Box86 vs TDF

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.

TDF is a free GNU/Linux tool for installing, packaging, and running Windows games from outside Steam, including GOG installers, ISOs, and repacks. It is portable and requires no installation. Games run in isolation through bubblewrap and Linux namespaces, with file and network access blocked by default. TDF includes game-optimized and regular Wine builds, and can use system or custom Wine versions. Its graphics components cover several DirectX generations: D7VK handles DirectX 3–7, DXVK handles DirectX 8–11, and VKD3D-Proton handles DirectX 12. The manual says about 90% of games work without changes, though some need configuration. TDF requires an x86_64 CPU and a GPU with Vulkan 1.3 or newer; Linux kernel 6.14 or newer and an SSD are recommended. Instances can be archived for transfer or redistribution. The project cautions that sandboxing does not prevent every possible kernel, driver, or bubblewrap exploit, and recommends a hardened virtual machine for malware testing. The code is GNU GPL v3, though built versions may include components under other licenses.