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