Launch Target:
   • Replace the launch target with the path to setup.exe from your Freelancer ISO or CD. This is done under Properties -> Shortcut -> Target.
4. Install Freelancer:
   • Launch the game from Steam, and the Freelancer setup should start.
   • Install the game on the default C: drive (leave all settings as default).

Step 4: Install the Crossfire Mod

1. Change the Steam Launch Target:
   • After Freelancer is installed, change the launch target to the Crossfire Mod setup file.
2. Install Crossfire:
   • Launch the game from Steam again to install the Crossfire Mod.
   • Make sure you install Crossfire on the C: drive (installing on Z: caused issues).

Step 5: Rename Installation Folder

1. Navigate to your Proton game directory:
   • /home/YOUR_USERNAME/.steam/steam/steamapps/compatdata/ANY_STEAM_ID/pfx/drive_c
2. Rename the "Freelancer Crossfire" Folder:
   • Rename the folder to Freelancer_Crossfire (no spaces allowed).
3. Adjust the Path:
   • Replace YOUR_USERNAME with your Linux username.
   • Replace ANY_STEAM_ID with the folder corresponding to the installed game (it's usually the newest folder in compatdata).

Step 6: Launch the Game

1. Change the Steam Launch Target:
   • Set the launch target to Freelancer.exe located at:
     /home/YOUR_USERNAME/.steam/steam/steamapps/compatdata/ANY_STEAM_ID/pfx/drive_c/Freelancer_Crossfire/EXE/Freelancer.exe
2. Launch Freelancer:
   • Launch the game and allow it to update.
3. Play Single Player Once:
   • Launch the game in single-player mode to ensure it's working.

Step 7: Adjust Resolution Settings

1. Go to:
   • /home/YOUR_USERNAME/.steam/steam/steamapps/compatdata/ANY_STEAM_ID/pfx/drive_c/users/steamuser/Documents/My Games/Freelancer
2. Edit the configuration file to set the resolution to match your monitor's resolution.

Step 8: Tweak Crossfire Launcher Settings

1. Open the Crossfire launcher and adjust the following settings:
   • Windowed Mode: No
   • Shader Options: None
   • Adjust to Desktop Resolution: No

Troubleshooting

• Currently, online multiplayer may not work due to issues connecting to the global server. This issue is being investigated, but single-player should work fine.

With this setup, you should be able to enjoy Freelancer with the Crossfire mod on Linux (or Steam Deck) using Proton!

Have fun.