Guides

How to install games on Winlator and make them work

If you have successfully installed and configured Winlator, it is now the appropriate moment to proceed with the installation of games and commence playing. This guide will provide a step-by-step approach to installing games in Winlator, along with some helpful tips and tricks for those who may encounter difficulties. As you will discover, the process is straightforward; however, the outcome will significantly depend on the device being utilized. Consequently, we encourage you to refer to the article detailing the requirements for Winlator.

Steps to install games on Winlator

To install PC games on Winlator, it is essential to possess the game in one of the following formats: an .exe executable file, an .iso image, or a folder containing all the necessary installation files. We will now explore the methods for acquiring these games. Subsequently, the game files should be saved in the downloads folder of your mobile device, after which the installation can be initiated from Winlator. The following sections will outline all the required steps.

1.Creating a container in Winlator

Creating a container in Winlator
How to install games on Winlator and make them work

If you are already familiar with creating containers in Winlator and have successfully established a few, you may proceed to the subsequent step.

1. Access Winlator and select the “+” icon located in the upper right corner.
2. Assign a name of your choice, select the preferred configuration, or retain the default settings (we suggest reviewing our article on configuring Winlator).
3. Finalize the creation of the container by clicking the blue confirmation button situated at the bottom right of the interface.

By completing these steps, you will have successfully created a virtual machine or computer that enables you to run Windows games.

2.Get Windows games for Winlator

Get Windows games for Winlator
How to install games on Winlator and make them work

There are various methods available for acquiring games. For our purposes, the most efficient option is to utilize GOG.com. This platform serves as a game store where we can obtain games equipped with offline installers, which do not necessitate downloading files from the Internet during the installation process, making it ideal for Winlator.

Furthermore, the store offers a diverse selection of games, encompassing both classic and contemporary titles, available at a range of price points.

To proceed, one simply needs to search for the desired game and ensure that the offline files are downloaded, as illustrated in the image depicting our download of Fallout 3. Depending on the specific game, it may be segmented into multiple parts, which will subsequently need to be extracted on either the computer or the mobile device. Additionally, these files may include various updates and downloadable content (DLC).

It is important to note that installing games from Steam is not feasible, as Winlator lacks the necessary Internet access required by the Steam launcher.

3.Add a game to mobile

It is now necessary to transfer certain games to the mobile device to facilitate their installation or execution within Winlator. It is crucial to note that these games must be stored in the Download folder of the mobile device, as this is the directory that Winlator will identify as the virtual hard drive (D:) of the computer environment we have established. In our scenario, we have created a Windows folder within the Download folder to keep everything organized, allowing us to save the games in Storage > Downloads > Windows.

Consequently, we have the option to either download the game installation files directly onto the mobile device or connect it to a computer or external hard drive to copy the files over. Additionally, we could transfer the ISO image for use in Winlator; however, this method is generally not recommended due to the potential for the emulator to encounter issues while attempting to mount the ISO.

Another alternative is to move games that are already installed on a computer to the mobile device. This involves locating the installation folder and transferring it in its entirety to the mobile. Depending on the number of files, their sizes, and the speed of the transfer, this process may be time-consuming and is therefore not advisable. Furthermore, it is important to note that this method will not work for games installed via Steam.

4.Install the game in Winlator

We have arrived at the concluding stage. To install a game, we will proceed as we would on an actual computer. We need to locate the game’s executable file, typically named setup.exe, and double-click it to initiate the installation process. The only remaining task is to adhere to the provided instructions.

It is important to note that certain games may necessitate the installation of additional components, such as DirectX or Microsoft.NET, during the setup. In these instances, we will opt to cancel their installation and permit the game to continue, as Winlator is already equipped to handle such software, making separate installation unnecessary.

5.Start the game

Once the installation is complete, the next step is to launch the game. Typically, a shortcut will appear on the desktop, similar to what one would find on a conventional computer. By double-clicking the icon, various outcomes may occur: the game may initiate and then close unexpectedly, the screen may turn black, Winlator may experience a crash, or the game may fail to launch altogether. This variability is influenced by factors such as the mobile device’s processor and power, the game’s specific requirements, and the various configuration settings within Winlator.

Alternatively, games can be launched in Winlator through the “Shortcuts” section, where shortcuts for all installed games are conveniently listed. By simply clicking on one of these shortcuts, the game will begin to run. Furthermore, this section allows for the modification of individual container settings for each game.

Considerations to take into account

The likelihood of a game functioning properly decreases as its complexity and modernity increase. However, it has been demonstrated that the emulator can successfully run relatively contemporary titles such as Cyberpunk 2077 and No Man’s Sky, the latter of which we have personally tested.

If the game you wish to evaluate fails to operate, it is advisable to experiment with various configurations of the Winlator container. It is recommended to adjust settings incrementally or make only a few changes at a time; otherwise, it may prove challenging to identify which modifications are effective or ineffective, and this information could be beneficial for other games.

Initially, attempt to adjust options individually for each game within the “Shortcuts” section of Winlator. The key settings to consider include:

– Resolution: Experiment with different resolutions. Modern games typically do not support very low resolutions.
– Graphics driver: For Adreno (Snapdragon) GPUs, the Turnip driver should be utilized, while VirGL is recommended for all other GPUs.
– DX Wrapper version: This pertains to the version of DirectX employed by Winlator. DXVK generally yields the best performance, particularly with modern games. If issues arise, alternatives such as WineD3D or D8VK can be explored, and for older titles, CNC DDraw often provides good compatibility.
– Winlator Presets: Within the “Advanced” section, Winlator presents several configuration options tailored to specific needs, whether prioritizing compatibility or performance. It is advisable to keep the Compatibility presets selected, although alternative options may be tested if difficulties with a game persist.

Should the game remain unresponsive after attempting various configurations, it is likely that either your device lacks sufficient resources or that Winlator is unable to support the game.

Trick if the screen stays black when starting a game

At times, when initiating a game, one may encounter a black screen. This issue can arise from various factors, particularly if the terminal is unable to execute the game, resulting in a freeze. However, for certain games, we have found a workaround that involves terminating the services.exe process via the Winlator task manager. The subsequent video provides a detailed explanation of this procedure.

It is important to note that this solution is not guaranteed to be effective. Typically, a black screen occurs either due to the device’s inability to support the game or because of specific configurations within Winlator that hinder its functionality.

Running portable games on Winlator

An intriguing aspect to explore with Winlator is the use of portable games. These games do not necessitate installation; they can be launched directly by executing a file, allowing for immediate gameplay. This feature significantly reduces the time spent on installation processes and increases the likelihood of successful game operation.

It is important to note that portable games for Windows are typically smaller in size and often consist of older titles. However, they serve as excellent candidates for testing with Winlator. Additionally, numerous retro emulators are available in portable formats, enabling the possibility of running emulators for classic consoles through Winlator.

How to configure controls in Winlator

How to configure controls in Winlator

The games are already available to us; however, the question arises: how do we engage with them? The process is quite straightforward. Winlator is designed to be compatible with both on-screen touch controls and external devices such as controllers, keyboards, and mice. To enable the virtual controller or keyboard, please adhere to the following steps:

1. Launch a game and access the Winlator side menu.
2. Navigate to Input Controls.
3. Select your preferred option from the drop-down menu.

By default, Winlator includes RTS and Virtual Gamepad settings. The RTS option provides a virtual keyboard that enhances gameplay for strategy games by adding additional keys. The Virtual Gamepad option replicates the buttons found on a standard gamepad. Depending on the specific game, these control schemes may prove beneficial, and users also have the option to create custom configurations to suit their preferences. For those wishing to utilize a physical controller or keyboard, simply connect the device to the mobile device via Bluetooth or cable, and the emulator will automatically recognize it.

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