Complete Guide to Getting FS2 Open to run Via steam!

[Lyonide]

So apparently the Steam version of Freespace is busted and doesn't work at all, so here's the steps to getting everything up and running.

1. Download Freespace 2 via Steam
2. Go to http://www.fsoinstaller.com/ and download the installer, run it in the Steam\SteamApps\common\Freespace 2 directory.
3. In Steam\SteamApps\common\Freespace 2 rename the file 'FS2.exe' something else, then rename the file 'Launcher' 'FS2'
(Some people have found the 'FS2' file doesn't work, if thats the case, follow the same steps just using the 'Freespace2' file.)
4. Now boot from Steam, the Launcher should boot up. In the top right click browse and direct to the file 'fs2_open_3_7_2_RC3.exe'
5. Click apply.

Now you can run the game as normal, however if you want the upgrade textures and Mods read below.

6. On the launcher click the MOD tab, select the MediaVPs 3.6.12 folder (This is the upgrade textures).
7. Click run, simple.

Now finally for multiplayer!

8. Go to http://fs2netd.game-warden.com/ and register.
9. In the launcher, go to Network, select 'LAN/Direct Connection' and 'T1, ADSL, T3, ect'
10. Launch the game, and select a multiplayer character.
11. Press F2 to bring up options, then click the multi tab.
12. Tick the PXO button in the bottom left, then enter the username and password you used on fs2netd.
13. Click accept and open the center hangar door.

All Done! That should cover everything. Any Questions feel free to ask me.

[Rusty_The_Robot]

I never knew of FSOinstaller. I've done it the Hard(light) way. Although I have the retail disc version, not the Steam version.

[Lyonide]

With the retail version, you can just install using the FSOinstaller and then use the wxlauncher (Download it from https://code.google.com/p/wxlauncher/downloads/list?can=3) which makes life a hell of a lot easier when it comes to loading mods up.

With that said you will still need to follow the Multiplayer setup steps.

[deathspeed]

Originally posted by Lyonide:

4. Now boot from Steam, the Launcher should boot up. In the top right click browse and direct to the file 'fs2_open_3_7_0'

May i suggest using fs2_open_3_7_2_RC3.exe? This is a new build specifically created by the wizards at FSO to fix a problem some Steam users were having with long filepaths.

Originally posted by Rusty_M:

I never knew of FSOinstaller. I've done it the Hard(light) way. Although I have the retail disc version, not the Steam version.

fsoinstaller was created by a hard-light guy. :) Here is the release thread: http://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php?topic=87537.0 After it was stable, it was uploaded to fsoinstaller.com.

[Lyonide]

Originally posted by deathspeed:

May i suggest using fs2_open_3_7_2_RC3.exe? This is a new build specifically created by the wizards at FSO to fix a problem some Steam users were having with long filepaths.

I've updated the steps it to reflect the RC3 update now.

[Rusty_The_Robot]

Well I've got a few installed the old-fashioned way. I only needed to re-install because I messed up my own windows installation (I should know better)

All I need to get now is FreeSpace Port, but the servers for that are totally getting hammered by all these new Steam people (a good thing overall IMO)

[Rusty_The_Robot]

Just went and ran the installer anyway. Surprised to see I should be able to get FSport through that :)

[David Jann]

Will this install allow streaming FS2 Open through steam?

[Lyonide]

Should do yeah.

[Rusty_The_Robot]

Oh, and thanks for the multiplayer thing.

[David Jann]

Nice, I will give it a shot.

[Lyonide]

There needs to be a group for getting multiplayer games going really, it's a little desolate at the moment.

[TheSaxMan]

That's some great info, thanks! This installer seems to take a while...

[Hart]

Tried this last night, and to take a line from a different game..

"Flawless Victory!"

[Lyonide]

Glad to help :)

[Toadie]

Thanks, that helped me play Freespace again.

However the renaming part didn't work for me and i can't start the game from Steam. However starting the Launcher directly saves the day :-)