Raccoon Formality

I just got a new computer and I installed Linux on it but I’ve been wanting to try Unreal engine (it seems like a good career decision) but it doesn’t actually seem to work on Linux (there is a build but it crashes every time I try opening a project).

So now I’m stuck with a moral dilemma, either I stick with FOSS and not get proficient with one of the industries most used tools, or I install windows 11 🤢.

Idk what to do, so I guess that’s why I’m posting this lol.

#gamedev #unreal #linux

Jun 13, 2025 at 6:15pmWeb
Show threadRaccoon FormalityJun 13, 2025

alright, i think i've made up my mind.

I think im going to switch this computer to windows 11 and use it specifically for gaming and my main gamedev work and then i'll use other computer for linux experiments and other stuff.

thank you for all you're feedback, i really appreciate it :3

Show threadPersonneJun 13, 2025

@raccoonformality

Have you download and installed the recommended package on the recommended distro?

https://www.unrealengine.com/en-US/linux

Linux

Unreal Engine is the world’s most open and advanced real-time 3D creation platform for photoreal visuals and immersive experiences.

Unreal Engine
Show threadRaccoon FormalityJun 13, 2025
@per_sonne as it turns out, I did not, but I just tried and it still doesn’t work
Show threadPersonneJun 13, 2025
@raccoonformality
Are you on Ubuntu 22.04? Sometimes, software manufacturers only package their stuff to specific Linux distributions and kernels...
Show threadRaccoon FormalityJun 13, 2025
@per_sonne i am using Bazzite after distro hopping almost half a dozen times due to problems with steam
Show threadPersonneJun 13, 2025
@raccoonformality
Well, I guess you might not be the first to experience such an issue, a little bit of research and someone might pop on the interwebs with a solution somewhere. Sorry for not being able to help, I don't have enough experience with Unreal Engine nor Bazzite.
Show threadRaccoon FormalityJun 13, 2025
@per_sonne oh you’re good, no problem :3
Show threadXenenicJun 13, 2025

@raccoonformality

I would recommend building from source, you will need to follow Epics documentation for getting access as well as the development requirements.

https://dev.epicgames.com/documentation/en-us/unreal-engine/linux-development-requirements-for-unreal-engine?application_version=5.6

https://dev.epicgames.com/documentation/en-us/unreal-engine/downloading-source-code-in-unreal-engine

Show threadSluether  Jun 13, 2025

@raccoonformality I completely understand your meaning, but I personally don’t feel like using Windows is a moral failing. I daily drive Linux, but still maintain a Windows 11 install for VR and Unity/VRChat projects because I don’t have the time/motivation to put the effort into getting my Rift headset to work under Linux.

Many of my friends also still use Windows, all for their own reasons. I don’t judge. Your tech needs to work for you, and if using Windows is what allows you to accomplish your goals, so be it. That doesn’t make you complicit with Microsoft, at least in my opinion.

Show threadAspiring Deathclaw Wife Jun 13, 2025
@raccoonformality honestly, windows 11 in a VM. sandbox it, treat it as a tool you gotta use to get your job done, don't interact any other way.
Show threadChagrinsJun 13, 2025
@raccoonformality Are you trying to run it from the compiled engine source or from the Epic launcher? My understanding is the Epic version of it does not work on Linux and you have to compile it from source.
Show threadRaccoon FormalityJun 13, 2025
@Chagrins you can’t download the epic launcher on Linux, there is no Linux version
Show threadChagrinsJun 13, 2025

@raccoonformality Okay, I had seen people doing it but they probably were using Wine or something similar.

What error are you running into when you launch Unreal?

Show threadKautionJun 13, 2025

@raccoonformality

Have you tried running the Windows version with WINE?

Show threadRaccoon FormalityJun 13, 2025
@Kaution i have not but i doubt that would work because i'd have to wine epic game store and then unreal engine
Show threadKautionJun 13, 2025

@raccoonformality

I see no problem here...

Okay, that's probably going to be iffy, but maybe it works?

Show threadDave ThackerJun 13, 2025
@raccoonformality Linux Admin here, not a game designer. My quick research says the #unreal will run on #Linux, but it may need more setup or additional assets. If you're in the "I just want it to start!" phase, then pay attention to the errors you are getting and see if you can resolve them. It's also to know your new hardware and make sure Unreal is not complaining about it. Try to research and solve on problem at a time. In the end it will pay off. Cheers!