How to Play SoF2 on Linux and Steam Deck

Soldier of Fortune II is a Windows game, but it runs on Linux and the Steam Deck through Wine or Proton. The easiest way is to install the GOG version with a launcher such as Heroic Games Launcher or Lutris, then copy in the 1fx. client patch and start SoF2MP.1fxmaster.exe. On a Steam Deck, add that program to Steam as a non-Steam game and force a Proton version in its compatibility settings.

What you need

The game: the GOG.com release (v1.03 Gold Edition) is the simplest, because it comes as an installer launchers understand. A disc copy works too.
The 1fx. client patch for your version, which fixes the server list and start-up crashes. Download it from our Play page.
A launcher: Heroic Games Launcher or Lutris on desktop Linux, or Steam’s Proton on a Steam Deck.

Not sure which version you have? See v1.00 vs v1.03.

Linux desktop

With Heroic Games Launcher (GOG)

Install Heroic from your distribution’s software centre or Flathub.
Sign in to GOG in Heroic, find Soldier of Fortune II in your library and install it. Heroic sets up Wine or Proton for you.
Open the game’s folder from Heroic’s game settings, and copy the 1fx. client patch files into it, the same way you would on Windows.
Point Heroic at the multiplayer program. In the game’s settings, set the program to run to SoF2MP.1fxmaster.exe.
Start the game and check the server list fills up.

With Lutris

Lutris can install GOG games, or run an installer you’ve downloaded. Create a Wine game, point it at the SoF2 installer, then copy in the 1fx. patch and set the executable to SoF2MP.1fxmaster.exe. The rest is the same as above.

Steam Deck

Switch to Desktop Mode from the power menu.
Install the game, either with Heroic from the Discover store (the easiest for GOG), or by running the installer through Steam as below.
Copy in the 1fx. client patch to the game’s folder.
Add it to Steam: in Steam, choose Add a Game → Add a Non-Steam Game and pick SoF2MP.1fxmaster.exe.
Force Proton: open the new entry’s Properties → Compatibility, tick “Force the use of a specific Steam Play compatibility tool” and choose a Proton version.
Return to Gaming Mode and start it from your library.

Settings for Linux and the Deck

Resolution: set it with r_mode -1 and your screen size. The Steam Deck screen is 1280×800: r_customwidth 1280, r_customheight 800. See widescreen and resolution.
Frame rate: com_maxfps 125 as usual. On the Deck, 90 saves battery while still feeling smooth. See com_maxfps.
Network: the same broadband values as on Windows: rate, snaps and cl_maxpackets.

Common problems

The game starts but the server list is empty

The 1fx. patch isn’t being used: check the launcher starts SoF2MP.1fxmaster.exe, not SoF2MP.exe. More in empty server list.

Black screen or crash at start

Try a different Proton or Wine version in the launcher’s settings, and start in windowed mode by adding +set r_fullscreen 0 to the launch options. Then work through crash at start-up.

No sound

Set the right output device in your desktop’s sound settings before starting the game. See sound settings.

The mouse is too fast or too slow

Adjust sensitivity in the console. See mouse settings.

Running a server on Linux

A SoF2 dedicated server runs natively on Linux, without Wine. That’s covered separately in hosting a SoF2 server on Linux.

Frequently asked questions

Does SoF2 work on Linux?

Yes, through Wine or Proton. Heroic Games Launcher and Lutris make it straightforward with the GOG version.

Can you play SoF2 on Steam Deck?

Yes. Install it, add SoF2MP.1fxmaster.exe to Steam as a non-Steam game, and force a Proton version in its compatibility settings.

Do I still need the 1fx. patch on Linux?

Yes. It fixes the server list and start-up crashes for every platform. Copy it into the game’s folder as you would on Windows.

Is there a native Linux SoF2 client?

No, only the dedicated server runs natively on Linux. The game itself runs through Wine or Proton.