Question 1

Is openMERC a free copy of Soldier of Fortune?

Accepted Answer

No. The engine is open source, but it includes none of the original game assets. You need your own licensed Soldier of Fortune installation; PlayBound uses its files only for your local edition install.

Question 2

Which campaign mode should I use?

Accepted Answer

Mode B uses openMERC's own game and player modules and is the default, but some AI and scripts remain unfinished. Mode A uses the original modules through the new engine and is currently the more complete campaign. Saves from one mode do not load in the other.

Question 3

Can I join original Soldier of Fortune servers?

Accepted Answer

No. openMERC's network protocol is not compatible with original 1.07f servers or clients. Everyone in a match needs openMERC.

Question 4

Does the GOG edition work?

Accepted Answer

The developer documents GOG as a possible legal source but has not tested the current release against it. Retail Soldier of Fortune 1.07f is the tested base. Keep this edition unverified until the GOG path is tried.

Question 5

Which operating systems have downloadable builds?

Accepted Answer

The 0.2.2 release supplies Windows 32-bit and experimental Linux x86_64 archives. It runs on Windows 10/11; Linux requires glibc 2.38+ and a case-sensitive filesystem. There is no current macOS build.

Question 6

Can I use a controller?

Accepted Answer

The engine contains SDL3 gamepad input and menu navigation. PlayBound has not yet verified this edition with a physical controller, so keyboard and mouse remain the safe fallback while it is in testing.

openMERC

Guides for openMERC