How to use WINE/Bottles to run Windows games

[Aidell]

To f33dm3bits: I like playing Hidden Object Adventure games. Most of them are from Big Fish Games/Elephant Games. I was able to get one of them installed and running using PlayOnLinux. It's called Blackrow's Secret, part of the Mystery Trackers series of games.

It asked me when I launched the game if I wanted to disable special effects because they would impact the performance so I said Yes. The performance isn't terrible, but there is a noticeable lag when clicking on items and "bringing them into focus".

I found a YouTube video that explains how to run Big Fish Games under Linux. The author recommended that the following libraries be installed. So, I checked them off (only these ones):

• POL_Install_directx9
• POL_Install_d3dcompiler_43
• POL_Install_d3dx9/10/11

It's totally conceivable that there are other libraries which should be included to improve the performance of this and other BFG games, but I have no idea.

I'm wondering if the performance would be any better running them under Bottles (if I could figure out how). I'm not sure I could use Lutris to run these games. From what I've seen it looks more like an interface to game sites in which you have to have a subscription/membership to gain access to their games. Maybe someone reading this post can let me know if Lutris is capable of installing and running games that have been downloaded and are not simply being sourced from a game site.

​

I recently tried running Big Fish games on Linux via PlayOnLinux. I launched Blackrow's Secret, and the lag when clicking on objects was really noticeable, even after turning off the special effects. I spent hours tweaking settings, but nothing seemed to help much. The experience got me thinking about how different platforms handle game performance optimization. While researching solutions, I stumbled upon a full guide that compared performance across various gaming platforms and systems. Eventually, I adjusted the virtual desktop resolution and saw some improvement in frame rate. I'm now considering switching to Bottles instead since it seems more modern and better maintained. Has anyone else had better luck with hidden object games using Bottles?

 

[Deleted member 218406]

@all
Tool used for writhing this post is OnlyOffice using heading features and bolding, this will be a copy and paste of my work that I bring to you,understanding the engine

Mastering the Lutris Engine: The Architect’s Approach
Most users approach Lutris as a simple game launcher. To unlock true performance, we must treat it as a Translation Engine. Before we install a single file, you must calibrate the environment. If the Engine is not tuned, the game will never reach its potential.

1. The Engine Infrastructure (Game Info & Paths)
The foundation of every setup is the pathing. We must define where the "Physical" meets the "Virtual."

• The Identifier: Proper naming conventions for the Runner (Wine, Proton, or Native).
• The Directory Matrix: Explicitly setting the Executable, Arguments, and Working Directory.
• Library Injection: Using LD_Library_path to point the engine to specific performance libraries, ensuring the software knows exactly where its resources are located.

2. Tuning the Runner (System Libraries vs. Runtimes)​

A critical step in a high-performance setup is the choice of libraries.

• System Library Preference: By disabling the "Lutris Runtime," we force the engine to use the Host System Libraries. In a finely tuned OS, this ensures lower latency and better hardware compatibility than the generic bundled runtimes.
• Preload Libraries: Utilizing preloads (like libgamemodeauto.so) to ensure the CPU is locked into a high-performance state the moment the executable sparks.

3. The Display & Environment Control​

The goal is to eliminate "System Noise" during the simulation.

• GPU Synchronization: Forcing the engine to utilize the dedicated GPU and monitoring performance via tools like MangoHud.
• Environment Clean-up: * Disable Desktop Effects: Frees up GPU cycles.
• Disable Screen Saver: Prevents interruptions in the data stream.
• Restore Resolution: Ensures the workspace returns to its native state upon exit.

4. The Compatibility Layer: Winetricks Extensions​

This is where we solve the "Missing Link." Instead of modifying our global system, we use Winetricks to inject specific Windows features directly into the game's environment.

• Enable Winetricks: In the Lutris configuration menu, ensure Winetricks is enabled for the engine.
• Accessing the Prefix: Look for the Wine Glass icon at the bottom of the Lutris window. Clicking this opens the Winetricks Prefix Menu.
• Targeted Installation: From here, you can install specific libraries (DLLs, fonts, or frameworks like DirectX/DotNet) that the game requires.
• The Advantage: Using Winetricks via Lutris allows us to install missing libraries within a sandboxed prefix. This keeps our main Wine installation clean while giving each game exactly what it needs to breathe.

​

Conclusion: Engine Before Game​

By setting these Lutris Presets first, We create a "Golden Template." Every game added afterwards inherits this superior logic. We are no longer just playing a game; we are managing a high-speed execution environment.

Now that the Engine is primed, we can proceed to the specific Game Setup. And winepresets.

 

[f33dm3bits]

@all

FYI you tagged a user there not everyone.

Mastering the Lutris Engine: The Architect’s Approach

I personally wouldn't recommend Lutris anymore because it hasn't had an update/release in over a year and the main developer has other priorities in life now so not really any development going on with it anymore. Better to use something that is still being actively developed such as Heroic Games Launcher.

 

[kibasnowpaw]

This game failed to run on the native Steam client, and I could not get it to work initially. I had multiple Wine installations, so I had to clean them up and install the Wine 11-rc5 version. Eventually, I managed to run the game in Wine. This serves as a good example of how to run a game using Wine and how to troubleshoot when it does not work.