Homeworld - Codes & Secrets

This Guide provides Cheat Codes & Secrets for Homeworld (Classic Version).

1. Parameter Cheats

Add these to the shortcut parameters for Homeworld. If you're having problems getting them working, try replacing the slash with a dash (-).

1024x768 resolution = /1024
1280x1024 resolution = /1280
16-bit color = /d16
1600x1200 resolution = /1600
24-bit color = /d24
32-bit color (more precise 24-bit) = /d32
640x400 resolution = /640
800x600 resolution = /800
Add subtitles = /closeCaptioned
Allow LAN play with any version = /forceLAN
Camera starts at (0,0,0) instead of the Mothership = /smCentreCamera
Debug mode = /debug
Disables bi-linear filtering = /noFilter
Disables bigfiles = /ignoreBigfiles
Disables captaincy log files = /captaincyLogOff
Disables computer players = /noCompPlayer
Disables front-end textures = /NoFETextures
Disables KNI = /disableKatmai
Disables minimize using Alt + Tab = /noMinimize
Disables mode 3 error = /nodebugInt
Disables movie sequences = /disableAVI
Disables network logging files = /logOff
Disables packed textures = /disablePacking
Disables pausing using Alt + Tab = /noPause
Disables perspective hints = /nohint
Disables polygon smoothing = /noSmooth
Disables retreat tactics = /noretreat
Disables sound effects = /noSound
Disables tactics = /notactics
Disables talking = /noSpeech
Disables textures = /nilTexture
Disables window border = /noBorder
Display game in window = /window
Enables captaincy log files = /captaincyLogOn
Enables dock lines = /dockLines
Enables gun lines = /gunLines
Enables network logging files = /logOn
Enables slow screen bits = /slowBlits
Enables verbose logging files = /logOnVerbose
Full screen mode (default) = /fullscreen
Gathers stats = /gatherStats
Generates stats log file = /statLogOn
Global memory heap size setter = /heap (int)
Harder computer opponents = /determCompPlayer
Light lines in debug mode = /lightLines
Logs AI = /aiplayerLog
Logs data files loaded = /logFileLoads
Make an int 3 when a sync error occurs = /intOnSync
Make bowties on ships = /boxes
NIS testing using nisFile /testNIS
NIS testing using scriptFile = /testNISScript
No damage effects /noShowDamage
No stars, asteroids, etc. = /noBG
Play a demo = /demoPlay
Play packet recordings = /packetPlay
Record a demo = /demoRecord
Record packets during multiplayer games /packetRecord
Records packets and saves frequently /debugSync
Resets rendering systems to default = /sw
Set path for opening files = /prepath x:\path
Set path to CD-ROM = /CDpath x:\path
Stipple alpha (renderer) = /stipple
Swap speaker output = /reverseStereo
Text feedback in game commands = /textFeedback
Use 24-bit color = /truecolor
Use direct sound driver = /dsound
Use Direct3D = /d3d
Use F11 to toggle free mouse movement = /freemouse
Use KNI = /forceKatmai
Use OpenGL = /gl
Use rGL device = /device (sw|fx|d3d)
Use waveout = /waveout

2. Pilot View on ships

Relic managed to quietly sneak in the option to view a firefight from aboard the bridge of one of your ships in the 1.05b patch. Your game needs to be patched to this version. You will need to create and/or update a shortcut to the Homeworld exe - right-click your shortcut to bring up the options. Select Properties and in the box that comes up, scroll to the end of the target field, add a space and add "/pilotview" (without quotes) so that it shows something like this:

...\Sierra\Homeworld\homeworld.exe /pilotview Click OK to close that window. You've just enabled Pilot View! Within the Homeworld game, select a single ship and focus on it (the default focus key is F). Press Q to toggle pilot view and enjoy how a commander would see the 90s graphics! Please note - if you focus on another ship (when in pilot view), you'll jump to its pilot view. If you select a group of ships, you'll go back to the default view mode. Pressing Q will toggle between pilot and normal views. Now when you run Homeworld from the edited shortcut and focus on a single ship, hit Q to toggle pilot view on and off.

3-1. Tech Tree - Fighter Systems

Fighter Drive
These updated drive systems are used for the larger fighters.
Leads To: Fighter Chassis
Required For: Attack Bomber, Cloaked Fighter, Defender, Defense Fighter, Interceptor


Fighter Chassis
The heavy fighter chassis is required to build larger fighters like Interceptors & Attack Bombers.
Leads To: Cloaked Fighter, Defender Sub-Systems, Defense Fighter, Plasma Bomb Launcher
Required For: Attack Bomber, Cloaked Fighter, Defender, Defense Fighter, Interceptor


Defender Sub Systems
This technology integrates the high firepower weapons and tracking systems required for the Defender.
Leads To: Nothing
Required For: Defender


Plasma Bomb Launcher
This weapon discharges orbs of superheated plasma that are devastating against the hardened armor of Capital Ships.
Leads To: Nothing
Required For: Attack Bomber


Cloaked Fighter
Research Time: 6 minutes 42 seconds
Cloak Fighter technology enables the fighter to hide from visual and electronic detection.
Leads To: Nothing
Required For: Cloaked Fighter


Defense Fighter
Defense Fighter technology combines excellent tracking ability and pulse lasers that are used to destroy enemy projectiles.
Leads To: Nothing
Required For: Defense Fighter

3-2. Tech Tree - Corvette Systems

Corvette Drive
Corvette class ships require a powerplant of this size.
Leads To: Corvette Chassis
Required For: Heavy Corvette, Light Corvette, Minelayer Corvette, Multi-Gun Corvette, Salvage Corvette


Corvette Chassis
The Corvette Chassis provides a large platform for the heavier, more specialized Corvettes.
Leads To: Fast-Tracking Turrets, Heavy Corvette Upgrade, Minelaying Tech
Required For: Heavy Corvette, Light Corvette, Minelayer Corvette, Multi-Gun Corvette, Salvage Corvette


Heavy Corvette Upgrade
The Heavy Corvette Upgrade increases armor strength and firepower.
Leads To: Nothing
Required For: Heavy Corvette


Fast-Tracking Turrets
These turrets are designed to track quickly and destroy fast targets.
Leads To: Nothing
Required For: Multi-Gun Corvette


Minelaying Tech
Minelayer technology enables the Minelayer Corvette.
Leads To: Nothing
Required For: Minelayer Corvette

3-3. Tech Tree - Capital Ship Systems

Capital Ship Drive
Frigates and other small Capital Ships require this drive system.
Leads To: Capital Ship Chassis
Required For: Cloak Generator, Defense Field Frigate, Drone Frigate, Gravity Well Generator, Ion Cannon Frigate, Support Frigate, Resource Controller


Capital Ship Chassis
The Frigate chassis is a versatile platform that enables the development of several different weapon systems.

Leads To: Cloak Generator, Gravity Generator, Ion Cannons, Super Capital Ship Drive, Super Heavy Chassis
Required For: Defense Field Frigate, Drone Frigate, Ion Cannon Frigate


Ion Cannons
These advanced weapons are carried specially modified Ion Cannon Frigates.
Leads To: Nothing
Required For: Destroyer, Heavy Cruiser, Ion Cannon Frigate


Guided Missiles
Guided missiles form part of the weapon system of the Missile Destroyer.
Leads To: Nothing
Required For: Missile Destroyer


Super Capital Ship Drive
This massive engine system is required for Destroyers, Heavy Cruisers & Carriers.
Leads To: Guided Missiles, Heavy Guns
Required For: Carrier, Destroyer, Heavy Cruiser, Missile Destroyer


Super-Heavy Chassis
The Super-Heavy Chassis is required for the most massive Capital Ships; Heavy Cruisers and Carriers.
Leads To: Nothing
Required For: Carrier, Heavy Cruiser


Heavy Guns
Heavy guns are the critical component of the massive weapon inventory on the Heavy Cruiser.
Leads To: Nothing
Required For: Heavy Cruiser


Drone Tech
This technology is required by Drone Frigates to be able to launch and
control their 24 armed Drones.
Leads To: Nothing
Required For: Drone Frigate


Defense Field
Defense Field technology is employed by the Field Frigate to redirect enemy projectiles.
Leads To: Nothing
Required For: Defense Field Frigate

3-4. Tech Tree - Specialized Ship Systems

Proximity Sensor
A Proximity Sensor can find cloaked enemy ships within a substantial radius.
Leads To: Sensors Array
Required For: Proximity Sensor


Sensors Array
The Sensors Array uses a complete suite of instruments to locate and track enemy ships at great distances.
Leads To: Nothing
Required For: Sensors Array


Gravity Generator
The Gravity Well Generator creates a field that can stop any Strike Craft that enters it.
Leads To: Nothing
Required For: Gravity Well Generator


Cloak Generator
Cloak Generator technology creates a powerful area-effect cloaking field where all friendly ships are rendered invisible.
Leads To: Nothing
Required For: Cloak Generator

[ghent96]

anyone have a link to a working .big file extractor for OG homeworld 1, not RM?

[Karrok]

Doesn't look like any of these are cheats, or is any commandline argument considered a 'cheat' nowadays?

[MetalChiken]

if you need a cheat...dont play it

[simsthsms]

im nchar

[VolnuttHeroP64]

The Researches in the game

[randadan]

What is the Tech Tree for?

[VolnuttHeroP64]

Check the Parameter Cheats

[SandWormJr]

While a nice list of miscellaneous parameters and information, I'm not sure how any of this is a 'cheat'...

[{RWDS} Gustauve]

That commander view thing was always a neat ability.