This simple tutorial is going to show beginners how to install the latest stable Battle for Wesnoth (so far 1.16.8) via PPA in Ubuntu 22.04, Ubuntu 20.04, Linux Mint 20/21.

The Battle for Wesnoth is an open source, turn-based strategy game features both single player and online multiplayer combat.

Ubuntu includes the game package in its system repository but always old. User can choose to install the official Flatpak package, by running 2 commands one by one in a terminal window.

sudo apt install flatpak

flatpak install https://dl.flathub.org/repo/appstream/org.wesnoth.Wesnoth.flatpakref

Though, it’s universal Linux package format that runs in sandbox.

For users who prefer the classic .deb package format, The Debian/Ubuntu Games Team maintains an Ubuntu PPA with the latest stable/devel release (1.16.x stable at the moment) of the game packages. Which, so far supports Ubuntu 20.04, Ubuntu 22.04, Ubuntu 22.10, and their derivatives.

1. First, either search for and open a terminal from start menu or press Ctrl+Alt+T on keyboard to open terminal.

2. When terminal opens, paste the command below and hit Enter to add the PPA repository.

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:pkg-games/wesnoth-devel

Type user password (no asterisk feedback) when it asks for sudo authentication, and hit Enter to continue.

3. If a previous 1.16.x version of the game package was installed on your system, launch “Software Updater” (or Update Manager) to upgrade the game:

Or, run command in terminal to install/upgrade the game package:

sudo apt instatll wesnoth-1.16

NOTE: Linux Mint user may first run sudo apt update to refresh package index.

Once installed, search for and launch the game either from start menu or ‘Activities’ overview depends on your DE and enjoy!

Uninstall:

To download the game to the stock version available in system repository, open terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T) and run command:

sudo apt install ppa-purge && sudo ppa-purge ppa:pkg-games/wesnoth-devel

This command will install ppa-purge tool and purge the PPA, which also downgrade installed packages.

To simply uninstall the game package, use command:

sudo apt remove --autoremove wesnoth-1.16

Also remove the PPA, either via “Software & Updates” under Other Software tab in Ubuntu, or use “Software Sources” tool in Linux Mint, or run command:

sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:pkg-games/wesnoth-devel

That’s all. Enjoy!

RetroArch emulator released version 1.15.0 a few days ago. Here’s how to install it in Ubuntu 22.10, Ubuntu 22.04, Ubuntu 20.04 and Ubuntu 18.04 via PPA.

The new 1.15.0 release feature steam support for macOS user, though macOS 10.13 or later is required. Also, it supports Apple’s native Gamepad protocol MFi, includes Vulkan video driver that is HDR capable for macOS users.

The new release also features Append Preset and Prepend Preset, allows to stack shader presets now on top of each other. Meaning user can mix various shader presets and then save it as a new preset.

Another big change is the alternative system to runahead – preemptive frames. Which, works by rerunning core logic to “rewrite history” before the current frame. Frames are only rerun when the controller state changes. Runahead is still available, and user can choose which one to use.

 

Other changes include:

• Add support for system subdirs per core/database.
• Restore cached video driver always on quit
• Add keyboard recording support to BSV
• Add checkpointing feature for replay recordings
• PS3/PSL1GHT: Add RSX video driver
• Add “Switch Icons” option
• Add Run-Ahead data to on-screen statistics
• See the release note for more details.

How to Install RetroArch 1.15.0 in Ubuntu / Linux Mint

RetroArch download page offers the downloads for all supported platforms.

For Ubuntu, Linux Mint based systems, the official PPA is a good choice, which so far support for Ubuntu 18.04, Ubuntu 20.04, Ubuntu 22.04, Ubuntu 22.10, and upcoming Ubuntu 23.04.

1. First, press Ctrl+Alt+T on keyboard to open terminal. When it opens, run command to add the PPA:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:libretro/stable

Type user password (no asterisk feedback) when it asks and hit Enter to continue.

2. For the old Ubuntu 18.04 and Linux Mint, user may need to manually refresh package cache by running command:

sudo apt update

3. Finally, either run command in terminal to install the emulator:

sudo apt install retroarch libretro-*

Or if an old version was installed, use Software Updater to update to v1.15.0.

After installing the software, search for and launch it from start menu or ‘Activities’ overview.

Then, use “Online Updater” menu option to update core libraries, assets, profiles, database, etc. And, use ‘Content Downloader’ option to grab free contents for selected core.

How to Remove RetroArch

To remove the software package, open terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T) and run command:

sudo apt remove --autoremove retroarch libretro-*

Also remove the PPA repository, either by running the command below:

sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:libretro/stable

Or use “Software & Updates” utility by removing the source line under “Other Software” tab.

Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu, is building the popular Steam game platform as Snap package!

The Ubuntu developer team is going to improve gaming experience on this popular Linux distribution. The first step is to simplify the process of setting up gaming environment. As the number 1 game platform, Steam to be first one they focus on.

Meaning Ubuntu 20.04, Ubuntu 22.04, and Ubuntu 22.10 can easily search for and install Steam as snap package from Ubuntu Software:

Or, user can press Ctrl+Alt+T on keyboard to open terminal and run the single command to get it:

snap install steam --beta

The command also work in Ubuntu 18.04, though --beta flag is required at the moment, because the package so far is in earlier stage for testing purpose.

After installed the package, just search for and launch it from ‘Activities’ overview screen:

It automatically install updates and setup runtime, and finally launch the client app for you.

Other Choices

As some users do not like Snap package, there are a few other ways to install Steam app in Ubuntu.

Option 1: Steam Installer

By searching in Ubuntu Software, you’ll see a “Steam Installer” package. Which is an empty package that automatically download steam package from its server and set it up in Ubuntu.

The package however is a 32-bit package which will also install a list of 32-bit libraries as dependencies.

Option 2: Steam’s official .deb package

Steam website offers official .deb package available for Debian/Ubuntu based systems.

User can download and then double-click on the package in file manager to install it.

Option 3: Flatpak package

The game platform is also available as the universal Flatpak package that runs in sandbox.

Just for choice, you may first run command in terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T) to install the Flatpak daemon:

sudo apt install flatpak

Then, install steam as flatpak package by running command:

flatpak install https://dl.flathub.org/repo/appstream/com.valvesoftware.Steam.flatpakref

Summary:

Ubuntu starts working on its official Steam package as Snap. Meaning user can now directly search for and install the game platform from Ubuntu Software. Besides that, there are also an installer script in Ubuntu Software, official .deb package from steam website, and Flatpak package available for choices.

The free open-source kart racing game, SuperTuxKart, released the new stable 1.4 version. Here’s the new features and how to install guide for Ubuntu Linux.

SuperTuxKart 1.4 fixed a dependency bug for MacOS user, meaning it’s now running again for macOS ranging from 10.9 to 10.14 (Mavericks to Mojave).

The release also introduced experimental support for Vulkan renderer, for low CPU usage and better multi-platform support. User may try it out by either typing “/vulkan” in networking lobby and restart the game, or starting the game with --render-driver=vulkan argument.

A new character Godette, the mascot of the Godot Engine, is introduced in the release. And, the Konqi now has a newer and maturer look.

Other changes include:

• Lap trial mode
• ARMv7 build for Windows
• LOD optimization
• Implement HiDPI support in SDL2 properly.
• Make sky particle always fall vertically.
• Updated Battle Island and Cave X.
• New textures in Shifting Sands.
• Add track searching to network track screen
• Allow using real addon karts
• Add left side ghost replay difficulties

How to Install SuperTuxKart 1.4 in Ubuntu

The game is available in Ubuntu Linux via Snap, Deb, and Flatpak package, though they all are not updated at the moment of writing.

Portable Tarball

In case you can’t wait to try it out, download the portable tarball from releases page.

Select download the ‘SuperTuxKart-1.4-linux-x86_64.tar.xz’ for modern 64-bit PC/laptop, and arm64 (or armv7) package for mobile device. Then, just extract and run the executable file to start the game.

Snap package

Ubuntu 20.04, Ubuntu 22.04, and Ubuntu 22.10 user can directly search for and install the game from Ubuntu Software app. Though it’s a Snap package runs in sandbox and still in v1.3 at the moment of writing, it updates automatically once the maintainer publish the new package.

Ubuntu PPA

For those prefer the native .deb package format. The game has an official PPA with all current Ubuntu releases support.

1. First, open terminal either from start menu or by pressing Ctrl+Alt+T on keyboard. When it opens, run command:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:stk/dev

Type user password when it asks (no asterisk feedback) and hit Enter to continue.

2. Then update and install the game:

sudo apt update && sudo apt install supertuxkart

After that, you can always get the latest game packages by receiving updates via Software Updater (Update Manager).

Uninstall SuperTuxKart

For snap package, simply remove it using Ubuntu Software.

For the PPA package, open terminal and run command:

sudo apt remove --autoremove supertuxkart supertuxkart-data

And remove the PPA either via Software & Updates utility under ‘Other Software’ tab or run command below in a terminal window:

sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:stk/dev

0 A.D., the free open-source RTS game of ancient warfare, got a new release update a few days ago.

It’s 0 A.D. Alpha 26, code-name ‘Zhuangzi’, features new civilization: The Han, which was the second imperial dynasty of China. It has beautiful new art, unique technologies, buildings, as well as new gameplay strategies to explore.

The release also introduced 2 new map: Tarim basin – an endorheic basin in Northwest China, Xinjiang region; and Yangtze (aka Chang Jiang) the longest river in Asia.

Other changes in the release include:

• Units now have a slight acceleration
• 26 new music tracks including two themed for the Han
• Add player search to the lobby
• option to share allies the parts of the map discovered.
• New “Call to arms” button.
• See the release note for more details.

How to Install 0 A.D. Alpha 26 in Ubuntu

For Ubuntu and their based systems, the official PPA repository has been updated with the new packages for Ubuntu 22.04, Ubuntu 20.04, and Ubuntu 18.04.

1. First, press Ctrl+Alt+T on keyboard to open a terminal window. Then, run the command below to add the PPA:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:wfg/0ad

Type user password (no asterisk feedback) for sudo prompt and hit Enter to continue.

2. Old Ubuntu 18.04 and Linux Mint users have to manually refresh the package cache after adding the PPA, though it’s done automatically in Ubuntu 20.04+. And, this can be done by running command:

sudo apt update

3. Finally, either run the command below to install the game:

sudo apt install 0ad

Or launch “Software Updater” and update the game package if an old version was installed.

Uninstall:

To remove the game package, simply open a terminal window and run command:

sudo apt remove --autoremove 0ad

And, remove the Ubuntu PPA repository using command:

sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:wfg/0ad