Box64 runs x86_64 Linux programs, including games, on Linux devices with ARM64, RISC-V 64-bit or LoongArch processors. The host must be 64-bit and little-endian, with 64-bit libraries. Box64 uses native system libraries such as libc, libm, SDL and OpenGL to integrate with the host. Its DynaRec dynamic recompilers support Arm, RISC-V and LoongArch, and the project describes them as 5–10 times faster than the interpreter alone. Box64 supports Wine64 and Proton. Running 32-bit Windows components requires Box86, apart from experimental Wine WOW64 support; the project directs users seeking to run 32-bit binaries to Box86 or Box32, which it describes as experimental. Configuration is available through system or home-directory files and environment variables. DynaCache is enabled by default, stores generated code under ~/.cache/box64 and can use up to 2 GB by default. The project maintains a game compatibility list with working, partial, not working and unknown statuses. Box64 is identified as MIT licensed.
Who it is for
Box64 suits people who want to run x86_64 Linux programs or games on supported 64-bit ARM64, RISC-V or LoongArch Linux systems.
What is good
- Targets ARM64, RISC-V 64-bit and LoongArch Linux devices.
- DynaRec supports all three target architectures.
- Supports Wine64 and Proton.
- Project maintains a game compatibility list.
What to know first
- Requires a little-endian 64-bit host with 64-bit libraries.
- 32-bit binaries require Box86 or experimental Box32.
- DynaCache can use up to 2 GB by default.
Verdict
Box64 is aimed at running 64-bit x86 Linux software on specified non-x86 Linux hosts. Its host requirements and separate route for 32-bit binaries are important constraints.
Compared on game compatibility layers
- Free plan
- Yes
- Host platforms
- Linux, Android
- Runtime model
- translation + runtime
- DirectX support
- not stated
- Vulkan support
- Yes
- Steam integration
- Yes
- Anti-cheat status
- not stated