C64 with ACME

Alternative local tools for this machine’s assembly lessons.

This guide uses ACME. For the recommended Asm198x workflow and available browser lessons, use the main setup guide.

Install the alternative tools

macOS

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

Windows

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

Linux

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 →

← Back to Setup Guide Start the C64 Curriculum →