Installing IW4x on Linux

This guide walks you through setting up IW4x on Linux using the official launcher, which ensures automatic updates and the smoothest experience.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, make sure you have a legitimate copy of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009) purchased through Steam.

Important

Only the Steam version of MW2 is supported. Copies purchased through the Microsoft Store or other platforms will not work with IW4x.

Installation Steps

1. Download Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009) from Steam

In your Steam library, install Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009) – Multiplayer. Once that download is finished, you can then continue on.

2. Locate your Modern Warfare 2 folder

In Steam, right-click Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009). Select Manage → Browse local files. This will open the correct installation folder.

3. Open a terminal and jump to your Modern Warfare 2 folder

cd ~/.local/share/Steam/steamapps/common/Call\ of\ Duty\ Modern\ Warfare\ 2

If you found a different path in step 2, then replace it in the command above. You can automatically complete directory/file names using TAB on your keyboard.

4. Download the IW4x launcher

wget https://github.com/iw4x/launcher/releases/latest/download/iw4x-launcher-x86_64-unknown-linux-gnu.tar.gz

or download it manually and place it in your game folder:

Linux

5. Extract the IW4x launcher

tar xfv iw4x-launcher-x86_64-unknown-linux-gnu.tar.gz

6. Run the IW4x launcher

chmod +x iw4x-launcher
./iw4x-launcher --update

7. Now run the game!

Add the iw4x.exe as a Non-Steam game in your Steam Library for best performance, and you can try different Proton versions to see which works for you the best.

Tip

You will have to run ./iw4x-launcher --update every time you want to update IW4x.

Need Help?

If you run into any issues, join the IW4x Discord server for support from the community.