Here's a guide to getting Generals and Zero Hour working in Proton/Linux.

These instructions apply to both games, so you'll need to follow them separately for each to ensure both run smoothly. While some steps might seem complex, just follow along and your games will work great.

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First, make sure you have protontricks.
Install Flatpak:
Run:

Add this to your .bashrc file to call protontricks from your terminal whenever you need it:
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Next, download GenTool [www.gentool.net].
Notice: Download the zip file version, not the exe.

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After installing in Steam:

1. Open the game directory and delete dbghelp.dll and browserengine.dll if it exists.
   
2. Extract the GenTool zip file into this directory, ensuring d3d8.dll is now in the game folder.
   
3. Open protontricks:
   
   • Select your game (Generals or Zero Hour).
     
   • Choose default wineprefix
     
   • Choose install a Windows DLL or Component
     
   • Sort by Title, and install Visual C++ 2008 libraries first, then Visual C++ 2010 libraries.
     
   • After installation, run winecfg from the protontricks window.
     
   • Set the Windows version to Windows 10.
     
   • In the libraries tab, add d3d8 and click apply & OK. Close protontricks.
     
4. In Steam, open the game's properties and set the following as command line parameters:
   
   PROTON_FORCE_LARGE_ADDRESS_AWARE=1 PROTON_NO_D3D10=1 %command%

Create a new file called "Options.ini" and add it into the game's My Documents/<game name> Data/ directory.

For example:

Replace <game number> with:

• Generals: 229870
  
• Zero Hour: 2732960

If the directory doesn't exist, run the game once, even if it fails to start.

Options.ini content - note here you can change your resolution and some other settings, but don't play around with it too much or you can cause problems:

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You're ready to play! However, I highly recommend at least adding a new Command Bar for more enjoyable play. It's a type of HUD mod for the bottom of the screen..

Here's a link to some mods, but there are more out there:
Generals moddb
Zero Hour moddb

Adding new .big files should always be placed in the main directory. Any other files should go in their respective /Data/<type of file>/ directories.

Always follow the instructions that come with a mod.
Any mistakes with this guide, problems or questions, please post here.

Good luck, General!