The latest Box64 0.3.8 release focuses squarely on performance and compatibility. The headline feature, DynaCache, introduces a disk-based cache for native code generation that dramatically cuts program load times and reduces runtime hiccups—especially noticeable in titles like Factorio on Linux.
Version 0.3.8 marks a notable technical step for Box64’s dynamic recompilation engine. The newly added DynaCache system caches generated native code to disk, allowing subsequent launches to skip regeneration overhead. Though not enabled by default, Box64 now automatically uses a cache file when available.
Alongside the speed improvements, volatile metadata handling has been fully overhauled, resolving prior instability and enabling demanding games such as Starfield to run cleanly. The Box32 compatibility layer also receives extensive memory-handling updates, greatly reducing “Out of Memory” errors and improving reliability across 32-bit applications.
Game support widens further: Unity3D titles now work under Wayland, aided by new Wayland and Vulkan function wrappers. Users can expect smoother startup behavior and fewer runtime stalls across diverse workloads.
Under the hood, Box64 0.3.8 refines almost every subsystem:
- Enhanced memory tracking and StrongMem emulation.
- Optimized TF flag and deferred-flag logic for better dynamic recompilation.
- Broader DynaCache backend support spanning ARM64, RV64, and LA64.
- Reworked interpreter prefix decoding and reduced memory fetches in jump tables.
- New
BOX64_DYNAREC_NOHOTPAGEoption to control hot-page detection behavior.
Backend-specific improvements deepen hardware reach. ARM64 gains more opcode coverage and a dynamic UpdateFlags path for improved throughput. LA64 adds AVX opcode support and tighter register mapping aligned with the x86-64 ABI, while RV64 receives scalar AVX support and MMX fixes.
Other notable updates include a minimal runtime for WowBox64, extended wrapper sets, and a fix for the MAXCPU configuration in Wine setups. The release also integrates libZydis support in the tracing system and expands RC profiles for a wider range of games.
Box64 0.3.8 refines the project’s goal of transparent x86-64 emulation on alternative architectures. Faster loading, fewer crashes, and broader compatibility make it a substantial step forward for gamers and developers running Windows software on Linux through Box64 and Box32.
