Amiga Native Setup

Install tools directly on your system

Skip Docker and install the vasm 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. Build vasm from Source

vasm isn't in Homebrew, so you'll need to build it:

curl -O http://sun.hasenbraten.de/vasm/release/vasm.tar.gz
tar xzf vasm.tar.gz
cd vasm
make CPU=m68k SYNTAX=mot
sudo cp vasmm68k_mot /usr/local/bin/

3. Install FS-UAE Emulator

brew install --cask fs-uae

You'll also need Kickstart ROMs (not included due to copyright).

4. Verify Installation

vasmm68k_mot -quiet -Fhunkexe -o test test.asm

1. Download vasm

Download pre-built Windows binaries from sun.hasenbraten.de/vasm.

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

2. Download FS-UAE

Download FS-UAE from fs-uae.net.

You'll also need Kickstart ROMs (not included due to copyright).

3. Install amitools (optional)

For creating ADF disk images:

pip install amitools

1. Build vasm from Source

wget http://sun.hasenbraten.de/vasm/release/vasm.tar.gz
tar xzf vasm.tar.gz
cd vasm
make CPU=m68k SYNTAX=mot
sudo cp vasmm68k_mot /usr/local/bin/

2. Install FS-UAE

sudo apt install fs-uae fs-uae-launcher

Or download from fs-uae.net for the latest version.

3. Install amitools

pip install amitools

Building Your Code

Once installed, build your assembly files:

vasmm68k_mot -Fhunkexe -kick1hunks -o game game.asm

Create a bootable ADF disk:

xdftool game.adf create + format "Game" + boot install + write game

Then run in FS-UAE with your Kickstart ROM configured.

You'll also need ROMs

FS-UAE needs a Kickstart ROM (and Workbench) to boot — you provide your own. Amiga Forever is the easy, legal route; here are all your options.How to get your Amiga ROMs →

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