Sim City 3000 Unlimited | How To Play On Steam Deck/ Linux

Welcome to our guide on playing SimCity 3000 Unlimited on Steam Deck and Linux! In this guide, we’ll show you how to overcome the challenges of running this classic city-building game on modern platforms. Learn how to install and optimize the game for a seamless experience, allowing you to dive into the world of urban planning and management with ease. Let’s get started and unleash your creativity in SimCity 3000 Unlimited!


How To Play Sim City 3000 Unlimited On Steam Deck & Linux

How To Play On Steam Deck

Installing ProtonUp-qt and Proton-6.21-GE-2

To begin, switch your Steam Deck to desktop mode. From there, open Discover and search for “ProtonUp-qt.” Install this application. Once installed, launch ProtonUp-Qt and click on “Add Version.” From the dropdown menu, select “Proton-6.21-GE-2” and click “Install.” After installation, return to the game’s Properties menu in the Steam library. Navigate to “Compatibility” and select “Proton-6.21-GE-2” from the options.

Installing the HD Resolution Patch

Switch to desktop mode if you’re not already there. Open your browser and search for “SimCity 3000 Revival Project HD Patch” or visit tetration.github.io to download the necessary scripts. Once downloaded, navigate to the game’s installation directory (\steamapps\common\SimCity 3000 Unlimited) and locate the “Apps” folder. Drag the “SCU3_HD_patch-linux.py” file into the “Apps” folder. Right-click within the folder, open a terminal window, and enter the command:

python3 SCU3_HD_patch-linux.py.

Once the patcher runs successfully, you’ll have access to more resolutions in the game’s “Preferences” panel.

Adjusting the Power Profile

Launch the game on your Steam Deck. Open your Steam Deck’s “Quick Settings” panel and navigate to the “Performance” tab. Tick both “Use per-game profile” and “TDP Limit.” Adjust the TDP slider to 3 watts to optimize power consumption.

By following these steps, SimCity 3000 Unlimited should run smoothly on your Steam Deck, allowing you to enjoy managing your city on the go without draining the battery unnecessarily.

How To Play On Linux

Initial Setup:

If you’re using a Steam Deck or any Linux machine, ensure you have the Steam client installed. Launch Steam and download SimCity 3000.

Setting up Protontricks:

If you’re on a Steam Deck, switch to desktop mode. Open the “Discover” app and search for Protontricks. Download and install Protontricks. If you’re on a Linux machine, Protontricks is available as a Flatpak app. Download and install it.

Configuring SimCity 3000:

Open Protontricks and select SimCity 3000 from the list of installed games. Choose “Select the default wineprefix” and then “Change settings”. Check the following settings:

renderer=gdi and vd=1024x768.

Ignore any warning messages and exit Protontricks.

Adjusting Steam Launch Options:

Open Steam and go to your library. Right-click on SimCity 3000 and select “Properties”. In the Properties window, navigate to the “General” tab. Add the following launch option:

%command% -r1024x768

Adjust the resolution (-r<your resolution>) as needed for your device.

Launching SimCity 3000:

Return to gaming mode on your Steam Deck or Linux machine. Launch SimCity 3000 from your Steam library.

Adding Widescreen Support:

Right-click on SimCity 3000 in your Steam library and select “Manage” > “Browse local files”. Download the GOG widescreen fix from [files.gog.com] and extract the zip file. Navigate to the SimCity 3000 directory and locate the “Apps” folder. Copy the extracted S3CU.exe from the downloaded zip file into the “Apps” folder. In Steam, right-click on SimCity 3000, choose “Properties”, and add the following launch option:

%command% -r<your resolution>

Adjust the resolution (-r<your resolution>) according to your monitor’s specifications.

Enjoy SimCity 3000 on Linux with widescreen support!

Launch the game from Steam and enjoy playing SimCity 3000 on your Linux device with widescreen support.

Note: Ensure to regularly check for updates or changes to the game’s compatibility settings, especially if you encounter any issues.


In conclusion, mastering SimCity 3000 Unlimited on Steam Deck/Linux offers an immersive city-building experience with versatile gameplay. By following this guide, players can efficiently navigate the unique challenges and intricacies of the game, ultimately crafting vibrant and thriving virtual cities on their preferred platform. Enjoy the journey of urban planning and development in this timeless classic.

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