Difference between revisions of "Sacred"

Latest revision as of 09:10, 12 January 2024

Sacred
Sacred	2004
Sacred 2: Fallen Angel	2008
Sacred Citadel	2013
Sacred 3	2014

Sacred is a fantasy ARPG game developed by Studio II Software with singleplayer and multiplayer content.

The game started development around the year 2000 as Armalion: Realms of Arcania, a game set in the The Dark Eye universe by the studio Ikarion Software. After the staff moved to the newly formed Studio II Software (wholly owned by Ascaron Entertainment) in 2001, after Ikarion had bankrupted, the project abandoned the Dark Eye universe and was briefly named L.O.R.D. (Lands of Raising Demons or land of the raging demon) before finally settling on Sacred and its official announcement in the end of December 2002. After launching in February 2004, the game received a major free update (patch 1.7/1.8) in September 2004 called Sacred Plus which included new quests, regions, enemies and improvements to existing content and interface. A full expansion called Underworld was released in March 2005, featuring two new classes and an entirely separate campaign set after the events of the base game. Around the same time, the Gold edition was released containing all aforementioned content and became the most widely available version of the game. The final patch for Underworld, 2.28, was released in November 2006, ending over half a decade of development on the game.

Digital publishing rights were claimed by Strategy First in 2008, who had released the game on Steam and GOG.com, until the rights were transferred to THQ Nordic in February 2022, consolidating the copyright over the IP for the first time since the Ascaron/Studio II bankruptcy of 2009.

On modern systems, the game does not suffer from any major issues, save for the absence of 3D audio support which can be restored by using IndirectSound. Unofficial community patches have become an essential part of present-day installations, as they include full widescreen support and optional quality-of-life improvements, but were only made with Underworld / Gold in mind, as the latter is the most widely available release of the game.

The official multiplayer service by TinCat was shut down, but a community-run alternative is available - a live instance used to be hosted by the author, but is no longer online, though it is possible to compile a new one using the source code.

General information

Sacred Tribute - a fansite with archives and resources from the Sacred franchise

SacredWiki - a community-maintained wiki about Sacred, Sacred Underworld and Sacred 2: Fallen Angel.

Wolfe's Lair (archive) - fansite with walkthroughs and tips for Sacred and the Underworld expansion

GOG.com Community Discussions for game series

GOG.com Support Page

Steam Community Discussions

Availability

Source	DRM	Notes	Keys	OS
Retail		ProtectDISC Software DRM for English, German and Italian releases. StarForce 3 DRM^{[Note 1]} for Chinese, French and Russian releases. Custom DRM code may sabotage the game by sending the player to the Mal-Ork-A island from which there is no exit.
Publisher website		Sacred Gold. Sold by Strategy First despite the 2022 copyright transfer.
GamersGate		Sacred Plus
GamersGate		Sacred Gold
		Sacred Gold
GOG.com		Sacred Gold. Serial keys for multiplayer available by request to GOG support team.^[5]
Green Man Gaming		Sacred Gold
Humble Store		Sacred Gold
Steam		Sacred Gold. Does not provide multiplayer serial keys.
ZOOM Platform (unavailable)		Sacred Gold

StarForce DRM for this game does not work on modern versions of Windows (see above for affected versions).

A free demo version is available from ModDB.

Version differences

Sacred - the original game, released in February 2004
Sacred Plus - Free expansion pack released in October 2004 as part of the 1.7 and 1.8 patches for the base game. It adds 2 regions, monsters, quests, items.
Sacred Underworld - Expansion pack released in April 2005. It adds 2 player characters (Daemon and Dwarf), 6 regions, 2 acts, new monsters and items.
Sacred Gold - Released in August 2005, includes the base game and both expansions.

Monetization

Type	Notes
Expansion pack	The expansion pack includes new classes, items and a separate campaign.
One-time game purchase	The game requires an upfront purchase to access.

DLC and expansion packs

Name	Notes
Sacred Plus	Distributed in 1.7 and 1.8 official patches for the base game for free.
Sacred Underworld	Files released as free download for Italian and Spanish releases by FX Interactive in 2006, requiring an SMS message request for a serial key.^[6]^[7]

Essential improvements

Patches

The latest patch for Sacred is 1.8.26 (Dec 2004) - which upgrades it to Sacred Plus. It is available here.

The latest patch for Sacred Underworld / Gold is 2.28 (Nov 2006). It is available here. It is already included in the digital releases.

Improve performance

Force Vsync off; see Disabling Vertical sync (Vsync)

Remove the default 128 VRAM limit
Open `Settings.cfg` Set `GFX_LIMIT128 : 1` to 0 Save the changes and close the file.

Use dgVoodoo 2; see High-resolution rendering

Skip intro videos

Delete/rename video files^[8]
Go to `<path-to-game>\movie\`. Delete or rename `ascaron.wmv` and `oem.wmv`.

Game data

Configuration file(s) location

System	Location
Windows	<path-to-game>\SETTINGS.CFG^{[Note 2]}
Linux
Steam Play (Linux)	<Steam-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/12320/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
Windows	<path-to-game>\save^{[Note 2]}
Linux
Steam Play (Linux)	<Steam-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/12320/pfx/^{[Note 3]}

Saved games are GAME**.PAK; saved heroes are hero**.pax.

Save game cloud syncing

System	Native	Notes
GOG Galaxy
Steam Cloud

Video

General settings.

Running in standard 1024x768 resolution.

Running in 1920x1080 resolution via dgVoodoo 2

Graphics feature	WSGF	Notes
Widescreen resolution		1024x768 by default. See High-resolution rendering.
Multi-monitor
Ultra-widescreen
4K Ultra HD		Enable with HD mod and dgVoodoo 2
Field of view (FOV)
Windowed	Set in launcher.
Borderless fullscreen windowed	See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
Anisotropic filtering (AF)	See High-resolution rendering.
Anti-aliasing (AA)	FSAA on/off. See High-resolution rendering. Forcing MSAA/CSAA externally may introduce severe grid-like visual artifacts.
Vertical sync (Vsync)	To disable, see Disabling Vertical sync (Vsync)
60 FPS	Low performance when zoomed out. See Improve performance.
120+ FPS

High-resolution rendering

Use PureHD

Includes some fixes, manually set widescreen up to 1080p

Requires Sacred Gold.

No gameplay changes.

Download files
Extract the files into <path-to-game>
Check Settings.cfg^{[citation needed]}

Download and apply dgVoodoo 2

This fix may introduce graphical artifacts.

Will stretch graphics horizontally, altering the original aspect ratio.

Download dgVoodoo 2
Copy the three .dll files from the MS\x86 folder and the dgVoodoo executable into <path-to-game>
Open the dgVoodoo executable from the game folder and click the .\ button
In the DirectX tab, set Resolution to the monitor's native one and untick 'dgVoodoo Watermark'
Click Apply and close the application.

Use Sacred NL
Fixes all artifacts caused by playing at widescreen resolutions and interface scales correctly. Adds many QoL improvements like extended zoom and new hotkeys, minimap, model viewer, language switch, cheats and more. Requires Sacred Gold. Installer currently broken, refer to manual installation guide

Disabling Vertical sync (Vsync)

Force Vsync off

This fix may introduce graphical artifacts.

Go to <path-to-game>
Open Settings.cfg
Add the line WAITRETRACE : 0 at the end of the file
Save the changes and close the file

Input

Keyboard and mouse	State	Notes
Remapping		See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
Mouse acceleration
Mouse sensitivity
Mouse input in menus
Mouse Y-axis inversion
Controller
Controller support

Controller types

Hotkeys for Combat Arts

There is an undocumented feature of using hotkeys for Combat Arts, so as not to be limited to the default five slots in the game. In the combat arts menu, hover over a power and press one of the F1-F6 keys. It will now be selected when pressing that key.^[9]

Audio

Audio feature	State	Notes
Separate volume controls		SFX, Speech, Music.
Surround sound		Requires ALchemy
Subtitles		Plot dialogue and quests are always shown in text; brief character acknowledgements and taunts are not subtitled.
Closed captions
Mute on focus lost
EAX support		Unknown version, supported by ALchemy.
Royalty free audio

Localizations

Language	UI	Audio	Sub	Notes
English				US English release removes blood effects, unlike the European and Oceanian English-language releases; digital releases use the non-US version.
Simplified Chinese				Retail only.
Traditional Chinese				Retail only.
Czech				Retail only.
French				Retail and GOG.com only.
German				Retail only; download for digital releases.
Italian				Retail only.
Japanese				Retail only.
Polish				Retail only; download for digital releases
Brazilian Portuguese				For Sacred Gold only; download.
Russian				Retail and GOG.com only.
Spanish				Retail only; download for digital releases.

Network

Online features require a product key. For the GOG.com version, the key is available by submitting a multiplayer key request.

Multiplayer types

Type	Native	Players	Notes
LAN play		16
Online play		16	The official TinCat service has been shut down; see Multiplayer connectivity without VPNs for a workaround.

Connection types

Type	Native	Notes
Matchmaking
Peer-to-peer
Dedicated
Self-hosting		Use `GameServer.exe` in the installation folder.
Direct IP

Multiplayer connectivity without VPNs

Use the Sacred Ancaria Connection

The project is open source, with a GitHub repository here.

Download and compile the code.
Execute it before launching Sacred.
In the game options, select "Modem/ISDN" as the network speed setting.
Go to the LAN menu and check for any servers to come up.

Issues fixed

Stop flickering load screens with Nvidia GPU

Use dgVoodoo 2
To avoid a DirectX error on startup when also using PureHD, set Scaling to Unspecified.

Game stuck at loading screen

Opening Sequence plays, then it starts loading, and then it gets to Fonts and freezes.

Run `Config.exe` and force 32-bit color depth.

3D audio effects option disabled

Install IndirectSound
Download and extract IndirectSound Copy the two files, `dsound.dll` and `dsound.ini`. Paste into `<path-to-game>`. Run the game, and choose 3D effects in the sound settings.

Windows key interference

The ⊞ Win key, when accidentally pressed, minimizes the game, causing it to freeze.

Use AutoHotkey
Install the program. Create a text file with the line `LWin::return` and save it as an `.ahk` script. Execute the script by double-clicking on it before running the game.

Other information

API

Technical specs	Supported	Notes
Direct3D	7

Executable	32-bit	64-bit	Notes
Windows
Linux			Sacred Gold had a Linux release in 2009 (by Linux Game Publishing).

Middleware

	Middleware	Notes
Cutscenes	Windows Media Video 9
Multiplayer	TinCat

Modifications

ReBorn HD

The biggest and most elaborate balance mod for Sacred.

Requires Sacred Gold.

Many changes in the overall balance, bosses, heroes, items, their drop, game mechanics.

Does not affect the original executable, provides own widescreen support and is compatible with most language versions.

System requirements

Windows
	Minimum	Recommended
Operating system (OS)	98 SE, ME, 2000, XP
Processor (CPU)	Intel Pentium III 800 MHz	AMD Athlon 1.4 GHz or higher Intel Pentium 4
System memory (RAM)	256 MB	512 MB
Hard disk drive (HDD)	2 GB	2.5 GB
Video card (GPU)	64 MB of VRAM DirectX 8 compatible	DirectX 9 compatible
Sound (audio device)	DirectX 8 compatible	DirectX 9 compatible

Linux
	Minimum
Operating system (OS)	2.2.x or better Linux kernel with glibc-2.1 or later and X-Windows (XFree86 3.3.x or later)
Processor (CPU)	1.0 GHz x86
System memory (RAM)	256 MB
Hard disk drive (HDD)	3.7 GB
Video card (GPU)	Hardware Accelerated 3D Graphics card 32 MB of VRAM
Sound (audio device)	OSS or ALSA Compatible

Notes

↑ This version of StarForce DRM does not work on Windows Vista or later.^[1]^[2]^[3]^[4] For supported versions of Windows the StarForce driver may need to be updated manually using SFUPDATE.
↑ ^2.0 ^2.1 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).
↑ ^3.0 ^3.1 File/folder structure within this directory reflects the path(s) listed for Windows and/or Steam game data (use Wine regedit to access Windows registry paths). Games with Steam Cloud support may store data in ~/.steam/steam/userdata/<user-id>/12320/ in addition to or instead of this directory. The app ID (12320) may differ in some cases. Treat backslashes as forward slashes. See the glossary page for details.

References

↑ Windows Vista support - StarForce Support
↑ Windows 7 support - StarForce Support
↑ Windows 8.1 support - StarForce Support
↑ Windows 10 support - StarForce Support
↑ Sacred Gold - Multiplayer issue - CD Key - last accessed on 2021-06-13
↑ SACRED - La leyenda del Arma Sagrada - last accessed on 2021-06-13
↑ SACRED - EDIZIONE ORO - last accessed on 2021-06-13
↑ Verified by User:Plok on 2021-10-11
↑ https://steamcommunity.com/app/12320/discussions/0/2788173147755231429/?l=english

[5] This version of StarForce DRM does not work on Windows Vista or later.^[1]^[2]^[3]^[4] For supported versions of Windows the StarForce driver may need to be updated manually using SFUPDATE.

[gamedir-10] 2.0 ^2.1 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).

[Proton_path_note-11] 3.0 ^3.1 File/folder structure within this directory reflects the path(s) listed for Windows and/or Steam game data (use Wine regedit to access Windows registry paths). Games with Steam Cloud support may store data in ~/.steam/steam/userdata/<user-id>/12320/ in addition to or instead of this directory. The app ID (12320) may differ in some cases. Treat backslashes as forward slashes. See the glossary page for details.

[StarForce_Windows_Vista-1] Windows Vista support - StarForce Support

[StarForce_Windows_7-2] Windows 7 support - StarForce Support

[StarForce_Windows_8.1-3] Windows 8.1 support - StarForce Support

[StarForce_Windows_10-4] Windows 10 support - StarForce Support

[6] Sacred Gold - Multiplayer issue - CD Key - last accessed on 2021-06-13

[7] SACRED - La leyenda del Arma Sagrada - last accessed on 2021-06-13

[8] SACRED - EDIZIONE ORO - last accessed on 2021-06-13

[9] Verified by User:Plok on 2021-10-11

[12] ttps://steamcommunity.com/app/12320/discussions/0/2788173147755231429/?l=english

[Note 1]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[8]

[Note 2]

[Note 3]

[9]

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

Developers

	Studio II Software
Expansion	Kritzelkratz 3000
Publishers
Physical (Europe, South Africa)	Take-Two Interactive
Physical (Spain, Italy)	FX Interactive
Physical (North America)	Encore
Linux	Linux Game Publishing
Digital (2008-2022)	Strategy First
Digital (2022-present)	THQ Nordic
Release dates
Windows	February 27, 2004
Linux	April 9, 2009
Reception
Metacritic	74
Taxonomy
Monetization	One-time game purchase, Expansion pack
Modes	Singleplayer, Multiplayer
Pacing	Real-time
Perspectives	Bird's-eye view, Isometric
Controls	Point and select
Genres	ARPG
Themes	Fantasy
Series	Sacred

@@ Line 3: / Line 3: @@
 |developers   =
 {{Infobox game/row/developer|Studio II Software}}
+{{Infobox game/row/developer|Kritzelkratz 3000|Expansion}}
 |publishers   =
-{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Take-Two Interactive|Physical (Europe)}}
+{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Take-Two Interactive|Physical (Europe, South Africa)}}
 {{Infobox game/row/publisher|FX Interactive|Physical (Spain, Italy)}}
 {{Infobox game/row/publisher|Encore|Physical (North America)}}
-{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Strategy First|Digital}}
 {{Infobox game/row/publisher|Linux Game Publishing|Linux}}
+{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Strategy First|Digital (2008-2022)}}
+{{Infobox game/row/publisher|THQ Nordic|Digital (2022-present)}}
 |engines      =
 |release dates=
@@ Line 14: / Line 16: @@
 {{Infobox game/row/date|Linux|April 9, 2009}}
 |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/modes             | Singleplayer, Multiplayer }}
@@ Line 28: / Line 30: @@
 |reception    =
 {{Infobox game/row/reception|Metacritic|sacred|74}}
+|official site= https://web.archive.org/web/20041208220820/http://www.ascaron.com/gb/gb_sacred/index.html
 |steam appid  = 12320
 |gogcom id    = 1207658688
@@ Line 33: / Line 36: @@
 |igdb         = sacred
 |hltb         = 8049
-|mobygames    = sacred
+|lutris       = sacred-gold
+|mobygames    = 12394
 |wikipedia    = Sacred (video game)
 |winehq       = 1898
@@ Line 39: / Line 43: @@
 }}
-'''Key points'''
+{{Introduction
-{{--}} Online multiplayer master servers have been shut down.
+|introduction      = '''''Sacred''''' is a {{Glossary:Fantasy}} {{Glossary:ARPG}} game developed by [[Company:Studio II Software|Studio II Software]] with {{Glossary:Singleplayer}} and {{Glossary:Multiplayer}} content.
+|release history   = The game started development around the year 2000 as '''''Armalion: Realms of Arcania''''', a game set in the ''[[Series:The Dark Eye|The Dark Eye]]'' universe by the studio [[Company:Ikarion Software|Ikarion Software]]. After the staff moved to the newly formed Studio II Software (wholly owned by [[Company:Ascaron Entertainment|Ascaron Entertainment]]) in 2001, after Ikarion had bankrupted, the project abandoned the ''Dark Eye'' universe and was briefly named ''''' L.O.R.D. (Lands of Raising Demons or land of the raging demon)''''' before finally settling on '''''Sacred''''' and its official announcement in the end of December 2002. After launching in February 2004, the game received a major free update (patch 1.7/1.8) in September 2004 called '''''Sacred Plus''''' which included new quests, regions, enemies and improvements to existing content and interface. A full expansion called '''''Underworld''''' was released in March 2005, featuring two new classes and an entirely separate campaign set after the events of the base game. Around the same time, the '''''Gold''''' edition was released containing all aforementioned content and became the most widely available version of the game. The final patch for ''Underworld'', 2.28, was released in November 2006, ending over half a decade of development on the game.
+Digital publishing rights were claimed by [[Company:Strategy First|Strategy First]] in 2008, who had released the game on [[Store:Steam|Steam]] and [[Store:GOG.com|GOG.com]], until the rights were transferred to [[Company:THQ Nordic|THQ Nordic]] in February 2022, consolidating the copyright over the IP for the first time since the Ascaron/Studio II bankruptcy of 2009.
+|current state     = On modern systems, the game does not suffer from any major issues, save for the absence of 3D audio support which can be restored by [[#3D audio effects option disabled|using IndirectSound]]. [[#High-resolution rendering|Unofficial community patches]] have become an essential part of present-day installations, as they include full widescreen support and optional quality-of-life improvements, but were only made with ''Underworld'' / ''Gold'' in mind, as the latter is the most widely available release of the game.
+The official multiplayer service by TinCat was shut down, but a [https://github.com/Alby1987/SacredAncariaConnection community-run alternative] is available - a live instance used to be hosted by the author, but is no longer online, though it is possible to compile a new one using the source code.
+}}
 '''General information'''
+{{mm}} [https://www.sacred-tribute.com/ Sacred Tribute] - a fansite with archives and resources from the ''Sacred'' franchise
+{{mm}} [http://www.sacredwiki.org/index.php/SacredWiki SacredWiki] - a community-maintained wiki about ''Sacred'', ''Sacred Underworld'' and ''[[Sacred 2: Fallen Angel]]''.
+{{mm}} [http://pctalk.info/Games/Sacred2/Wolfes.Lair/SacredUnderworld/SacredUnderworldHome.htm Wolfe's Lair (archive)] - fansite with walkthroughs and tips for ''Sacred'' and the ''Underworld'' expansion
 {{GOG.com links|1207658688|sacred_series|for game series}}
 {{mm}} [https://steamcommunity.com/app/12320/discussions/ Steam Community Discussions]
-{{mm}} [http://www.sacredwiki.org/index.php/SacredWiki SacredWiki]: elaborate wiki about Sacred, Sacred Underworld and [[Sacred 2: Fallen Angel]].
-{{mm}} [http://pctalk.info/Games/Sacred2/Wolfes.Lair/SacredUnderworld/SacredUnderworldHome.htm Wolfe's Lair (archive)]: fansite with walkthroughs and tips for Sacred and the Underworld expansion.
-{{mm}} [https://sac.s2cm.net/ Sacred Ancaria Connection]: a tool which allows multiplayer connections without using VPN usage after the TinCat service shutdown.
 ==Availability==
 {{Availability|
-{{Availability/row| Retail | | disc, key | VOB for English release. ProtectCD for German and Italian releases. {{DRM|StarForce|3}} for French release. | | Windows }}
+{{Availability/row| Retail | | disc, key | {{DRM|ProtectDISC Software}} for English, German and Italian releases. {{DRM|StarForce|3}} for Chinese, French and Russian releases.<br>Custom {{term|DRM}} code may sabotage the game by sending the player to the Mal-Ork-A island from which there is no exit. | | Windows }}
-{{Availability/row| GOG.com | sacred_gold | DRM-free | Sacred Gold. Serial keys for multiplayer available by request to GOG support team.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://support.gog.com/hc/en-us/articles/213036365-Sacred-Gold-Multiplayer-issue-CD-Key?product=gog|title=Sacred Gold - Multiplayer issue - CD Key|date=2021-06-13}}</ref> | | Windows }}
+{{Availability/row| Publisher | http://www.strategyfirst.com/product/sacred-gold/ | unknown | Sacred Gold. Sold by Strategy First despite the 2022 copyright transfer. | | Windows }}
-{{Availability/row| GMG | sacred-gold | Steam | Sacred Gold |  | Windows }}
+{{Availability/row| Gamersgate | sacred-plus | DRM-free | Sacred Plus | | Windows }}
+{{Availability/row| Gamersgate | sacred-gold | Steam | Sacred Gold | | Windows }}
+{{Availability/row| Gamesplanet | 4379-1 | Steam | Sacred Gold | | Windows }}
+{{Availability/row| GOG.com | sacred_gold | DRM-free, key | Sacred Gold. Serial keys for multiplayer available by request to GOG support team.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://support.gog.com/hc/en-us/articles/213036365-Sacred-Gold-Multiplayer-issue-CD-Key?product=gog|title=Sacred Gold - Multiplayer issue - CD Key|date=2021-06-13}}</ref> | | Windows }}
+{{Availability/row| GMG | sacred-gold-pc | Steam | Sacred Gold |  | Windows }}
 {{Availability/row| Humble | sacred-gold | Steam | Sacred Gold | | Windows }}
-{{Availability/row| Steam | 12320 | Steam |Sacred Gold | | Windows }}
+{{Availability/row| Steam | 12320 | Steam | Sacred Gold. Does not provide multiplayer serial keys. | | Windows }}
+{{Availability/row| ZOOM | sacred-gold | DRM-free | Sacred Gold |  | Windows | unavailable }}
 }}
+{{ii}} A free demo version is available from [https://www.moddb.com/games/sacred/downloads/sacred-demo ModDB].
 ===Version differences===
@@ Line 63: / Line 82: @@
 *''Sacred Underworld'' - Expansion pack released in April 2005. It adds 2 player characters (Daemon and Dwarf), 6 regions, 2 acts, new monsters and items.
 *''Sacred Gold'' - Released in August 2005, includes the base game and both expansions.
+==Monetization==
+{{Monetization
+|ad-supported           =
+|dlc                    =
+|expansion pack         = The expansion pack includes new classes, items and a separate campaign.
+|freeware               =
+|free-to-play           =
+|one-time game purchase = The game requires an upfront purchase to access.
+|sponsored              =
+|subscription           =
+}}
 {{DLC|
@@ Line 70: / Line 101: @@
 ==Essential improvements==
-{{Image|Sacred768.png|Sacred Gold running in standard 1024x768 resolution.}}
-{{Image|Sacred1080.png|Sacred Gold running in 1920x1080 resolution via dgVoodoo.}}
 ===Patches===
-* The latest patch for Sacred is 1.8.26 (Dec 2004) - which upgrades it to Sacred Plus. It is available [https://www.patches-scrolls.com/sacred.php here].
+{{ii}} The latest patch for Sacred is 1.8.26 (Dec 2004) - which upgrades it to Sacred Plus. It is available [https://www.patches-scrolls.com/sacred.php here].
-* The latest patch for Sacred Underworld / Gold is 2.28 (Nov 2006). It is available [https://www.patches-scrolls.com/sacred_underworld.php here]. It is already included in the digital releases.
+{{ii}} The latest patch for Sacred Underworld / Gold is 2.28 (Nov 2006). It is available [https://www.patches-scrolls.com/sacred_underworld.php here]. It is already included in the digital releases.
-===Skip intro videos===
+===Improve performance===
-{{Fixbox|description=Delete/rename video files|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
+{{Fixbox|description=Force Vsync off; see [[#Disabling Vertical sync (Vsync)|Disabling Vertical sync (Vsync)]]|fix=
-# Go to <code>{{p|game}}\movie\</code>
-# Delete or rename <code>ascaron.wmv</code> and <code>oem.wmv</code>.
-}}
-===High-resolution rendering===
-{{Fixbox|description=Download and apply [http://dege.freeweb.hu/ dgVoodoo]|fix=
-{{ii}} This fix may introduce graphical artifacts.
-{{ii}} Will stretch gfx horizontally altering original aspect ratio.
-# Download [http://www.dege.freeweb.hu/dgVoodoo2/dgVoodoo2.html the latest version (password given)]
-# Copy the three <code>.dll</code> files from the MS folder and the dgVoodoo executable into <code>{{p|game}}</code>
-# Open the dgVoodoo executable from the game folder and click the <code>.\</code> button
-# In the <code>DirectX</code> tab of dgVoodoo, set Resolution to your monitor's native one and untick 'dgVoodoo Watermark'
-# Click <code>Apply</code> and close dgVoodoo as it needn't run along with the game
 }}
-{{Fixbox|description=Use [http://www.sacred-nl.necropol.sumy.ua/html/mnu01.php Sacred NL] or [http://www.sacred-nl.necropol.sumy.ua/html/mnu02.php PureHD]|fix=
+{{Fixbox|description=Remove the default 128 VRAM limit|fix=
-{{++}} Fixes all artifacts caused by playing at widescreen resolutions and interface scales correctly.
+# Open {{file|Settings.cfg}}
-{{ii}} Adds QoL improvements like extended zoom and new hotkeys.
+# Set <code>GFX_LIMIT128 : 1</code> to 0
+# Save the changes and close the file.
 }}
-===Improve performance===
+{{Fixbox|description=Use [[dgVoodoo 2]]; see [[#High-resolution rendering|High-resolution rendering]]|fix=
-{{Fixbox|description=Force Vsync off|fix=
-{{ii}} This fix may introduce graphical artifacts.
-# Go to <code>{{p|game}}</code>
-# Open <code>Settings.cfg</code>
-# Add the line <code>WAITRETRACE : 0</code> at the end of the file
-# Save the changes and close the file
 }}
-===Multiplayer connectivity without VPNs===
+===Skip intro videos===
-{{Fixbox|description=Sacred Ancaria Connection|fix=
+{{Fixbox|description=Delete/rename video files|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Plok|date=2021-10-11|comment=}}</ref>|fix=
-{{++}} The project is open source, with a GitHub repository [https://github.com/Alby1987/SacredAncariaConnection here].
+# Go to {{file|{{p|game}}\movie\|folder}}.
-# Download the latest version of the [https://sac.s2cm.net/ Sacred Ancaria Connection] client.
+# Delete or rename {{file|ascaron.wmv}} and {{file|oem.wmv}}.
-# Execute it before launching Sacred.
-# In the game options, select "Modem/ISDN" as the network speed setting.
-# Go to the LAN menu and you should be seeing several servers.
 }}
@@ Line 130: / Line 137: @@
 {{Game data/saves|Linux|}}
 }}
-{{ii}} Saved games are <code>GAME**.PAK</code>; saved heroes are <code>hero**.pax</code>.
+{{ii}} Saved games are {{file|GAME**.PAK}}; saved heroes are {{file|hero**.pax}}.
 ===[[Glossary:Save game cloud syncing|Save game cloud syncing]]===
@@ Line 152: / Line 159: @@
 ==Video==
 {{Image|Sacred settings.png|General settings.}}
+{{Image|Sacred768.png|Running in standard 1024x768 resolution.}}
+{{Image|Sacred1080.png|Running in 1920x1080 resolution via dgVoodoo 2}}
 {{Video
 |wsgf link                  = https://www.wsgf.org/dr/sacred/en
@@ Line 164: / Line 173: @@
 |ultrawidescreen            = false
 |ultrawidescreen notes      =
-|4k ultra hd                = false
+|4k ultra hd                = true
-|4k ultra hd notes          =
+|4k ultra hd notes          = Enable with HD mod and [[dgVoodoo 2]]
 |fov                        = false
 |fov notes                  =
@@ Line 175: / Line 184: @@
 |anisotropic notes          = See [[#High-resolution rendering|High-resolution rendering]].
 |antialiasing               = true
-|antialiasing notes         = [[FSAA]] on/off. See [[#High-resolution rendering|High-resolution rendering]].
+|antialiasing notes         = [[FSAA]] on/off. See [[#High-resolution rendering|High-resolution rendering]]. Forcing MSAA/CSAA externally may introduce severe grid-like visual artifacts.
-|vsync                      = true
+|upscaling                  = unknown
-|vsync notes                = On by default.
+|upscaling tech             =
+|upscaling notes            =
+|vsync                      = always on
+|vsync notes                = To disable, see [[#Disabling Vertical sync (Vsync)|Disabling Vertical sync (Vsync)]]
 |60 fps                     = hackable
 |60 fps notes               = Low performance when zoomed out. See [[#Improve performance|Improve performance]].
@@ Line 184: / Line 196: @@
 |hdr                        = unknown
 |hdr notes                  =
-|color blind                = unknown
+|color blind                = false
 |color blind notes          =
+}}
+===High-resolution rendering===
+{{Fixbox|description=Use [https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1vgLqhEfBL4m-865My399q8KiCtZGp_w7 PureHD]|fix=
+{{++}} Includes some fixes, manually set widescreen up to 1080p
+{{ii}} Requires [[#Version differences|Sacred Gold]].
+{{ii}} No gameplay changes.
+# Download files
+# Extract the files into {{folder|{{p|game}}}}
+# Check {{file|Settings.cfg}}{{cn|January 2024|comment=...for what?}}
+}}
+{{Fixbox|description=Download and apply [[dgVoodoo 2]]|fix=
+{{ii}} This fix may introduce graphical artifacts.
+{{ii}} Will stretch graphics horizontally, altering the original aspect ratio.
+# Download [[dgVoodoo 2]]
+# Copy the three {{file|.dll}} files from the {{folder|MS\x86}} folder and the dgVoodoo executable into {{folder|{{p|game}}}}
+# Open the dgVoodoo executable from the game folder and click the <code>.\</code> button
+# In the <code>DirectX</code> tab, set Resolution to the monitor's native one and untick 'dgVoodoo Watermark'
+# Click <code>Apply</code> and close the application.
+}}
+{{Fixbox|description=Use [https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Dyy1dY-jyHDjtVe4v1mwbqyMcJJ-JBfB Sacred NL]|fix=
+{{++}} Fixes all artifacts caused by playing at widescreen resolutions and interface scales correctly.
+{{++}} Adds many QoL improvements like extended zoom and new hotkeys, minimap, model viewer, language switch, cheats and more.
+{{ii}} Requires [[#Version differences|Sacred Gold]].
+{{ii}} Installer currently broken, refer to manual installation guide
+}}
+===Disabling [[Glossary:Vertical sync (Vsync)|Vertical sync (Vsync)]]===
+{{Fixbox|description=Force Vsync off|fix=
+{{ii}} This fix may introduce graphical artifacts.
+# Go to {{file|{{p|game}}|folder}}
+# Open {{file|Settings.cfg}}
+# Add the line <code>WAITRETRACE : 0</code> at the end of the file
+# Save the changes and close the file
 }}
@@ Line 251: / Line 299: @@
 |steam cursor detection notes =
 }}
+===Hotkeys for Combat Arts===
+There is an undocumented feature of using hotkeys for Combat Arts, so as not to be limited to the default five slots in the game. In the combat arts menu, hover over a power and press one of the {{key|F1}}-{{key|F6}} keys. It will now be selected when pressing that key.<ref>https://steamcommunity.com/app/12320/discussions/0/2788173147755231429/?l=english</ref>
 ==Audio==
@@ Line 258: / Line 309: @@
 |surround sound           = true
 |surround sound notes     = Requires ALchemy
-|subtitles                = unknown
+|subtitles                = limited
-|subtitles notes          =
+|subtitles notes          = Plot dialogue and quests are always shown in text; brief character acknowledgements and taunts are not subtitled.
 |closed captions          = false
 |closed captions notes    =
-|mute on focus lost       = true
+|mute on focus lost       = always on
 |mute on focus lost notes =
 |eax support              = true
 |eax support notes        = Unknown version, supported by ALchemy.
+|royalty free audio       = always on
+|royalty free audio notes =
 }}
 {{L10n|content=
 {{L10n/switch
-  |language  = Czech
+  |language  = English
+ |interface = true
+ |audio     = true
+ |subtitles = true
+ |notes     = US English release removes blood effects, unlike the European and Oceanian English-language releases; digital releases use the non-US version.
+ |fan       =
+}}
+{{L10n/switch
+ |language  = Simplified Chinese
+ |interface = true
+ |audio     = false
+ |subtitles = true
+ |notes     = Retail only.
+ |fan       =
+}}
+{{L10n/switch
+ |language  = Traditional Chinese
   |interface = true
-  |audio     = unknown
+  |audio     = false
-  |subtitles = false
+  |subtitles = true
-  |notes     =
+  |notes     = Retail only.
   |fan       =
 }}
 {{L10n/switch
-  |language  = English
+  |language  = Czech
   |interface = true
-  |audio     = true
+  |audio     = unknown
-  |subtitles = false
+  |subtitles = true
-  |notes     = US English release has censored blood effects, unlike European and Oceanian English-language releases
+  |notes     = Retail only.
   |fan       =
 }}
@@ Line 288: / Line 357: @@
   |language  = French
   |interface = true
-  |audio     = unknown
+  |audio     = false
-  |subtitles = false
+  |subtitles = true
-  |notes     =
+  |notes     = Retail and GOG.com only.
   |fan       =
 }}
@@ Line 297: / Line 366: @@
   |interface = true
   |audio     = true
-  |subtitles = false
+  |subtitles = true
-  |notes     =
+  |notes     = Retail only; [https://www.compiware-forum.de/downloads/file/186-sacred-gold-german-patch/ download for digital releases].
   |fan       =
 }}
@@ Line 305: / Line 374: @@
   |interface = true
   |audio     = true
+ |subtitles = true
+ |notes     = Retail only.
+ |fan       =
+}}
+{{L10n/switch
+ |language  = Japanese
+ |interface = true
+ |audio     = false
   |subtitles = true
   |notes     = Retail only.
@@ Line 314: / Line 391: @@
   |audio     = false
   |subtitles = true
-  |notes     = Local retail only. For digital releases use [https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=492025020 this] guide
+  |notes     = Retail only; [https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=492025020 download for digital releases]
   |fan       =
+}}
+{{L10n/switch
+ |language  = Brazilian Portuguese
+ |interface = hackable
+ |audio     = false
+ |subtitles = hackable
+ |notes     = For Sacred Gold only; [https://www.gamevicio.com/traducao/traducao-de-sacred-gold-para-portugues-brasil/ download.]
+ |fan       = true
 }}
 {{L10n/switch
@@ Line 321: / Line 406: @@
   |interface = true
   |audio     = true
-  |subtitles = false
+  |subtitles = true
-  |notes     = Retail and GOG.
+  |notes     = Retail and GOG.com only.
   |fan       =
 }}
@@ Line 330: / Line 415: @@
   |audio     = true
   |subtitles = true
-  |notes     = Retail version, [https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=149413837 download].
+  |notes     = Retail only; [https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=149413837 download for digital releases].
   |fan       =
 }}
@@ Line 336: / Line 421: @@
 ==Network==
-{{ii}} Online features require a product key; for the GOG.com version the key is available by submitting a [https://www.gog.com/support/contact/technical_issues_with_games/sacred_gold multiplayer key request].
+{{ii}} Online features require a product key. For the GOG.com version, the key is available by submitting a [https://www.gog.com/support/contact/technical_issues_with_games/sacred_gold multiplayer key request].
 {{Network/Multiplayer
 |local play           =
@@ Line 347: / Line 431: @@
 |lan play modes       =
 |lan play notes       =
-|online play          = false
+|online play          = hackable
 |online play players  = 16
 |online play modes    =
-|online play notes    = Master servers have been shut down. See [[#Multiplayer connectivity without VPNs|Multiplayer connectivity without VPNs]] for a workaround.
+|online play notes    = The official TinCat service has been shut down; see [[#Multiplayer connectivity without VPNs|Multiplayer connectivity without VPNs]] for a workaround.
 |asynchronous         =
 |asynchronous notes   =
@@ Line 363: / Line 447: @@
 |dedicated notes    =
 |self-hosting       = true
-|self-hosting notes = Use <code>GameServer.exe</code> in the installation folder.
+|self-hosting notes = Use {{file|GameServer.exe}} in the installation folder.
 |direct ip          = false
 |direct ip notes    =
@@ Line 370: / Line 454: @@
 |udp  =
 |upnp =
+}}
+===Multiplayer connectivity without VPNs===
+{{Fixbox|description=Use the Sacred Ancaria Connection|fix=
+{{++}} The project is open source, with a GitHub repository [https://github.com/Alby1987/SacredAncariaConnection here].
+<!-- no longer online: # Download the latest version of the [https://sac.s2cm.net/ Sacred Ancaria Connection] client. -->
+# Download and compile the code.
+# Execute it before launching Sacred.
+# In the game options, select "Modem/ISDN" as the network speed setting.
+# Go to the LAN menu and check for any servers to come up.
+}}
+==Issues fixed==
+===Stop flickering load screens with Nvidia GPU===
+{{Fixbox|description=Use [[dgVoodoo 2]]|fix=
+{{ii}} To avoid a DirectX error on startup when also using PureHD, set '''Scaling''' to '''Unspecified'''.
+}}
+===Game stuck at loading screen===
+{{ii}} Opening Sequence plays, then it starts loading, and then it gets to Fonts and freezes.
+{{Fixbox|description=Run {{file|Config.exe}} and force 32-bit color depth.|ref=|fix=
+}}
+===3D audio effects option disabled===
+{{Fixbox|description=Install IndirectSound|ref=|fix=
+# Download and extract [https://www.indirectsound.com/ IndirectSound]
+# Copy the two files, {{file|dsound.dll}} and {{file|dsound.ini}}.
+# Paste into {{folder|{{p|game}}}}.
+# Run the game, and choose 3D effects in the sound settings.
+}}
+===Windows key interference===
+{{ii}} The {{key|Windows}} key, when accidentally pressed, minimizes the game, causing it to freeze.
+{{Fixbox|description=Use AutoHotkey|ref=|fix=
+# Install the program.
+# Create a text file with the line <code>LWin::return</code> and save it as an {{file|.ahk}} script.
+# Execute the script by double-clicking on it before running the game.
 }}
@@ Line 375: / Line 496: @@
 ===API===
 {{API
-|direct3d versions      =
+|direct3d versions      = 7
 |direct3d notes         =
 |directdraw versions    =
@@ Line 397: / Line 518: @@
 |windows 32-bit exe     = true
 |windows 64-bit exe     = false
+|windows arm app        = false
 |windows exe notes      =
-|macos 32-bit app       =
+|macos intel 32-bit app =
-|macos 64-bit app       =
+|macos intel 64-bit app =
+|macos arm app          = unknown
 |macos app notes        =
 |linux 32-bit executable= unknown
 |linux 64-bit executable= unknown
+|linux arm app          = false
 |linux executable notes = Sacred Gold had a Linux release in 2009 (by Linux Game Publishing).
 }}
@@ Line 424: / Line 548: @@
 ===Modifications===
 ====[https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1932965845 ReBorn HD]====
-{{ii}} The biggest and most elaborate balance mod-patch for Sacred.
+{{++}} The biggest and most elaborate balance mod for Sacred.
-{{ii}} Requires [[#Version differences|Sacred Gold]].
+{{++}} Requires [[#Version differences|Sacred Gold]].
-{{++}} Changes in the overall balance, bosses, heroes, items, their drop, game mechanics and makes small, but significant changes in the games world to make Sacred more enjoyable and less frustrating.
+{{ii}} Many changes in the overall balance, bosses, heroes, items, their drop, game mechanics.
-{{++}} It's constantly updated and mod authors are opened for help.
+{{ii}} Does not affect the original executable, provides own widescreen support and is compatible with most language versions.
-{{++}} Doesn't affects the original executable, provides own widescreen support and it's compatible with most languages.
 ==System requirements==
 {{System requirements
 |OSfamily = Windows
-|minOS    = 2000, XP
+|minOS    = 98 SE, ME, 2000, XP
 |minCPU   = Intel Pentium III 800 MHz
 |minRAM   = 256 MB
 |minHD    = 2 GB
-|minGPU   =
+|minVRAM  = 64 MB
-|minVRAM  = 16 MB
 |minDX    = 8
-|minaudio = DirectX compatible
+|minaudio = DirectX 8 compatible
-|recOS    = 7
 |recCPU   = AMD Athlon 1.4 GHz or higher
 |recCPU2  = Intel Pentium 4
 |recRAM   = 512 MB
-|recVRAM  = 64 MB
+|recHD    = 2.5 GB
 |recDX    = 9
+|recaudio = DirectX 9 compatible
 }}
@@ Line 459: / Line 581: @@
 |minGPU   = Hardware Accelerated 3D Graphics card
 |minVRAM  = 32 MB
+|minaudio = OSS or ALSA Compatible
 |recOS    =