How to install World of Tanks on Ubuntu 18.04

Installing World of Tanks on Ubuntu 18.04: A Step-by-Step Guide

World of Tanks (WoT) is a popular online multiplayer game that immerses players in tank warfare set in the mid-20th century. While it’s primarily developed for Windows, many gamers have successfully run it on Linux systems, particularly those using Ubuntu 18.04. This guide will provide a detailed and comprehensive approach to installing World of Tanks on Ubuntu, along with important considerations, troubleshooting tips, and a FAQ section to help you on your gaming journey.

Getting Started

Before diving into the installation process, it’s crucial to ensure that your system meets the necessary requirements for both Ubuntu and World of Tanks. The following specifications will help ensure a smoother gaming experience:

System Requirements

• OS: Ubuntu 18.04 or above
• Processor: Dual-core CPU with a 64-bit architecture
• RAM: At least 4 GB of RAM (recommended: 8 GB)
• Graphics: NVIDIA or AMD graphics card with up-to-date drivers
• Disk Space: Minimum of 30 GB of free disk space

Preparing Your Ubuntu System

Update Your System

Before installing any new software, it’s a good practice to keep your system updated. Open your terminal (you can do so by searching for “Terminal” in your system applications). Then, execute the following commands:

bash
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

This will ensure that you have the latest packages and security updates, which can help avoid installation issues.

Installing Wine

World of Tanks is designed for Windows, so we need a compatibility layer called Wine to run the game on Ubuntu. Wine allows many Windows applications to function on Linux systems.

Install WineHQ

1. Add the WineHQ repository:
   Execute the commands below to add WineHQ PPA (Personal Package Archive):

   bash
   sudo dpkg –add-architecture i386
   sudo add-apt-repository ppa:wine/wine-builds

2. Update your package list:

   bash
   sudo apt update

3. Install Wine:
   To install the latest version of Wine, run:

   bash
   sudo apt install –install-recommends winehq-stable

4. Verify Installation:
   After the installation, check the version of Wine installed by running:

   bash
   wine –version

The command should return the version number of Wine, confirming successful installation.

Installing PlayOnLinux

PlayOnLinux is a graphical interface for Wine that simplifies the installation of Windows games and applications. It offers a user-friendly experience when configuring Wine.

Install PlayOnLinux

1. Add the PlayOnLinux repository:

   bash
   sudo add-apt-repository ppa:noobslab/apps
   sudo apt update

2. Install PlayOnLinux:

   bash
   sudo apt install playonlinux

3. Run PlayOnLinux:
   You can start PlayOnLinux through your application launcher or by typing playonlinux in the terminal.

Installing World of Tanks

With Wine and PlayOnLinux set up, we are ready to install World of Tanks.

Download the Game

1. Visit the World of Tanks website:
   Navigate to the official World of Tanks website and sign up or log in to your account.

2. Download the Installer:
   Download the Windows client installer (.exe file) for World of Tanks onto your Ubuntu machine.

Install World of Tanks Using PlayOnLinux

1. Start PlayOnLinux:
   Open PlayOnLinux and click on “Install a program.”

2. Install a non-listed program:
   Click on “Install a non-listed program” at the bottom of the window. This option allows you to install applications that are not available in the PlayOnLinux list.

3. Wine Configuration:
   Choose “32 bits” for your Wine installation, as World of Tanks operates better in this environment. Follow the prompts to configure Wine.

4. Select the installer:
   Browse to the location where you saved the World of Tanks installer and select it.

5. Follow Installation Prompts:
   Proceed with the installation as you would on Windows. Follow the instructions provided by the installer.

6. Create a desktop shortcut:
   After the installation is complete, PlayOnLinux will offer to create a shortcut for launching World of Tanks from your desktop. Make sure to select this option for easy access.

Launching World of Tanks

After installation, you can easily launch World of Tanks from the PlayOnLinux interface or the shortcut on your desktop. You might need to log into your World of Tanks account the first time you launch the game.

Configuring Graphics Settings

For optimal performance, it’s advisable to configure the visual settings in World of Tanks:

1. Adjust Texture Quality: Lowering the texture quality can significantly improve performance, especially for less powerful systems.
2. Desktop Resolution: Match the game resolution with your monitor’s resolution for the best visual performance.
3. Disable Anti-aliasing: This can further help increase performance without drastically impacting visuals.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even though many players enjoy World of Tanks on Ubuntu, you may encounter some issues. Here are common problems and solutions:

• Game Doesn’t Launch: Ensure that your graphics drivers are up to date. You might also need to experiment with different Wine versions in PlayOnLinux.

• performance issues: Adjust your game settings as mentioned earlier. Consider optimizing your GPU settings as well.

Community and Support

For further support, there is a robust community around both World of Tanks and playing Windows games on Linux. Forums, subreddits, and Discord channels can offer valuable insights, tips, and shared experiences.

Conclusion

Installing World of Tanks on Ubuntu 18.04 may seem challenging initially, particularly for those less familiar with Linux. However, with the compounded power of Wine and PlayOnLinux, along with this detailed guide, you can enjoy the thrilling tank battles of World of Tanks right from your Ubuntu desktop. Keep your system updated, play around with settings to find what works best for you, and dive into the World of Tanks community!

FAQ

1. Can I play World of Tanks on other Linux distributions?
Yes, while this guide focuses on Ubuntu 18.04, World of Tanks can also be run on other distributions using Wine and PlayOnLinux, although installation steps may vary slightly.

2. What if I encounter audio issues while playing?
Audio issues can often be resolved by ensuring you have installed the correct audio libraries in Wine. You may also want to check your sound settings in both Ubuntu and World of Tanks.

3. Is using Wine stable enough for gaming?
Wine continues to improve and evolve, and many users report success with popular games like World of Tanks. Nonetheless, results may vary based on individual configurations.

4. Will I be able to receive updates for World of Tanks?
Yes, when you run the game, it should prompt you to install updates as they become available. Be sure to keep your Wine installation updated for the best compatibility.

5. Can I play World of Tanks using a different game client?
Although it is not officially supported, some users have reported success using other applications like Lutris or Steam with Wine. However, this guide specifically addresses PlayOnLinux for simplicity.

6. Is my Ubuntu system capable of running games effectively?
With the right hardware and optimizations, Ubuntu can handle gaming well. However, ensuring your drivers are up to date and configuring both system settings and game settings appropriately will significantly enhance your gaming experience.