Morrowind:Linux
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This page provides information on how to run Morrowind and the expansions under the Wine compatibility layer in GNU/Linux. To get Morrowind running without Wine, see the External Links section below.
Installation and Setup Considerations
Much of what has been said in the Oblivion instructions also applies to Morrowind, especially when it comes to Wine installation and drive mapping.
The Morrowind play CD has copy obfuscation that includes deliberate defects on the CD, so making an image with the standard dd command will likely fail.
However, simply extracting the files to a folder and having it marked in WINE as a CD drive works fine, even better than a crack.
Wine Settings
The following advice was mostly found at the Wine Application Database — The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind.
Basic Configuration
Run winecfg to view and change settings in the Wine Configuration GUI.
- To create a configuration profile for Morrowind in Wine, use the Applications -> Application Settings -> Add Application... dialog. Then select it by highlighting Morrowind.exe before making changes.
- Applications -> Application Settings -> Windows should be set to Windows 98.
Note: Since WINE 1.7.x it is no longer possible to set the Windows version to anything below Windows-XP (the default) via the winecfg GUI. Since Morrwind runs without problems when using the default settings, this setting should be considered as obsolete. Additionally, it should be noted, that most Co-Executables won't even work properly on a Windows version below Windows-XP. But it is still possible to set the Windows version using regedit if someone has indeed the need to set it to anything below Windows-XP.
Registry Settings
See Oblivion instructions on how to add these settings with regedit.
In latest Wine version the default settings can be used without further modifications. However you may want to try setting the VideoMemorySize entry to the actual amount of video memory on your graphics card, as Wine apparently has no way of finding this out. However it seems that setting this variable to the actual size of your videocard's memory has no noticeable effects at all. To set it, just create a DWORD-entry under HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Wine\Direct3D, you may have to create this entry at first. Name this newly created DWORD VideoMemorySize. and set its value to the actual size of your videocard's memory.
Note that if you wish to run multiple programs in WINE under different settings, you can instead store Morrowind configurations in the registry under HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Wine\AppDefaults\Morrowind.exe\Direct3D. This will specifically store these Direct3D settings for Morrowind.
Controls
Unfortunately, Morrowind on Wine currently suffers from an issue where the game freezes when attempting to modify default keyboard controls. Controls can be configured via Registry as a workaround.
- Launch the Registry editor using wine regedit
- Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Bethesda Softworks\Morrowind folder. Inside you should find various configuration parameters including control settings (note: on 64-bit Windows, the parent node of the Betesda Softworks registry hive will be HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node).
- The control settings are spread among other settings, you should be able to recognize them by names like "Crouch/Sneak", "Auto Run", "Forward", "SlideLeft" and so on. They all are of type REG_DWORD.
- The value is a 32-bit hexadecimal number. The top 16 bits define the main control setting, and the low 16 bits define the secondary control - in most cases unused (set to 0000) or used for joystick control (03xx)
- The top byte of the setting is the type of control: 00 - disabled, 01 - keyboard, 02 - mouse, 03 - joystick/gamepad
- The bottom byte of the setting is a DirectInput scan code, incremented by 1. Consider this table as a reference for the keyboard scan codes : http://www.gamespp.com/directx/directInputKeyboardScanCodes.html
- Example: Forward is set to 0x01120000 by default, which corresponds to the key W. To switch it to the Arrow-Up, look up the corresponding code DIK_UP in the aforementioned table (0xc8) and add 1. The resulting code to put into registry is therefore 0x01c90000
As an example, to switch basic controls from WASD to arrows, you can use following changes :
Registry name | Value | Keys Forward 0x01c90000 Arrow-Up Back 0x01d10000 Arrow-Down SlideLeft 0x01cc0000 Arrow-Left SlideRight 0x01ce0000 Arrow-Right Activate 0x011d0301 Enter or Joystick-1 Crouch/Sneak 0x019e0305 Right-Ctrl or Joystick-5 Run 0x01530306 Numpad-0 or Joystick-6 Jump 0x01370307 Right-Shift or Joystick-7
Note: Wine 1.7.55 (released 11.13.2015) fixes most of the problems mentioned above, so it is possible to modify the default keyboard configuration in-game. However some problems still remain and occasionally it is necessary to press the modified keys a couple of times before changes are accepted.
In-game Console
The in-game debug console is tied to the key ~ and cannot be changed via controls configuration. On Non-English keyboard layouts, tilde sign is usually entered through different key combinations and as a result, the console cannot be invoked. In order to use the console, you must switch your keyboard layout to English before starting the game. On GNU/Linux, this can be achieved with the following command (executed as normal user):
setxkbmap -layout us
Morrowind.ini
Multiple Users
If you plan on running Morrowind as a different user than the one that originally installed it, change the permissions of Morrowind.ini to be writable by other users. Invoking the chmod command can enable group write permissions, while the chgrp command can ensure the file belongs to a shared group.
chmod g+w Morrowind.ini chgrp users Morrowind.ini
Suggested Changes
- Reduce the load on the CPU by capping the FPS. Set it to your monitor's refresh rate, almost always 60 Hz, or a little lower.
;; Reduce CPU load MaxFPS=60
- Increase stability in the game by not preloading the next cell. You will see the 'loading exterior screen' dialog a lot more.
;; Reduce crashes SkipProgramFlows=1 DontThreadLoad=1
- Increase performance in the game by using less RAM and by extension swap. You will see the 'loading exterior screen' dialog a lot more.
Never set these values to 0 or you'll lose your companions, creatures, followers at each zone change !
;; Improve Performance ;; The Buffers are measured in game Cells. Settings these too high will cause slow downs ;; after a bit of traveling. The defaults are 10 and 32, but for better performance try: Interior Cell Buffer=1 Exterior Cell Buffer=9
Known Issues
(Note: Some might not be current issues for very newest versions of Wine
- Applies to Wine 1.7.11 (released 01.17.2014) Morrowind will crash every time when changing from an exterior cell to an interior cell. According to the Changelog of wine 1.7.11 several changes were done to wine's direct3d libraries, which may be the cause for this issue. Users are strongly advised to either stick with wine 1.7.10 or upgrade to wine 1.7.12 or higher.
Mods
On Microsoft Windows, filesystems paths and file names are case-insensitive and on GNU/Linux, filesystems paths and file names are case-sensitive. Avoid creating file or directory names that differ only in character capitalization. Merge mods with the existing files and directories or the redundant files and directories will be ignored.
To quickly find redundant files and directories use the following commands from the Morrowind install directory.
find Data\ Files/ | sort -f | uniq -id
A better way to keep a clean Morrowind installation on GNU/Linux filesystems is by using Wrye Mash (see further below).
Official Mods
- Move the files from the archives to the correct Morrowind game folder.
From the Morrowind Launcher, select Data Files and check the box next to the target ".esp" file.
- Move the folder 'Icons/A/' to 'Morrowind/Data Files/Icons/'
- Move the folder 'Meshes/A/' to 'Morrowind/Data Files/Meshes/'
- Move the folder 'Textures/' to 'Morrowind/Data Files/'
- Move the file 'LeFemmArmor.esp' to Morrowind/Data Files/'
- Move the folder 'Data Files/r/' to 'Morrowind/Data Files/Meshes'
- Move the folder 'Data Files/Textures/' to 'Morrowind/Data Files/
- Move the file 'Siege at Firemoth.esp' to 'Morrowind/Data Files/'
Installing Python 2.5, Wrye Mash and Mlox under WINE
If you want to use Wrye Mash, and it is strongly recommended to do so, you have to use v84. The latest Standalone version, Wrye Mash Fork, does not work under WINE 1.6.x or WINE 1.7.x. You have to install Python 2.5 for Windows first for using Wrye Mash and/or Mlox.
First download Python 2.5
Next download wxPython GUI library v2.8.0.1.
If you also plan to use Mlox you MUST use v2.8.7.1 instead.
Mlox will not run with older versions, while Wrye Mash works with newer versions.
After you have downloaded both files open a console and type "wine uninstaller", this brings up the WINE-Installer a convenient way to install/uninstall Windows-Applications via a GUI. Use this Installer to install Python 2.5 and afterwards xPython GUI library v2.8.7.1.
To make things easier by not having to type the full path where python.exe is located, every time you use it, do the following:
- Open a console and start WINE's Registry-Editor by typing regedit
- Search for the key
HKEY_CURRENT_USER/Environmentand create a variable named PATH. Define this variable asREG_DWORDand set its string to the path of the directory were you have installed Python 2.5, e.g.C:\Program Files (x86)\Python25 - Close the Registry-Editor
Installing Wrye Mash v84
- Download Wrye Mash v84
- Extract the content of the archive into the Morrowind directory
- Change into the Mopy directory inside your Morrowind directory
- Type "wine python.exe mash.py"
Wrye Mash should start-up for the first time and is ready for use from now on.
Installing Mlox
If you haven't installed Python 2.5 and xPython GUI library v2.8.7.1 yet do this, following the instructions above.
- Download the latest Python-Version (not the exe-Version) of Mlox
- Extract the contents of the archive to a directory of your choice
- Open a console and change into this directory
- Type "wine python.exe mlox.py"
Mlox should start-up for the first time and is ready for use from now on.
Running Third-Party applications for Morrowind under WINE
Based on user experiences, this sections summarizes, which popular third party applications for Morrowind can, or cannot, be run under WINE and how this can be accomplished. These applications are run either under WINE 1.6.x or WINE 1.7.x.
Runs without problems, except you can't create completely new esp files. Changes to esm files or an esp file not set as active can't be saved. Either set a plugin as active or create an empty esp file in advance using MWEdit before making changes to game files. As a consequence it is also not possible to merge multiple loaded plugins into a completely new one.
Can be applied without problems using WINE.
Does NOT work under WINE. The application fails while reporting problems with ndisam.exe after making a backup of the original Morrowind.exe.
Can be executed successfully, but applying this patch seems to have no noticeable effect on the gameplay, at last under WINE.
-
- v1.96a
- Runs quite well, however using the feature Improve haggle sum increase/decrease speed will result in increasing the total sum to an exorbitant value every time the "+" or "-" button in the barter menu is clicked. Deactivate this feature if you want to barter when buying/selling goods.
- Sometimes the application can not be terminated if you have played for a long time. In this case the only way to end it is by using the command "kill -9 <PID>" or "killall -9 mw_fps_opt.exe".
- If you use the texture-replacer "Better Picks 'n' Probes" two problems occur:
- The game will crash every time you equip a probe or a lockpick.
- The game crashes when the player's field of view is moved in the direction of a probe or lockpick.
- v2.00
- All notes for v1.96a apply to this version as well.
- In addition, the Multimark-Feature will cause a CTD when used. Custom Mark and Custom Intervention have not been tested, but it is assumed they will cause a CTD as well when used. The features Almsivi Intervention and Divine Intervention for companions do work.
MGE (Morrowind Graphics Extender) and MGE XE
Both applications will NOT work under current WINE versions. Despite exhaustive tries none of these applications could be run successfully using WINE and MONO. even when using native direct3d dlls. MWGE won't even start at all and MWGE XE comes up with an empty load list when trying to create the distant land. MWGE XE crashes also shortly after it has been started, regardless what is done.
Morrowind Script Extender (MWSE)
This application does also NOT work under current WINE versions. The message in the GUI reports when Morrowind.exe is started and seemingly does work, but any script using MWSE-Functions does not work at all.
Runs pretty well, but changing keys in the MWE-GUI does not work, the GUI will freeze. Keys must be set in the same way as it is done for Morrowind, by using regedit. The settings for MWE can be found under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Morrowind Enhanced. This time however you must use the exact Hex-value for the key e.g. if you want to use the "R" key for Rage set the Rage Key Code to 0x13. Using the mouse buttons is a bit tricky but also not too difficult. If you want to use the right mouse button for blocking like in newer TES games, set Block Key Mouse to 0x01 (0x00 is the left button and 0x02 the middle button on a three-button mouse).
Note: Wine 1.7.55 fixes the problems mentioned above, so it is possible to set the default controls while the application is running.
If Python 2.5 and xPython GUI library are installed correctly Wrye Mash runs without issue, except for the occasional graphical artifacts in the GUI.
Wrye Mash is in fact the most efficient way to manage a clean and working installation of additional contents for Morrowind, since any case-sensitive issues on GNU/Linux filesystems can be avoided.
If Python 2.5 and are xPython GUI library installed correctly Mlox runs without issue.
Runs without issue execept for the occasional graphical artifacts in the GUI.
Runs without any problems under WINE.
Runs quite well under WINE except for the occasional graphical artifacts in the GUI and some very annoying issues with the scripting feature of MWEdit:
- It is not possible to paste any text into the scripting window, neither by using keyboard shortcuts nor by using the right mouse button. However marking text in the scripting window and copying it does work.
- The internal search and search+replace features don't work correctly. When marking an expression and clicking the search or search+replace button, the previous used expression is still shown in the search field. Repeating the whole process does work though.
- It seems that compiling and saving scripts does not always work, compiled scripts will sometimes not work. To be save it is best to recompile all scripts modified with MWEdit again in the Construction Set.
This application does NOT work under current WINE versions. It will display an error message every time a plugin is opened. Afterwards the application freezes and can only be terminated using the "kill -9" or the "killall -9" command.
The "Merge Mods" feature does work for basic plugins though, it will create a functional plugin, although the application will freeze after the merging is completed.
This Editor will NOT work under current WINE versions even when using native VisualBasic 6 dlls.
External Links
- Wine AppDB entry for Morrowind — Contains bug and status reports for playing Morrowind under the current version of Wine
- CodeWeavers' CrossOver — Contains bug and status reports for playing Morrowind under the current version of CrossOver
- TransGaming Technologies' Cedega — Members Only Area
- OpenMW Project — Native execution of Morrowind on GNU/Linux, Mac, OpenBSD and many other OS's (NOTE: In Beta Stage, not everything works yet) (update 2016: Now plays much better than original Morrowind under Windows. No need to use Wine.)