Anonymous edits have been disabled on the wiki. If you want to contribute please login or create an account.

Warning for game developers: PCGamingWiki staff members will only ever reach out to you using the official press@pcgamingwiki.com mail address.
Be aware of scammers claiming to be representatives or affiliates of PCGamingWiki who promise a PCGW page for a game key.

Difference between revisions of "Descent 3"

From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
m (→‎Piccu Engine: Link changed.)
 
(23 intermediate revisions by 8 users not shown)
Line 9: Line 9:
 
|publishers  =  
 
|publishers  =  
 
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Interplay Entertainment}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Interplay Entertainment}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Sold Out Software|Re-release}}
 
|engines      =  
 
|engines      =  
 
{{Infobox game/row/engine|Fusion}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/engine|Fusion}}
 
|release dates=  
 
|release dates=  
−
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|June 11, 1999}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|June 17, 1999|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050318201654/http://www.cdmag.com/articles/020/144/descent3_retail.html|title=Descent III Hits Retail News (retrieved)|date=2023-06-03}}</ref>}}
−
{{Infobox game/row/date|Mac OS|November 17, 1999}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/date|Mac OS|November 23, 1999|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991127201334/http://www.graphsim.com:80/macdescent/pgNews.htm|title=pgPress|date=2024-03-31}} (archived)</ref>}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|Linux|July 2000}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|Linux|July 2000}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|OS X|January 31, 2020|ref=<ref name="RCG2020Ports"/>}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|OS X|January 31, 2020|ref=<ref name="RCG2020Ports"/>}}
 +
|reception    =
 +
{{Infobox game/row/reception|Metacritic|descent-3|89}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/reception|OpenCritic|link|rating}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/reception|IGDB|descent-3|rating}}
 
|taxonomy    =
 
|taxonomy    =
−
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/monetization      | Expansion pack }}
+
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/monetization      | One-time game purchase, Expansion pack }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/microtransactions | }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/microtransactions | }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/modes            | Singleplayer, Multiplayer }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/modes            | Singleplayer, Multiplayer }}
Line 31: Line 36:
 
|steam appid  = 273590
 
|steam appid  = 273590
 
|gogcom id    = 1207658657
 
|gogcom id    = 1207658657
 +
|hltb        = 2456
 +
|lutris      = descent-3
 +
|mobygames    = 1051
 
|strategywiki = Descent 3
 
|strategywiki = Descent 3
−
|mobygames    = descent_
 
 
|wikipedia    = Descent 3
 
|wikipedia    = Descent 3
 
|winehq      = 664
 
|winehq      = 664
Line 38: Line 45:
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
'''Key points'''
+
{{Introduction
−
{{--}} Frame rate is capped at 50 FPS;<ref name="FPS cap">http://www.descent3.com/patch/Readme_14.txt</ref> use [[Glossary:Command line arguments|command line arguments]] <code>-framecap X</code> with the cap you want.
+
|introduction      =
 +
 
 +
|release history  = The game's source code was released on GitHub by Kevin Bentley, one of the game's programmers, on April 16, 2024. It includes changes from the unreleased v1.5 patch.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://github.com/kevinbentley/descent3|title=GitHub - kevinbentley/Descent3: Descent 3 by Outrage Entertainment|date=2024-04-16|comment=Thanks to [[User:Williamjcm]] for spotting this!}}</ref>
 +
 
 +
|current state    =
 +
}}
  
 
'''General information'''
 
'''General information'''
 +
{{mm}} [https://github.com/kevinbentley/descent3 Official source code]
 
{{GOG.com links|1207658657|descent_series|for game series}}
 
{{GOG.com links|1207658657|descent_series|for game series}}
 
{{mm}} [https://steamcommunity.com/app/273590/discussions/ Steam Community Discussions]
 
{{mm}} [https://steamcommunity.com/app/273590/discussions/ Steam Community Discussions]
Line 47: Line 60:
 
==Availability==
 
==Availability==
 
{{Availability|
 
{{Availability|
−
{{Availability/row| Retail | | Disc | Oversized {{term|DRM}} in US release, {{DRM|LaserLok}} in European release. Can be removed using an officially sanctioned no-CD patch. | | Windows, Mac OS, Linux }}
+
{{Availability/row| Retail | | Disc | Oversized {{term|DRM}} in US release (lead-out area shortened and used for data, to prevent most contemporary CD-RW drives from copying the method), {{DRM|LaserLok}} in European release. Can be removed using an officially sanctioned no-CD patch. | | Windows, Mac OS, Linux }}
 
{{Availability/row| GOG.com | descent_3_expansion | DRM-free | Descent 3 + Mercenary. <br /> Comes pre-configured with nGlide. | | Windows }}
 
{{Availability/row| GOG.com | descent_3_expansion | DRM-free | Descent 3 + Mercenary. <br /> Comes pre-configured with nGlide. | | Windows }}
 
{{Availability/row| Steam | 273590 | Steam | Descent 3 + Mercenary.<ref name="Sui">{{refcheck|user=Suicide_machine|date=2017-12-16}}</ref><br>Linux and macOS versions are enhanced ports.<ref name="RCG2020Ports"/> | | Windows, OS X, Linux }}
 
{{Availability/row| Steam | 273590 | Steam | Descent 3 + Mercenary.<ref name="Sui">{{refcheck|user=Suicide_machine|date=2017-12-16}}</ref><br>Linux and macOS versions are enhanced ports.<ref name="RCG2020Ports"/> | | Windows, OS X, Linux }}
 
}}
 
}}
−
{{ii}} Two [http://www.descent3.com/downloads.php#d3_demos demo] versions were released
+
{{ii}} Two [http://www.descent3.com/downloads.php#d3_demos demo] versions were released.
−
{{ii}} The source code of the game was never released unlike all other titles in the series.
 
  
 +
==Monetization==
 
{{DLC|
 
{{DLC|
 
{{DLC/row| Mercenary |  | Windows }}
 
{{DLC/row| Mercenary |  | Windows }}
Line 60: Line 73:
 
==Essential improvements==
 
==Essential improvements==
 
===Patches===
 
===Patches===
−
{{mm}} Latest patches for every game version available [http://www.descent3.com/downloads.php here]
+
{{mm}} Latest patches for every game version available [https://www.patches-scrolls.de/patch/1214/7/ here]
  
 
===Skip launcher===
 
===Skip launcher===
−
{{Fixbox|description=Launch the game with -launched [[Glossary:Command line arguments|parameter]]|ref=<ref name="Sui" />}}
+
{{Fixbox|description=Launch the game with {{code|-launched}} [[Glossary:Command line arguments|parameter]]|ref=<ref name="Sui" />}}
  
 
===Skip intro videos===
 
===Skip intro videos===
−
{{Fixbox|description=Launch the game with -nointro [[Glossary:Command line arguments|parameter]]|ref=<ref name="Sui" />}}
+
{{Fixbox|description=Launch the game with {{code|-nointro}} [[Glossary:Command line arguments|parameter]]|ref=<ref name="Sui" />}}
  
−
===[https://github.com/InsanityBringer/InjectD3/releases InjectD3]===
+
===[https://github.com/InsanityBringer/PiccuEngine/releases Piccu Engine]===
−
{{ii}} An injector program that patches the game with fixes and changes, including windowed and borderless fullscreen modes, new mouse code, OpenAL support, and the ability to change the field of view.
+
{{ii}} A source port that makes several enhancements to the game, including restoration of missing features in the OpenGL renderer, native widescreen support, adjustable FOV that is automatically expanded for widescreen, easy switching between fullscreen and windowed modes, bug fixes, and more.
−
{{--}} In early development.
 
−
{{--}} Currently only patches the OpenGL renderer.
 
  
 
==Game data==
 
==Game data==
Line 118: Line 129:
 
|4k ultra hd wsgf award    = incomplete
 
|4k ultra hd wsgf award    = incomplete
 
|widescreen resolution      = hackable
 
|widescreen resolution      = hackable
−
|widescreen resolution notes= See [[#Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]].
+
|widescreen resolution notes= See [[#Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]] or use [[#Piccu Engine|Piccu Engine]].
 
|multimonitor              = unknown
 
|multimonitor              = unknown
 
|multimonitor notes        =  
 
|multimonitor notes        =  
Line 126: Line 137:
 
|4k ultra hd notes          =  
 
|4k ultra hd notes          =  
 
|fov                        = hackable
 
|fov                        = hackable
−
|fov notes                  = Use [[#InjectD3|InjectD3]] and set the field of view option to your liking in {{file|InjectD3Configuration.exe}}.
+
|fov notes                  = Use [[#Piccu Engine|Piccu Engine]] and set the FOV option to your liking in the Video menu in Options. Automatically expands for widescreen.
 
|windowed                  = hackable
 
|windowed                  = hackable
−
|windowed notes            = See [[#Disable Windows 95 compatibility (Steam)|Disable Windows 95 compatibility (Steam)]] and use [http://dege.freeweb.hu/dgVoodoo2/dgVoodoo2.html dgVoodoo 2], [[Glossary:Windowed#D3DWindower|D3DWindower]], or [[#InjectD3|InjectD3]].
+
|windowed notes            = See [[#Disable Windows 95 compatibility (Steam)|Disable Windows 95 compatibility (Steam)]] and use [http://dege.freeweb.hu/dgVoodoo2/dgVoodoo2.html dgVoodoo 2], [[Glossary:Windowed#D3DWindower|D3DWindower]], or [[#Piccu Engine|Piccu Engine]].
−
|borderless windowed        = hackable
+
|borderless windowed        = false
−
|borderless windowed notes  = Use [[#InjectD3|InjectD3]] and set the screen mode option to "NewFullscreen" in {{file|InjectD3Configuration.exe}}.
+
|borderless windowed notes  =  
 
|anisotropic                = false
 
|anisotropic                = false
 
|anisotropic notes          =  
 
|anisotropic notes          =  
−
|antialiasing              = hackable
+
|antialiasing              = false
−
|antialiasing notes        = Use [[#InjectD3|InjectD3]] and set the Multisampling option above 1 in {{file|InjectD3Configuration.exe}}.
+
|antialiasing notes        =  
 +
|upscaling                  = unknown
 +
|upscaling tech            =
 +
|upscaling notes            =
 
|vsync                      = true
 
|vsync                      = true
 
|vsync notes                = Enabled by default. Set in Options, Video.
 
|vsync notes                = Enabled by default. Set in Options, Video.
 
|60 fps                    = hackable
 
|60 fps                    = hackable
−
|60 fps notes              = 50 FPS default cap;<ref name="FPS cap"/> use the [[Glossary:Command line arguments|command line arguments]] <code>-framecap 60</code>
+
|60 fps notes              = 50 FPS default cap;<ref name="FPS cap">http://www.descent3.com/patch/Readme_14.txt</ref> use the [[Glossary:Command line arguments|command line arguments]] <code>-framecap 60</code>
 
|120 fps                    = hackable
 
|120 fps                    = hackable
−
|120 fps notes              = Use <code>-framecap X</code> [[Glossary:Command line arguments|command line arguments]] with the cap you want.
+
|120 fps notes              = Use <code>-framecap X</code> [[Glossary:Command line arguments|command line arguments]] with the desired cap.
 
|hdr                        = unknown
 
|hdr                        = unknown
 
|hdr notes                  =  
 
|hdr notes                  =  
Line 152: Line 166:
 
{{Fixbox|description=Add resolution switches|ref=<ref>[https://www.wsgf.org/dr/descent3 Descent3 | WSGF]</ref><ref name="SW149">{{refcheck|user=SonicWind149|date=2021-11-13}}</ref>|fix=
 
{{Fixbox|description=Add resolution switches|ref=<ref>[https://www.wsgf.org/dr/descent3 Descent3 | WSGF]</ref><ref name="SW149">{{refcheck|user=SonicWind149|date=2021-11-13}}</ref>|fix=
 
# Go to the shortcut/launcher properties:
 
# Go to the shortcut/launcher properties:
−
#* If you are skipping the launcher, right-click the {{file|MAIN.EXE}} shortcut and choose Properties.
+
#* If skipping the launcher, right-click the {{file|MAIN.EXE}} shortcut and choose Properties.
−
#* If you are using the launcher, run it and go to Setup, Misc.
+
#* If using the launcher, run it and go to Setup, Misc.
−
#* If you are using [[#InjectD3|InjectD3]], open {{file|InjectD3Configuration.exe}}.
+
# Add the desired resolution in the following format to the applicable [[Glossary:Command line arguments|command line arguments]] field: <code>-width 1920 -height 1080 -aspect 1.78</code>
−
# Add your resolution in the following format to the applicable [[Glossary:Command line arguments|command line arguments]] field: <code>-width 1920 -height 1080 -aspect 1.78</code>
 
 
#* <code>-aspect</code> should be <code>1.78</code> for 16:9 or <code>1.6</code> for 16:10 (calculate by dividing width by height)
 
#* <code>-aspect</code> should be <code>1.78</code> for 16:9 or <code>1.6</code> for 16:10 (calculate by dividing width by height)
−
# Click OK to save your changes.
+
# Click OK to save the changes.
−
#* Additionally, for InjectD3, launch the game from {{file|InjectD3Configuration.exe}}, as the arguments will only work if the game is launched from there.
 
  
 
'''Notes'''
 
'''Notes'''
−
{{ii}} If the output is pillarboxed in-game use the key to the left of {{key|Backspace}} to zoom in.
+
{{ii}} [[#Piccu Engine|Piccu Engine]] natively supports widescreen resolutions, and the desired resolution can be found under Change... in the Video menu in Options.
 +
{{ii}} If the output is pillarboxed in-game, use the key to the left of {{key|Backspace}} to zoom in.
 
{{ii}} Resolutions higher than 2048 pixels on either axis will crash the game; use [[dgVoodoo 2]] to remove resolution limits.
 
{{ii}} Resolutions higher than 2048 pixels on either axis will crash the game; use [[dgVoodoo 2]] to remove resolution limits.
 
}}
 
}}
Line 237: Line 250:
 
|separate volume notes    = Sound and Music.
 
|separate volume notes    = Sound and Music.
 
|surround sound          = true
 
|surround sound          = true
−
|surround sound notes    = Via A3D 2.0 and DirectSound3D
+
|surround sound notes    = Via A3D 2.0 and DirectSound3D, or [[Glossary:Sound_card#Set_up_OpenAL|OpenAL]] through [[#Piccu Engine|Piccu Engine]].
 
|subtitles                = false
 
|subtitles                = false
 
|subtitles notes          =  
 
|subtitles notes          =  
Line 245: Line 258:
 
|mute on focus lost notes =  
 
|mute on focus lost notes =  
 
|eax support              = true
 
|eax support              = true
−
|eax support notes        = EAX 2, DirectSound3D, A3D 2.0<ref>[http://www.quantexzone.com/vortex-of-sound/games-list/139-games-list-all-titles-supporting-3d-audio Games List - All Titles supporting 3D Audio]</ref><br />
+
|eax support notes        = EAX 2, DirectSound3D, A3D 2.0<ref>{{Refurl|url=http://www.quantexzone.com/vortex-of-sound/games-list/139-games-list-all-titles-supporting-3d-audio|title=Games List - All Titles supporting 3D Audio|date=May 2023}}</ref><br />
 
Correct support for the latter requires latest patch<ref>[http://members.optusnet.com.au/kirben/faq_general.html#Why%20does%20the%20A3D%202.0%20in%20Descent%203%20sound%20poor%20and%20why%20does%20it%20use%20so%20much%20CPU Aureal A3D Central - Frequently Asked Questions - General]</ref>
 
Correct support for the latter requires latest patch<ref>[http://members.optusnet.com.au/kirben/faq_general.html#Why%20does%20the%20A3D%202.0%20in%20Descent%203%20sound%20poor%20and%20why%20does%20it%20use%20so%20much%20CPU Aureal A3D Central - Frequently Asked Questions - General]</ref>
 
}}
 
}}
Line 271: Line 284:
 
  |audio    = true
 
  |audio    = true
 
  |subtitles = n/a
 
  |subtitles = n/a
−
  |notes    = Only available in Polish retail release. 'Mercenary' expansion pack was never translated.
+
  |notes    = Only available in Polish retail release. [https://dubbingpedia.pl/wiki/Descent_3 Details] 'Mercenary' expansion pack was never translated.
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
}}
 
}}
Line 283: Line 296:
 
|local play notes    =  
 
|local play notes    =  
 
|lan play            = true
 
|lan play            = true
−
|lan play players    =  
+
|lan play players    = 16
 
|lan play modes      = Co-op, Versus
 
|lan play modes      = Co-op, Versus
 
|lan play notes      =  
 
|lan play notes      =  
−
|online play          = true
+
|online play          = false
−
|online play players  =  
+
|online play players  = 16
 
|online play modes    = Co-op, Versus
 
|online play modes    = Co-op, Versus
−
|online play notes    =  
+
|online play notes    = The official HEAT service has been shut down.
 
|asynchronous        =  
 
|asynchronous        =  
 
|asynchronous notes  =  
 
|asynchronous notes  =  
Line 314: Line 327:
 
==="Error: Unable to set temporary directory to ... The directory is in use" error at launch===
 
==="Error: Unable to set temporary directory to ... The directory is in use" error at launch===
 
{{Fixbox|description=Delete .lock file|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
 
{{Fixbox|description=Delete .lock file|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
−
# Go to <code>{{p|game}}\custom\cache\</code>
+
# Go to {{file|{{p|game}}\custom\cache|folder}}.
−
# Delete <code>.lock</code>
+
# Delete {{file|.lock}}
 
# The game should now start normally.
 
# The game should now start normally.
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
===Mouse movement issues on Windows 8.1===
 
===Mouse movement issues on Windows 8.1===
−
{{ii}} For the GOG.com version use the Windows 8.1 mouse lag fix installer on the [https://www.gog.com/account My Games] page.
+
{{ii}} For the GOG.com version, use the Windows 8.1 mouse lag fix installer from the game library.
  
 
{{Fixbox|description=Install mouse fix|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
 
{{Fixbox|description=Install mouse fix|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
Line 329: Line 342:
 
===API===
 
===API===
 
{{API
 
{{API
−
|direct3d versions      = 6
+
|direct3d versions      = 6.1
 
|direct3d notes        =  
 
|direct3d notes        =  
 
|directdraw versions    =  
 
|directdraw versions    =  
Line 349: Line 362:
 
|windows 32-bit exe    = true
 
|windows 32-bit exe    = true
 
|windows 64-bit exe    = false
 
|windows 64-bit exe    = false
 +
|windows arm app        = unknown
 
|windows exe notes      =  
 
|windows exe notes      =  
−
|mac os x powerpc app  =  
+
|mac os x powerpc app  = unknown
 
|macos intel 32-bit app = true
 
|macos intel 32-bit app = true
 
|macos intel 64-bit app = true
 
|macos intel 64-bit app = true
−
|macos arm app          =  
+
|macos arm app          = unknown
 
|macos app notes        =  
 
|macos app notes        =  
 +
|linux powerpc app      = unknown
 
|linux 32-bit executable= true
 
|linux 32-bit executable= true
 
|linux 64-bit executable= true
 
|linux 64-bit executable= true
 +
|linux arm app          = unknown
 +
|linux 68k app          = unknown
 
|linux executable notes =  
 
|linux executable notes =  
 +
|mac os powerpc app    = true
 +
|mac os 68k app        = unknown
 +
|mac os executable notes=
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{ii}} The 64-bit executables for OS X and Linux are currently only available for the enhanced Steam ports, and there are no plans for a Windows release of said port.<ref name="RCG2020Ports"/>
 
{{ii}} The 64-bit executables for OS X and Linux are currently only available for the enhanced Steam ports, and there are no plans for a Windows release of said port.<ref name="RCG2020Ports"/>
Line 404: Line 424:
 
|recHD    = 500 MB
 
|recHD    = 500 MB
 
|recGPU  =  
 
|recGPU  =  
−
|recDX    = 6.1
+
|recDX    =  
 
|recVRAM  = 8 MB
 
|recVRAM  = 8 MB
 
}}
 
}}

Latest revision as of 03:05, 1 May 2024

Descent 3
Descent 3 cover
Developers
Outrage Entertainment
Linux Loki Software
Mac OS (Classic) Graphsim Entertainment
Linux Ryan C. Gordon[1]
macOS (OS X) Ryan C. Gordon[1]
Publishers
Interplay Entertainment
Re-release Sold Out Software
Engines
Fusion
Release dates
Windows June 17, 1999[2]
Mac OS (Classic) November 23, 1999[3]
Linux July 2000
macOS (OS X) January 31, 2020[1]
Reception
Metacritic 89
Taxonomy
Monetization One-time game purchase, Expansion pack
Modes Singleplayer, Multiplayer
Pacing Real-time
Perspectives First-person
Controls Direct control
Genres Action, FPS, Shooter, Vehicle combat
Vehicles Space flight
Art styles Realistic
Themes Sci-fi
Series Descent
Icon overlay.png
Descent 3 on HowLongToBeat
Descent 3 on IGDB
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Descent 3 guide on StrategyWiki
Descent 3 on MobyGames
Descent 3 on Wikipedia
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Descent
Descent 1995
Descent II 1996
Descent 3 1999
Descent (cancelled) renamed to S.T.F.U (Ships That Fight Underground) TBA

Descent 3 is a singleplayer and multiplayer first-person action, FPS, shooter and vehicle combat game in the Descent series.

The game's source code was released on GitHub by Kevin Bentley, one of the game's programmers, on April 16, 2024. It includes changes from the unreleased v1.5 patch.[4]

General information

Official source code
GOG.com Community Discussions for game series
GOG.com Support Page
Steam Community Discussions

Availability

Source DRM Notes Keys OS
Retail
Disc check (requires the CD/DVD in the drive to play)
 Oversized DRM in US release (lead-out area shortened and used for data, to prevent most contemporary CD-RW drives from copying the method), LaserLock DRM in European release. Can be removed using an officially sanctioned no-CD patch.
Windows
Mac OS
Linux
GOG.com
DRM-free
 Descent 3 + Mercenary.
Comes pre-configured with nGlide.
Windows
Steam
Icon overlay.png
 Descent 3 + Mercenary.[5]
Linux and macOS versions are enhanced ports.[1]
Windows
macOS (OS X)
Linux
Two demo versions were released.

Monetization

DLC and expansion packs

Name Notes
Mercenary
Windows

Essential improvements

Patches

Latest patches for every game version available here

Skip launcher

Launch the game with -launched parameter[5]

Skip intro videos

Launch the game with -nointro parameter[5]

Piccu Engine

A source port that makes several enhancements to the game, including restoration of missing features in the OpenGL renderer, native widescreen support, adjustable FOV that is automatically expanded for widescreen, easy switching between fullscreen and windowed modes, bug fixes, and more.

Game data

Configuration file(s) location

System Location
Windows HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Outrage\Descent3\[Note 1]
Mac OS (Classic)
Linux
It's unknown whether this game follows the XDG Base Directory Specification on Linux. Please fill in this information.

Save game data location

System Location
Windows <path-to-game>\savegame\[Note 2]
Mac OS (Classic)
Linux
*.plt in the installation folder stores pilot-related settings.

Save game cloud syncing

System Native Notes
GOG Galaxy
Steam Cloud

Video

Video settings.
Video settings.
Detail settings.
Detail settings.

Graphics feature State WSGF Notes
Widescreen resolution
 
 See Widescreen resolution or use Piccu Engine.
Multi-monitor
 
Ultra-widescreen
 
4K Ultra HD
 
Field of view (FOV)
Use Piccu Engine and set the FOV option to your liking in the Video menu in Options. Automatically expands for widescreen.
Windowed
See Disable Windows 95 compatibility (Steam) and use dgVoodoo 2, D3DWindower, or Piccu Engine.
Borderless fullscreen windowed
See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
Anisotropic filtering (AF)
See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
Anti-aliasing (AA)
See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
Vertical sync (Vsync)
Enabled by default. Set in Options, Video.
60 FPS
50 FPS default cap;[6] use the command line arguments -framecap 60
120+ FPS
Use -framecap X command line arguments with the desired cap.
High dynamic range display (HDR)
See the glossary page for potential alternatives.

Widescreen resolution

Add resolution switches[7][8]
  1. Go to the shortcut/launcher properties:
    • If skipping the launcher, right-click the MAIN.EXE shortcut and choose Properties.
    • If using the launcher, run it and go to Setup, Misc.
  2. Add the desired resolution in the following format to the applicable command line arguments field: -width 1920 -height 1080 -aspect 1.78
    • -aspect should be 1.78 for 16:9 or 1.6 for 16:10 (calculate by dividing width by height)
  3. Click OK to save the changes.

Notes

Piccu Engine natively supports widescreen resolutions, and the desired resolution can be found under Change... in the Video menu in Options.
If the output is pillarboxed in-game, use the key to the left of ← Backspace to zoom in.
Resolutions higher than 2048 pixels on either axis will crash the game; use dgVoodoo 2 to remove resolution limits.

Input

Keyboard and mouse State Notes
Remapping
Mouse acceleration
Mouse sensitivity
Mouse input in menus
Mouse Y-axis inversion
Go to Config, Joy/Mouse and click the question mark beside the axis.
Controller
Controller support
Supports force feedback but not vibration.
Full controller support
Controller remapping
Controller sensitivity
Controller Y-axis inversion
Go to Config, Joy/Mouse and click the question mark beside the axis.
Controller types
XInput-compatible controllers
PlayStation controllers
Generic/other controllers
Additional information
Button prompts Input settings icon - Generic Controller.svg
Controller hotplugging
Haptic feedback
Digital movement supported
Simultaneous controller+KB/M

Audio

Audio settings.
Audio settings.

Audio feature State Notes
Separate volume controls
Sound and Music.
Surround sound
Via A3D 2.0 and DirectSound3D, or OpenAL through Piccu Engine.
Subtitles
Closed captions
Mute on focus lost
EAX support
EAX 2, DirectSound3D, A3D 2.0[9]
Correct support for the latter requires latest patch[10]

Localizations

Language UI Audio Sub Notes
English
German
Retail only; download for digital releases (does not affect Mercenary)
Polish
Only available in Polish retail release. Details 'Mercenary' expansion pack was never translated.

Network

Multiplayer types

Type Native Players Notes
LAN play
16 Co-op, Versus
Online play
16 Co-op, Versus
The official HEAT service has been shut down.

Connection types

Type Native Notes
Matchmaking
Peer-to-peer
Dedicated
Use D3Server3.
Self-hosting
Direct IP

Issues fixed

"Error: Unable to set temporary directory to ... The directory is in use" error at launch

Delete .lock file[citation needed]
  1. Go to <path-to-game>\custom\cache.
  2. Delete .lock
  3. The game should now start normally.

Mouse movement issues on Windows 8.1

For the GOG.com version, use the Windows 8.1 mouse lag fix installer from the game library.
Install mouse fix[citation needed]
  1. Install the Descent 3 mouse fix.

Other information

API

Technical specs Supported Notes
Direct3D 6
OpenGL 1.2
Glide 3
ExecutablePPC16-bit 32-bit 64-bit Notes
Windows
macOS (OS X)
Linux
Mac OS (Classic)
The 64-bit executables for OS X and Linux are currently only available for the enhanced Steam ports, and there are no plans for a Windows release of said port.[1]

Disable motion blur

Launch the game with -nomotionblur parameter[11]

Disable Windows 95 compatibility (Steam)

Disable Windows 95 compatibility[5]
  1. Go to <path-to-game> and edit descent3install.vdf with a text editor.
  2. Replace the install script with: 
    installscript"
{
	"firewall"
	{
		"Descent 3"		"%INSTALLDIR%\main.exe"
	}
}
"kvsignatures"
{
	"installscript"		"ae6f36bbf6850d924011583c9a45f397d815843cb8aa9e03b04367c4563bebd81dc1104a1b27bda3699bff37cbcda2c2277b94558559994a055fe20da5d65710611ed3335789a2ecc6210350c503dfa1b366b4a6a8d3807e8351e27f698df33c4b2d6ee3b3eeec1c65b699efb437b15c4dc2cd726a0b9c1eae6d7f7855469b0f"
}
  3. Save the changes.
  4. Right click on descent 3.exe and choose properties.
  5. In Compatibility tab disable Run this program in compatibility mode with and click OK.
  6. Right click on main.exe and choose properties.
  7. In Compatibility tab disable Run this program in compatibility mode with and click OK.

System requirements

Windows
Minimum Recommended
Operating system (OS) 95 98, NT
Processor (CPU) Intel Pentium 200 MHz Intel Pentium II 300 MHz
System memory (RAM) 32 MB 64 MB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 210 MB 500 MB
Video card (GPU) 4 MB of VRAM
DirectX 6.1 compatible 		8 MB of VRAM
Mac OS
Minimum
Operating system (OS) 7.5
Processor (CPU) PowerPC 604e
System memory (RAM) 32 MB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 350 MB
Video card (GPU) 6 MB of VRAM


Notes

  1. ↑ Applications writing to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE will be redirected to other locations based on various criterias, see the glossary page for more details.
  2. ↑ When running this game without elevated privileges (Run as administrator option), write operations against a location below %PROGRAMFILES%, %PROGRAMDATA%, or %WINDIR% might be redirected to %LOCALAPPDATA%\VirtualStore on Windows Vista and later (more details).

References