Knights and Merchants on Linux and MacOS

 

It is possible - and not too hard - to run KaM on alternate operating systems. Here's a quick guide. In case of any problems not described below feel free to write on the forums.

 

Linux

 

 

Short answer: use Steam version or install Wine.

 

Longer answer: There is a Linux version of TPR+Remake r6720 available on Steam. For less experienced Linux users, Steam version is recommended for now, but you can also use Wine (which is what the Steam version is actually using), or Wine helpers like PlayOnLinux or Lutris - both TSK/TPR and Remake should work flawlessly, so you may install your GOG/CD version of TPR and then Remake.

 

With Remake, in case of sound problems you might want to make sure you have OpenAL 32bit library installed (ie. Arch Linux does not install it with Wine by default). Depending on your desktop environment/window manager, you might run into one of these weird problems that I had in the past:

  • after Alt+Tabbing to another window, you can't click on buttons in KaM - just Alt-Tab to another window and back again. I believe this happens on some DEs/WMs when you have second Remake window (ie. when using map editor) opened.
  • you might have problems with fullscreen mode, so try windowed if some part of the screen is missing

 

MacOS

 

As I do not have much experience here, I am leaving a link to the Remake's site which explains how to install TPR and Remake: Mac OSX and Linux - KaM Remake. In general, using MacOS versions of Wine helpers (ie. PlayOnMac ) should just work. KaM TPR on Steam for MacOS - from what I know - will work flawlessly, but does not include Remake.

 

Historical port of TSK for Linux/MacOS

 

For those curious - there were native ports of Knights and Merchants: The Shattered Kingdom, done for both MacOS X and Linux - you may still find links to Linux demo and Mac OS patches in our Downloads section. These versions are very dated and from what I know include only TSK, what's more, running them on a modern operating system is likely to be a challenge. You may find it interesting that apparently the "historical version" of KaM on Steam contains something called "KaM HD", which looks like it was based off Linux native port, that had some improvements over the original TSK.