RuneScape runs fine through the browser most of the time on Linux, but sometimes it is better to play through the client to avoid browser related problems or to bypass limitations that the Java Plugin might have.
And thanks to the awesome Linux community in RuneScape there are several ways to run the RuneScape client on Linux. There are scripts just to get up and running and even an unofficial "Client" for Linux/Unix.
This section will work as a list of known ways to run RuneScape on Linux.
Please be aware that some of the clients or crucial files are not available in certain countries due to "Legal Reasons", this means the clients will not work in those countries.
NOTE: Remember that the BASIC Client ShellScripts and the RuneScape UNIX Client are made by other players and are not Officially supported by JAGEX!
The Official Windows Client through WINE
Not really a native client but it is listed here because it is the Official client made by JAGEX.
Firstly you need to install wine on your Linux computer. On Ubuntu and Linux Mint this can be done by using the command:
| sudo apt-get install wine |
Then download the RuneScape Client for windows by going to: Game Info --> Downloads
And install it just like on Windows.
NOTE: Running the client through wine is often slower than running it native. The client is also not available in Texas.
Summary
| Category |
Result |
| Installation: |
Easy |
| Functionality: |
Everything |
| Supported Platforms: |
Windows & WINE |
| Limitations: |
Cannot use more than 1GB heap space for Java (wine limitation) and is slightly slower than native alternatives. |
| Architecture: |
32-bit (can be run with wine on 64-bit but the Client is 32-bit) |
| Creator/Developer: |
JAGEX |
The RuneScape UNIX Client (RSU Client)
This Unofficial OpenSource Client is written entirely in a script language called Perl. Perl is installed by default on most UNIX platforms.
The goal of this Client is to work on several platforms (both supported and not supported by JAGEX) and act as a replica of the Windows client but instead use the Java installed on the system and also integrate known fixes needed for common problems users run across when playing on these platforms.
The client uses the jagexappletviewer.jar file from either the official Windows or Mac client by calling java with a set of parameters found in a .prm file located in the clients /share folder.
Inside that same folder is a settings.conf.example file you can rename to settings.conf and later edit to enable/disable functions/fixes or alter the clients functionality (like changing the java version used to run the client).
If JAGEX updates their official clients you will easily be able to update this client too by running the update-runescape-client script.
Requirements/Dependencies (to just run it):
- Perl
- Perl-modules
- Java or OpenJDK
- grep
- xterm (not needed if run on windows)
- wget (curl will be used if it is run on MacOSX)
- p7zip-full OR make, g++ and gcc
Extra Requirements/Dependencies if you want to use the Settings Editor:
- wxperl/libwx-perl/perl-wx
For sound fixes you might want:
- Either pulseaudio and pulseaudio-utils AND/OR alsa and alsa-oss
Installation instructions:
- Open the Terminal (Accessories --> Terminal) and run the command found in HikariKnight's post here.
- You can now run the client by running the file "runescape" located in
Or you can install the Application menu entries by running the command:
| ~/runescape/install-desktop-icons |
This will add the entries for the client and updater under the Games section in your Application Menu.
Summary
| Category |
Result |
| Installation: |
Easy |
| Functionality: |
95% of official client + updater and proxy support + OpenGL support/fix on Java7 + Settings Editor/Cache Cleaner |
| Supported Platforms: |
Linux, Mac, BSD, Solaris, Windows & WINE |
| Limitations: |
The message windows that are not in-game are black with black text. |
| Architecture: |
32-bit, 64-bit, SPARC & ARM |
| Creator/Developer: |
HikariKnight |
Java Wrapper
For those located in texas this is a good alternative for the RSU Client,
HikariKnight have been so nice to write a java wrapper for the browser plugin which will auto apply the OpenGL fix and tell java to run in client mode if it is available, Just like the client does, this means that there are no longer any performance difference between the RSU client and the browser (except the extra resources used by the browser).
You can get and install the java-wrapper from here.
NOTE: As of 20.06.2012 the browser fix is considered STABLE for use.
Basic Client ShellScript
These are simple scripts made by other players which just execute the jagexappletviewer.jar from the official windows client without much fixes.
They are smaller than the above client but also less functional(changing language through the menu does not work for example) and have little integration with the Desktop Environments.
Due to the length this section will get if we include all the instructions for these scripts we will include links to the correct posts of the Linux - Community thread instead.
Garage Punk's script
Mr Pacman's script
Summary
| Category |
Result |
| Installation: |
Easy to Simple (Read their instructions) |
| Functionality: |
Launch RuneScape Client Natively |
| Supported Platforms: |
Linux (possibly others) |
| Limitations: |
To add parameters you need to edit the script manually + UNIX Client limitations |
| Architecture: |
32-bit & 64-bit (Most likely ARM too) |
| Creator/Developer: |
Several Players (see above) |
