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Difference between revisions of "Sacred"

From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
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==Essential improvements==
 
==Essential improvements==
 
===Patches===
 
===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===
 
===Skip intro videos===
Line 99: Line 99:
  
 
===Improve performance===
 
===Improve performance===
−
{{Fixbox|description=Force Vsync off|fix=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Force Vsync off; see [[#Disabling Vertical sync (Vsync)|Disabling Vertical sync (Vsync)]]|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
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
{{Fixbox|description=Get more video memory|fix=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Remove the default 128 VRAM limit|fix=
−
{{ii}} Remove the default 128 MB VRAM limit.
 
 
# Open <code>Settings.cfg</code>
 
# Open <code>Settings.cfg</code>
 
# Set <code>GFX_LIMIT128 : 1</code> to 0
 
# Set <code>GFX_LIMIT128 : 1</code> to 0
Line 164: Line 158:
 
|ultrawidescreen notes      =  
 
|ultrawidescreen notes      =  
 
|4k ultra hd                = true
 
|4k ultra hd                = true
−
|4k ultra hd notes          = Enable with HD mod and dgVoodoo
+
|4k ultra hd notes          = Enable with HD mod and [[dgVoodoo 2]]
 
|fov                        = false
 
|fov                        = false
 
|fov notes                  =  
 
|fov notes                  =  
Line 179: Line 173:
 
|upscaling notes            =  
 
|upscaling notes            =  
 
|vsync                      = always on
 
|vsync                      = always on
−
|vsync notes                =  
+
|vsync notes                = To disable, see [[#Disabling Vertical sync (Vsync)|Disabling Vertical sync (Vsync)]]
 
|60 fps                    = hackable
 
|60 fps                    = hackable
 
|60 fps notes              = Low performance when zoomed out. See [[#Improve performance|Improve performance]].
 
|60 fps notes              = Low performance when zoomed out. See [[#Improve performance|Improve performance]].
Line 195: Line 189:
 
{{ii}} Will stretch gfx horizontally altering original aspect ratio.
 
{{ii}} Will stretch gfx horizontally altering original aspect ratio.
 
# Download [[dgVoodoo 2]]
 
# Download [[dgVoodoo 2]]
−
# Copy the three <code>.dll</code> files from the MS folder and the dgVoodoo executable into <code>{{p|game}}</code>
+
# Copy the three <code>.dll</code> files from the <code>MS\x86</code> folder and the dgVoodoo executable into <code>{{p|game}}</code>
 
# Open the dgVoodoo executable from the game folder and click the <code>.\</code> button
 
# 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'
+
# In the <code>DirectX</code> tab, set Resolution to the monitor's native one and untick 'dgVoodoo Watermark'
−
# Click <code>Apply</code> and close dgVoodoo as it needn't run along with the game
+
# Click <code>Apply</code> and close the application.
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 204: Line 198:
 
{{++}} Fixes all artifacts caused by playing at widescreen resolutions and interface scales correctly.
 
{{++}} Fixes all artifacts caused by playing at widescreen resolutions and interface scales correctly.
 
{{ii}} Adds QoL improvements like extended zoom and new hotkeys.
 
{{ii}} Adds QoL improvements like extended zoom and new hotkeys.
 +
}}
 +
 +
===Disabling [[Glossary:Vertical sync (Vsync)|Vertical sync (Vsync)]]===
 +
{{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
 
}}
 
}}
  
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==Network==
 
==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
 
{{Network/Multiplayer
 
|local play          =  
 
|local play          =  
Line 423: Line 425:
 
|upnp =  
 
|upnp =  
 
}}
 
}}
−
 
 
===Multiplayer connectivity without VPNs===
 
===Multiplayer connectivity without VPNs===
 
{{Fixbox|description=Use the Sacred Ancaria Connection|fix=
 
{{Fixbox|description=Use the Sacred Ancaria Connection|fix=
Line 488: Line 489:
 
===Modifications===
 
===Modifications===
 
====[https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1932965845 ReBorn HD]====
 
====[https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1932965845 ReBorn HD]====
−
{{ii}} The biggest and most elaborate balance mod-patch for Sacred.
+
{{ii}} The biggest and most elaborate balance mod for Sacred.
 
{{ii}} Requires [[#Version differences|Sacred Gold]].
 
{{ii}} 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.
+
{{++}} Changes in the overall balance, bosses, heroes, items, their drop, game mechanics and makes small, but significant changes in the game's world.
−
{{++}} It's constantly updated and mod authors are opened for help.
+
{{++}} Doesn't 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.
 
  
 
==Issues fixed==
 
==Issues fixed==
 
===Stop flickering load screens with Nvidia GPU===
 
===Stop flickering load screens with Nvidia GPU===
−
{{Fixbox|description=Use dgVoodoo 2|fix=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Use [[dgVoodoo 2]]|fix=
−
{{ii}} To avoid DirectX error on startup when also using PureHD, set '''Scaling''' to '''Unspecified'''.
+
{{ii}} To avoid a DirectX error on startup when also using PureHD, set '''Scaling''' to '''Unspecified'''.
 
}}
 
}}
  

Revision as of 10:58, 29 November 2022

Sacred
Sacred cover
Developers
Studio II Software
Expansion Kritzelkratz 3000
Publishers
Physical (Europe) 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
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Sacred on HowLongToBeat
Sacred on IGDB
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Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
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Sacred on MobyGames
Sacred on Wikipedia
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Sacred
Sacred 2004
Sacred 2: Fallen Angel 2008
Sacred Citadel 2013
Sacred 3 2014

General information

GOG.com Community Discussions for game series
GOG.com Support Page
Steam Community Discussions
SacredWiki: elaborate 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.
Sacred Ancaria Connection: a tool which allows multiplayer connections without using VPN usage after the TinCat service shutdown.

Availability

Source DRM Notes Keys OS
Retail
Disc check (requires the CD/DVD in the drive to play)
CD key
 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.
Windows
GamersGate
DRM-free after installation (requires an internet connection during installation)
 Sacred Plus
Windows
GamersGate
Icon overlay.png
 Sacred Gold
Windows
Gamesplanet logo.svg
Icon overlay.png
 Sacred Gold
Windows
GOG.com
DRM-free
CD key
 Sacred Gold. Serial keys for multiplayer available by request to GOG support team.[5]
Windows
Green Man Gaming
Icon overlay.png
 Sacred Gold
Windows
Humble Store
Icon overlay.png
 Sacred Gold
Windows
Steam
Icon overlay.png
 Sacred Gold. Does not provide multiplayer serial keys.
Windows
ZOOM Platform (unavailable)
DRM-free
 Sacred Gold
Windows
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.
Windows
Linux
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]
Windows
Linux

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.

Skip intro videos

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

Improve performance

Force Vsync off; see Disabling Vertical sync (Vsync)
Remove the default 128 VRAM limit
  1. Open Settings.cfg
  2. Set GFX_LIMIT128 : 1 to 0
  3. Save the changes and close the file

Game data

Configuration file(s) location

System Location
Windows <path-to-game>\SETTINGS.CFG[Note 2]
Linux
Steam Play (Linux) <SteamLibrary-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) <SteamLibrary-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.
General settings.
Running in standard 1024x768 resolution.
Running in standard 1024x768 resolution.
Running in 1920x1080 resolution via dgVoodoo 2
Running in 1920x1080 resolution via dgVoodoo 2

Graphics feature State 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

Download and apply dgVoodoo 2
This fix may introduce graphical artifacts.
Will stretch gfx horizontally altering original aspect ratio.
  1. Download dgVoodoo 2
  2. Copy the three .dll files from the MS\x86 folder and the dgVoodoo executable into <path-to-game>
  3. Open the dgVoodoo executable from the game folder and click the .\ button
  4. In the DirectX tab, set Resolution to the monitor's native one and untick 'dgVoodoo Watermark'
  5. Click Apply and close the application.
Use Sacred NL or PureHD
Fixes all artifacts caused by playing at widescreen resolutions and interface scales correctly.
Adds QoL improvements like extended zoom and new hotkeys.

Disabling Vertical sync (Vsync)

Force Vsync off
This fix may introduce graphical artifacts.
  1. Go to <path-to-game>
  2. Open Settings.cfg
  3. Add the line WAITRETRACE : 0 at the end of the file
  4. 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

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.
  1. Download the latest version of the Sacred Ancaria Connection client.
  2. Execute it before launching Sacred.
  3. In the game options, select "Modem/ISDN" as the network speed setting.
  4. Go to the LAN menu and you should be seeing several servers.

Other information

API

Technical specs Supported Notes
Direct3D 8
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.
Changes in the overall balance, bosses, heroes, items, their drop, game mechanics and makes small, but significant changes in the game's world.
Doesn't affect the original executable, provides own widescreen support and is compatible with most language versions.

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.

3D audio effects option disabled

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

Windows key interference

Win/Start key, when accidentally pressed, minimizes the game causing it to freeze.
Use AutoHotkey
  1. Install the program.
  2. Create a text file with the line LWin::return and save as .ahk script.
  3. Execute the script with double click before running the game.

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
Video card (GPU) 16 MB of VRAM
DirectX 8 compatible 		64 MB of VRAM
DirectX 9 compatible
Sound (audio device) DirectX 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


Notes

  1. ↑ 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. ↑ 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. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Notes regarding Steam Play (Linux) data:

References