As we are all aware, AOE3DE is pretty much unplayable on Windows, thanks to bugs which cause the game to delete crucial and personal data.
Ok, so what about Linux?
Thanks to the fact that programs on Linux run on lower privileges than on Windows, as well as the game running in the context of a small folder which simulates the Windows File System, it's virtually impossible for issues in the game to seep outside of the game itself. At worst you would need to Verify Game Integrity, which will fix any missing files and similar issues.
What do I need for playing AOE3DE on Linux?
Very little, actually! You will need:
-A USB stick, to install Linux.
-AOE3DE purchased on Steam.
And that's it!
How do I install Linux?
It's pretty simple, actually. For starters, you should choose which Distro(Distribution) of Linux you want.
For the purposes of this guide, I will assume you chose Linux Mint, as it's very easy to set up and beginner-friendly.
1. Download Linux Mint from the official website. I recommend the Cinnamon version personally, but if your PC is on the lower end, consider MATE.
Important note, Linux Mint is completely free of charge!
2. Using a program like Balena Etcher, burn the ISO file you downloaded onto the USB stick. It's advised to remove any files that are already on the USB.
3. After you are done with that, boot from the USB stick. Look up "*your PC's model* boot from USB" if you aren't sure how to do it. Generally it comes down to pressing a specific F key to select boot device.
4. Select to boot up Linux Mint, and you will be greeted with a simple Desktop with the option to install Linux Mint on the top left. You can use this opportunity to look around Linux Mint and get a feel for it before you install.
5. Click to install Linux Mint. The procedure itself should be very simple, all you need to do is to select some simple things like Language, your Username/Password etc.
6. One exception lies in whether or not you want to have both Windows and Linux on the same HDD/SSD, or have only Linux on it.
6.1. If you want the latter, just click to install Linux Mint on the selected drive. This will also delete all data on the drive. If you have multiple Drives, it's a good idea to move all important data to one drive and install Linux Mint on the other. Linux Mint can use all drives without issue, so you aren't obligated to have Windows to access the storage drive.
6.2. If you want to have both Linux Mint and Windows on the same drive, then I suggest following this simple dual-boot guide
7. It's a good idea to check "install third party programs" especially if you plan to use Mint regularly. If you haven't, it's not a problem as all the programs you would need are easily available through the Software Manager.
8. Once the installation is done, reboot the PC and boot into your shiny new Linux Mint!
Alright, I now have Linux Mint. How do I play AOE3DE?
1. First and foremost, run an update. It's always good to keep everything up to date, and assuming your connection is decent, it will be a brief process, taking at most 10 minutes(Often it's done for me in under a minute). Open the Start Menu, run the Update Manager, Install Updates.
4. Install Proton via Steam, which is a program that lets us run AOE3DE. Go to Steam -> Settings -> Steam Play. You want the options to look like this, aiming to have the newest possible Proton version.
6. Play!
What issues can I expect, running the game like this?
For the most part, none that you won't have using Windows. If you see a pop-up regarding a missing encoder, don't worry as the game will run with no issue. Just click Attempt to Run.
And that's pretty much it! Enjoy your fresh Linux Mint and smooth gameplay of Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition!
