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Difference between revisions of "Heretic"

From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
 
(39 intermediate revisions by 11 users not shown)
Line 11: Line 11:
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|DOS|December 23, 1994}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|DOS|December 23, 1994}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|Mac OS|1999}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|Mac OS|1999}}
−
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|August 3, 2007|wrapper=DOSBox|ref=<ref>[https://store.steampowered.com/news/1141 News - Legendary id Software games now on Steam]</ref>}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|August 3, 2007|wrapper=DOSBox|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://store.steampowered.com/news/1141|title=News - Legendary id Software games now on Steam|date=May 2023}}</ref>}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|OS X|Source ports only}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|OS X|Source ports only}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|Linux|Source ports only}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|Linux|Source ports only}}
 
|taxonomy    =
 
|taxonomy    =
−
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/monetization      | }}
+
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/monetization      | One-time game purchase }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/microtransactions | None }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/microtransactions | None }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/modes            | Singleplayer, Multiplayer }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/modes            | Singleplayer, Multiplayer }}
Line 28: Line 28:
 
|hltb        = 4409
 
|hltb        = 4409
 
|igdb        = heretic
 
|igdb        = heretic
 +
|lutris      = heretic-shadow-of-the-serpent-riders
 
|strategywiki = Heretic
 
|strategywiki = Heretic
 
|wikipedia    = Heretic (video game)
 
|wikipedia    = Heretic (video game)
 
|winehq      =  
 
|winehq      =  
−
|mobygames    = heretic
+
|mobygames    = 21987
 
|license      = commercial
 
|license      = commercial
 +
}}
 +
 +
{{Introduction
 +
|introduction      =
 +
 +
|release history  =
 +
 +
|current state    =
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
'''Key points'''
 
'''Key points'''
−
{{++}} The game's [https://github.com/OpenSourcedGames/Heretic source code] was released on January 6, 1999, by Raven software. Its license was changed to GNU GPL v2 on September 2, 2008.
+
{{++}} The game's [https://github.com/OpenSourcedGames/Heretic source code] was released on January 6, 1999, by Raven Software under a non-commercial license. Its license was changed to GNU GPL v2 on September 2, 2008.
  
 
'''General information'''
 
'''General information'''
Line 42: Line 51:
 
{{GOG.com links|1290366318|heretic_hexen_collection|for game series}}
 
{{GOG.com links|1290366318|heretic_hexen_collection|for game series}}
 
{{mm}} [https://steamcommunity.com/app/2390/discussions/ Steam Community Discussions]
 
{{mm}} [https://steamcommunity.com/app/2390/discussions/ Steam Community Discussions]
 +
{{mm}} [https://forum.zdoom.org/ ZDoom forums] - the majority of mods are first announced and released here
  
 
==Availability==
 
==Availability==
 
{{Availability|
 
{{Availability|
−
{{Availability/row| Retail | | unknown |  |  | DOS, Mac OS }}
+
{{Availability/row| Retail | | drm-free |  |  | DOS, Mac OS }}
−
{{Availability/row| Bethesda.net | HR1A01PCBG01 | Bethesda.net | Heretic: Shadow of the Serpent Riders. |  | Windows }}
 
 
{{Availability/row| GOG.com | heretic_shadow_of_the_serpent_riders | DRM-free | Heretic: Shadow of the Serpent Riders.<br/>Configured to run under [[DOSBox]]. | | Windows }}
 
{{Availability/row| GOG.com | heretic_shadow_of_the_serpent_riders | DRM-free | Heretic: Shadow of the Serpent Riders.<br/>Configured to run under [[DOSBox]]. | | Windows }}
−
{{Availability/row| Steam | 2390 | DRM-Free | Heretic: Shadow of the Serpent Riders.<br/>Configured to run under [[DOSBox]]. Not available in Germany. |  | Windows }}
+
{{Availability/row| MS Store | 9nh27ltl4dn9 | Microsoft Store |  |  |  Windows }}
 +
{{Availability/row| Steam | 2390 | DRM-Free | Heretic: Shadow of the Serpent Riders.<br/>Configured to run under [[DOSBox]]. |  |  Windows }}
 +
{{Availability/row| Bethesda.net | HR1A01PCBG01 | Bethesda.net | Heretic: Shadow of the Serpent Riders. |  | Windows | Unavailable }}
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{ii}} Heretic: Shadow of the Serpent Riders is the retail release of the game, adding two extra episodes.
 
{{ii}} Heretic: Shadow of the Serpent Riders is the retail release of the game, adding two extra episodes.
−
{{ii}} The Steam version is not available in Germany, but the GOG and Bethesda Store versions are.
 
  
 
{{DLC|
 
{{DLC|
 +
{{DLC/row| Shadow of the Serpent Riders  | The 1996 retail store release of Heretic added two new episodes to the game. A patch updating the original registered version of Heretic to v1.3 along with the new episodes is available [https://www.doomworld.com/3ddownloads/patches/htic13rp.exe here] ([https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/2685-heretic-shadow-of-the-serpent-riders-upgrade-patch-v13-dos/ PCGamingWiki mirror]). (Note: patch requires DOS compatibility or emulation such as DOSBox) | DOS }}
 
{{DLC/row| H!ZONE | Although mostly just a shovelware map compilation pack (also containing maps for Hexen), it does contain some original commercial episodes for Heretic (9 single player and 3 multi). The levels include both new enemies (in truth they're just a reskin of existing ones) and textures. They also converted some of these original levels, "the top 95", to Hexen, though minus the artwork and no longer in episode format (individual levels). This add-on is considered unofficial. | DOS }}
 
{{DLC/row| H!ZONE | Although mostly just a shovelware map compilation pack (also containing maps for Hexen), it does contain some original commercial episodes for Heretic (9 single player and 3 multi). The levels include both new enemies (in truth they're just a reskin of existing ones) and textures. They also converted some of these original levels, "the top 95", to Hexen, though minus the artwork and no longer in episode format (individual levels). This add-on is considered unofficial. | DOS }}
 
}}
 
}}
−
{{ii}} Note that H!ZONE is not compatible with source ports or modern computers due to it using a DOS program to overwrite the base game's data rather than loading as a WAD file; it overwrites episode 3. A fan made remake of the addon for zdoom and derivative is available at [https://forum.zdoom.org/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=56672 this] thread.
+
{{ii}} Note that H!ZONE is not compatible with source ports due to it using a DOS program to overwrite the base game's data rather than loading as a WAD file; it overwrites episode 3. A fan made remake of the addon for ZDoom and ZDoom derivatives (GZDoom, LZDoom) is available at [https://forum.zdoom.org/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=56672 this] thread.
  
 
==Essential improvements==
 
==Essential improvements==
 
===Patches===
 
===Patches===
 
{{mm}} [ftp://ftp.idsoftware.com/idstuff/heretic/ Patch 1.2] - Retail and shareware edition have different patches
 
{{mm}} [ftp://ftp.idsoftware.com/idstuff/heretic/ Patch 1.2] - Retail and shareware edition have different patches
 +
{{mm}} [https://www.doomworld.com/3ddownloads/patches/htic13rp.exe Patch 1.3] - Shadow of the Serpent Riders upgrade patch; adds 2 new episodes to the original registered version of Heretic. Requires DOS compatibility or emulation such as DOSBox. (PCGamingWiki mirror [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/2685-heretic-shadow-of-the-serpent-riders-upgrade-patch-v13-dos/ here])
  
 
===Mouse-look hack===
 
===Mouse-look hack===
−
Disable mouse in settings then run [https://web.archive.org/web/20160902221258/http://koti.kapsi.fi/vv/ravmouse.exe this]. Source for hack available [https://pastebin.com/xCSH6VAy here].<ref>https://www.doomworld.com/forum/topic/85064-mouselookfreelook-for-vanilla-heretic-hexen-and-strife/</ref>
+
Disable mouse in settings then run [https://web.archive.org/web/20160902221258/http://koti.kapsi.fi/vv/ravmouse.exe this]. Source for hack available [https://pastebin.com/xCSH6VAy here].<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.doomworld.com/forum/topic/85064-mouselookfreelook-for-vanilla-heretic-hexen-and-strife/|title=doomworld.com|date=May 2023}}</ref>
 +
{{ii}} For DOS version only
  
 
===[[Engine:Id Tech 1#Source ports|Source ports]]===
 
===[[Engine:Id Tech 1#Source ports|Source ports]]===
−
Since the release of the engine's source code, various source ports have been released. See the link above for details and recommendations.
+
Since the release of the engine's source code, various source ports have been released. See the link above for more information on id Tech 1 source ports.
 +
{{ii}} Most Doom/id Tech 1 source ports '''do not''' support Heretic.
 +
{{++}} Chocolate Heretic is the most faithful to the original DOS game executable, while its fork Crispy Heretic adds quality-of-life features and extended mod support. DSDA-Doom adds further quality-of-life features, making it a highly modern (but faithful) way to play.
 +
{{--}} ZDoom/GZDoom/LZDoom ports support loading Heretic WADs, but '''heavily unfaithful''' as they are geared towards advanced mods and are '''not recommended''' unless using mods that require those source ports.
 +
{{Source ports table|content=
 +
{{Source ports table/row| Chocolate Heretic | url=https://github.com/chocolate-doom/chocolate-doom/releases/latest |  Renderers available: '''Software'''.<br />A source port based on Chocolate Doom that aims to accurately reproduce the experience of playing the original DOS version Heretic. Renders at a low-resolution of 320x200 @ 35 Hz (automatically upscaled on higher resolution displays) and purposefully keeps the original game's limits. '''Strictly vanilla faithful; consider using Crispy Heretic for quality of life and mod compatibility enhancements.''' | Windows, OS X, Linux }}
 +
{{Source ports table/row| Crispy Heretic | url=https://github.com/fabiangreffrath/crispy-doom/releases/latest |  Renderers available: '''Software'''.<br />A limit-rising and double-resolution (640x400) off-shoot of Chocolate Heretic with visual and gameplay enhancements while remaining compatible with vanilla and Chocolate Heretic features. Includes widescreen support and high frame rate options. '''Highly vanilla faithful, but more mod-compatible than Chocolate Heretic.''' | Windows }}
 +
{{Source ports table/row| DSDA-Doom | url=https://github.com/kraflab/dsda-doom |  Renderers available: '''Software, OpenGL'''.<br /> Faithful to original game while adding major quality of life improvements (high resolution modes), as well as extra tooling for demo recording and playback for speedrunning. Fork of PrBoom+um which adds support for Heretic. [https://github.com/Pedro-Beirao/dsda-launcher Recommended launcher] allows for easy custom WAD loading, and also supports Windows and macOS. | Windows, OS X }}
 +
{{Source ports table/row| ZDoom | url=https://zdoom.org/downloads | Renderers available: '''Software'''.<br />Limit-removing source port that has features such as high resolutions and all-new editing features for modders.<br />No longer maintained by the original developer.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://forum.zdoom.org/viewtopic.php?t=54883#p968108|title=ZDoom • View topic - ZDoom is Dead. Long live ZDoom.|date=May 5, 2017}}</ref> | Windows, OS X, Linux }}
 +
{{Source ports table/row| GZDoom | url=https://zdoom.org/downloads |  Renderers available: '''OpenGL (Default), OpenGL ES, Vulkan, Software - SoftPoly'''.<br />Based on the same code as ZDoom, except it also uses an OpenGL and Vulkan renderer. '''Nearly every mod should work with GZDoom''', specifically ones that use special effects. A widescreen frontend pack created by Nash Muhandes is also included for v4.5.0 and onward. '''Highly vanilla unfriendly'''. | Windows, OS X, Linux }}
 +
{{Source ports table/row| LZDoom | url=https://zdoom.org/downloads | Renderers available: '''Software (Default - DirectDraw via D3D9 legacy), OpenGL'''.<br />A version of GZDoom designed for low end computers that supports older hardware and older software rendering. Defaults to Software rendering. It's fast software rendering mode is powered by D3D9s DirectDaw legacy compatibility mode. OpenGL - Hardware Accelerated renderer included. Replacement for QZDoom. '''Highly vanilla unfriendly'''. | Windows, OS X, Linux }}
 +
}}
  
 
====[http://sc55.duke4.net/games.php#heretic Roland SC-55 music packs]====
 
====[http://sc55.duke4.net/games.php#heretic Roland SC-55 music packs]====
Line 74: Line 98:
 
Soundtrack for Heretic recorded on an authentic Roland SC-D70 for use with a ZDoom based engine. Choose either OGG or FLAC; MP3 does not support proper looping.
 
Soundtrack for Heretic recorded on an authentic Roland SC-D70 for use with a ZDoom based engine. Choose either OGG or FLAC; MP3 does not support proper looping.
  
−
===Useful wads===
+
===Useful WADs===
−
The following wads are designed to fix some game data bugs or feature shortcomings of the game. They do not add any levels/change play style and thus are generally compatible with most user addons.
+
The following WADs are designed to fix some game data bugs or feature shortcomings of the game. They do not add any levels/change play style and thus are generally compatible with most user addons.
 
{{ii}} [https://www.doomworld.com/forum/topic/64778-heretic-minor-sprite-fixing-and-widescreen-friendly-project-v10-release/ Minor Sprite Fixing Project] - Repairs bad sprite offsets and other graphical errors normally encountered when viewing the player and npc sprites. Vanilla (DOS) executable compatible!
 
{{ii}} [https://www.doomworld.com/forum/topic/64778-heretic-minor-sprite-fixing-and-widescreen-friendly-project-v10-release/ Minor Sprite Fixing Project] - Repairs bad sprite offsets and other graphical errors normally encountered when viewing the player and npc sprites. Vanilla (DOS) executable compatible!
 
{{ii}} [https://forum.zdoom.org/viewtopic.php?t=37623 Widescreen fix] - Repairs sprite cutoffs that occur when using certain weapons. Ideal for source ports.
 
{{ii}} [https://forum.zdoom.org/viewtopic.php?t=37623 Widescreen fix] - Repairs sprite cutoffs that occur when using certain weapons. Ideal for source ports.
  
−
===Content===
+
===Blasphemer===
−
A freely redistributable replacement of Heretic-like assets is available at [https://code.google.com/p/blasphemer/ Blasphemer], forming a completely free and open source game. Art assets from the original game such as the levels, sounds, textures, etc., remain under copyright. They can be purchased from Steam or copied from an original game disk.
+
A freely redistributable drop-in replacement of Heretic.wad (including Heretic-like assets and levels) is available called [https://github.com/Blasphemer/blasphemer Blasphemer], forming a completely free and open source game.
 +
 
 +
{{ii}} Compare to the [https://freedoom.github.io/ Freedoom] project for the original Doom
 +
{{ii}} Art assets from the original Heretic, such as the levels, sounds, music, and textures, remain under copyright, and require  They can be purchased from Steam or copied from an original game disk.
  
 
==Game data==
 
==Game data==
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{{Game data|
 
{{Game data|
 
{{Game data/config|DOS|}}
 
{{Game data/config|DOS|}}
−
{{Game data/config|Windows|{{p|game}}\base\}}
+
{{Game data/config|Windows|{{p|game}}\base\*.conf|{{p|game}}\base\*.CFG}}
 
{{Game data/config|Microsoft Store|}}
 
{{Game data/config|Microsoft Store|}}
 
{{Game data/config|Mac OS|}}
 
{{Game data/config|Mac OS|}}
Line 97: Line 124:
 
{{Game data|
 
{{Game data|
 
{{Game data/saves|DOS|}}
 
{{Game data/saves|DOS|}}
−
{{Game data/saves|Windows|}}
+
{{Game data/saves|Windows|{{p|game}}\base\*.HSG}}
 
{{Game data/saves|Microsoft Store|}}
 
{{Game data/saves|Microsoft Store|}}
 
{{Game data/saves|Mac OS|}}
 
{{Game data/saves|Mac OS|}}
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|ubisoft connect          =  
 
|ubisoft connect          =  
 
|ubisoft connect notes    =  
 
|ubisoft connect notes    =  
−
|xbox cloud                = unknown
+
|xbox cloud                = false
 
|xbox cloud notes          =  
 
|xbox cloud notes          =  
 
}}
 
}}
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|antialiasing              = hackable
 
|antialiasing              = hackable
 
|antialiasing notes        = See [[#Source ports|Source ports]].
 
|antialiasing notes        = See [[#Source ports|Source ports]].
 +
|upscaling                  = unknown
 +
|upscaling tech            =
 +
|upscaling notes            =
 
|vsync                      = hackable
 
|vsync                      = hackable
 
|vsync notes                = See [[#Source ports|Source ports]].
 
|vsync notes                = See [[#Source ports|Source ports]].
Line 154: Line 184:
 
|120 fps notes              = See [[#Source ports|Source ports]].
 
|120 fps notes              = See [[#Source ports|Source ports]].
 
|hdr                        = hackable
 
|hdr                        = hackable
−
|hdr notes                  = For [[#Source ports|GZDoom]], use {{code|vid_hdr}} console variable.<ref>[https://forum.zdoom.org/viewtopic.php?t=61800 ZDoom • View topic - GZDoom 3.5.1 Released]</ref>
+
|hdr notes                  = For [[#Source ports|GZDoom]], use {{code|vid_hdr}} console variable.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://forum.zdoom.org/viewtopic.php?t=61800|title=ZDoom • View topic - GZDoom 3.5.1 Released|date=9 June 2023}}</ref>
 
|color blind                = false
 
|color blind                = false
 
|color blind notes          =  
 
|color blind notes          =  
Line 168: Line 198:
 
|acceleration option      = hackable
 
|acceleration option      = hackable
 
|acceleration option notes = A source port is required. See [[#Source ports|Source ports]].
 
|acceleration option notes = A source port is required. See [[#Source ports|Source ports]].
−
|mouse sensitivity        = unknown
+
|mouse sensitivity        = true
 
|mouse sensitivity notes  =  
 
|mouse sensitivity notes  =  
 
|mouse menu                = hackable
 
|mouse menu                = hackable
Line 239: Line 269:
 
|mute on focus lost notes = A source port is required. See [[#Source ports|Source ports]].
 
|mute on focus lost notes = A source port is required. See [[#Source ports|Source ports]].
 
|eax support              = hackable
 
|eax support              = hackable
−
|eax support notes        = A3D 1.0 and 2.0 (no wavetracing) on wHeretic source port<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20030830161236/http://www.raven-games.com/hosted/wheretic/news.shtml wHeretic - News Archive (retrieved)]</ref>
+
|eax support notes        = A3D 1.0 and 2.0 (no wavetracing) on wHeretic source port<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030830161236/http://www.raven-games.com/hosted/wheretic/news.shtml|title=wHeretic - News Archive (retrieved)|date=May 2023}}</ref>
−
Better on jHeretic with EAX 2 and A3D 3.0<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20020610014806/http://www.doomsdayhq.com/about.php About: The Doomsday Engine - Doomsday HQ (retrieved)]</ref> (latter removed in 1.7.0)<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20021019021355/http://www.doomsdayhq.com/doc_history.php Doomsday Version History - Doomsday HQ (retrieved)]</ref>
+
Better on jHeretic with EAX 2 and A3D 3.0<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020610014806/http://www.doomsdayhq.com/about.php|title=About: The Doomsday Engine - Doomsday HQ (retrieved)|date=May 2023}}</ref> (latter removed in 1.7.0)<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021019021355/http://www.doomsdayhq.com/doc_history.php|title=Doomsday Version History - Doomsday HQ (retrieved)|date=May 2023}}</ref>
 +
|royalty free audio      = always on
 +
|royalty free audio notes =
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 335: Line 367:
 
===Lag/Low FPS (DOSBox)===
 
===Lag/Low FPS (DOSBox)===
 
{{Fixbox|description=Modify the heretic.conf file|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
 
{{Fixbox|description=Modify the heretic.conf file|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
−
# Go to <code>{{p|game}}\base\</code>
+
# Go to {{file|{{p|game}}\base|folder}}.
−
# Open <code>heretic.conf</code> with a text editor (ex. Notepad).
+
# Open {{file|heretic.conf}} with a text editor.
 
# Set the <code>fulldouble</code> variable to <code>false</code>.
 
# Set the <code>fulldouble</code> variable to <code>false</code>.
 
# Save the changes made to the file.
 
# Save the changes made to the file.
Line 376: Line 408:
 
|linux powerpc app      = hackable
 
|linux powerpc app      = hackable
 
|linux arm app          = hackable
 
|linux arm app          = hackable
 +
|linux 68k app          = hackable
 
|linux executable notes = See [[#Source ports|Source ports]].
 
|linux executable notes = See [[#Source ports|Source ports]].
 +
|mac os powerpc app    = true
 +
|mac os 68k app        = false
 +
|mac os executable notes=
 
}}
 
}}
  

Latest revision as of 09:19, 21 April 2024

Heretic
Heretic cover
Developers
Raven Software
Publishers
id Software
GT Interactive
Engines
id Tech 1
Release dates
DOS December 23, 1994
Mac OS (Classic) 1999
Windows (DOSBox) August 3, 2007[1]
macOS (OS X) Source ports only
Linux Source ports only
Taxonomy
Monetization One-time game purchase
Microtransactions None
Modes Singleplayer, Multiplayer
Pacing Real-time
Perspectives First-person
Controls Direct control
Genres Action, FPS
Themes Fantasy
Series Heretic
Icon overlay.png
Heretic on HowLongToBeat
Heretic on IGDB
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Heretic guide on StrategyWiki
Heretic on MobyGames
Heretic on Wikipedia
Icon overlay.png
Heretic
Heretic 1994
Hexen: Beyond Heretic 1995
Hexen II 1997
Heretic II 1998

Heretic is a singleplayer and multiplayer first-person action and FPS game in the Heretic series.

Key points

The game's source code was released on January 6, 1999, by Raven Software under a non-commercial license. Its license was changed to GNU GPL v2 on September 2, 2008.

General information

Doom Wiki
GOG.com Community Discussions for game series
GOG.com Support Page
Steam Community Discussions
ZDoom forums - the majority of mods are first announced and released here

Availability

Source DRM Notes Keys OS
Retail
DRM-free
DOS
Mac OS
GOG.com
DRM-free
 Heretic: Shadow of the Serpent Riders.
Configured to run under DOSBox.
Windows
Microsoft Store
Microsoft Store
Windows
Steam
DRM-free after installation through Steam client (notes may include more details)
 Heretic: Shadow of the Serpent Riders.
Configured to run under DOSBox.
Windows
Bethesda.net (unavailable)
Bethesda.net Launcher
 Heretic: Shadow of the Serpent Riders.
Windows
Heretic: Shadow of the Serpent Riders is the retail release of the game, adding two extra episodes.

DLC and expansion packs

Name Notes
Shadow of the Serpent Riders The 1996 retail store release of Heretic added two new episodes to the game. A patch updating the original registered version of Heretic to v1.3 along with the new episodes is available here (PCGamingWiki mirror). (Note: patch requires DOS compatibility or emulation such as DOSBox)
DOS
H!ZONE Although mostly just a shovelware map compilation pack (also containing maps for Hexen), it does contain some original commercial episodes for Heretic (9 single player and 3 multi). The levels include both new enemies (in truth they're just a reskin of existing ones) and textures. They also converted some of these original levels, "the top 95", to Hexen, though minus the artwork and no longer in episode format (individual levels). This add-on is considered unofficial.
DOS
Note that H!ZONE is not compatible with source ports due to it using a DOS program to overwrite the base game's data rather than loading as a WAD file; it overwrites episode 3. A fan made remake of the addon for ZDoom and ZDoom derivatives (GZDoom, LZDoom) is available at this thread.

Essential improvements

Patches

Patch 1.2 - Retail and shareware edition have different patches
Patch 1.3 - Shadow of the Serpent Riders upgrade patch; adds 2 new episodes to the original registered version of Heretic. Requires DOS compatibility or emulation such as DOSBox. (PCGamingWiki mirror here)

Mouse-look hack

Disable mouse in settings then run this. Source for hack available here.[2]

For DOS version only

Source ports

Since the release of the engine's source code, various source ports have been released. See the link above for more information on id Tech 1 source ports.

Most Doom/id Tech 1 source ports do not support Heretic.
Chocolate Heretic is the most faithful to the original DOS game executable, while its fork Crispy Heretic adds quality-of-life features and extended mod support. DSDA-Doom adds further quality-of-life features, making it a highly modern (but faithful) way to play.
ZDoom/GZDoom/LZDoom ports support loading Heretic WADs, but heavily unfaithful as they are geared towards advanced mods and are not recommended unless using mods that require those source ports.
Name Description
Chocolate Heretic Renderers available: Software.
A source port based on Chocolate Doom that aims to accurately reproduce the experience of playing the original DOS version Heretic. Renders at a low-resolution of 320x200 @ 35 Hz (automatically upscaled on higher resolution displays) and purposefully keeps the original game's limits. Strictly vanilla faithful; consider using Crispy Heretic for quality of life and mod compatibility enhancements.
Windows
macOS (OS X)
Linux
Crispy Heretic Renderers available: Software.
A limit-rising and double-resolution (640x400) off-shoot of Chocolate Heretic with visual and gameplay enhancements while remaining compatible with vanilla and Chocolate Heretic features. Includes widescreen support and high frame rate options. Highly vanilla faithful, but more mod-compatible than Chocolate Heretic.
Windows
DSDA-Doom Renderers available: Software, OpenGL.
Faithful to original game while adding major quality of life improvements (high resolution modes), as well as extra tooling for demo recording and playback for speedrunning. Fork of PrBoom+um which adds support for Heretic. Recommended launcher allows for easy custom WAD loading, and also supports Windows and macOS.
Windows
macOS (OS X)
ZDoom Renderers available: Software.
Limit-removing source port that has features such as high resolutions and all-new editing features for modders.
No longer maintained by the original developer.[3]
Windows
macOS (OS X)
Linux
GZDoom Renderers available: OpenGL (Default), OpenGL ES, Vulkan, Software - SoftPoly.
Based on the same code as ZDoom, except it also uses an OpenGL and Vulkan renderer. Nearly every mod should work with GZDoom, specifically ones that use special effects. A widescreen frontend pack created by Nash Muhandes is also included for v4.5.0 and onward. Highly vanilla unfriendly.
Windows
macOS (OS X)
Linux
LZDoom Renderers available: Software (Default - DirectDraw via D3D9 legacy), OpenGL.
A version of GZDoom designed for low end computers that supports older hardware and older software rendering. Defaults to Software rendering. It's fast software rendering mode is powered by D3D9s DirectDaw legacy compatibility mode. OpenGL - Hardware Accelerated renderer included. Replacement for QZDoom. Highly vanilla unfriendly.
Windows
macOS (OS X)
Linux

Roland SC-55 music packs

Soundtrack for Heretic recorded on an authentic SC-55 for use with a ZDoom based engine. Choose either OGG or FLAC; MP3 does not support proper looping.

Roland SC-D70 music packs

Soundtrack for Heretic recorded on an authentic Roland SC-D70 for use with a ZDoom based engine. Choose either OGG or FLAC; MP3 does not support proper looping.

Useful WADs

The following WADs are designed to fix some game data bugs or feature shortcomings of the game. They do not add any levels/change play style and thus are generally compatible with most user addons.

Minor Sprite Fixing Project - Repairs bad sprite offsets and other graphical errors normally encountered when viewing the player and npc sprites. Vanilla (DOS) executable compatible!
Widescreen fix - Repairs sprite cutoffs that occur when using certain weapons. Ideal for source ports.

Blasphemer

A freely redistributable drop-in replacement of Heretic.wad (including Heretic-like assets and levels) is available called Blasphemer, forming a completely free and open source game.

Compare to the Freedoom project for the original Doom
Art assets from the original Heretic, such as the levels, sounds, music, and textures, remain under copyright, and require They can be purchased from Steam or copied from an original game disk.

Game data

In-game general settings.
In-game general settings.

Configuration file(s) location

System Location
DOS
Windows <path-to-game>\base\*.conf[Note 1]
<path-to-game>\base\*.CFG[Note 1]<path-to-game> (mounted in DOSBox)[Note 2]
Microsoft Store
Mac OS (Classic)
Linux
Steam Play (Linux) <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/2390/pfx/[Note 3]
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
DOS
Windows <path-to-game>\base\*.HSG[Note 1]
<path-to-game> (mounted in DOSBox)[Note 2]
Microsoft Store
Mac OS (Classic)
Linux
Steam Play (Linux) <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/2390/pfx/[Note 3]

Save game cloud syncing

System Native Notes
GOG Galaxy
Steam Cloud
Xbox Cloud

Video

In-game video/audio settings.
In-game video/audio settings.

Graphics feature State WSGF Notes
Widescreen resolution
 
 See Source ports.
Multi-monitor
 
 Supported by GZDoom.[4] See Source ports.
Ultra-widescreen
 
 See Source ports.
4K Ultra HD
 
 See Source ports.
Field of view (FOV)
See Field of view (FOV).
Windowed
Toggle with Alt+↵ Enter in DOSBox or its source ports, if supported.
Borderless fullscreen windowed
See Borderless fullscreen windowed.
Anisotropic filtering (AF)
See Source ports.
Anti-aliasing (AA)
See Source ports.
Vertical sync (Vsync)
See Source ports.
60 FPS
Capped at 35 FPS;[5] for 60+ FPS, see Source ports.
120+ FPS
See Source ports.
High dynamic range display (HDR)
For GZDoom, use vid_hdr console variable.[6]

Field of view (FOV)

Depending on your choice of engine, you can usually change the field of view with a console command, or even in the options. Try fov <1-179> or gr_fov <1-179>.

Input

Keyboard and mouse State Notes
Remapping
Set in setup.
Mouse acceleration
A source port is required. See Source ports.
Mouse sensitivity
Mouse input in menus
A source port is required. See Source ports.
Mouse Y-axis inversion
A source port is required. See Source ports.
Controller
Controller support
Set in setup.
Full controller support
Controller remapping
Set in setup.
Controller sensitivity
Controller Y-axis inversion
A source port is required. See Source ports.
Controller types
XInput-compatible controllers
PlayStation controllers
Tracked motion controllers
Generic/other controllers
Additional information
Controller hotplugging
Haptic feedback
Digital movement supported
Simultaneous controller+KB/M

Audio

Audio feature State Notes
Separate volume controls
Surround sound
A source port is required. See Source ports.
Subtitles
Closed captions
Mute on focus lost
A source port is required. See Source ports.
EAX support
A3D 1.0 and 2.0 (no wavetracing) on wHeretic source port[7] Better on jHeretic with EAX 2 and A3D 3.0[8] (latter removed in 1.7.0)[9]
Royalty free audio

Localizations

Language UI Audio Sub Notes
English

Network

Multiplayer types

Type Native Players Notes
Local play
Use Doom Legacy.
LAN play
4 Co-op, Versus
Online play
4 Co-op, Versus
A source port is recommended for online play as it adds modern networking support and simplifies the process of finding games. Most major source ports (like Zandronum) also increase the max player limit (for Zandronum, the limit is 64)

Connection types

Type Native Notes
Matchmaking
Peer-to-peer
Dedicated
Requires source port.
Self-hosting
Direct IP
Possible in source ports.

VR support

Headsets State Notes
SteamVR
Use ViveDoom
Oculus VR (LibOVR)
Use ViveDoom
Windows Mixed Reality
This game might be playable with the Revive Compatibility Layer, or Windows Mixed Reality for SteamVR.
Devices
Tracked motion controllers
Traditional controller
See Input for details.
Keyboard/Mouse
Play area
Seated
Standing
Room-scale

Issues fixed

Lag/Low FPS (DOSBox)

Modify the heretic.conf file[citation needed]
  1. Go to <path-to-game>\base.
  2. Open heretic.conf with a text editor.
  3. Set the fulldouble variable to false.
  4. Save the changes made to the file.
  5. Launch the game.

Other information

API

Technical specs Supported Notes
Direct3D
A source port is required. See Source ports.
OpenGL
A source port is required. See Source ports.
Software renderer
Vulkan
See Source ports.
DOS video modes VGA
ExecutablePPC16-bit 32-bit 64-bitARM Notes
Windows
A source port is required for 64-bit. See Source ports.
macOS (OS X)
See Source ports.
Linux
See Source ports.
Mac OS (Classic)

Middleware

Middleware Notes
Multiplayer DWANGO Defunct paid matchmaking service. Registered shareware & retail versions have support.

System requirements

DOS
Minimum Recommended
Operating system (OS) 6.2
Processor (CPU) Intel 386 Intel 486 33 MHz
System memory (RAM) 4 MB 8 MB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 10 MB 30 MB
Video card (GPU) VGA graphics card
Windows
Minimum
Operating system (OS) 7, 8, 10
Processor (CPU) 1.8 GHz
System memory (RAM) 512 MB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 35 MB
Video card (GPU) DirectX 9 compatible
Mac OS
Minimum
Operating system (OS) 7.5
Processor (CPU) PowerPC
System memory (RAM)
Hard disk drive (HDD)
Linux
Minimum
Operating system (OS)
Processor (CPU)
System memory (RAM)
Hard disk drive (HDD)


Notes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 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).
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 File/folder structure within the installation folder reflects the path(s) listed for DOS game data. For the GOG.com release, file changes in DOSBox are redirected to <path-to-game>/cloud_saves/ even if GOG Galaxy is not used (this folder contains all redirected files, so some files in the cloud_saves folder might be temporary files or other files that do not contain saves or settings).
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Notes regarding Steam Play (Linux) data:

References

  1. ↑ News - Legendary id Software games now on Steam - last accessed on May 2023
  2. ↑ doomworld.com - last accessed on May 2023
  3. ↑ ZDoom • View topic - ZDoom is Dead. Long live ZDoom. - last accessed on May 5, 2017
  4. ↑ ZDoom 2.5.0 changelog - last accessed on October 11, 2018
  5. ↑ VOGONS • View topic - Doom in DOS: Original vs Source Ports - last accessed on December 15, 2017
  6. ↑ ZDoom • View topic - GZDoom 3.5.1 Released - last accessed on 9 June 2023
  7. ↑ wHeretic - News Archive (retrieved) - last accessed on May 2023
  8. ↑ About: The Doomsday Engine - Doomsday HQ (retrieved) - last accessed on May 2023
  9. ↑ Doomsday Version History - Doomsday HQ (retrieved) - last accessed on May 2023