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TO4: Tactical Operations [Steam, Official Site] is an Unreal Engine powered free first-person shooter that's coming to Steam and they're planning a Linux version.

While they're going to put up a Linux version, it does come with a caveat, it won't currently be fully supported. Here's what they said in their latest update on their official site:

Yes, you have read correctly, we really have been working on a Linux version of both the Server and Client for TO4, The first iteration is now complete and both server and client are running. We will ship the Linux Client as an unsupported version of the game (for now), this means if there are problems or bugs we will be prioritizing the Windows version above Linux (sorry Linux people). A lot of people prefer to run a Linux based OS on servers to save the cost of a Windows license. So we are really happy that we can supply Linux Server files, this should make the cost of running or renting a server cheaper once the game is released. There are still a few small issues to sort out, but overall both are working better than expected for a first iteration. The Linux client will be available from the Linux Version of Steam.

 They included a few pictures of it running on Linux too, like this:

To see some actual gameplay, you can see their livestream from May:

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Overall, for an early work in progress it doesn't look too bad. Will be interesting to see if it finds any popularity, considering it's going to be free it could pull in quite a few players. The maps look quite interesting too and for those of you who prefer the faster paced experience found it classic shooters, with a modern setting it might be a good one.

Thanks for the tip maor.

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14 comments

beko Aug 6, 2018
Does anyone else catch a certain CounterStrike vibe from the map pictures?

Not necessary bad. Just reminded.
Interknet Aug 6, 2018
Does anyone else catch a certain CounterStrike vibe from the map pictures?

Not necessary bad. Just reminded.

I'm more reminded of Tactical Ops.

![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/g8bKCV49wJU/hqdefault.jpg)

If it's like that game, I'll probably enjoy it.
Liam Dawe Aug 6, 2018
Does anyone else catch a certain CounterStrike vibe from the map pictures?

Not necessary bad. Just reminded.

I'm more reminded of Tactical Ops.

![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/g8bKCV49wJU/hqdefault.jpg)

If it's like that game, I'll probably enjoy it.
I couldn't find a reference to it on the official site, but the email tip we got said it was inspired by Tactical Ops.
beko Aug 6, 2018
Never played that but stuff from this genre is probably very similar to each other.
Basiani Aug 6, 2018
When this game will be released, I will got good PC and this game will on my library )))))))))))))
CS is my favourite game, so I also want this one. Nise to see it on GNU/Linux.


Last edited by Basiani on 6 August 2018 at 11:54 am UTC
maor26 Aug 6, 2018
Does anyone else catch a certain CounterStrike vibe from the map pictures?

Not necessary bad. Just reminded.

I'm more reminded of Tactical Ops.

![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/g8bKCV49wJU/hqdefault.jpg)

If it's like that game, I'll probably enjoy it.
I couldn't find a reference to it on the official site, but the email tip we got said it was inspired by Tactical Ops.
It was :)
There used to be another similar project from a few years ago that stopped development after some personal issues the guy who started it had, so these guys started from scratch and made a lot of progress.
Also, they are a very small team(about 4-5 people if i'm not mistaken),1-2 coders, 1 animation guy and 1-2 3D people(and always looking for more people to contribute).
They are working on the game on their free time and will publish it for free once it will be ready enough.
Right now they have a few testers that are helping them in a closed alpha.
razing32 Aug 6, 2018
Well if it's free , might be worth a try.
I mean , doesn't cost anything , bugs and all.
Hope cross-play works.
ElectricPrism Aug 6, 2018
This is lit! Message me when it's out I'll give it a run.
nullzero Aug 7, 2018
Oh for some moments I has very hyped... until I figured I was mistaking TacOps with Infiltration, also a UT mod initially, but more focused on realism.

But then searching on the forums, I found there seems to also be a UT Infiltration / Raibow six spiritual sucessor in the making also based on the same engine... and it will enter Steam Early Access.. today!

Unfortunatly on the inicial Kickstarter FAQ page it said it would be Win + Mac initially, without a Linux version.


What Platforms will Ground Branch be on?

Ground Branch will be on PC and Mac from the start.

We would like to be on linux as well, but unfortunately, that ball is more in Epic's court. I am sorry to say that it is not currently part of our budget to port the game to Linux (Mac support is fairly new, if you can believe it); however, if the opportunity ever arises, we have no reason or personal qualms in deciding not to support the platform. For us, It's more of a question of availability of the tech, and costs, than it is an intellectual belief. So for the time being, I suppose the answer is "No."



This was last updated on June 12 2012, so maybe there is hope!


Links:

  • [[Steam]](https://store.steampowered.com/app/16900/GROUND_BRANCH/)

  • [[Website]](http://www.groundbranch.com/)

ison111 Aug 7, 2018
Looks really good. Is it steam only?
MacFrog Aug 8, 2018
Hi guys,

I'm one of the developer of TO4. Let me clarify some topics:

  • CS or CS:Go Clone: No not really. As mentioned in another post it's more inspired by the old Tactical Ops mod for UT. That was the successor of the UT mod Swat. TO4 is a fast-paced, arcade feeling online shooter in a realistic setting. CS has a more realistic gameplay.

  • Engine: We use the UE4 engine, not the Source engine

  • Steam: Yes it will be only available on Steam

  • Free to play: It will be for free. No micro transactions, no hidden payments, no loot boxes, no "pay to win" subtitle hiding under that "free to play" moniker. At the moment everything is payed by ourself and some sponsors. If we need support or help with hosting or something else, we let the commuinty know. The game is for the community and will be developed with the community.

  • Supported versions: Right now we support the client on Windows and the dedicated server on Linux and Windows. The Linux client version will be supported (bugs) if we've time for it. But, with every new build we will also deliver a new Linux version. Mac is not planned right now because we can not build a Mac version with our build environment. In addition no Mac with enough performance is available in our team for testing purposes.

  • Cross-play: Works like a charm :)

  • Screenshot: Nice to see my desktop here

  • Video: We are working on a newer gameplay video.

  • Hardware: I'm using an old i7 with 16 GB Ram and a Geforce 1050ti



Hope this will answer some questions and prevents a few rumors. You want to know more, visit our website or visit us on our public Discord chat


Last edited by MacFrog on 8 August 2018 at 1:25 pm UTC
MacFrog Aug 19, 2018
Hi guys,

We are looking for new tester. You can find more information here. Post your candidature on our Discord server in channel #apply_for_alpha_2 and give us a hint that you will test and play with Linux.
MacFrog Aug 20, 2018
Your decision. Discord is our communication platform with the community and our tester. And the web page is needed for bug reporting.

But I cannot understand. We spend time and money to provide the game also for Linux. And we do that even though only 1% of players are using Linux and everyone says it's not worth the effort. Now we are looking for help und you're crying because you've to register for Discord and the web page.

As mentioned before, your decision. You do not want to help? It's ok for me, but stop blaming us. We're only a small Indie team which develop the game in our freetime. No company. I hope there are more player which are willing to help.
Liam Dawe Aug 21, 2018
FYI: the user who was complaining removed their posts and account.
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