Version 1.07.1 : The Unofficial Guide to the Unofficial Patch (WIP)

Whether you're new to Spacebase DF-9 or a returning player, you won't want to start without the unofficial patch from Derelict Games! Did the reviews tell you the game was left unfinished? Did you ragequit on the developers when the developers ragequit on you? Do you remember that massive invasion that always came way. too. early!? Here, let me help you change all that.

1) Getting Started

The most current patch is:

• Windows 7/8/10 -- Version 1.07.1
  
• Linux -- Version 1.07
  
• Mac -- N/A

This guide is currently written according to Version 1.07.1 for Windows
(With limited Linux v1.07 instructions)

What is the Unofficial Patch?

The gist of it is that a group of fine, talented people formed a team that calls themselves Derelict Games in order to bring you, the player, a more advanced version of our favorite game, Spacebase DF-9. If that's all you need to know for now, scroll down to the next blue header. If you'd like to know more, here are some words from DG!

Originally posted by Skenners:

Derelict Games was formed to create additional content for Spacebase DF9 after it was finished by Double Fine.
The Derelict Games Patch System is designed to deliver the content in absence of the Steam Workshop distribution network.

Patch version 1.07 was created with new content including bug fixes, fixes to major balancing issues, new objects and back end code rewrites.
Version 1.07.1 was a follow up patch that included all of data for 1.07 as well as other bug fixes and a rewrite of the menu structure for Squad Implementation.

Patch Version 1.08 is due for release in early to mid december, covering a complete rewrite of back end code to be modification friendly and data driven, as well as a few small, new objects.

DG now has a Roadmap[www.spacebasehub.net] of what they are working on for future patch updates.

You can also find more information at either the SpaceBase Hub[www.spacebasehub.net], or their project at GitLab[gitlab.com].

Now Go Download

All revved up? Great! Make sure you have the game installed in your Steam library, and then head to the SpaceBase Hub[www.spacebasehub.net] to grab a patch installer. If you're a Windows user, you'll find that the download is a .zip file containing a .exe file. This might make some people wary, but it's totally legit. The reason why they do this apparently has something to do with the way they're hosting the file or some such and are unable to host the .exe file directly. They do, however, plan on fixing that as well as sprucing up their site. (But if you ask me, it looks pretty nice already.)



Make sure that you're looking at the latest patch. If for some reason you're seeing patch v1.07 on that big giant yellow button, you might need to clear your cache or open the link up in incognito mode.

1.a) How To Install (Windows)

So, you've got a Windows machine and naturally your mouse aims for the button to download a Windows installer for the patch. The file you get should be something like:


Step 1:
You can open up the .zip file and use the .exe from directly inside it without any problems, but if you're still concerned, unzip it somewhere. Now double click UnofficialSpacebasePatchv1071.exe and it should bring up the installer as seen below:



Read the Terms and Conditions if you want, but it's basically just a legal disclaimer stating that they're not responsible for damages. Check the box that says "I agree (etc)" and take a look at the installation directory below. The directory should read something like:

C:\Program Files (x86)\steam\steamapps\common\SpacebaseDF9

If for some reason the directory is incorrect or your Steam games are installed somewhere else, just click "Open" and look for your Steam folder. From there go to steamapps --> common --> SpacebaseDF9 and then hit "OK". Make sure to doublecheck the directory address.

Step 2:
If you already have a saved game, I recommend deleting it for a fresh start. Or, if you think you might return to it at some point, you can simply remove the save file and store it somewhere safe. To do this, go to Documents --> SpacebaseDF9 --> Saves and delete or remove the file SpacebaseDF9AutoSave.sav and then go back to the installer.

Note: I'm not currently sure if save files are compatible between versions.

Step 3:
If you want to know more about Derelict Games or get a quick peek at how to send in bug reports, check out the "READ ME!" button for a delicious text window. If you have a patch already installed, click the "Rollback to v1.06 (uninstall)" button, which will roll you back to the original version of the game. Also do this if you have an earlier version of the patch and you're trying to upgrade. If you're ready to engage with the new patch, hit "Install" and move to the next chapter of this guide!

1.b) How To Install (Linux) -- WIP

WIP

2) Testing the Game

Now, before you start playing, keep in mind that no matter how much these patches have been tested before release, there's always going to be a discrepancy between code that's been tested in a controlled environment and code thrown out into the wild. So you're bound to run into some problems.

The following sections are:

• 2.a Try This First : If it's a common problem, it's listed here along with solutions.
  
• 2.b If That Doesn't Work : Basic troubleshooting tips for if you're not sure what's wrong.
  
• 2.c When All Else Fails : If neither of the previous sections worked for you, this is how you get your problem heard by someone who can help more directly.

2.a) Try This First

Some issues with the game are known or common enough that a fix already exists! Scroll through the blue headers until you find your bug, and if you still can't fix the problem, move on to 2.b, the next section of this chapter.

Miners, Rocks, No Refineries and Crashing

In v1.07.1, a lot of players are having issues with the game crashing in various situations involving mined matter. This isn't really a fault of the patch. Apparently there's a file missing in some people's games that's causing this. Luckily, you can just download the file from here[nebula.wsimg.com].

Once downloaded, rename the file to:

 Rock.lua 

and then move it to the following directory:
Windows

 <drive> :\Program Files (x86)\steam\steamapps\common\SpacebaseDF9\Data\Scripts\Pickups 

Linux

  ~\SpacebaseDF9\Data\Scripts\Pickups 

The easiest way to determine if this is your problem is to just open up that directory and check if you already have the Rock.lua file. If not, then what are you waiting for? Download it!

Closed the Roster, Crashed

This can happen if you sort the crew to "UNASSIGNED". Use the "JOB" sorting option instead!

2.b) If That Doesn't Work

If you don't know what's wrong with your game, try these steps.
If you have a vague idea of what's causing the problem, check chapter 2.a.

For a temporary solution, restart the game! If you can manage to Save & Quit, great. If not, don't worry too much because the game probably auto-saved a little before your game froze.

If after restarting the game you get the same problem, you might need to reroll the patch. To do so, first go to:
Windows

  <drive>:\Users\<your user name>\Documents\SpacebaseDF9\saves\ 

Linux

  ~/.local/share/doublefine/spacebasedf9/Saves/ 

Either delete or remove your save file SpacebaseDF9AutoSave.sav
If you still have the patch installer around, use it to roll back to v1.06. If not, go download the installer again. After rolling back to v1.06, you can either choose to move your save file back in, start a new game in v1.06 then Save & Quit, or do nothing. Whatever you decide to do, reinstall the patch and then continue your game or start a new one.

If you're still having problems, there's always the option of rolling back to v1.06 and then verifying the integrity of your file cache through Steam. You can even resort to uninstalling the game entirely, reinstalling it, verifying the integrity of your file cache afterwards, and then reinstalling the patch, but if your problems are coming from the patch, this probably won't work. If you'd rather verify if it's the base game or the patch before you do anything, just roll back to v1.06 and try to recreate the problem. If nothing happens, then your problem is with the patch and you can move on to the next section of this chapter.

2.c) When All Else Fails

If you're familiar with standard troubleshooting protocol, go ahead and check that your drivers are up to date, etc. If you're still having issues, it's time to ask for help. You can skip to the chapter "More About Derelict Games" for different ways of getting in touch with their staff, but in order to get the most optimum help, you'll probably want to build a full bug report. It's okay if you're not computer savvy, just follow these instructions and you'll be fine.

How to build a bug report

Pull out your favorite e-mail composer and have it addressed to:

 [e-mail] 

Step 1:
Put something relevant in the Subject line and then in the body tell the DG guys what you were doing in the game when the bug happened. Did you switch someone's job in the roster? Were you being invaded? Have you been subjected to witnessing the act of one of your precious builders getting sucked out into space? Did your game crash, or did it freeze? Did the HUD start flipping out like an acid trip paused mid-rainbow?

Step 2:
If you can recreate the problem, open up the game and start taking screenshots of the problem when you can. You can either use Steam's built-in screenshot function, or on Windows you can use the shortcut Alt + Print Screen (Prnt Scrn) to save a fullscreen screenshot. If you're not sure how to do either of these, look it up on Google (there are a lot of ways to take screenshots, including a built-in application called the Snipping Tool).

Once you have your screenshots, either attach them to the e-mail or copy and paste the links.
As a note, it's a good habit to take screenshots as soon as you run into a problem so that the next time you send in a bug report, you don't have to spend any extra efforts.

Step 3:
You might not have any screenshots, but if you still have your save file from the game you were playing when the bug happened, attach that too! To get your save file, reference chapter 2.a.

Step 4:
The most useful information you can probably send is the log file. You can find this at:
Windows

 <drive>:\Program Files (x86)\steam\steamapps\common\SpacebaseDF9\moai_log_space.txt 

Linux

 ~/.steam/steam/steamapps/common/SpacebaseDF9/moai_log_Space.txt 

Just attach the moai_log_space.txt file to the e-mail and you're done! Send out the e-mail and someone from DG should get back to you as soon as they can. And if nothing else, it'll help them debug their project for the next patch.

Let's Play! (Basics+)

Assuming that you're able to run the game without any devastating problems, it's time to actually get into the game!

Spacebase DF-9 is an isometric view space building game. The new patches provide bug fixes as well as new items and gameplay options. Most of these will be covered in the Gameplay Basics videos below.

Gameplay Basics+

The very basics of the game for version 1.07.1.
How to survive the first 8 minutes without letting your people die. How to work the squad menu as well as looking at parasites!

Objects & Their Personal Space

Some Objects require space around them for your spacebasers to access. For example, the bed requires one block around it on all sides to be used, but the dresser doesnt.

Objects like the Airlock Spacesuit or the fire extinguisher require not only one unit of space in front of them, but also need to be attached to a wall.

Basic Bugs List

1. One of the major bugs found was a missing file, Rock.lua. Instructions for replacing the file can be found on the SpaceBaseHub.Net website. Instructions are also available in section 2.a ("Try This First"). This will automatically be fixed in subsequent patches and mods.

2. Some bugs are found when using the squad menu. Please view the Basics 1 video to see how to use the Squad Menu without causing any significant bugs.

3. There is at least one NPC event where the text for the player response options are switched. When in doubt, choose the appropriate response depending on the icon rather than the text.

The Walk Through Space (WIP)

--Did you go through the tutorial?
--What the tutorial missed.
--Let's play along. (Not too much detail, just enough to address bugs.)
--Picking a map.

Where Is My Space Station?

--How to save your first three citizens.
--Priorities.
--Early game notes, and what to expect.

I Need Facilities

--What rooms are what.
--Priorities.
--Ideal sizes.

What Just Happened

--People.
--Enemies.
--HORDE.
--Events.

Don't Step On These Bugs

--Game crashes if miner brings in matter and there's no refinery? --Rock.lua error

Tips, Tricks, & Tactics (WIP)

While Derelict Games is working hard to rebalance the game, the other guides for this game should still be pretty relevant, especially if you're having a tough time with Raiders. Nevertheless, if you just want some basic advice on what to do, I might have something for you. Or, if there's any advice you'd like to give, leave a comment and I'll throw it up here.

Raiders

WIP

Derelicts

WIP

More About Derelict Games

Now that you've had your fill of Spacebase DF-9, let's take some downtime to show Derelict Games some love.

What are some ways to get more information on Derelict Games?

To find out what's up and coming in future versions of the patch, check out the Roadmap[www.spacebasehub.net]!

The patch installer has a Read Me pop up and DG has a GitLab project[gitlab.com] that also provides some info on the homepage, but for a more visually friendly site I'd go to the SpaceBase Hub[www.spacebasehub.net]. The SpaceBase Hub doesn't only host the patch files, but has a Latest News section just below as well as a contact form at the very bottom.

Other places you can find members of DG are on the Steam Forum, the Double Fine Forum[www.doublefine.com], and the Reddit Forum.

I can't catch these bugs by myself!!!

For help with bugs or other concerns, refer to the chapter "Testing the Game" first. If you're still having problems, hop by the forums to contact someone from DG. You can even e-mail them at:

[e-mail]

But try to include any information they might need like how you stumbled onto your problem, screenshots, the save file and error log. All of these things are referenced in the "Testing the Game" section.
If you scroll to the very bottom of the SpaceBase Hub site, they also have a contact form.

How do I give Derelict Games my support?

DG is uber-friendly, so if you have suggestions, opinions, or want to work with the team directly, just fly them an e-mail, talk to someone on any of the forums, or submit a contact form. For more information on that, they have a section on their GitLab project's homepage titled "Contributing". Other types of contributions include art and one-off patches.

For coders, the GitLab has a repository and most of the code is written in Lua. For artists, you need 3D modeling and texturing is a bonus. Translation work is also available, as well as packaging and porting. Some of these opportunities require other skills as well, so if you're good in teams and have the time to really sit down and commit, go check out their GitLab page.

Disclaimer, Credits, Link Dump

If at any time this guide is outdated, let me know with a comment! If anything is unclear, if a section is too wordy or not wordy enough, if there's any missing content or bugs that I missed, comment that as well and I'll get to it as soon as humanly possible.

Optionally, you can go to my Steam Forum Discussion and leave a comment there instead.

To be perfectly clear, I have full respect for Double Fine's talent and work, I just don't approve of some of their decisions (or lack thereof?). It's really a shame that they had something great and it just didn't pan out, but it was great and if it had worked, it would have been amazing. So if you plan on criticizing DF in the comments, I feel you. Let's just stay away from any shaming. The store page reviews do that plenty.

Credits

The Unofficial Patch is brought to you by Derelict Games.
The original author of this guide (Stolen Virgin's Wings) is not one of them.
Derelict Games, however, seems like a pretty awesome bunch, so go support them.
And if you miss the part where I say I'm not one of them and you think I'm one of them... Well.
I'll take that as a compliment.

Derelict Games is not affiliated with Double Fine Productions in any way.

Link Dump

Although links are placed throughout the guide when needed, if you're already familiar with the guide and just need to quickly grab one of the links, find it here instead of scrolling through walls of text.

SpaceBase Hub by Derelict Games[www.spacebasehub.net]
Modification Roadmap[www.spacebasehub.net]
DG's GitLab Project[gitlab.com]
Steam Forum
Double Fine Forum[www.doublefine.com]
Reddit Forum

[Eoin Lynne]

So the hub link just leads to a virus now...

[Chadmeum]

hey, sorry I saw your profile and I just thought you looked cute in your picture, i really wanted to tell you that)) It's really rare to see girls playing video games haha! I don't know why its a guy thing honestly im like really against misogyny. We should really play l4d2 sometime its a really cool zombie game with a lot of scary moments, but don't worry ill be there to protect you :wink: sorry that wasnt flirting I swear Im just trying to be friendly I really like your profile picture sorry was that too far? Really sorry i'm really shy I don't go out much haha add me on skype we should talk more you look really cute and nice xxx

[Wallaby]

thank you for doing this, that you have to is just sad on the creators of the game. Derelict Games it so true. thank you again keep up the great work.

[Kortir]

Meanwhile, telling anyone to report to the infirmary with the checkbox 100% did not work. There's no objects for the brig, so assigning one winds up just being an exercise in uselessness. There was a parasite on a raider ship that attached itself to mine that just wouldn't go away or die, and my security people couldn't seem to clear the ship no matter what I did so it kept just mysteriously disgorging more raiders and I had to try and disassemble the entire ship, which just led to more deaths by parasite because apparently hard vacuum didn't do anything to it. The improvements were nice, but the bugs still overtook the experience. I hope that if they are still working on this, a serious bug fix is next on the agenda. (2/2)

[Kortir]

Wish they were still obviously working on this, after nearly two years since the last update I wonder if they've quit as well. Can't blame them, but still it's sad. I tried picking up the game again with the patch as it is, and honestly while some things are improvements, other things don't work out so well at all. Events, invasions and pirates (while not the 'big' invasion) come at you at a truly rapid pace, with very little time in between to do anything about the ships you've already picked up. The entire medical side of things feels half done... I had two medical beds, both of them were filled by dead people and the doctor was trying to heal them.... (1/2)

[xterminal86]

Wow, I had no idea somebody is still working on this. Awesome!

I'll go install this patch.

[Metal_Undead]

nice work, looking forwards for more updates for this game

[TheWizard]

wth did they do to security? crappy interface and biggest problem the 1 security person ( early game ) went to SLEEP while I had a security waypoint to go to. Holy hell it is worse than before in several areas :(

[LafinJack]

Thanks, I didn't read closely and thought you were working on the mod, not the guide. :)

[Grantiss]

@Stolen: I'm not sure what the issue was, but probably involves windows 10 wanting to install. Had to reinstall my vid drivers a couple times and cancel the windows 10 update about a dozen times.

Uninstalled the patch for now, but will definetley give it another try when you guys release 1.08.