Linux Gaming Check:

Call of Duty®: Black Ops III

1. Introduction

Call of Duty®: Black Ops III is a fast-paced, first-person shooter (FPS) known for its robust multiplayer, engaging Zombies mode, and expansive single-player campaign. Developed by Treyarch and published by Activision, the game features advanced movement mechanics, a deep customization system, and a compelling narrative. This guide details the current status of running Black Ops III on Linux via Proton compatibility layer, focusing on troubleshooting common issues and outlining recommended configurations.

2. Status Quo (ProtonDB Analysis)

According to ProtonDB, Call of Duty®: Black Ops III currently holds a Gold tier rating. This indicates a generally playable experience with minor inconveniences.

Summarizing community reports from ProtonDB, the experience is mixed. While some users report out-of-the-box functionality (OOTB) with Proton 9.0-4, others encounter significant issues. Key observations include:

• Black Screen Issues: A recurring problem is the game launching to a black screen, often accompanied by audio. This can be difficult to recover from.
• Shadow Artifacts: Some users have reported blurred or distorted shadows when using Proton 10.0-3.
• Filesystem Dependency: Initial launch failures have been linked to the game being installed on an NTFS formatted drive. Moving the installation to a Btrfs formatted drive resolved this for some users.
• Community Patch Necessity: The t7patch community patch (available on GitHub) is frequently cited as essential for addressing lag in menus and patching Remote Code Execution (RCE) exploits, particularly in multiplayer and Zombies modes.
• Proton Version Sensitivity: Experiences vary significantly depending on the Proton version used.

3. 🚨 IMPORTANT: Current Hotfix (Update January 2026)

A critical issue has been identified on GitHub regarding Black Ops III failing to launch or presenting a black screen with audio. This problem can also lead to Steam freezing after the title screen. The root cause is related to audio output conflicts.

The recommended solution involves a multi-step process:

Step 1: Reduce Audio Devices

Deactivate or disconnect any unused audio devices. This can be achieved through your system settings or device manager.

Step 2: Utilize Winetricks

Configure launch options within Steam to leverage Winetricks:

1. Right-click on “Call of Duty: Black Ops III” in your Steam game list.
2. Select “Properties.”
3. Navigate to the “General” tab.
4. Click “Set launch options…”
5. Enter the following option:

WINEDEBUG=+d3d11,alsa sound=alsa

6. Click “OK.”

Step 3: Implement Proton-Fixes (ulwgl)

Install a Proton distribution that supports Proton-Fixes (e.g., Proton-GE). Enable the “ulwgl” fix specifically for “Call of Duty: Black Ops III.”

Step 4: Adjust WINE_CPU_TOPOLOGY (Experimental)

This step is experimental and may not be necessary for all systems. It’s particularly relevant for systems with specific CPU configurations (e.g., Xeon E5-2690v2).

1. Right-click on “Call of Duty: Black Ops III” in your Steam game list.
2. Select “Properties.”
3. Navigate to the “General” tab.
4. Click “Set launch options…”
5. Enter the following option (adjust values based on your CPU):

WINE_CPU_TOPOLOGY=12,12

6. Click “OK.”

4. Verdict

Call of Duty®: Black Ops III is playable on Linux via Proton, achieving a Gold rating on ProtonDB. However, users should anticipate potential issues, particularly related to black screen errors and audio conflicts. Applying the outlined hotfix—reducing audio devices, utilizing Winetricks, enabling ulwgl, and potentially adjusting WINE_CPU_TOPOLOGY—significantly improves the likelihood of a stable and enjoyable gaming experience. The t7patch community patch remains highly recommended for addressing lag and security vulnerabilities. Experimentation with different Proton versions may also yield positive results.