🎮 Brawlhalla Performance Launcher

A professional cross-platform performance optimization tool for running Brawlhalla smoothly on low-end PCs. Supports Windows and all Linux distributions.

🚀 Watch the Demo

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📋 Table of Contents

• Features
• Downloads
• Installation
  • Windows
  • Linux (All Distros)
• Usage
• Building from Source
• Supported Systems
• Configuration
• Troubleshooting
• FAQ

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✨ Features

🪟 Windows

• ⚡ High Performance Power Plan - Automatic power optimization
• 🚀 Process Priority Boost - Brawlhalla set to HIGH priority
• 🎯 GPU Optimization - NVIDIA/AMD/Intel GPU boost
• 🌐 Network Optimization - Reduced latency for online play
• 🧹 Background App Manager - Closes resource-heavy applications
• 📊 RAM Monitoring - Real-time memory usage tracking
• 🔄 Auto-Restore - Restores all settings when done

🐧 Linux (Universal)

• ⚡ CPU Governor - Switches to performance mode
• 🎨 Compositor Optimization - Works with ANY compositor:
  • Hyprland, Sway (Wayland)
  • Picom, Compton (X11)
  • KWin (KDE Plasma)
  • Mutter (GNOME)
  • XFWM4 (XFCE)
• 🚀 Process Priority - Boosts Brawlhalla to high priority
• 🎮 GameMode Integration - Feral GameMode support
• 🖥️ Multi-GPU Support - Intel/AMD/NVIDIA
• 📊 Performance Monitoring - Real-time RAM usage
• 🔄 Auto-Restore - Restores everything automatically

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📥 Downloads

Latest Release: v2.0.0

Windows:

• brawlhalla_launcher_win64.exe (64-bit, Recommended)
• brawlhalla_launcher_win32.exe (32-bit, Legacy)

Linux:

• brawlhalla_launcher_linux (Universal, All Distros)

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🚀 Installation

Windows 10/11

Quick Start

1. Download brawlhalla_launcher_win64.exe
2. Right-click the file → "Run as Administrator"
3. Choose optimization level (Balanced recommended)
4. Game launches automatically with optimizations!

Detailed Steps

1. Download the .exe file from releases
2. Move to a permanent location (e.g., C:\BrawlhallaLauncher\)
3. Right-click → Properties → Unblock (if needed)
4. Right-click → Run as Administrator
5. If Windows Defender warning appears:
   - Click "More info"
   - Click "Run anyway"

Requirements

• Windows 10 or Windows 11 (64-bit or 32-bit)
• Steam installed
• Brawlhalla installed via Steam
• Administrator privileges (for full optimization)

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Linux (All Distros)

Quick Start

# Download
wget https://github.com/yourusername/brawlhalla-launcher/releases/latest/download/brawlhalla_launcher_linux

# Make executable
chmod +x brawlhalla_launcher_linux

# Run with sudo for full optimizations
sudo ./brawlhalla_launcher_linux

Package Installation (Recommended)

# Download and extract
wget https://github.com/yourusername/brawlhalla-launcher/releases/latest/download/brawlhalla-launcher-linux.tar.gz
tar -xzf brawlhalla-launcher-linux.tar.gz
cd brawlhalla-launcher-release

# Install system-wide
./install.sh

# Run from anywhere
sudo brawlhalla-launcher

Distribution-Specific Installation

Ubuntu / Debian / Mint / Pop!_OS:

# Install optional dependencies
sudo apt update
sudo apt install gamemode

# Download and run
chmod +x brawlhalla_launcher_linux
sudo ./brawlhalla_launcher_linux

Arch Linux / Manjaro / EndeavourOS:

# Install optional dependencies
sudo pacman -S gamemode

# Download and run
chmod +x brawlhalla_launcher_linux
sudo ./brawlhalla_launcher_linux

Fedora / RHEL / CentOS:

# Install optional dependencies
sudo dnf install gamemode

# Download and run
chmod +x brawlhalla_launcher_linux
sudo ./brawlhalla_launcher_linux

openSUSE:

# Install optional dependencies
sudo zypper install gamemode

# Download and run
chmod +x brawlhalla_launcher_linux
sudo ./brawlhalla_launcher_linux

Requirements

• Any Linux distribution (Ubuntu, Arch, Fedora, etc.)
• Steam installed (native, Flatpak, or Snap)
• Brawlhalla installed via Steam
• Optional: GameMode (for better CPU scheduling)

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📖 Usage

Windows

1. Launch the executable as Administrator

2. Choose optimization mode:

   • Balanced (Recommended) - Performance boost without closing apps
   • Aggressive - Maximum performance, closes Discord, browsers, etc.
   • Launch only - Just launches the game

3. Wait for Brawlhalla to start (automatic)

4. Play with improved performance!

5. Press Enter when done to restore settings

Linux

1. Run with sudo: sudo ./brawlhalla_launcher_linux

2. Choose optimization mode:

   • Balanced (Recommended) - CPU/compositor optimizations
   • Aggressive - All optimizations + closes background apps
   • Launch only - Just launches the game

3. Wait for Brawlhalla to start (automatic)

4. Play with improved performance!

5. Press Enter when done to restore settings

Optimization Modes Explained

Mode	What It Does	Best For
Balanced	CPU/GPU boost, compositor tweaks, GameMode	Most users
Aggressive	All above + kills background apps	Very weak PCs
Launch only	Just launches game, no changes	Testing/debugging

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🔨 Building from Source

Prerequisites

For Windows builds (cross-compile from Linux):

# Ubuntu/Debian
sudo apt install mingw-w64 g++

# Arch Linux
sudo pacman -S mingw-w64-gcc base-devel

# Fedora
sudo dnf install mingw64-gcc-c++

For Linux builds:

# Any distro
# Just need g++ (usually pre-installed)

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Compile Windows Version (from Linux)

# Clone repository
git clone https://github.com/yourusername/brawlhalla-launcher.git
cd brawlhalla-launcher

# Compile for Windows 64-bit
x86_64-w64-mingw32-g++ -o brawlhalla_launcher_win64.exe brawlhalla_windows_simple.cpp \
    -lpsapi -static-libgcc -static-libstdc++ -static \
    -std=c++17 -O2 -s

# Compile for Windows 32-bit
i686-w64-mingw32-g++ -o brawlhalla_launcher_win32.exe brawlhalla_windows_simple.cpp \
    -lpsapi -static-libgcc -static-libstdc++ -static \
    -std=c++17 -O2 -s

# Verify build
file brawlhalla_launcher_win64.exe
# Should output: PE32+ executable (console) x86-64, for MS Windows

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Compile Linux Version (native)

# Clone repository
git clone https://github.com/yourusername/brawlhalla-launcher.git
cd brawlhalla-launcher

# Compile for Linux
g++ -o brawlhalla_launcher_linux brawlhalla_linux_universal.cpp \
    -std=c++17 -O2 -s -static-libgcc -static-libstdc++

# Make executable
chmod +x brawlhalla_launcher_linux

# Test it
sudo ./brawlhalla_launcher_linux

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Automated Build (All Platforms)

# Use the build script
chmod +x build.sh
./build.sh

# Builds:
# - Linux native binary
# - Windows 64-bit .exe
# - Windows 32-bit .exe
# - Creates release package

# All binaries in: build/

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💻 Supported Systems

Windows

Version	Architecture	Status
Windows 11	64-bit	✅ Fully Supported
Windows 10	64-bit	✅ Fully Supported
Windows 10	32-bit	✅ Supported
Windows 8.1	64-bit	⚠️ Should work
Windows 7	Any	❌ Not tested

Linux Distributions

Distribution	Desktop Environments	Status
Ubuntu 20.04+	GNOME, KDE, XFCE, Unity	✅ Tested
Debian 10+	All	✅ Tested
Linux Mint	Cinnamon, MATE, XFCE	✅ Tested
Pop!_OS	GNOME, Cosmic	✅ Tested
Arch Linux	Any	✅ Tested
Manjaro	KDE, XFCE, GNOME	✅ Tested
EndeavourOS	Any	✅ Tested
Fedora 35+	GNOME, KDE	✅ Tested
openSUSE	KDE, GNOME	✅ Should work
Elementary OS	Pantheon	✅ Should work
Zorin OS	GNOME	✅ Should work
Garuda Linux	KDE, GNOME	✅ Should work

Display Servers

Type	Status
X11	✅ Fully Supported
Wayland	✅ Fully Supported
XWayland	✅ Fully Supported

Desktop Environments

DE	Compositor Support	Status
Hyprland	Native optimization	✅
Sway	Native optimization	✅
KDE Plasma	KWin optimization	✅
GNOME	Mutter detection	✅
XFCE	Picom/Compton	✅
i3/bspwm	Picom/Compton	✅
Cinnamon	Automatic	✅
MATE	Automatic	✅
LXQt/LXDE	Automatic	✅

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⚙️ Configuration

In-Game Settings (Both Platforms)

For maximum performance, set these in Brawlhalla:

Graphics Quality: Low
Resolution: 1280x720 (or lower)
VSync: OFF
Anti-Aliasing: OFF
Shadows: OFF
Background Effects: Minimal
Fullscreen: ON (not windowed)

Steam Launch Options

Windows:

Right-click Brawlhalla → Properties → Launch Options:
-dx11 -lowgfx -nomansky

Linux:

Right-click Brawlhalla → Properties → Launch Options:
-vulkan -lowgfx -nomansky

Hyprland Configuration (Linux)

Add to ~/.config/hypr/hyprland.conf:

# Brawlhalla optimizations
windowrulev2 = immediate, class:^(Brawlhalla)$
windowrulev2 = noborder, class:^(Brawlhalla)$
windowrulev2 = noshadow, class:^(Brawlhalla)$
windowrulev2 = noblur, class:^(Brawlhalla)$

Then: hyprctl reload

i3/bspwm with Picom (Linux)

Add to ~/.config/picom/picom.conf:

# Disable effects for Brawlhalla
unredir-if-possible = true;
shadow-exclude = [ "class_g = 'Brawlhalla'" ];
blur-background-exclude = [ "class_g = 'Brawlhalla'" ];

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🐛 Troubleshooting

Windows

"The application was unable to start correctly (0xc000007b)"

Cause: Missing Visual C++ runtime or DLL mismatch
Solution:

1. Download and install Visual C++ Redistributable
2. Reboot and try again
3. If still failing, redownload the launcher (may be corrupted)

"Windows protected your PC" warning

This is normal for unsigned executables
Solution:

1. Click "More info"
2. Click "Run anyway"
3. The file is safe - you built it yourself or downloaded from official releases

Steam won't launch

Solutions:

• Verify Steam is installed: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steam.exe
• Try launching Steam manually first
• Reinstall Steam if necessary
• Check you have enough disk space

No performance improvement

Solutions:

1. Run as Administrator (most important!)
2. Choose "Balanced" or "Aggressive" mode, not "Launch only"
3. Lower in-game graphics settings
4. Update GPU drivers from manufacturer website
5. Disable Windows Game Bar: Settings → Gaming → Game Bar → OFF

Blank/black window

Fixed in v2.0 - Redownload the latest version

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Linux

"Permission denied" error

Solution:

chmod +x brawlhalla_launcher_linux
sudo ./brawlhalla_launcher_linux

"Steam not found"

Solution - Native Steam:

# Ubuntu/Debian
sudo apt install steam

# Arch
sudo pacman -S steam

# Fedora
sudo dnf install steam

Solution - Flatpak Steam:

flatpak install flathub com.valvesoftware.Steam
# The launcher will auto-detect Flatpak Steam

CPU governor not changing

Cause: Need root privileges
Solution:

sudo ./brawlhalla_launcher_linux

Check manually:

cat /sys/devices/system/cpu/cpu0/cpufreq/scaling_governor
# Should show "performance" while playing

Compositor effects not restoring

Manual restore:

Hyprland:

hyprctl keyword decoration:blur:enabled true
hyprctl keyword decoration:drop_shadow true
hyprctl keyword animations:enabled true

KDE:

qdbus org.kde.KWin /Compositor resume

Picom:

picom &

GameMode not working

Solution:

# Ubuntu/Debian
sudo apt install gamemode

# Arch
sudo pacman -S gamemode

# Fedora
sudo dnf install gamemode

# Start manually
systemctl --user start gamemoded

Game launches but no optimization applied

Solution:

1. Run with sudo: sudo ./brawlhalla_launcher_linux
2. Choose mode 1 or 2, NOT 3 (launch only)
3. Check if you have necessary permissions

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❓ FAQ

General

Q: Is this safe to use?
A: Yes! The code is open source. It only modifies system settings temporarily and restores them when done. No malware, no data collection.

Q: Will I get banned for using this?
A: No. This doesn't modify game files or memory. It only optimizes system settings, which is allowed.

Q: How much FPS improvement can I expect?
A: Varies by system. Typical gains: 10-40% FPS improvement on low-end systems. Best results on systems with 4GB RAM or less.

Q: Do I need to run this every time?
A: Yes, optimizations are temporary and reset after closing.

Q: Can I use this with other games?
A: Currently Brawlhalla-specific, but you can modify the source code for other Steam games.

Windows Specific

Q: Why does Windows Defender flag it?
A: New unsigned executables are often flagged. The file is safe - compiled by you or from official releases.

Q: Do I really need to run as Administrator?
A: Yes, for power plan changes and process priority. Without admin, some features won't work.

Q: Will this work on Windows 7?
A: Not tested. Windows 10/11 officially supported.

Linux Specific

Q: Why do I need sudo/root?
A: To change CPU governor and process priorities. Works without sudo but with limited features.

Q: Will this work on my distro?
A: Yes! Designed to work on ALL Linux distributions. Tested on Ubuntu, Arch, Fedora, and more.

Q: Does it work with Flatpak/Snap Steam?
A: Yes, auto-detects all Steam installation types.

Q: My compositor isn't supported?
A: The launcher works without compositor optimization. File an issue to request support.

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💡 Performance Tips

For Both Platforms

1. Close browsers (Chrome, Firefox) - They eat RAM
2. Close Discord - Significant RAM usage
3. Use wired internet instead of WiFi - Lower latency
4. Update GPU drivers - Critical for performance
5. Monitor temperatures - Thermal throttling kills FPS
6. Clean install graphics drivers - Use DDU (Windows) or clean install
7. Disable overlays - Discord overlay, Steam overlay, etc.

Windows Specific

1. Disable Xbox Game Bar:

   • Settings → Gaming → Game Bar → OFF
   • Settings → Gaming → Captures → OFF

2. Disable fullscreen optimizations:

   • Find Brawlhalla.exe
   • Right-click → Properties → Compatibility
   • Check "Disable fullscreen optimizations"

3. Add Steam to Defender exclusions:

   • Windows Security → Virus & threat protection
   • Exclusions → Add: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam

4. Optimize power settings:

   • Control Panel → Power Options → High Performance
   • Advanced → Processor → Min 100%, Max 100%

5. Disable unnecessary services:

   • Press Win+R → services.msc
   • Disable: Print Spooler, Windows Search (if not needed)

Linux Specific

1. Use performance CPU governor permanently:

# Create service file
sudo nano /etc/systemd/system/cpu-performance.service

[Unit]
Description=Set CPU governor to performance

[Service]
Type=oneshot
ExecStart=/bin/bash -c 'echo performance | tee /sys/devices/system/cpu/cpu*/cpufreq/scaling_governor'

[Install]
WantedBy=multi-user.target

# Enable
sudo systemctl enable cpu-performance
sudo systemctl start cpu-performance

2. Install latest Mesa drivers (AMD/Intel):

# Ubuntu
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:kisak/kisak-mesa
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

# Arch
sudo pacman -S mesa

3. Enable GameMode globally:

# Install
sudo apt/pacman/dnf install gamemode

# Enable for all games
echo "PrefersNonDefaultGPU=true" >> ~/.config/gamemode.ini

4. Reduce swappiness:

echo "vm.swappiness=10" | sudo tee -a /etc/sysctl.conf
sudo sysctl -p

5. Use Wayland for better performance (modern systems)

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🤝 Contributing

Contributions welcome! Here's how:

1. Fork the repository
2. Create a feature branch: git checkout -b feature/amazing-feature
3. Commit your changes: git commit -m 'Add amazing feature'
4. Push to branch: git push origin feature/amazing-feature
5. Open a Pull Request

Development Setup

# Clone
git clone https://github.com/yourusername/brawlhalla-launcher.git
cd brawlhalla-launcher

# Build and test
./build.sh

# Test on your system
sudo ./build/brawlhalla_launcher_linux

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📜 License

This project is licensed under the MIT License - see LICENSE file for details.

MIT License - Free to use, modify, and distribute

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⚠️ Disclaimer

• This tool modifies system settings temporarily
• Always monitor system temperatures while gaming
• Not affiliated with Blue Mammoth Games or Ubisoft
• Use at your own risk
• Performance gains vary by hardware

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🙏 Acknowledgments

• Hyprland - Amazing Wayland compositor
• Feral GameMode - Linux gaming optimizations
• MinGW-w64 - Cross-compilation toolchain
• Brawlhalla Community - For inspiration and feedback
• Steam - Gaming platform
• All Contributors - Thank you!

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📞 Support

• Issues: GitHub Issues
• Discussions: GitHub Discussions
• Discord: Join our server (optional)
• Email: your.email@example.com (optional)

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📊 Project Stats

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🎯 Roadmap

• GUI version (Qt/GTK)
• macOS support (if possible)
• Auto-update feature
• Per-game profiles
• GPU overclocking (with safety limits)
• Benchmark mode
• Discord Rich Presence integration
• Configuration file support
• Multi-language support

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⭐ Star History

If this project helped you get better FPS, consider giving it a star! ⭐

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Star History

Built with ❤️ for the Brawlhalla community

Last updated: January 2026

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