Skip to content
SPECIFICTION
Get listed

Box86

github.com

Free plan LinuxSelf-hosted
Visit github.com
Spec score 7.9 #7 of 27 in Game Compatibility Layers

What it is

Box86 runs 32-bit x86 Linux programs on Linux systems using other processor architectures, including ARM. It translates programs at runtime and connects them to native system libraries such as libc, libm, SDL, and OpenGL. The host must provide a 32-bit little-endian system or a 32-bit userspace subsystem; Box86 does not translate 32-bit programs for a 64-bit-only userspace. On ARM, its dynamic recompiler is described as providing a 5 to 10 times speed boost over the interpreter. The project names WorldOfGoo, Airline Tycoon Deluxe, FTL, and several GameMaker Linux games as examples that run, and links to a GitHub issue list for compatibility information. Wine is supported, though many games require graphics drivers. Steam can run with Box86 but also needs Box64 to be fully usable and uses substantial memory. Vulkan wrapping requires a 32-bit Vulkan driver; the Pi 4 Vulkan driver does not support DXVK. Box86 is the legacy 32-bit version of Box64 and is free under the MIT license, which provides the software as-is and disclaims warranties and liability.

Spec sheet

Purpose
Box86 runs x86 Linux programs, including games, on non-x86 Linux systems such as ARM.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
License
The project repository identifies the software as MIT licensed.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
32-bit requirement
The host needs a 32-bit little-endian system or a 32-bit userspace subsystem; Box86 does not provide 32-bit to 64-bit translation.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Compatibility examples
The project lists WorldOfGoo, Airline Tycoon Deluxe, FTL, and several GameMaker Linux games as examples that run.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Compatibility list
The project README links to a GitHub issue list for compatibility information.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Configuration
Box86 supports configuration files at /etc/box86.box86rc and ~/.box86rc, with the user file taking priority.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Dynamic recompilation
Its ARM dynamic recompiler is described as providing a 5 to 10 times speed boost over the interpreter.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Native libraries
Box86 uses native versions of system libraries such as libc, libm, SDL, and OpenGL to integrate with applications.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Project relationship
The official site describes Box86 as the legacy 32-bit version of Box64 for running 32-bit Linux applications.Read 7 Oct 2026 · box86.org
Security and warranty
The MIT license provides the software as-is and disclaims warranties and liability.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Steam
The README says Steam can run with Box86 but also needs Box64 to be fully usable, and notes that it uses substantial memory.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Vulkan
Box86 wraps Vulkan when the system has a 32-bit Vulkan driver; the README notes that the Pi 4 Vulkan driver does not support DXVK.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Wine
The README says Wine is supported and that many Windows programs and games run, with graphics driver requirements for many games.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com

Plans and prices

Box86 Free MIT-licensed software · requires a 32-bit Linux subsystem and 32-bit libraries Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com

Every Box86 plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free software under the MIT license
  • ARM dynamic recompiler is described as faster than interpretation
  • Uses native system libraries
  • Wine is supported
  • Configuration supports system-wide and user files

Limits

  • Requires a 32-bit system or userspace subsystem
  • Steam also needs Box64 for full usability
  • Steam uses substantial memory
  • Vulkan wrapping requires a 32-bit Vulkan driver

Who it suits

Box86 suits Linux users who need to run 32-bit x86 applications on systems with a different processor architecture, including ARM. It requires a 32-bit host system or userspace subsystem, and Steam users also need Box64 for full usability.

Verdict

Box86 targets 32-bit x86 Linux applications on other Linux architectures, with specific host requirements. Compatibility, Wine, Steam, and Vulkan support each have conditions worth checking before use.

Where Specifiction places it

Alternatives to Box86All alternatives →