Box64
What it is
Box64 runs x86_64 Linux programs, including games, on supported non-x86 Linux systems. It targets ARM64, RISC-V 64-bit, and LoongArch Linux devices; the host must be 64-bit, little-endian, and have 64-bit libraries. Box64 uses native system libraries such as libc, libm, SDL, and OpenGL to integrate with the host. Its DynaRec backends 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, while 32-bit Windows components require Box86, except for experimental Wine WOW64 support. The project is intended for 64-bit programs and points to Box86 or Box32 for 32-bit binaries, describing Box32 as experimental. Users can configure it with system or home-directory files or environment variables. DynaCache is enabled by default, stores generated code under ~/.cache/box64, and can use up to 2 GB by default. A compatibility list records games as working, partially working, not working, or unknown. The project identifies Box64 as MIT licensed.
For and against
For
- Supports ARM64, RISC-V 64-bit, and LoongArch hosts.
- Uses native system libraries.
- DynaRec supports three host architectures.
- Supports Wine64 and Proton.
- Project provides a game compatibility list.
Against
- Host must be 64-bit, little-endian, and have 64-bit libraries.
- 32-bit Windows components require Box86, except experimental WOW64 support.
- DynaCache can use up to 2 GB by default.
The verdict
Box64 targets x86_64 Linux software on specific 64-bit Linux architectures and includes dynamic recompilation and Wine64 and Proton support. Check host requirements and the compatibility list, especially for 32-bit components.
Who it suits
Box64 is for users with compatible 64-bit Linux hosts who want to run x86_64 Linux programs or games. It may also suit users working with Wine64 or Proton on those systems.
On the record
- 32-bit limit
- Box64 is for 64-bit programs; the README directs users to Box86 or Box32 for 32-bit binaries, and describes Box32 as experimental.github.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Cache limit
- DynaCache is enabled by default and its compressed files can use up to 2 GB by default.github.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- Compatibility
- The maker maintains a game compatibility list with working, partially working, not working, and unknown statuses.box86.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Configuration
- Behavior can be configured through environment variables and INI-style configuration files at /etc/box64.box64rc and ~/.box64rc.github.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- DynaCache
- DynaCache is enabled by default, stores generated code under ~/.cache/box64, and uses up to 2 GB by default.github.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Dynamic recompilation
- Its DynaRec backends for Arm, RISC-V, and LoongArch are described as 5–10 times faster than the interpreter alone.github.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Dynamic recompiler
- DynaRec supports Arm, RISC-V, and LoongArch and is described as 5–10 times faster than the interpreter alone.github.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- Gaming compatibility
- The project links to a compatibility list of games confirmed to run or not run with Box64.box86.org · read 29 Sep 2026
- Host requirement
- Box64 requires a 64-bit little-endian host and 64-bit host libraries.github.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- License
- The Box64 repository provides the software under the MIT License.github.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Maker
- The About page identifies ptitSeb as the author of Box64 and says he is a freelance developer.box86.org · read 29 Sep 2026
- Native libraries
- Box64 uses native system libraries such as libc, libm, SDL, and OpenGL to integrate with applications.github.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Purpose
- Box64 runs x86_64 Linux programs, including games, on non-x86_64 Linux systems.box86.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Steam and Wine
- Box64 supports Wine64 and Proton; 32-bit components require Box86, while Wine WOW64 support in Box64-only environments is described as experimental.github.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Support and maintainer
- The project author identifies as ptitSeb, a freelance developer, and invites people to contact him about helping their projects.box86.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Supported host architectures
- The project targets ARM64, RISC-V 64-bit, and LoongArch Linux devices.github.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Supported hosts
- The project targets ARM64, RISC-V 64-bit, and LoongArch Linux devices.github.com · read 29 Sep 2026
