Starsiege 1998-2012: Moving Forward
New to Starsiege? Message To Newbies
Returning to Starsiege? Message To Vetbies
Get Set Up: Installation, Fixes & Files: Downloads and instructions you will need to get Starsiege working as best as possible on your particular system.
Get Connected: Community, Servers & Networking: Server lists, community links, planned events, and information on the current state of the game.
Get Involved: Projects: Information and downloads for recent and ongoing Starsiege projects such as the Ghosts Starsiege Expansion 2.
Local Links: Chat: IRC & Teamspeak - File Downloads - Gallery (Starsiege) - Gallery (GSE2) - Gallery (SS:2845) - Starsiege Video
[+] Message To Newbies
Congratulations on joining the Starsiege community. With over a decade of history, Starsiege has seen many players come and go and those of us who remain are always amazed to see the new ones that steadily trickle in. This page is the best resource around to get one connected to Starsiege and its community, and if you need further assistance or want someone to game with you can find us on IRC. We can't wait to see your HERCs and tanks in our crosshairs! 
[+] Message To Vetbies
Starsiege may or may not work "out of the box" with modern operating systems, and even if it does there are fixes you need to apply to connect. Don't worry. Everything you need to get reconnected to the game may be found below, along with information on the current servers and sites. If you need further assistance or want someone to game with you can find us on IRC.
There are basically three groups in Starsiege today: the nostalgic (found on Facebook for example), the players (found in the servers), and the builders. All these groups are important parts of the community. We at the wTc are the builders, intending to carry Starsiege forward by creating new and interesting things for everyone to play. Our primary focus is the Ghosts Starsiege Expansion 2, but we also create smaller projects such as new gametypes, maps, and even skinpacks. The wTc is set up not only to help players get in touch, but to encourage participation in such projects. We would love for you to join us in our efforts, but blowing you up will suffice if necessary.
[+] Get Set Up: Installation, Fixes & Files
This guide details several options for installing Starsiege, repairing its more disruptive bugs on modern systems, and installing necessary updates and other files. Many thanks to CptRaynor, Drake, DusterSteve, Eye, PlagueDog, Rock, Sky, and Snow for working on Starsiege installations and this guide. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to join us in chat for further assistance. Color code: (required, sometimes required, optional, required on Linux, alert, file download).
To ensure a clean install, you should first remove any previous installations and check that your system is up-to-date.
The recommended way to get Starsiege installed and functional is to download and run Starsiege Complete. Starsiege Complete is a ready-to-play, bug-fixed installation requiring no patching or editing. It does not require a CD to install or to run; campaign data is part of the package. Current master server lists and known bug fixes are included and are updated when necessary.
Other than using Starsiege Complete, the recommended way of installing Starsiege is from a physical CD or disk image. Using a disk image eliminates the chance of damaging your discs or needing a no-CD patch, and allows you to play campaigns properly.
For the best game experience, certain in-game settings should be adjusted.
Be advised that certain combinations of files may cause issues. Some common issues are listed below.
[+] (optional) Cleanup, update, and prepare to install
- Backup the Keymaps, Multiplayer, Vehicles folders and any other important files from any old Starsiege installations you might have and want to keep.
- Fully uninstall and delete any old Starsiege installations.
- Ensure that you are using the most recent service pack for your version of Windows.
- Ensure that you have updated your drivers and DirectX.
[+] Starsiege Complete: one-shot installer for Windows - Notice: Starsiege Complete has been removed from this site due to a DMCA takedown order by EA Games.
- If installation is unsuccessful and you are running Windows Vista or newer, check to see that you are running the installer as Administrator. (Right-click the installer and select Run As Administrator.)
- If installation is successful, skip to the Optimize Settings section. All prior steps are already complete.
- If your system will not let you use Starsiege Complete, proceed with the Traditional Installation below.
[+] Traditional Installation: fixes & files included
[+] (if on Linux) Install WINE
- Open a terminal window (Applications > Accessories > Terminal) and type sudo apt-get install wine. Follow the prompts.
[+] (optional) How to make or use a Starsiege CD disk image
A disk image is a file stored on your hard drive that contains the data of a CD.
- Download DaemonTools Lite here
and install. This free tool allows you to create and mount disk images. Similar tools such as ImgBurn will also work.
- Make Starsiege CD disk images: Use DaemonTools to create a disk image of each of your Starsiege disks.
- Place the disk images you just created in a safe place on your hard drive where they will not be moved.
[+] Install from CD or disk image
- Insert your Starsiege disk (disk 1 or Buddy CD if you have the two-disk version), OR mount a disk image (see above) with DaemonTools.
- If you are using Windows XP or newer, the following steps are recommended and may be required on some systems.
- Close the installer when it pops up.
- Explore the Starsiege disk, right-click the autorun.exe file, select Compatibility, and set the compatibility mode to Windows 98.
- Explore the Starsiege disk, right-click the autorun.exe file, and select Run As Administrator.
- Run autorun.exe.
- (if on Linux) Insert (or mount) Starsiege Disc 1. Close the audio disc window if it appears.
- (if on Linux) Double-click STARSIEGE1 on the desktop. Right-click autorun.exe and click "Open with 'Wine Windows Program Loader'".
- Follow the installation process.
[+] If installer does not load
Starsiege's installer has issues unpacking the files on some newer systems. There are several ways around this problem.
- You may use Universal Extractor to extract the files from the Starsiege disk directly.
- Download Universal Extractor and install it.
- Create the folder C:\Dynamix\ or other appropriate install destination.
- Explore the Starsiege disk, navigate to the "setup" folder. and copy data1.cab and data1.hdr to the Dynamix folder.
- Right-click data1.cab and select "UniExtract to Subdir".
- Rename the newly created "data1" folder to "Starsiege".
- Delete the data1.cab and data1.hdr files.
- Proceed to Install patches and fixes.
- Download Universal Extractor
- OR You may use the Starsiege Win2K Unpacker.
- Download Starsiege Win2K Unpacker and run it. Wait for it to finish loading and then follow the installation process.
[+] Install patches and fixes
Various patches, fixes, and files are required to get Starsiege to run properly. The file paths listed below assume you installed Starsiege to C:\Dynamix\Starsiege, which is the default. If you did not, please take this into account.
- (if on Linux) Go to Applications > Wine > Browse C: Drive and navigate to C:\Dynamix\Starsiege\; this will be your file path.
- Download Starsiege 1.000 to 1.004 US patch and run it, navigating to the proper folder. This updates Starsiege to the newest release version.
- (if on Linux) Right-click the patch and "Open with 'Wine Windows Program Loader'".
- Download Starsiege mem.dll fix and unzip it to C:\Dynamix\Starsiege\. This will repair various mouse and rendering issues.
- Download Starsiege current master.cs file and unzip it to C:\Dynamix\Starsiege\scripts\. This will allow you to connect to current list and IRC servers.
- Download Starsiege console.cs registry error fix and unzip it to C:\Dynamix\Starsiege\. This will repair the "five-minute crash" caused by faulty registry entries. Caution! See Notes on Console.cs below.
- (if on Linux) Download Starsiege Linux version console.cs and unzip it to C:\Dynamix\Starsiege\ instead.
- If you are using Windows XP or newer, the following steps are recommended and may be required on some systems.
- Navigate to C:\Dynamix\Starsiege\; right-click Starsiege.exe; set Compatibility Mode to Windows 98SE and check "Run as Administrator".
- Navigate to C:\Dynamix\Starsiege\; right-click Starsiege.exe; check "Disable Desktop Composition".
- If you are using an nVidia card, the following steps are recommended and may be required on some systems.
- In the Nvidia Control Panel, set "Adjust desktop size and position" to "Use NVIDIA scaling with fixed-aspect ratio".
[+] Optimize settings
- Insert (or mount) Starsiege Disk 2 (same CD in one-disk version obviously) and load Starsiege.
- Set "Full Screen Mode" to OpenGL.
- Set "Full Screen Resolution" to the highest option whose aspect ratio most closely matches your monitor. For example, if your monitor's native resolution is 1650 by 1080, your aspect ratio is 1.6. The option 1440 by 900 is the same aspect ratio. If you have a "close enough" option that is a higher resolution, you may use that but shapes may be slightly stretched.
- Set "3D Hardware Type" to Other.
- (optional) Download GSE 3DHardwareCard.cs and unzip it to C:\Dynamix\Starsiege\scripts\. This adds a "GSE" selection to "hardware card type" in Options, allowing a greater visibility distance on modern video cards.
- (optional) Create a copy of your Starsiege folder to a backup location on your hard drive. It has been observed on some systems that this backup installation of Starsiege works as well as or better than the original install, for example, by giving you a wider range of resolution options in game. If you use the alternate installation, be aware that you will need to change or create new shortcuts.
[+] (if on Linux) Optimize WINE settings
- Go to Applications > Wine > Configure Wine. In the Applications tab go to "Add application". Navigate to C:\Dynamix\Starsiege and open "Starsiege.exe".
- Highlight Starsiege.exe in the Applications tab then go to the "Graphics" tab. Check "Emulate a desktop". (Desktop size varies. See above.)
[+] Notes on console.cs, repath.cs, "no CD", and compatibility issues
- The console.cs registry fix, the console.cs found in Starsiege Complete, and the console.cs found in various mods and add-ons are likely to differ and may cause conflicts. If you have Starsiege Complete, the registry fix is included. If you have either Starsiege Complete or the console.cs registry fix separately and wish to run a mod or add-on that uses console.cs, you must manually merge the files.
- Repath.cs is a file often edited to allow Starsiege to access folders in ways that were not included in the original game, such as for making campaign-terrain maps or for accessing mods. If you have repath.cs visible in your C:\Dynamix\Starsiege\ or C:\Dynamix\Starsiege\scripts\ folder, you have something installed that requires these folders to function. If you want to install two mods or add-ons, you must manually merge the files so that all of the new folders are accessed.
- There are several "no CD patches" available. They all work differently. Several of them cause conflicts with mods and add-ons, especially by misrepresenting the console.cs and repath.cs files. (The console.cs registry fix is not found in the most common "no CD patch".) A "no CD patch" is unnecessary when using a disk image or the Starsiege Complete installation.
[+] Get Connected: Community, Servers & Networking
There are essentially three groups in the Starsiege now: Elementals Gaming, which hosts this site, IRC, and several servers, Mercenaries, a squad that hosts the other main Starsiege site and several servers including the primary master, and the non-players such as those who chat on Facebook. Links may be found below.
[+] Communication
| | | ||
| Server Name Address | Connection | Description | |
| wTc/Starsiege Community IRC irc://irc.freenode.net/irc | IRC | The IRC hub for the wTc Starsiege community, and the place to go for tech support, current Starsiege happenings including most active projects, and general chat with a long-term community. The link will take you to our web client (no download needed) and also explain how to get in the channel with various IRC clients or with Starsiege itself. Administrators: Drake, FeddEx, Mneme, Snow, Visetax. ( Elementals Gaming ). | |
| wTc Teamspeak 81.71.94.247:8767 | Info | FeddEx's Teamspeak 2 server, open to the Starsiege community and used for in-game chat and project collaboration. Administrators: FeddEx ( Elementals Gaming ). | |
| Poppin' Scaps Baby! Blog http://w.tarazedi.com/blog15 | Connect | The wTc's Starsiege blog, for posting all sorts of topics related to Starsiege. Administrators: Mneme ( Elementals Gaming ). | |
| Siegers Facebook Group http://facebook.com/groups/starsiege | Connect | The gathering place for both past and present Starsiege players on Facebook. If you have a Facebook account, it is an excellent way to talk to the community, post Starsiege related news, or just generally reminisce about server raids of long past. Administrators: Aldaron, Enamel32, Maestro, Powio, Sentinal, Wetsun ( Elementals Gaming and Men In Black). | |
| DusterSteve/Mercenaries Teamspeak dustersteve.no-ip.org:8767 | Info | A Teamspeak 2 server hosted by DusterSteve for both the Mercenaries and the general public. At the moment, Tinychat appears to have superseded it as the communications tool of The Mercenaries, with the Teamspeak server left generally unused. Administrator: DusterSteve. | |
| Mercenaries Starsiege Tinychat http://tinychat.com/starsiege | Connect | An online, in-browser video/audio and text chat room that is primarily used by the Mercenaries as both a hangout, and as a medium for in-game team conversation. Administrator: Undertaker(?) (Mercenaries). | |
| Mercenaries1 Chatbox http://cbox.ws/?n=4-3691016-e26856 | Connect | The chat box from the Mercenaries' site, useful for sending quick messages to those who hang out there. Administrator: Eye (Mercenaries). | |
[+] Current Regular Servers
| | | | |
| Server Administrator | Location | Mods | Description |
| Dustersteve's Server DusterSteve | Ontario | Yes | Mods: info here. Server for cooperative scenario-based campaign missions.
|
| Dustersteve's CTF DusterSteve | Ontario | Yes | Mods: info here. Capture the Flag: grab the enemy's flag and return it to your base while defending your own against capture.
|
| Dustersteve's C&D DusterSteve | Ontario | Yes | Mods: info here. Command and Destroy: a community-created game mode where players spend credits to purchase AI teammates, structures, defenses, and a range of offensive and defensive abilities. This server substantially increases the starting credits.
|
| eye-Campaigns Eye | Arizona | Yes | Mods: SCAP altered, super vehicles enabled, other unspecified changes. Server for cooperative scenario-based campaign missions. Scanning a teammate's vehicle (AI or player) will heal and reload their vehicle at the cost of some of your own health. |
| GD's AI Battles LMTD Green Demon | Wisconsin | Yes | Mods: SCAP altered. This server features opposing armies of AI vehicles in a TDM-type game with a few twists. Scanning a teammate's vehicle (AI or player) will heal and reload their vehicle at the cost of some of your own health. |
| GD's AI Battles ALL Green Demon | Wisconsin | Yes | Mods: SCAP altered. Identical in format to Green Demon's other server, but without the component and configuration restrictions. |
| Mercenaries TDM Eye | Arizona | Yes | Mods: SCAP altered, vehicle movement enhanced, other unspecified changes. 2-Team Deathmatch. Mods tweaking the performance of various vehicles and weapons are common, though information about what those mods are at any given time is sparse. Fast heal pads also featured. |
| Old School SS TDM DusterSteve | Ontario | No | 2-Team Deathmatch with standard gameplay and mostly stock maps. |
| ZooLs aitdm Zool | Pennsylvania | No | TDM game with respawning AIs that will battle each other alongside their human teammates. Ammo regenerates slowly over time. |
[+] Organizations and Starsiege Sites
[+] Active Sites
This category contains those sites which are observed to have posts or updates within the last week.
| | | | |
| Site | Type | Description | |
| Mercenaries | Squad | Mercenaries is a Starsiege squad that hosts current servers. | |
| ss.tarazedi.com wTc Portal | Portal | The wTc's Starsiege portal is located here. | |
| The Junkyard | Portal | The Junkyard was a major Starsiege portal years ago and still retains some community activity. | |
[+] Inactive Squad Sites
This category contains squad sites which are not observed to have recent posts or updates.
| | | ||
| Site | Updated | Description | |
| Cybrid Assault Network | 2007 | A Cybrid Starsiege squad created during ATR1. | |
| Death Wind Rising | 2010 | Unknown. Presumably led by Ozz. | |
| Men In Black | 2010 | One of the most resourceful and productive groups of Starsiege mapmakers and scripters in the game's history. | |
| Sun Dragons | June 2011 | Unknown. Presumably led by Angel-A. | |
[+] Archive Sites
This category contains non-squad sites which are not observed to have recent posts or updates.
| | | | |
| Site Administrator | Type | Updated | Description |
| Pincushion's Starsiege Archive Pincushion | Personal | 2007 | A site devoted to Pincushion's work, some of the earliest examples of advanced Starsiege projects. |
| Starsiege Holdover CptRaynor | Portal | Unable to determine | A portal site with many useful resources. |
| Starsparkle Maps Preservatory AnnieO | Personal | Unable to determine | An early Starsiege map downloads hub. |
| StormSiege Enamel32 | Personal | Unable to determine | A site devoted to Enamel32's mapping and scripting projects. |
| Zool's BattleDrome Zool | Personal | August 2011 | A news site for Zool's maps and server info. |
[+] Get Involved: Projects
Starsiege has always had new user-created content to enjoy. Some completed and current project links are found below.
| | |||
| Falling Stars Mneme Gametype Complete | Falling Stars is a Starsiege gametype created by Elementals Gaming. The objective is to collect Fallen Stars as they drop on the map and then use them to deploy assets or to directly smite other players and AI. | ||
| King of the Hill? Drake Gametype Complete | King of the Hill is a Starsiege gametype created by Elementals Gaming. The objective is to drive the King off his throne, become the King yourself, and hold out as long as possible as your subjects revolt! | ||
| Skin Pack 14 Mneme Skinpack Active | The next in the line of Squads/wTc Skinpacks, pack 14 is taking submissions. | ||
| Starsiege Technology Systems Stratus Mod Complete | The STS Mod is a simple yet elegant Starsiege modification created by Stratus. It is easy to install, easy to activate and de-activate, and lends an added dimension to an already awesome game. | ||
[+] File Downloads
Critical and large (over 10 MB) files are listed below. For other files, see the File Gallery. If you have files less then 10 MB please feel free to upload them there; for larger files, contact us for hosting or add them to the table below.
| | | | |
| File | Type | Size | Description |
| Starsiege 1.000 to 1.004 US Patch | Patch | 1MB | Required. This patch updates Starsiege to the current version. |
| Current master.cs (last updated 2011.11.03) | Patch | tiny | Required. This patch allows you to connect to the current Starsiege list and IRC servers. |
| Starsiege mem.dll Patch | Patch | tiny | Probably required. This patch repairs memory and mouse issues in Windows Vista and later. |
| "5 Minute Crash" Fix | Patch | tiny | Possibly required. This updated console.cs fixes the "five minute crash" issue caused by certain registry errors. |
| Starsiege Win2K Unpacker | Patch | 4MB | Possibly required. This tool allows the Starsiege disc to be read in Windows XP and later. |
| Updated 3DHardwareCard.cs | Patch | tiny | This patch allows for an improved graphics setting on newer machines. |
| wTc Classic Skins | Skins | 105MB | Important. This is a compilation of Squads Skinpacks 1-13. It may also be downloaded in three parts below: |
| cTc Skins 1 - cTc Skins 2 - cTc Skins 3 | Skins | 105MB | (the previous skin pack in three parts) |
| Skin PSDs | Tools | 21MB | Important for skinners. Layered templates for making Starsiege skins. |
| Starsiege Tools v3.01 | Tools | 30MB | Important for content creators. Contains numerous tools for editing Starsiege content. |
| Starsiege Compendium | Reference | 17MB | The Starsiege compendium in PDF format. |
| Starsiege Alpha Tech Release 1 | Demo | 15MB | This is the original multiplayer demo for Starsiege. |
| Starsiege Alpha Tech Release 2 | Demo | 29MB | This is the second ATR for Starsiege. |
| Temujin's Starsiege Hub Archive | Website | 12MB | An offline archive of Temujin's website. |
| Starsiege Extended Soundtrack | Music | 69MB | The full 3-disc Starsiege soundtrack including cinematics. |
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