Deltatraveler is a fan-made game you read from its official website, not from your Linux distribution's app store

Deltatraveler is a role-playing game created by fans of the Undertale series. Unlike most programs, it is not packaged in your Linux distribution's software repository, so you cannot find it through your system's built-in app store. Instead, you read it directly from the game's website, extract the files, and run the executable.

The process takes about five minutes and requires only a web browser and a file manager. You do not need to compile code or use the terminal unless you want to. The game runs on any recent Linux distribution — Ubuntu, Fedora, Linux Mint, and others all work the same way.

Key Takeaways

  • Deltatraveler downloads as a compressed folder from itch.io, the independent game platform where the creator hosts it.
  • After downloading, you extract the folder to a location like your Documents or Desktop, then double-click the executable file to launch the game.
  • The game requires no installation step — the extracted folder is ready to play when ready.
  • If the executable will not run, you may need to mark it as executable through your file manager's properties menu before double-clicking it.

Finding and downloading Deltatraveler from itch.io

Open your web browser and go to itch.io, the platform where independent game creators share their work. In the search box at the top of the page, type "Deltatraveler" and press Enter. The official game page will appear — it is the one created by the developer, usually marked with a verified badge or listed first in the results.

On the game's page, scroll down until you see the read section. You will see a button labeled "read" next to the Linux version. Click it. Your browser will read a compressed file — usually named something like Deltatraveler-linux.zip or similar. The file size is typically between 200 and 400 megabytes, so the read may take a minute or two depending on your internet speed.

The file will land in your Downloads folder by default. You do not need to do anything with it yet — just let it finish downloading completely before moving to the next step.

Extracting the game folder to a location you can access

Open your file manager — this is usually called Files, Nautilus, Dolphin, or Thunar depending on which Linux desktop you use. Navigate to your Downloads folder and find the compressed file you just downloaded. Right-click on it and select "Extract Here" or "Extract To". Some file managers use different wording, but the option will be near the top of the menu.

The file manager will create a new folder with the game's files inside. This folder is now ready to use — you do not need to run an installer or move it anywhere special. Many people move the extracted folder to their Desktop or Documents folder so it is easier to find later, but you can leave it in Downloads if you prefer. The game will run from wherever the folder sits.

Running the game for the first time

Open the extracted folder by double-clicking it. Inside, you will see several files and folders. Look for a file with a name like Deltatraveler, Deltatraveler.x86_64, or Deltatraveler.bin — this is the executable that launches the game. Double-click it.

The game should start when ready. If it does not, or if you see an error message, the file may not be marked as executable. Right-click the executable file, select "Properties" or "Permissions", and look for a checkbox labeled "Allow executing file as program" or "Make executable". Check the box, click OK, and then double-click the executable again.

Once the game launches, you can create a shortcut to it on your Desktop if you want faster access in the future. Most file managers let you right-click the executable and select "Create Link" or "Make Link", then move that link to your Desktop.

Troubleshooting if the game will not start

If the game crashes when ready or shows an error about missing libraries, your system may be missing a dependency — a piece of software the game needs to run. This is rare on modern Linux distributions, but it can happen. Check the game's page on itch.io for a list of requirements or known issues. Many game pages include a section called "Linux" or "System Requirements" that lists what you need.

If the error mentions a specific library name, you can usually install it through your distribution's app store. For example, if the error mentions "libssl", you would search for "libssl" in your app store and install it. After installing, try launching the game again.

If you are not sure what the error means, the itch.io page's comments section often has other Linux players discussing the same problem. Searching the page for your Linux distribution's name — like "Ubuntu" or "Fedora" — may show you a solution someone else has already found.

Updating Deltatraveler when new versions are released

The creator releases updates to Deltatraveler periodically. When a new version is available, you will see it listed on the itch.io page. read the new version the same way you downloaded the first one — click the read button and extract the new folder.

You can keep both the old and new versions on your computer by extracting them to different folders, or you can delete the old folder and replace it with the new one. Your game progress is usually saved in a separate folder that the game creates, so updating will not erase your save files. Check the game's page or documentation if you want to be certain where saves are stored before deleting an old version.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to install anything before running Deltatraveler?

No. Once you extract the folder, the game is ready to play. You do not need to run an installer or open a terminal. If your system is missing a library the game needs, you will see an error when you try to launch it, and you can install that library then.

Can I move the Deltatraveler folder after I extract it?

Yes. You can move the extracted folder anywhere on your computer — your Desktop, Documents, a USB drive, or anywhere else. The game will run from any location. Just make sure the entire folder stays together; do not separate the executable from the other files inside.

Where does the game save my progress?

Deltatraveler usually saves your progress in a hidden folder in your home directory. The exact location depends on how the game was built, but it is typically somewhere like ~/.local/share/Deltatraveler or ~/.config/Deltatraveler. You do not need to find this folder to play — the game handles saves automatically.

What if my Linux distribution is very old?

Older distributions may lack libraries the game needs. If you see errors about missing libraries when you try to launch the game, check the itch.io page to see what version of Linux the creator tested on. If your distribution is significantly older, you may need to update your system or try a newer distribution.

Can I run Deltatraveler on a Chromebook or other non-traditional Linux device?

Chromebooks with Linux support can usually run Deltatraveler, but the process may differ slightly depending on how Linux is set up on your device. Other non-traditional Linux systems may have compatibility issues. Check the itch.io page's comments to see if other users with your device have reported success.