How to Install and Run HC Launcher in Linux using Steam

[Focron]

Before Installing

This is for if you have a working Steam and have made sure other Windows titles work under the "Compatibility Mode".

 

Depending on the Distribution of Linux you are using, the Steam package might cause issues. For example, I have not had success with Flatpak      Steam due to the way it handles it's own database. Steam's own .deb package should work well. Steam OS will work well.

Make sure you have the latest HC Launcher Installer https://forums.homecomingservers.com/getting-started/ downloaded and in a directory you can direct Steam into looking for it.

I happen to be running Linux Mint DE 6 Faye using the standard Debian Repository package.

 

Installation Method

If you haven't already done so, ensure you have a custom directory(folder) in your ./home/username where you would like the HC Launcher and CoX to be installed. Steam Deck users should already have a "deck" directory(folder) where the "pfx" folder containing the fake Windows drive that will be created by Steam Compatibilty. I decided to use create a directory called "deck", just to be consistant with Steam Deck users out there.

 

Next you will need to direct Steam to "Add a Non-Steam Game to My Library...".

Upon doing so you will be prompted by a windows to select the game. Use "Browse..." to direct it to the folder that you have the HC Launcher Installer located.

After choosing the installer click "Add Selected Programs" and it will be added to the "UNCATEGORIZED" section of your Steam Library.

 

--Now comes the finicky part

Click on your entry to have it in your main Steam window. Click the "gear" icon at the upper right and select "Properties". This is where you should name the shortcut having ".exe" to something more reasonable like "Homecoming" or "City of Heroes - Homecoming", whatever floats your boat. Clear the "START IN" field and leave it blank.

In the "LAUNCH OPTIONS" field tells Steam where the HC Launcher Installer will install to, so this is the field you should be concerned about. Make sure the path points to the folder(eg. "deck"). To do this you need to add:  STEAM_COMPAT_DATA_PATH="/home/username/deck" %command%", where "username" is "your" home folder.

Next, ensure the "Force the use of specific Steam Play Compatibility tool" is checked off in the "Compatibility" section.

Close the window and run the HC Launcher Installer. You will be prompted with the usual installer stuff. Just choose the defaults for everything until the Launcher is installed. "Don't install the game yet from the launcher"! Exit the launcher.

To finish the installation you need to direct Steam where the Homecoming Launcher executable file is. You need to go back into the "Properties..." of the HC Launcher Installer entery of your Steam Library and in the "TARGET" field "Browse..." to where it was installed. If you selected the defaults during installation, you should have it located in: "/home/username/deck/pfx/drive_c/Games/Homecoming/bin/" and whatever bit your system is running.

Run the launcher. Install the game from the launcher in the usual manner.

 

**This is the first time I have posted anything like this on the Forum. Remember that this works for me on my system and hardware. It is not perfect and other setups might pose issues.

 

Cheers and long live Homecoming CoXers!

Edited February 2 by Focron
Spelling mistakes

[Forge]

Thank you - your Target (for the launcher) did it for me, despite Faultline's script. 

[Focron]

Yes, I figured a more "visual" approach to solve the Steam HC Launcher issues folks might be having was the best route.

Thanks

[zifnab]

Thank you for the guide from another Linux gamer.

I personally used the Bottles Flatpak and it works great, I literally had nothing special to do, just run the installer and that's it.

I wanted to do it from Steam but couldn't find a guide, so I guess I will keep yours in mind for my next reinstall.

Anyway, all this to say thank you 🙂