Box86 vs Sober

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.

Sober is an unofficial runtime for running Roblox on Linux desktops. It bridges the Android version of Roblox to Linux through a specialized runtime for Roblox code, and is distributed as a Flatpak through Flathub. The documented minimums are Linux kernel 5.11 or newer, an x86-64/AMD64 processor with SSE4.1 support, and graphics capable of OpenGL ES 3.0. Vulkan is supported, and OpenGL can be configured as a workaround for some graphics problems. Options include gamepad support, graphics quality, server location indicators, touchscreen mode, and Discord Rich Presence. The project says performance can match or exceed the native Windows client on the same machine. Ads and telemetry are disabled by default, according to the Flathub listing. Sober is closed source, and its developers say this is intended to reduce abuse that could lead Roblox to block it. The project describes the software as experimental, with possible bugs or instability, and it may be discontinued. It cannot run multiple Roblox instances; the FAQ points users to Vinegar for Roblox Studio.