Claude
11a7c6529c
- Remove editorial content (EA server speculation, 2005 alternative, opinions) - Add native Linux Steam section covering all six setup steps - Add separate key paths tables for Wolf and native - Add native Linux troubleshooting commands alongside Wolf equivalents - Rename title to reflect both platforms - Fresh install table rewritten as factual survival matrix Co-Authored-By: Claude Sonnet 4.6 <noreply@anthropic.com> Claude-Session: https://claude.ai/code/session_01D8ckUJQtj1pH8jtAddBDZs
479 lines
14 KiB
Markdown
479 lines
14 KiB
Markdown
# Star Wars Battlefront II (2017) — Linux Setup Guide
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**AppID:** 1237950
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**Proton:** GE-Proton10-34 or later (required)
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This guide covers two setups:
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- [Wolf / Games-on-Whales + Moonlight streaming](#wolf--moonlight)
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- [Native Linux Steam](#native-linux-steam)
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The underlying fix is the same for both. The EA App MSI bundled with the game
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fails to install in Wine due to a .NET custom action (`JunoConfigureRegistry`)
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that Wine does not support, causing the installer to silently roll back. The
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fix is to extract the EA Desktop files directly from the MSI on the Linux host
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using `msiextract`, bypassing the installer entirely, then wire up a launch
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wrapper to import the necessary registry entries on every launch.
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---
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## Prerequisites (both setups)
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- SWBF2 (AppID 1237950) installed via Steam and fully downloaded
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- GE-Proton10-34 or later installed
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- An EA account created at ea.com and linked to your Steam account
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- `msitools` installed on the host:
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```bash
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sudo apt-get install -y msitools # Debian / Ubuntu
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sudo dnf install -y msitools # Fedora
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```
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### EA account requirement
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SWBF2 (2017) requires EA account authentication on first launch. Steam handles
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the game files; EA App handles identity. First launch requires an internet
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connection and a valid EA account linked to your Steam account. After
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authenticating, EA App caches credentials locally and subsequent launches work
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without re-login until the token expires (typically weeks to months).
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To link accounts: log in at ea.com, go to Connections, and link your Steam
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account. This is a one-time step that persists across reinstalls.
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---
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## Wolf / Moonlight
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### Prerequisites (Wolf)
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- Wolf is running and Steam is open in a Moonlight session
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- GE-Proton is installed inside the WolfSteam container
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(`./manage.sh ge-proton`)
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- In Steam (via Moonlight): SWBF2 → Properties → Compatibility →
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Force GE-Proton10-34
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### Automated setup
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If you are using the ubuntu-post-install framework:
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```bash
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cd ~/docker/wolf
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./manage.sh setup-swbf2
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```
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Run this after completing step 1 below. The script handles steps 2–6
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automatically.
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### Manual steps
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#### 1. Trigger Wine prefix creation
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Launch SWBF2 from Moonlight. Wait approximately 10 seconds. You will see an
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"Origin is not installed" error — this is expected. Close it and return to
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the terminal.
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Verify the MSI appeared in the Wine prefix:
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```bash
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WOLF_CONTAINER=$(docker ps --format '{{.Names}}' | grep WolfSteam | head -1)
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docker exec "$WOLF_CONTAINER" ls -lh \
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/home/retro/.steam/steam/steamapps/compatdata/1237950/pfx/drive_c/ea_app.msi
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```
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Expected: approximately 227 MB.
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#### 2. Extract EA Desktop files on the host
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```bash
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WOLF_CONTAINER=$(docker ps --format '{{.Names}}' | grep WolfSteam | head -1)
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docker cp \
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"$WOLF_CONTAINER:/home/retro/.steam/steam/steamapps/compatdata/1237950/pfx/drive_c/ea_app.msi" \
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/tmp/ea_app.msi
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mkdir -p /tmp/ea_app_extracted
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msiextract -C /tmp/ea_app_extracted /tmp/ea_app.msi
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```
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#### 3. Copy EA Desktop files into the Wine prefix
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```bash
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SYMLINK_TARGET=$(docker exec "$WOLF_CONTAINER" readlink \
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"/home/retro/.steam/steam/steamapps/compatdata/1237950/pfx/drive_c/Program Files/Electronic Arts/EA Desktop/EA Desktop" \
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2>/dev/null || echo "14.2.0.3345")
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PFXBASE="/home/retro/.steam/steam/steamapps/compatdata/1237950/pfx/drive_c/Program Files/Electronic Arts/EA Desktop"
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docker exec "$WOLF_CONTAINER" bash -c "
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rm -f '$PFXBASE/EA Desktop'
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mkdir -p '$PFXBASE/$SYMLINK_TARGET'
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ln -s '$SYMLINK_TARGET' '$PFXBASE/EA Desktop'
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"
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docker cp "/tmp/ea_app_extracted/Electronic Arts/EA Desktop/EA Desktop/." \
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"$WOLF_CONTAINER:$PFXBASE/$SYMLINK_TARGET/"
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# Verify
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docker exec "$WOLF_CONTAINER" find "$PFXBASE" -name "Link2EA.exe"
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```
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#### 4. Write registry fix files to drive_c
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These files are imported into the Wine registry on every launch by the wrapper
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script. Storing them in drive_c ensures they survive wineserver restarts.
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```bash
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PFXC="$WOLF_CONTAINER:/home/retro/.steam/steam/steamapps/compatdata/1237950/pfx/drive_c"
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cat > /tmp/link2ea_fix.reg << 'EOF'
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Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
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[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\link2ea]
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@="URL:link2ea Protocol"
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"URL Protocol"=""
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[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\link2ea\shell\open\command]
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@="\"C:\\Program Files\\Electronic Arts\\EA Desktop\\EA Desktop\\Link2EA.exe\" \"%1\""
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EOF
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cat > /tmp/ea_services.reg << 'EOF'
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Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
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[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\EALocalHostSvc]
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"Type"=dword:00000010
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"Start"=dword:00000002
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"ErrorControl"=dword:00000001
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"ImagePath"="C:\\Program Files\\Electronic Arts\\EA Desktop\\EA Desktop\\EALocalHostSvc.exe"
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"DisplayName"="EA Local Host Service"
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"ObjectName"="LocalSystem"
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[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\EABackgroundService]
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"Type"=dword:00000010
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"Start"=dword:00000002
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"ErrorControl"=dword:00000001
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"ImagePath"="C:\\Program Files\\Electronic Arts\\EA Desktop\\EA Desktop\\EABackgroundService.exe"
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"DisplayName"="EA Background Service"
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"ObjectName"="LocalSystem"
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EOF
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docker cp /tmp/link2ea_fix.reg "$PFXC/link2ea_fix.reg"
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docker cp /tmp/ea_services.reg "$PFXC/ea_services.reg"
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```
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#### 5. Write the launch wrapper
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```bash
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cat > /tmp/ea_install.sh << 'EOF'
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#!/bin/bash
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echo "=== launch $(date) ===" >> /tmp/ea_install.log
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"$1" "$2" "$3" "$4" "$5" "$6" "$7" "$8" "$9" "${10}" "${11}" regedit /S "C:\\link2ea_fix.reg"
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"$1" "$2" "$3" "$4" "$5" "$6" "$7" "$8" "$9" "${10}" "${11}" regedit /S "C:\\ea_services.reg"
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exec "$@"
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EOF
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chmod +x /tmp/ea_install.sh
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docker cp /tmp/ea_install.sh "$WOLF_CONTAINER":/home/retro/ea_install.sh
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```
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#### 6. Set Steam launch options
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Stop Steam so it flushes its current state before editing:
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```bash
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STEAM_UID=$(docker exec "$WOLF_CONTAINER" ls /home/retro/.steam/steam/userdata/)
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CONFIG_DIR="/home/retro/.steam/steam/userdata/$STEAM_UID/config"
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CONFIG_FILE="$CONFIG_DIR/localconfig.vdf"
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docker exec "$WOLF_CONTAINER" pkill -f steam.sh || true
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sleep 5
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```
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Edit localconfig.vdf to add the launch option for AppID 1237950:
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```bash
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docker exec "$WOLF_CONTAINER" python3 - "$CONFIG_FILE" << 'PYEOF'
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import sys, re
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path = sys.argv[1]
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with open(path) as f:
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content = f.read()
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opt = 'STEAM_UNIX_SOCKET=/tmp/steam.sock /home/retro/ea_install.sh %command%'
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new = re.sub(r'("1237950".*?"LaunchOptions"\s*)"[^"]*"', rf'\1"{opt}"', content, flags=re.DOTALL)
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if new == content:
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new = re.sub(r'("1237950"\s*\n\s*\{)', rf'\1\n\t\t\t\t"LaunchOptions"\t\t"{opt}"', content)
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with open(path, 'w') as f:
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f.write(new)
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print("Done")
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PYEOF
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```
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Lock the config directory so Steam cannot overwrite localconfig.vdf on shutdown:
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```bash
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docker exec "$WOLF_CONTAINER" chmod 555 "$CONFIG_DIR"
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```
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Verify:
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```bash
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docker exec "$WOLF_CONTAINER" grep -A3 '"1237950"' "$CONFIG_FILE" | grep -i launch
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```
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#### 7. Launch the game
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1. Reconnect to Moonlight and launch SWBF2
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2. Let Vulkan shaders compile — do not skip; takes several minutes on first run only
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3. EA App authenticates via your linked Steam/EA account
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4. Game loads
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### Fresh install behaviour (Wolf)
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| Component | Survives reinstall? | Notes |
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|-----------|-------------------|-------|
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| EA Desktop files in Wine prefix | No | Re-run setup after prefix is recreated |
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| Registry fix files in drive_c | No | Re-run setup after prefix is recreated |
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| Launch options in localconfig.vdf | No | Re-run setup after prefix is recreated |
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| Config dir lock | No | Re-run setup after prefix is recreated |
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| ea_app.msi | No | Requires one launch to reappear |
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| EA account link | Yes | Stored on EA's servers |
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| EA auth token | No | Requires one re-login after prefix deletion |
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If the Wine prefix (`compatdata/1237950/`) is deleted, run the setup again from
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step 1. To preserve credentials when moving to a new machine, back up the prefix:
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```bash
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tar -czf swbf2-prefix-backup.tar.gz \
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/path/to/wolf-state/Steam/.steam/steam/steamapps/compatdata/1237950/
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```
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---
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## Native Linux Steam
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### Prerequisites (native)
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- GE-Proton installed via ProtonUp-Qt or manually into `~/.steam/compatibilitytools.d/`
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- In Steam: SWBF2 → Properties → Compatibility → Force GE-Proton10-34
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### Automated setup
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```bash
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chmod +x setup-swbf2-linux.sh
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./setup-swbf2-linux.sh
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```
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Run after completing step 1 below.
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### Manual steps
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#### 1. Trigger Wine prefix creation
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Launch SWBF2 from Steam. Wait approximately 10 seconds. You will see an
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"Origin is not installed" error — this is expected. Close it.
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Verify the MSI appeared:
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```bash
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ls -lh ~/.steam/steam/steamapps/compatdata/1237950/pfx/drive_c/ea_app.msi
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```
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Expected: approximately 227 MB.
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#### 2. Extract EA Desktop files
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```bash
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mkdir -p /tmp/ea_app_extracted
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msiextract -C /tmp/ea_app_extracted \
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~/.steam/steam/steamapps/compatdata/1237950/pfx/drive_c/ea_app.msi
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```
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#### 3. Copy EA Desktop files into the Wine prefix
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```bash
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PFX_C=~/.steam/steam/steamapps/compatdata/1237950/pfx/drive_c
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EA_DEST_BASE="$PFX_C/Program Files/Electronic Arts/EA Desktop"
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SYMLINK_TARGET=$(readlink "$EA_DEST_BASE/EA Desktop" 2>/dev/null || echo "14.2.0.3345")
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mkdir -p "$EA_DEST_BASE/$SYMLINK_TARGET"
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cp -r "/tmp/ea_app_extracted/Electronic Arts/EA Desktop/EA Desktop/." \
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"$EA_DEST_BASE/$SYMLINK_TARGET/"
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rm -f "$EA_DEST_BASE/EA Desktop"
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ln -sf "$SYMLINK_TARGET" "$EA_DEST_BASE/EA Desktop"
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# Verify
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find "$EA_DEST_BASE" -name "Link2EA.exe"
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```
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#### 4. Write registry fix files to drive_c
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```bash
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PFX_C=~/.steam/steam/steamapps/compatdata/1237950/pfx/drive_c
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cat > "$PFX_C/link2ea_fix.reg" << 'EOF'
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Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
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[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\link2ea]
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@="URL:link2ea Protocol"
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"URL Protocol"=""
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[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\link2ea\shell\open\command]
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@="\"C:\\Program Files\\Electronic Arts\\EA Desktop\\EA Desktop\\Link2EA.exe\" \"%1\""
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EOF
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cat > "$PFX_C/ea_services.reg" << 'EOF'
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Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
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[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\EALocalHostSvc]
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"Type"=dword:00000010
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"Start"=dword:00000002
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"ErrorControl"=dword:00000001
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"ImagePath"="C:\\Program Files\\Electronic Arts\\EA Desktop\\EA Desktop\\EALocalHostSvc.exe"
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"DisplayName"="EA Local Host Service"
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"ObjectName"="LocalSystem"
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[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\EABackgroundService]
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"Type"=dword:00000010
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"Start"=dword:00000002
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"ErrorControl"=dword:00000001
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"ImagePath"="C:\\Program Files\\Electronic Arts\\EA Desktop\\EA Desktop\\EABackgroundService.exe"
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"DisplayName"="EA Background Service"
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"ObjectName"="LocalSystem"
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EOF
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```
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#### 5. Write the launch wrapper
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```bash
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mkdir -p ~/.local/bin
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cat > ~/.local/bin/ea_install.sh << 'EOF'
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#!/bin/bash
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echo "=== launch $(date) ===" >> /tmp/ea_install.log
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"$1" "$2" "$3" "$4" "$5" "$6" "$7" "$8" "$9" "${10}" "${11}" regedit /S "C:\\link2ea_fix.reg"
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"$1" "$2" "$3" "$4" "$5" "$6" "$7" "$8" "$9" "${10}" "${11}" regedit /S "C:\\ea_services.reg"
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exec "$@"
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EOF
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chmod +x ~/.local/bin/ea_install.sh
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```
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#### 6. Set Steam launch options
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In Steam: right-click SWBF2 → Properties → Launch Options, enter:
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```
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~/.local/bin/ea_install.sh %command%
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```
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Alternatively, set it from the terminal. Close Steam first, then:
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```bash
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STEAM_UID=$(ls ~/.steam/steam/userdata/ | head -1)
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CFG=~/.steam/steam/userdata/$STEAM_UID/config/localconfig.vdf
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python3 - "$CFG" << 'PYEOF'
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import sys, re
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path = sys.argv[1]
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import os
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opt = os.path.expanduser('~/.local/bin/ea_install.sh') + ' %command%'
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with open(path) as f:
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content = f.read()
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new = re.sub(r'("1237950".*?"LaunchOptions"\s*)"[^"]*"', rf'\1"{opt}"', content, flags=re.DOTALL)
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if new == content:
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new = re.sub(r'("1237950"\s*\n\s*\{)', rf'\1\n\t\t\t\t"LaunchOptions"\t\t"{opt}"', content)
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with open(path, 'w') as f:
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f.write(new)
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print("Done")
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PYEOF
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```
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#### 7. Launch the game
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1. Launch SWBF2 from Steam
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2. Let Vulkan shaders compile on first run — do not skip
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3. EA App authenticates via your linked Steam/EA account
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4. Game loads
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---
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## Troubleshooting
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### "Origin is not installed" popup
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The wrapper did not run, or ran but regedit failed.
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- Verify launch options are set: Steam → SWBF2 → Properties → Launch Options
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- Check the wrapper log:
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```bash
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tail /tmp/ea_install.log
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```
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### `link2ea://` fails — game exits silently after a moment
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`link2ea_fix.reg` was not imported. Confirm `link2ea_fix.reg` exists in drive_c
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and the wrapper ran both regedit commands.
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### RPC_S_SERVER_UNAVAILABLE (0x800706ba) in Proton log
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`ea_services.reg` was not imported or the service entries were not written
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correctly. Check the wrapper log and confirm `ea_services.reg` exists in drive_c.
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### Game exits immediately, no popup, no log entry
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The wrapper is not being called at all.
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**Wolf:**
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```bash
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docker exec "$WOLF_CONTAINER" stat "$CONFIG_DIR" | grep Access
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docker exec "$WOLF_CONTAINER" grep -A5 '"1237950"' "$CONFIG_FILE" | grep -i launch
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```
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**Native:**
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```bash
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stat ~/.steam/steam/userdata/*/config | grep Access
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grep -A5 '"1237950"' ~/.steam/steam/userdata/*/config/localconfig.vdf | grep -i launch
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```
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### Collecting logs after a failure
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**Wolf:**
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```bash
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docker exec "$WOLF_CONTAINER" bash -c "
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tail -20 /tmp/ea_install.log
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echo '---'
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grep -E '(err:|link2ea|origin|RPC)' /home/retro/steam-1237950.log | tail -20
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"
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```
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**Native:**
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```bash
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tail /tmp/ea_install.log
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grep -E '(err:|link2ea|origin|RPC)' ~/.steam/steam/logs/steam_1237950.log 2>/dev/null | tail -20
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```
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---
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## Key paths
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### Wolf (inside WolfSteam container)
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| Path | Description |
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|------|-------------|
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| `/home/retro/.steam/steam/steamapps/compatdata/1237950/pfx/` | SWBF2 Wine prefix |
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| `/home/retro/.steam/steam/steamapps/compatdata/1237950/pfx/drive_c/ea_app.msi` | EA App MSI (~227 MB) |
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| `/home/retro/.steam/steam/steamapps/compatdata/1237950/pfx/drive_c/link2ea_fix.reg` | link2ea protocol handler |
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| `/home/retro/.steam/steam/steamapps/compatdata/1237950/pfx/drive_c/ea_services.reg` | EA service registrations |
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| `/home/retro/.steam/steam/userdata/<uid>/config/localconfig.vdf` | Steam launch options |
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| `/home/retro/ea_install.sh` | Launch wrapper |
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| `/tmp/ea_install.log` | Wrapper log (resets on container restart) |
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### Native Linux Steam
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| Path | Description |
|
||
|------|-------------|
|
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| `~/.steam/steam/steamapps/compatdata/1237950/pfx/` | SWBF2 Wine prefix |
|
||
| `~/.steam/steam/steamapps/compatdata/1237950/pfx/drive_c/ea_app.msi` | EA App MSI (~227 MB) |
|
||
| `~/.steam/steam/steamapps/compatdata/1237950/pfx/drive_c/link2ea_fix.reg` | link2ea protocol handler |
|
||
| `~/.steam/steam/steamapps/compatdata/1237950/pfx/drive_c/ea_services.reg` | EA service registrations |
|
||
| `~/.steam/steam/userdata/<uid>/config/localconfig.vdf` | Steam launch options |
|
||
| `~/.local/bin/ea_install.sh` | Launch wrapper |
|
||
| `/tmp/ea_install.log` | Wrapper log |
|