Getting Started
This guide provides full instructions (plus more) on how to get up and running with Streets of Rage Remake v5.1, which is arguably the best version of the fan remake. For a guide covering the newer Streets of Rage Remake v5.2, check this guide.
Read on to get starting with installing SoRR v5.1 on Linux.
Download Streets of Rage Remake v5.1 which is available as a zip archive from one the following sources:
- Download via My Abandonware
- Download via Streets of Rage Remake Community Forum
- Download from Zak’s Domain
Extract the zip, and you will have access to the main folder which contains all the necessary game files.
Optional: Moving the main folder to a memorable, permanent location like /home/[username]/Games/ or similar would be a good idea. This is how I have the game situated on my computer:
/home/mason/Games/SORRv5.1/Update Your System
Launch your preferred terminal app and update your distro using the relevant terminal command. I’m using CachyOS which is based on Arch, so the command I and other Arch users should run is:
sudo pacman -SyuFedora users would use:
sudo dnf upgradeIf you’re using Debian, Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Pop!_OS or other Debian/Ubuntu-based distros, you would use:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgradeConfirm the update, give it time, then close the terminal when the update has concluded. A reboot may be necessary.
Heroic Games Launcher
Launch Heroic Games Launcher, and select the Wine Manager option from the sidebar. The GE-Proton option should be selected by default, but if it isn’t, select that. You’ll know that you’re looking at the correct tab if you see a notice which reads, ‘GE-Proton is a Proton variant created by Glorious Eggroll […]’
In the Wine Version column, follow the entries down until you find the GE-Proton9-27 option. Once you’ve found it, click the install button in the Action column. This will auto-download and install the compatibility layer we’ll be needing.
Next, select the Library option from the sidebar.
Click the Add Game button, and use the following settings:
Game/App Title: Streets of Rage Remake v5.1
App Image: Leave blank or you can manually attach an image of your choosing. If left blank, Heroic Games Launcher will automatically assign a Streets of Rage Remake-themed image.
Select Platform Version to Install: Windows.
Show Wine Settings: View the drop-down options.
WinePrefix: Leave as-is.
Wine version: Proton – GE-Proton9-27
Select Executable: Navigate to your recently extracted SORRv5.1 folder, and select the SorR.exe file inside. The location of this file for me is:
/home/mason/Games/SORRv5.1/SorR.exeIgnore the Run Installer First option, and click Finish.
You’re now able to launch the game and enjoy.
Optional: In-Game Recommended Settings
This part covers the in-game settings, separate from Heroic Games Launcher. There’s quite a few gameplay options available, but a distinct lack of descriptions to explain what they entail. This section not only breaks down what the many options do, but also includes our recommendations for (subjective) best settings.
Once you’ve loaded the game up, head to the Options > Game options menu. Here’s what we recommend:
Game Options
Level
Options: Easy / Normal (default) / Hard / Very Hard / Mania
Recommended: Normal
Higher difficulties increase enemy aggression, speed, and behaviour – enemies will even grab health items at higher difficulties. Normal provides a balanced experience for most players, while still offering a decent challenge.
Lives
Options: 0 / 1 / 2 / 3 (default) / 4 / 5
Recommended: 5
Sets your starting lives and how many lives you receive after continuing. More lives (5) gives you plenty of attempts, especially helpful when learning the game or tackling harder difficulties.
Damage Between Players
Options: Yes (default) / No
Recommended: Yes
With team damage enabled, hits only do 1/8th normal damage to allies. Keeping this on allows for team attacks/throws which can be very effective in tight situations. When set to No, you completely lose the ability to grab your partner, eliminating team attacks.
Star Moves
Options: B Button (default) / X Button
Recommended: X Button
X Button gives you maximum flexibility – use your 0-star Blitz with the Attack button or your current star-level Blitz with the Special Combo button at any time. This is especially valuable for characters like Max and Rudra who have great crowd-control 0-star blitzes but slower 3-star blitzes. The manual doesn’t fully explain this advantage, making X Button clearly superior.
Weapon Type
Options: SoR3 / SoR2 (default) / SoR1
Recommended: SoR3
Each type has distinct behaviours:
- SoR3: Weapons have breakage meters that deplete with use, but you can grab enemies while holding weapons. You can attack with your current weapon while standing over another one.
- SoR2: No weapon breakage, but you drop weapons when grabbing enemies.
- SoR1: No weapon breakage, but you cannot drop or throw weapons at all, which becomes limiting.
SoR3 is preferred by a slim margin for the ability to grab enemies while armed, though SoR2 is excellent if you prefer weapons without breakage limits.
Meter Type
Options: Both (default) / Gauge / Timer
Recommended: Gauge
This setting affects both special move costs and level timers:
- Gauge: Uses the SoR3 special meter system where specials are free when the bar is full and cost significant health when empty. No time limit in stages.
- Timer: Uses SoR2 style where defensive specials always cost some health, and includes a stage time limit that kills you when it reaches zero.
- Both: Combines the gauge for specials with a time limit, allowing free specials when full while still maintaining time pressure.
Gauge is recommended for a more relaxed experience, though “Both” offers additional challenge and the opportunity to earn bonus “Time Remaining” points at level completion.
Combo Type
Options: SoR3 (default) / SoR2
Recommended: SoR3
SoR3 significantly reduces recovery time after attacks, allowing for much quicker movement afterward. It also executes full attack combos even when not hitting enemies. SoR2 adds considerable delay before you can move again, which can be punishing in this faster-paced remake, especially at higher difficulties.
Jump Type
Options: SoR3 (default) / SoR2 / SoR1
Recommended: SoR3
Each type controls differently:
- SoR3: Provides precise control during jumps while maintaining your facing direction, ideal for jump kicks.
- SoR2: Offers realistic but stiffer jumping with less control.
- SoR1: Allows mid-air direction changes but with slightly less precision in targeting.
SoR3 is recommended for its control precision, though SoR1 is a close second if you prefer being able to change direction mid-jump.
Collision Type
Options: Hitbox SoR2 (default) / Hitbox SoR3 / Auto SoR2 / Auto SoR3
Recommended: Hitbox SoR2 (Default)
This setting affects hit detection between characters. Since detailed information isn’t available, the default setting is recommended.
Death Type
Options: SoR (default) / Remake
Recommended: Remake
Two different respawn mechanics:
- SoR: Classic recovery where you drop from the top of the screen as all enemies are knocked down, giving breathing space. Special meter resets to empty.
- Remake: You stand back up where you died and retain your special meter, allowing for an immediate special move if needed.
Remake is preferred for the special meter retention, though SoR will feel most familiar to series veterans.
Camera Type
Options: SoR2 (default) / SoR3
Recommended: SoR3
Controls camera positioning:
- SoR2: Allows you to run right up to the edge of the screen. This can be risky as enemies can surprise attack you from outside the screen window.
- SoR3: Keeps your character centred in the frame, reducing the chance of off-screen enemies landing cheap hits.
SoR3 provides better visibility of potential threats, improving gameplay fairness.
Pause Delay
Options: Combined (default) / SoR2 / SoR3 / Remake
Recommended: SoR3
Controls recovery time after attacks:
- Combined: Uses each character’s original game recovery timing.
- SoR2: Longer recovery time for all actions.
- SoR3: Shortest recovery time, allowing for quicker follow-up actions.
- Remake: Falls somewhere in between SoR2 and SoR3 in terms of attack speed.
SoR3 is recommended for responsive controls and faster-paced combat, letting you hit enemies quickly and move with minimal delay.
Attack Damage
Options: Original (default) / Balanced
Recommended: Original (Default)
Since detailed information isn’t available, the default setting is recommended.
SoR3 Exceptions
Options: No (default) / Yes
Recommended: No
This setting affects several gameplay mechanics:
- No: Allows diagonal dash movement, making gameplay smoother and more responsive.
- Yes: Restricts diagonal dashing and changes grab mechanics (enemies are released if another enemy is hit while grabbing).
No is recommended for the crucial diagonal dash ability, which significantly improves mobility.
Use Guns
Options: Yes (default) / No / Ammo
Recommended: Yes
When enabled, allows you to pick up and use handguns, uzis, and rocket launchers. These add variety and fun to gameplay with their unique attack patterns.
Enable Police
Options: Yes (default) / No
Recommended: Yes
Allows you to use the signature Streets of Rage special ability to summon police support attacks. Keeping this classic series feature enabled adds strategic options.
Enable Run and Roll
Options: SoR3 (default) / BK3 / No
Recommended: SoR3
Controls vertical roll mechanics:
- SoR3: Rolls travel furthest in your chosen direction, providing maximum mobility.
- BK3: Rolls cover a shorter distance.
- No: Disables vertical rolling completely.
SoR3 offers the best manoeuvrability for avoiding attacks.
Optional: ‘Everything Unlocked’ Save File
If you want to download a save file with pretty much everything unlocked, there’s one available in this thread on the official Streets of Rage Remake Community Forum.
Move the file to your /savegame/ folder to activate in-game.
Optional: Installing Mods
SoRR v5.1 has a larger amount of mods available compared to v5.2, and mod authors generally seem to favour this older version overall. If you’re interested in adding some user-made story modes to your game, it might be worth checking out the SoRR modding forum and seeing what’s popular.
Installing story mode mods is as simple as dropping them into your /mod/games/ folder. Here’s where I would add the mods to on my system:
/home/mason/Games/SORRv5.1/mod/games/
Extra: Differences Between v5.2 and v5.1
v5.2 additions (things v5.1 doesn’t have):
- Widescreen (16:9) support
- 15 new music tracks, plus a choice between the remixed or original retro OST
- New intro sequence and updated graphics for menus, endings, and the shop
- New cutscenes and stages (e.g. Water Fountain Wastelands, Jetski Ride)
- Achievements system
- Overhauled menu with submenus and more options
- AI Editor available to purchase in-shop with a ‘Compatible Modes’ option
- Enemies can now trigger Bamboo garden traps
- Dropped weapons disappear after 4 falls instead of persisting indefinitely
- Roll now has 20 invincibility frames (up from just 3)
- ~300 total bugfixes and tweaks
v5.2 controversies (things fans dislike compared to v5.1):
- Enemy AI is significantly more aggressive – some enemies like Y.Signal can’t be hit during their attack frames
- Bosses like Abadeede are harder to read and counter
- Several characters were nerfed (notably Elle and Max)
- Reported performance issues even with V-Sync off
- Introduced new bugs not present in v5.1
- Worse mod compatibility – most modders stayed on v5.1
Choosing the best version for you:
- Choose v5.2 if you want the best visuals, more content, and a harder challenge
- Choose v5.1 if you prefer the classic difficulty feel, better performance, or plan to use mods