Guild Wars 2

Hi folks!

I’m Posting this here at the request of one of the people who posted on the Original Thread in the Tech Support Forum.

I’ve just completed a video tutorial on how to install/configure Guild Wars 2 on Linux, using Wine or Play on Linux.

Downloaded on Windows – Install on Linux : http://youtu.be/dA7FWgEy-oY

Download and install – Linux Only : http://youtu.be/MFmojaEHx08

GW2 doesn’t play perfectly on Linux, but its getting better.

I hope it helps all my fellow Linux buffs out there!

Cheers!

Star

EDIT*** Replaced the music within the second video to better comply with the Creative Commons License.

EDIT*** Replaced the music within the first video to better comply with the Creative Commons License.

EDIT*** Added second video, showing how to install, using ONLY Linux, without the need to download the content on MS Windows.

EDIT*** Due to requests, Audio levels have been adjusted. Music is now more quiet, and Voice has been boosted.

Also, thanks to KerrMD for pointing out the web address for the Guild Wars 2 wiki entry for Linux : http://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Guild_Wars_2_on_Wine

Great Guide, Very simple.

I used this to help me install it on Lubuntu and Ubuntu.

I can tell you that the performance increase a lot on lubuntu. I was able to rotate the camera with the mouse at easy.

On ubuntu it was chugging. Maybe because I’m using a old laptop.

So yeah, if anyone is running linux on a old system give lubuntu a go, its light weight and fast.

packed.9035:

Great Guide, Very simple.

I used this to help me install it on Lubuntu and Ubuntu.

I can tell you that the performance increase a lot on lubuntu. I was able to rotate the camera with the mouse at easy.

On ubuntu it was chugging. Maybe because I’m using a old laptop.

So yeah, if anyone is running linux on a old system give lubuntu a go, its light weight and fast.

Thanks Packed. I appreciate the feedback

I’ve noticed that Ubuntu 12.04 is laggy at the best of times. Most of the derivatives are ok, like Xubuntu and Lubuntu.

Personally if you want absolute speed, I would suggest either Arch, or Gentoo.

Arch requires a good understanding of Linux to install and configure (Archbang would be a good alternative).

Gentoo requires a lot of time, and expert knowledge to install, as it requires you to compile everything. But in terms of raw speed and power, it cannot be beaten.

Cheers!

Star

The reason why it is slower in Ubuntu than the lighter Xubuntu and the lightest Lubuntu is Ubuntu’s Unity. It uses 3D acceleration, you need a high-end box to get the same level of response as Lubuntu (or the Gnome2-Ubuntu versions years ago).

Even if you use Linux-Mint’s own, the result will be the same, because of the 3D acceleration requirement. However if you use the forked Gnome2 version of Linux-Mint, you’ll get the same fast performance before Ubuntu switched to Unity and Gnome3.

I myself use Lubuntu, it’s the lightest. Though I’m thinking of moving back to Linux-Mint using that forked Gnome2 (which I can’t remember and too lazy to check) version – but I’m too busy playing to even bother :p

Personally, go the PlayOnLinux path, it’s the easiest and they’re quick to provide a GW2 version of the latest WINE release. Then just use Pidgin-Gfire if you want to use Xfire tracking.

Shael.4703:

The reason why it is slower in Ubuntu than the lighter Xubuntu and the lightest Lubuntu is Ubuntu’s Unity. It uses 3D acceleration, you need a high-end box to get the same level of response as Lubuntu (or the Gnome2-Ubuntu versions years ago).

Even if you use Linux-Mint’s own, the result will be the same, because of the 3D acceleration requirement. However if you use the forked Gnome2 version of Linux-Mint, you’ll get the same fast performance before Ubuntu switched to Unity and Gnome3.

I’ve been thinking of swapping back to Win7 for faster FPS and more compatable graphics(I think the reason other screenshots look better might be DX11?).

Would you recomend swapping to Lubuntu? I’m considering it after hearing this. I like Ubuntu’s interface though.

To be completely honest, the Wine Dev’s are working really hard to support GW2. It will still be some time before it can be run comparably to Windows.

There are some graphics glitches, and optimizations that have to be included before it will come close.

Remembering that Wine is only a compatibility layer, it has to do a lot of work to make it GW2 run at all, let alone well. While GW2 is a Windows Native client, then Linux will ALWAYS be playing catch up.

I personally would recommend one of two paths :
1. If you MUST stay on Linux, then Shael’s suggestion is correct. Slim down your Distro, and get rid of anything that could potentially conflict. Eg. Pulse Audio; 3D Desktop Environments etc.
2. Alternatively, dual boot Windows. In reality, most people (myself included) wont like that I’m suggesting this, but at the end of the day, its the only way to get the best out of the game (for now).

I personally would love to see AreaNet release a Linux client. That would truly make me a 100% loyal customer. Until that day, I’ll continue searching for ways of making GW2 run better through Wine.

Hope this helps Sevenfoot Sativa.

Star

I think the FPS is completely random now. I slimmed down, it does feel smoother after a load as that is a common lag moment, but everything else feels the same, exactly the same. There are times where it’s been good and bad. For instance, today I did WvWvW and any and all battles made it too laggy to actually play that well. A few days ago in WvWvW in a big assault on a gate my frames were great and playable, so I think it’s completely random and that smoothness was even before the OS change.

Sevenfoot Sativa.2491:

I think the FPS is completely random now. I slimmed down, it does feel smoother after a load as that is a common lag moment, but everything else feels the same, exactly the same.

I know how you feel. There’s also the Patches to take into account. I’ve noticed a lot of complaints about the patches causing FPS issues as well, and not just on Linux. Surprisingly, its mostly Windo$e users who are complaining. Just have a poke around in the Tech Forum.

Remember its not officially supported by Wine yet. So the fact its running at all, is a miracle

If you really want the best, you could compile Wine yourself. Its not to difficult. I was thinking about doing another Vid/“Howto” on compiling Wine on your own system.

See how I feel later today

I’m not very confident in compiling it myself so I’ve just been using PlayonLinux. But I do muck around with the Playon version anyway based on what others say could make a different(like removing DX9 plugins).

My Playon version of GW2 didn’t update to match the more recent Wine patches for it until I got Playon for GW2 after my OS change anyway. Like how I can now use market and how GW2 has no listed wine plugins at all now.

I’d be much happier with one compiled by someone else, but that’s pretty much what Playon is, isn’t it?

I’ll keep an eye out in case you make that Howto.

Sevenfoot Sativa.2491:

I’d be much happier with one compiled by someone else, but that’s pretty much what Playon is, isn’t it?

Yup, you got it. They’re ‘Bottles’. Single environments for single jobs. Ill try and get that Wine Howto done next weekend. It should help you get a few extra frames. Fingers crossed!

Star

Hey, now that a mac version is out, when do you think it will be on Wine?

From my experience, mac versions have always run better on Linux than windows because they both use openGL.

Sevenfoot Sativa.2491:

Hey, now that a mac version is out, when do you think it will be on Wine?

From my experience, mac versions have always run better on Linux than windows because they both use openGL.

I didnt hear about that. Ill have a look into it as soon as I can! Thanks for the heads up!

Star

Woops, sorry, I didnt read that properly. A mac version will not run on Linux. Theyre Binary incompatible.

Ill try and push with AN and see if we cant get them started on a linux client

Updated with Linux Only, installation Video.

Star

Had to move the video’s. Updated and uploaded to alternative server.

OK, sorry I’ve been absent for so much time. Family commitments and all.

Turns out (after much research) that GW2 is CPU bound. So the framerate is directly proportionate to the amount of available CPU speed. Now herein lay the problem…

WINE is not capable of using multiple cores (above setting the affinity of the process to a chosen core) other than in a rudimentary capacity.

This is a known problem, so after a certain point, your Video card is more than capable, but your “Single” available core, is too slow to cope. Therefore = Slow Framerate (even though your graphics card is able to do it).

Here is the bug report : http://bugs.winehq.org/show_bug.cgi?id=11674

There’s no known fix just yet, but it should be coming soon, as this affects multiple games.

Ill try and keep you all updated as I find out more!

Star