Rune Classic
Does Rune Classic run on Windows 11, Apple Silicon Macs, Linux and Steam Deck?
Runs with a fix. See the steps below.1
No Mac version is sold.
Through Proton. ProtonDB: Silver, runs with minor issues.3
One click, no account, so the next player knows. How we check where it runs
How to get Rune Classic running today
- If the game crashes during cutscenes in the Embers of Hrafnborg level, set the Sound Volume slider to zero until the level is done, or install the OpenAL audio fix for Rune Classic listed there (PCGamingWiki).
- If only 1024×768 can be selected, run Rune.exe in compatibility mode for Windows 7 (PCGamingWiki).
- For a less dark picture and working brightness controls, use the dgVoodoo 2 wrapper (PCGamingWiki).
- For a widescreen field of view, set DesiredFOV and DefaultFOV to 91.3 in System\User.ini for 16:9 screens (PCGamingWiki).
Synopsis
Rune is a third-person action game in which the Viking warrior Ragnar fights his way through Norse myth to stop the trickster god Loki. Combat is all melee, with swords, axes and maces that can sever limbs, plus shields and special rune powers. Levels mix fights with climbing, jumping and simple puzzles, from underground caves to dwarven halls.
- Developer
- Human Head Studios
- Released
- 2000
- Best version
- Rune Classic is the only version sold today, and it drops a number of campaign levels that the original Rune and Rune Gold included.
- Genre
- Action, Adventure
- Where to get it
- Steam
Reception
Critics liked the original Rune at release, giving the PC version a Metascore of 76 and praising its brutal melee combat, atmosphere and level design. Several reviewers found the combat simple, the opening slow and some stretches repetitive. Players rate Rune Classic Very Positive on Steam, though some call it a downgrade from Rune Gold because of cut levels and new enemies. Recent players also point to a late cutscene crash that needs a workaround.
Playability today
The average of two parts, each from 1 to 5. Tap a check to see why. How it works
Runs today
3.5/5- Sold or given away today by an official source
- Needs fan patches to run well on Windows 11
- ?Not confirmed yetSingle-player works without an internet connectionNo source covers the current version yet, so this check counts as open, not passed. Played it lately? Tell us
- Some content no longer works (servers, DLC, unlocks)The GameSpy server browser no longer works, and Rune Classic drops campaign levels from the original release (PCGamingWiki, Steam Community).
- No proper support for modern resolutions and widescreenWidescreen needs a config edit, and resolutions above 1080p need enhanced renderers (PCGamingWiki).
- Full controller support or remappable controlsKeys and controller buttons can be remapped, though controller support is off by default and has no XInput support (PCGamingWiki).
- ?Not confirmed yetSteam Deck Verified or PlayableNo source covers the current version yet, so this check counts as open, not passed. Played it lately? Tell us
- No intrusive DRM or required third-party launcher account
- No pay-to-win or pushy microtransactions
- No known game-breaking bugs in the current versionThe known cutscene crash in Embers of Hrafnborg has documented workarounds; the only open issue is a rare weapon pickup bug (PCGamingWiki).
Design today
3/5- Controls feel natural on a modern controller or mouse and keyboardMouse and keyboard controls follow a standard layout with full key remapping, and players still describe them as tight. Controller support exists but is off by default and the menus need a mouse. Source: pcgamingwiki.com, steamcommunity.com.
- Menus, text or interface are hard to read on today's screensWidescreen and resolutions above 1080p need workarounds, the interface does not scale, and the picture is very dark with brightness controls that do not work. Some systems can only select 1024×768 without compatibility mode. Source: pcgamingwiki.com.
- Saving is fair: free saves or frequent checkpoints, little lost progressThe game can be saved at any time into nine slots or with a quicksave, and Rune Classic adds checkpoint saves on top. Source: pcgamingwiki.com.
- It teaches itself: no guide needed to make progressCombat is a simple hack and slash of attacking, blocking and picking up weapons, and players describe the puzzles and climbing sections as simple. The levels cut from Rune Classic took some plot cutscenes with them, so the next goal is sometimes less clear than in the original. Source: steamcommunity.com, steamcommunity.com.
- Pacing drags: grind, filler or forced backtrackingCritics noted a slow opening against weak enemies and repetitive stretches of simple combat. In Rune Classic, cut levels leave gaps in the story between areas. Source: metacritic.com, steamcommunity.com.
- Camera or movement fights the playerThe field of view is fixed at 75 degrees with no menu option, which feels narrow on widescreen screens. Cutscene field of view can only be changed with a hex edit. Source: pcgamingwiki.com.
How does it play for you today?