Construction Set on Linux (Ubuntu)

[PkSanTi]

This post is just a minor contribution for those who may be thinking to move to Linux and are not sure of how the Construction Set (and modding process) would work. I've found myself in the same place a couple of weeks ago, and sharing this may be helpful for somebody.

 

So I've been learning Python for a while and the metamorphosis process demanded that I started using Linux, so I'll be all programmer and so (growing a large, stout beard, drinking way too much coffee and else was part of it too) *joking*. Anyhow, I started wandering about how possible it was to use the Construction Set, and that way continue developing my mods, through Linux.

 

After a while of trying different things, I discovered that it was possible to use the construction set in only one way (but it was possible): through Wine, a program that creates some sort of compatibility layer in Ubuntu for Windows programs. You can install Wine simply by typing sudo apt-get install wine in Ubuntu's console.

 

Once you run Wine, you navigate to the Construction Set directory (which in my case is in Window's disk, accessible through Ubuntu) and execute the Construction Set. So IT IS POSSIBLE. Just execute it from Wine and the CS will run with no problems. But the biggest problem is: OBSE plugin for the CS won't run. The CS Extended requires several Microsoft and Window's programs, such as DirectX and Microsoft Office, which are just impossible to use in Linux. And, in my experience, using the Construction Set without OBSE's Construction Set Extended, is just the worst and most tedious thing you can do in your entire life. It's just unusable (have you seen that Scripting window, with the withe background and the primitive fonts?). DirectX appears to be 'installable' through Wine, but doesn't seem to function well; Microsoft Office is just impossible. So I gave up and kept creating my mod through Windows.

 

I suppose creating a Virtual Machine would work, but I didn't give it a try; didn't seem worth the effort. Anyhow, I hope this is useful for those who are thinking to change to Ubuntu but aren't quite sure of how those old modding habits would be able to keep on. The conclusion is: yes, you can use the CS. No, you can't use the CS Extended. Creating cells and scripting are worst than a fever without the CS Extended, so I don't recommend it unless you're used to the regular CS.

 

Anyhow, you can always use dual-boot like me, keep Windows installed and use Windows to create your mods.

Edited December 4, 2017 by PkSanTi

[TheMastersSon]

I think it's a safe bet that the development process for virtually all mod authors includes interim testing, which is practically impossible when one is coding on one platform for a different platform. Even emulated ones. You can't simply assume that what works in Wine will work the same way or at all in Windows, and vice-versa. So there's no point in coding under Linux unless for some bizarre reason no testing whatsoever is required.

[PkSanTi]

There is no point, you're right. That's why the conclusion ended up being a negative one; I do not recommend people mod in Ubuntu. I read several forums and so, and apparently people has got Oblivion to work in Ubuntu through Wine and other programs, so testing wouldn't be impossible. How does it work? I don't know, and I don't think it works well. But apparently it does.

 

So I persist in saying to those that may be thinking in changing to Linux that it is possible; but many things are just possible. It won't work well; the CS Extended won't work, and surely Oblivion would run badly, though it would run. Dual-boot still the best choice.

[Jareth77]

Note: I've actually noticed mention of, via install of Oblivion through PlayOnLinux, the Construction Set can be run upon a Debian-based System.

I was googling to find the links, which I'll include to an edit of this post if/when I find them, as well as the PlayOnLinux instructions that I used to install Oblivion upon Debian 9 Stretch.

I have Oblivion actually working perfectly, according to my observations thus far, & I as well have all the DLC installed as offered within the GOTY edition of Oblivion.

 

Install Oblivion GOTY on PlayOnLinux instructions:

http://www.gamersonlinux.com/forum/threads/elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion-guide.178/

 

Install Oblivion Construction Set on PlayOnLinux instructions:

*url needed*

 

A few useful links about using the Oblivion Construction Set on Linux:

https://www.reddit.com/r/oblivion/comments/4spdgb/need_help_modding_my_game_in_wine/

 

https://www.shrine-of-kynareth.de/modding-oblivion-on-linux

 

http://www.gamesas.com/oblivion-mods-linux-t80490.html

 

Cheers!!

Edited October 16, 2021 by Jareth77

[Pellape]

I did not knew that CSE is using office? But you might wanna take up the OBSE issue with the xOBSE developer and see if something might be possible? I doubt though that many will use Linux for Oblivion as the Oblivion community is small as it is. I did tried Ultima Online on Linux ones but couldn't get the sound to work so I flushed it and went back to Windows but I did use only Linux for a long period. Well anyway, try to add a post here at the xOBSE issues page https://github.com/llde/xOBSE/issues and see where it might lead as it is there you will get the most proper answers. I myself have problems running xOBSE after v21.5 though as that is the only stable version with my mod setup.