up vote 6 down vote favorite
2

Does the Linux version of Steam use the same .vpk files as the Windows version? And if so where is the Steam install located by default on a *nix system? /usr/share/ or /home/user/.steam or somewhere else?

To expound on my question: What I'm trying to accomplish is taking the majority of Steam's files, and moving the compatible bits to Linux. It is my understanding that when Steam is presented with partial/incomplete data, it will download only what it needs, leaving the usable pieces intact, thus saving bandwidth.

So what I'm wondering is: am I able to copy the Steam folder from a Windows install to a Linux install and nothing break? Will Steam download the proper Linux binary version of the game? Do I need to delete the Windows binaries? Do I need to delete file associated with Windows-only games? Et cetaera.

share|improve this question
    
I'm tempted to update this question and change the .gcf to .vpk – Powerlord Jan 7 '16 at 21:41
up vote 5 down vote accepted

Yes, you can for many of the files.

I've migrated most of my Couter-Strike:Source files to Linux.

You should pick the biggest files, such as textures, sounds, models and maps to copy. Then, under your Steam directory in Linux (~/.local/share/Steam/SteamApps) create the directory structures that will hold these files, following the structure on your Windows partition.

Then when you go to install the game on Linux, after saying "Preparing to install game..." it will say "Discovering existing files...".

share|improve this answer
    
Assuming the steam library location is on an ntfs drive, is it possible for a game that is available on both Linux and windows have both versions installed in that same path? – Irfan Nov 12 '16 at 12:46
up vote 4 down vote

The default steam game install directory on Linux (Not *nix, because there's no non-Linux *nix Steam binary) is /home/user/.local/share/Steam/SteamApps/common.

The default location for the .gcf files is /home/user/.local/share/steam/SteamApps/.

There's no way to just move games from Windows to Linux and expect them to run. Even if the game is Linux compatible, the Windows-binary version won't run in Linux. You must download the Linux version of that game from Steam on Linux.

However, the .gcf files themselves may migrate over without problems. The Valve Developer Wiki article for GCF has an interesting line:

GCF files cannot be altered, and if they could Steam would correct them when it next ran, but their contents can be viewed.

This seems to imply that Steam will fix anything that looks wrong with a .gcf file. However, I don't know if that means it will replace the binaries.

As far as games that don't have an associated .gcf file: You can copy much of the data and assets over. Depending on the game and its install method, Your Results May Vary.

share|improve this answer
    
Since the question mentions gcf files, I'm pretty sure they're just asking about moving the bulk of the data successfully, then letting Steam verify integrity to replace executables and such with Linux versions (and so get a much faster/smaller download). – SevenSidedDie Nov 6 '13 at 18:01
    
@SevenSidedDie Yes. That's what I'm getting at. Edited OP. – KJ O Nov 6 '13 at 18:11
    
I haven't tried it with win - linux, but look at gaming.stackexchange.com/questions/56313/… – Kexlox Nov 6 '13 at 18:14
    
@SevenSidedDie, Ah. That makes me a bit unsure of my answer. The Valve Developer Wiki article for GCF has a line that reads "GCF files cannot be altered, and if they could Steam would correct them when it next ran, but their contents can be viewed." So perhaps it would be able to correct the necessary components.... but perhaps not? It seems to contradict itself. – dotVezz Nov 6 '13 at 18:15
    
@Kexlox As far as moving data from Windows to Linux, it may depend on the game. I've had troubles with some games, but no problems with Kerbal Space Program. I'll update my answer in regards to your updated question. – dotVezz Nov 6 '13 at 18:16
up vote 1 down vote

Yes it's possible if the game supports both platforms. Personally I did it the opposite way but I saw someone on a reddit post who did it your way.

You just need to make steam create a backup of the game then "restore" that backup on your windows machine. Steam will download the missing libraries automatically. This guide has a detailed example.

share|improve this answer
up vote -1 down vote

You can force the download of windows games into steam using this or the method provided: https://github.com/dotfloat/steam-appmanifest

However, if you wish to run them then you'll have to navigate to their directory and use wine.

Currently, I'm trying to solve a problem that prevents you from running them directly in the steam client: Enable "Play" button for Undertale on Linux Steam

EDIT: Or you could just install Steam through wine...

share|improve this answer
    
They were asking if they could just copy files for a game that runs on both Windows and Linux from one to the other to save download time/bandwidth. – Powerlord Jan 7 '16 at 21:38

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.