Manually Installing FreeSpace 2 Open - Revision history

TopAce: textual changes

2023-01-17T16:38:20Z

textual changes

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:38, 17 January 2023
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	<span style="font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; color:red">This page covers installing FSO and associated mods by hand. It is ~~STRONGLY RECCOMENDED~~ to use the [[Knossos (mod manager)]] as it considerably streamlines and automates the whole process.</span>		<span style="font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; color:red">This page covers installing FSO and associated mods by hand. It is strongly recommended to use the [[Knossos (mod manager)]] as it considerably streamlines and automates the whole process.</span>
	<br/> <br/>		<br/> <br/>

Qazwsx: Make it very clear that you should probably be using knossos.

2023-01-17T14:27:00Z

Make it very clear that you should probably be using knossos.

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:27, 17 January 2023
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	<span style="font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; color:red">This page covers installing FSO and associated mods by hand. ~~You may want~~ to use the [[Knossos (mod manager)~~]] or the [[FreeSpace Open Installer~~]] as it considerably streamlines and automates the whole process.</span>		<span style="font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; color:red">This page covers installing FSO and associated mods by hand. It is STRONGLY RECCOMENDED to use the [[Knossos (mod manager)]] as it considerably streamlines and automates the whole process.</span>
	<br/> <br/>		<br/> <br/>

PIe at 21:33, 2 September 2018

2018-09-02T21:33:49Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:33, 2 September 2018
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	<span style="font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; color:red">This page covers installing FSO and associated mods by hand. You may want to use the [[FreeSpace Open Installer]] as it considerably streamlines and automates the whole process.</span>		<span style="font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; color:red">This page covers installing FSO and associated mods by hand. You may want to use the [[Knossos (mod manager)]] or the [[FreeSpace Open Installer]] as it considerably streamlines and automates the whole process.</span>
	<br/> <br/>		<br/> <br/>

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	* First, you need to install the retail data from [[Installing FreeSpace 2\|FreeSpace 2]]		* First, you need to install the retail data from [[Installing FreeSpace 2\|FreeSpace 2]]
	* Second, the '''fs2_open build'''. This is the core game engine, a single executable file.		* Second, the '''fs2_open build'''. This is the core game engine, a single executable file.
	* Next, the '''~~Launcher~~'''. This lets you configure the fs2_open executable for your particular system, in much the same way the original FreeSpace 2 launcher is used to configure it.		* Next, the '''launcher'''. This lets you configure the fs2_open executable for your particular system, in much the same way the original FreeSpace 2 launcher is used to configure it.
	* Finally, the '''MediaVPs'''. These contain all sorts of graphical improvements and are highly recommended. Version numbers of mediaVPs generally agree with the fs2_open build that they're supposed to be used with.		* Finally, the '''MediaVPs'''. These contain all sorts of graphical improvements and are highly recommended. Version numbers of mediaVPs generally agree with the fs2_open build that they're supposed to be used with.

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	Unless you are using an extremely old build, you will want to get the appropriate launcher for your OS. It may be bundled with your release but the direct download link is below.		Unless you are using an extremely old build, you will want to get the appropriate launcher for your OS. It may be bundled with your release but the direct download link is below.

	Windows: [http://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php?topic=67950.0 wxLauncher] ~~(highly recommended) or [http://swc.fs2downloads.com/files/Launcher55g.zip Launcher 5.5g] (does not work on Windows 8/10)~~		Windows: [http://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php?topic=67950.0 wxLauncher]

	OS X: [http://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php?topic=67950.0 wxLauncher] unless you are using Tiger or a PowerPC Mac, in which case use Soulstorm's [http://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php?topic=51391.0 OS X Launcher 3.0] ([[Soulstorm's OS X Launcher\|instructions]])		OS X: [http://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php?topic=67950.0 wxLauncher] unless you are using Tiger or a PowerPC Mac, in which case use Soulstorm's [http://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php?topic=51391.0 OS X Launcher 3.0] ([[Soulstorm's OS X Launcher\|instructions]])
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	Recent Builds are ones that individual coders release. Most of the time they're released to either test or showcase some particular new feature. If you're curious about how reliable a build is, your best bet is to check the original thread it was posted in and see what people's responses were.		Recent Builds are ones that individual coders release. Most of the time they're released to either test or showcase some particular new feature. If you're curious about how reliable a build is, your best bet is to check the original thread it was posted in and see what people's responses were.

	[~~http~~://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php/board,97.0.html Test builds forum]		[https://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php/board,97.0.html Test builds forum]

	[~~http~~://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php/board,113.0.html Cross Platform Development forum (for Linux/OS X builds)]		[https://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php/board,113.0.html Cross Platform Development forum (for Linux/OS X builds)]

	=== Nightly Builds ===		=== Nightly Builds ===
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	In addition to recent builds, nightly builds are built every evening after any changes have been applied to the source code. These are put out so that the code base can be quickly verified for general stability. Testing nightly builds on a regular basis and reporting bugs helps ensure a stable code base is maintained.		In addition to recent builds, nightly builds are built every evening after any changes have been applied to the source code. These are put out so that the code base can be quickly verified for general stability. Testing nightly builds on a regular basis and reporting bugs helps ensure a stable code base is maintained.

	[~~http~~://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php/board,173.0.html Nightly builds forum]		[https://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php/board,173.0.html Nightly builds forum]

	== Step Four: MediaVPs ==		== Step Four: MediaVPs ==

	With the release of the ~~2014~~ MediaVPs, there is once again only one set of recommended MediaVPs available. The detailed instructions for installing and the current links can currently be found in the MediaVPs Release Thread linked below.		With the release of the 3.8 MediaVPs, there is once again only one set of recommended MediaVPs available. The detailed instructions for installing and the current links can currently be found in the MediaVPs Release Thread linked below.

	MediaVPs should be installed in a new '~~mediavps_2014~~' directory under the main FreeSpace directory (\freespace2\~~mediavps_2014~~) This preserves the possibility to play with either with retail FreeSpace 2 vp files if this is desired (for example in multiplayer) and using the retail FreeSpace 2 executive files and requires minimal extra time to set up. (See step six for further details).		MediaVPs should be installed in a new 'MediaVPs_38X' directory under the main FreeSpace directory (\freespace2\MediaVPs_38X) This preserves the possibility to play with either with retail FreeSpace 2 vp files if this is desired (for example in multiplayer) and using the retail FreeSpace 2 executive files and requires minimal extra time to set up. (See step six for further details).

	[~~http~~://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php?topic=~~86475~~.0 ~~2014~~ MediaVPs Release Thread]		[https://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php?topic=94988.0 3.8 MediaVPs Release Thread]

	== Step Five: Configuring Everything ==		== Step Five: Configuring Everything ==
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	=== Basic setup ===		=== Basic setup ===

	At this point, you have one final stage remaining before fs2_open is ready to go. Open up ~~the Launcher. (It should be in your main FreeSpace 2 folder)~~. Select the EXE you'd like to use ~~by clicking~~ the "~~Browse...~~" ~~button at the top of the Launcher~~. There are two types typically for any build release:		At this point, you have one final stage remaining before fs2_open is ready to go. Open up wxLauncher. Select the EXE you'd like to use from the dropdown menu in the "Basic Settings" tab. There are two types typically for any build release:
	* a debug build with the name containing 'd' or '~~debug~~' right after the version number. For example, ~~fs2_open_3_6_10'''d'''~~.exe.		* a debug build with the name containing 'd', 'debug' or 'FASTDBG' right after the version number. For example, fs2_open_3_8_0_x64_AVX-FASTDBG.exe.
	* a regular/release build with the name containing 'r' or nothing right after the version number. For example, ~~fs2_open_3_6_10.exe or fs2_open_3_6_11'''r'''_sse2-20100131_r5862~~.exe.		* a regular/release build with the name containing 'r' or nothing right after the version number. For example, fs2_open_3_8_0_x64_AVX.exe.

	For normal play you will want to use a regular build but for any testing, development, or bug reporting you definitely want to use a ~~'d'~~ build. For example, ~~fs2_open_3_6_10d~~.exe vs ~~fs2_open_3_6_10~~.exe.		For normal play you will want to use a regular build but for any testing, development, or bug reporting you definitely want to use a debug build. For example, fs2_open_3_8_0_x64_AVX-FASTDBG.exe vs fs2_open_3_8_0_x64_AVX.exe.

	Next, ensure that the "Audio/Joystick" and "Network" tabs have the proper settings.		Next, ensure that the "Audio/Joystick" and "Network" tabs have the proper settings.
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	=== Video setup ===		=== Video setup ===

	On the "Video" ~~tab~~, you can choose choose various graphics options. Here, you can set the resolution as well as the colour depth. It is recommended to use a resolution greater or equal to 1024x768 at 32 bits of colour depth~~. The other options, especially the anisotropic filter and antialiasing sliders, should not be altered~~.		In the "Video" section, you can choose choose various graphics options. Here, you can set the resolution as well as the colour depth. It is recommended to use a resolution greater or equal to 1024x768 at 32 bits of colour depth.

	=== ~~Features~~ setup ===		=== Mod setup ===

	~~This~~ tab ~~is where most of fs2_open's options can be toggled~~ on and ~~off. At~~ the ~~top is a readout of your current command line; you should include this in any debugging reports you make~~.		The "Mods" tab lets you easily switch between mods by clicking on them and hitting the "Activate" button.

	~~The next box, with the buttons "Select mod" and "No mod"~~ allow you to choose a mod directory to use; files in the mod directory will be given precedence over other files, so you can easily switch between mods by installing them to different directories.		This tab allow you to choose a mod directory to use; files in the mod directory will be given precedence over other files, so you can easily switch between mods by installing them to different directories.

			=== Advanced setup ===

			This tab is where most of fs2_open's options can be toggled on and off. At the bottom is a readout of your current command line; you should include this in any debugging reports you make.

			The long list of checkboxes let you toggle the various new features in fs2_open, many of which are graphical improvements. Recommended options for midrange systems are "Enable post processing", "Enable soft particles" and "Enable FXAA anti-aliasing". There are many, many more options, but these should get you started.

	"Custom flags" allows you to add any command line flags that don't show up in the Launcher. This may be because they require additional arguments, as is the case with the "-fov" command line argument. For more information, see the [[Command-Line Reference]] page.		"Custom flags" allows you to add any command line flags that don't show up in the Launcher. This may be because they require additional arguments, as is the case with the "-fov" command line argument. For more information, see the [[Command-Line Reference]] page.

	Finally, the two boxes below this let you toggle the various new features in fs2_open, many of which are graphical improvements. Recommended options for midrange systems are "Enable specular", "Enable glowmaps", "Enable Environment Maps", and "Enable normal maps". (You may have to choose a different section in the drop-down box to get to some of these options). There are many, many more options, but these should get you started.		[http://wiki.hard-light.net/index.php/Command-Line_Reference line Flags]

	[http://~~www~~.hard-light.net~~/wiki~~/index.php/Command-Line_Reference ~~Command~~ line Flags]

	=== Language Setup ===		=== Language Setup ===

PIe: /* Official Releases */

2018-09-02T21:17:35Z

Official Releases

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:17, 2 September 2018
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	The first type is the "stable" release build. Additionally, some official release builds are available with installers. It's a good idea to get the most recent official release, even if you end up deciding to get a recent build anyway. Current official release is '''FreeSpace Open 3.8.0'''.		The first type is the "stable" release build. Additionally, some official release builds are available with installers. It's a good idea to get the most recent official release, even if you end up deciding to get a recent build anyway. Current official release is '''FreeSpace Open 3.8.0'''.

	[https://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php?topic=93812.0 FreeSpace Open 3.7.4 release thread]		[https://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php?topic=93812.0 FreeSpace Open 3.8.0 release thread]

	=== Test Builds ===		=== Test Builds ===

PIe: /* Official Releases */

2018-09-02T21:17:25Z

Official Releases

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:17, 2 September 2018
Line 28:		Line 28:

	=== Official Releases ===		=== Official Releases ===
	The first type is the "stable" release build. Additionally, some official release builds are available with installers. It's a good idea to get the most recent official release, even if you end up deciding to get a recent build anyway. Current official release is '''FreeSpace Open 3.7.4'''.		The first type is the "stable" release build. Additionally, some official release builds are available with installers. It's a good idea to get the most recent official release, even if you end up deciding to get a recent build anyway. Current official release is '''FreeSpace Open 3.8.0'''.

	[~~http~~://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php?topic=~~92181~~.0 FreeSpace Open 3.7.4 release thread]		[https://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php?topic=93812.0 FreeSpace Open 3.7.4 release thread]

	=== Test Builds ===		=== Test Builds ===

Mongoose: /* Step Three: Choosing a build */

2017-02-12T19:10:26Z

Step Three: Choosing a build

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:10, 12 February 2017
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	=== Official Releases ===		=== Official Releases ===
	The first type is the "stable" release build. Additionally, some official release builds are available with installers. It's a good idea to get the most recent official release, even if you end up deciding to get a recent build anyway. Current official release is '''FreeSpace Open 3.7.0'''.		The first type is the "stable" release build. Additionally, some official release builds are available with installers. It's a good idea to get the most recent official release, even if you end up deciding to get a recent build anyway. Current official release is '''FreeSpace Open 3.7.4'''.

	[http://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php?topic=~~85435~~.0 FreeSpace Open 3.7.0 release thread]		[http://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php?topic=92181.0 FreeSpace Open 3.7.4 release thread]

	=== Test Builds ===		=== Test Builds ===

Mongoose: /* Step Two: Getting the Launcher */

2017-02-12T19:09:03Z

Step Two: Getting the Launcher

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:09, 12 February 2017
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	Unless you are using an extremely old build, you will want to get the appropriate launcher for your OS. It may be bundled with your release but the direct download link is below.		Unless you are using an extremely old build, you will want to get the appropriate launcher for your OS. It may be bundled with your release but the direct download link is below.

	Windows: [http://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php?topic=67950.0 wxLauncher] (recommended) or [http://swc.fs2downloads.com/files/Launcher55g.zip Launcher 5.5g]		Windows: [http://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php?topic=67950.0 wxLauncher] (highly recommended) or [http://swc.fs2downloads.com/files/Launcher55g.zip Launcher 5.5g] (does not work on Windows 8/10)

	OS X: [http://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php?topic=67950.0 wxLauncher] unless you are using Tiger or a PowerPC Mac, in which case use Soulstorm's [http://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php?topic=51391.0 OS X Launcher 3.0] ([[Soulstorm's OS X Launcher\|instructions]])		OS X: [http://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php?topic=67950.0 wxLauncher] unless you are using Tiger or a PowerPC Mac, in which case use Soulstorm's [http://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php?topic=51391.0 OS X Launcher 3.0] ([[Soulstorm's OS X Launcher\|instructions]])

Goober5000: add note about FSO Installer

2016-01-10T19:24:14Z

add note about FSO Installer

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-This guide assumes you already have a working copy of FreeSpace 2 installed. If not, see [[Installing FreeSpace 2]]. <!--Also, this build assumes you do not use an installer. If you do, skip down Step One.-->
+<span style="font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; color:red">This page covers installing FSO and associated mods by hand.  You may want to use the [[FreeSpace Open Installer]] as it considerably streamlines and automates the whole process.</span>
-<!-- Commented out: installer currently not working
+This guide assumes you already have a working copy of FreeSpace 2 installed. If not, see [[Installing FreeSpace 2]].
 == Step One: Understanding what you need ==
 There are three main components that you need to get the most out of fs2_open.

Goober5000: moved Installing FreeSpace 2 Open to Manually Installing FreeSpace 2 Open: change title for clarity

2016-01-10T19:07:34Z

moved Installing FreeSpace 2 Open to Manually Installing FreeSpace 2 Open: change title for clarity

← Older revision	Revision as of 19:07, 10 January 2016
(No difference)

Echelon9: Reflect source code hosting via Git

2015-05-03T04:09:16Z

Reflect source code hosting via Git

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:09, 3 May 2015
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	=== Nightly Builds ===		=== Nightly Builds ===

	In addition to recent builds, nightly builds are built every evening after any changes have been applied to the ~~main~~ code ~~base in SVN~~. These are put out so that the code base can be quickly verified for general stability. Testing nightly builds on a regular basis and reporting bugs helps ensure a stable code base is maintained.		In addition to recent builds, nightly builds are built every evening after any changes have been applied to the source code. These are put out so that the code base can be quickly verified for general stability. Testing nightly builds on a regular basis and reporting bugs helps ensure a stable code base is maintained.

	[http://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php/board,173.0.html Nightly builds forum]		[http://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php/board,173.0.html Nightly builds forum]