C64 Native Setup

Install tools directly on your system

Skip Docker and install the ACME assembler natively. You'll manage updates yourself, but get a simpler workflow for quick builds.

1. Install Homebrew (if needed)

/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"

2. Install ACME Assembler

brew install acme

3. Install VICE Emulator

brew install --cask vice

This installs x64sc (the cycle-accurate C64 emulator) and other VICE tools.

4. Verify Installation

acme --version

1. Download ACME

Download the latest ACME release from SourceForge.

Extract to a folder like C:\Tools\acme and add it to your PATH.

2. Download VICE

Download VICE from vice-emu.sourceforge.io.

The Windows GTK3 build is recommended. Extract and optionally add to PATH.

3. Verify Installation

acme --version

1. Install ACME (Debian/Ubuntu)

sudo apt install acme

On other distros, build from source or check your package manager.

2. Install VICE

sudo apt install vice

3. Verify Installation

acme --version && x64sc --version

Building Your Code

Once installed, build your assembly files directly:

acme -f cbm -o game.prg game.asm

Then run in VICE:

x64sc game.prg

You'll also need ROMs

VICE doesn't include the C64's system ROMs (KERNAL, BASIC, character) — you provide your own. It's free where it can be, and cheap where it can't.How to get your C64 ROMs →

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