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

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

Difference between revisions of "Star Wars: Dark Forces"

From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
(Removed Introduction, as game synopsis are not wanted on the wiki - as per Our Goals. Additional cleanup)
 
(338 intermediate revisions by 73 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
−
{{infobox
+
{{disambig|the original 1995 game|the 2024 remaster|[[Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster]]}}
−
|title          = Star Wars: Dark Forces
+
{{Infobox game
−
|cover         = DarkForces.jpg
+
|cover       = Star Wars Dark Forces Cover.png
−
|developer     = LucasArts
+
|developers  =
−
|publisher     = LucasArts
+
{{Infobox game/row/developer|LucasArts}}
−
|engine        = Jedi
+
|publishers  =  
−
|release dates = February 15, 1995<br /><sup>Mac</sup>June 1995<br />
+
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|LucasArts}}
−
|steam         = 32400
+
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Disney Interactive Studios}}
 +
|engines     =  
 +
{{Infobox game/row/engine|Jedi}}
 +
|release dates=  
 +
{{Infobox game/row/date|DOS|February 15, 1995}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/date|Mac OS|June 1995}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|September 16, 2009|wrapper=DOSBox}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/date|Linux|January 20, 2015|wrapper=DOSBox|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.gog.com/news/lucasfilm_on_gogcom_wave_ii_starts_now|title=LUCASFILM ON GOG.COM: Wave II continues. - GOG.com|date=17 May 2023}}</ref>}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/date|OS X|March 19, 2018|wrapper=DOSBox|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://steamcommunity.com/games/32400/announcements/detail/2805053472651425160|title=STAR WARS™: Dark Forces :: Compatibility Patch Update - Steam Community|date=2019-05-04}}</ref>}}
 +
|reception    =
 +
{{Infobox game/row/reception|IGDB|star-wars-dark-forces|}}
 +
|taxonomy    =
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/monetization      | One-time game purchase }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/microtransactions | }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/modes            | Singleplayer }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/pacing            | Real-time }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/perspectives      | First-person }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/controls          | Direct control }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/genres            | Action, Shooter, FPS }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/sports            | }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/vehicles          | }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/art styles        | }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/themes            | Sci-fi, Space }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/series            | Star Wars: Jedi Knight }}
 +
|steam appid  = 32400
 +
|gogcom id    = 1421404433
 +
|hltb        = 9100
 +
|igdb        = star-wars-dark-forces
 +
|lutris      = star-wars-dark-forces
 +
|strategywiki = Star Wars: Dark Forces
 +
|mobygames    = 500
 +
|wikipedia    = Star Wars: Dark Forces
 +
|winehq      =
 +
|license      = commercial
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
One of two games to use the Jedi engine, the other being ''Outlaws'': It is the first game of the ''Jedi Knight'' series, which would later expand to include ''[[Star Wars Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II]]'' (and its expansion pack ''[[Star Wars Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II|Mysteries of the Sith]]''), as well as ''[[Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast]]'' and ''[[Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy]]''.
+
{{Introduction
 +
|introduction      = '''''Star Wars: Dark Forces''''' is a [[FPS|first-person shooter]] set during the original [[Series:Star Wars|Star Wars]] trilogy, and is the first game in the [[Series:Star Wars: Jedi Knight|Jedi Knight]] series.
  
−
The game (and [http://www.fileplanet.com/10636/10000/fileinfo/Dark-Forces-Demo its demo]) can be run on modern machines of any operating system using [http://www.dosbox.com/ DOSBox]. On the Mac, you can also use [http://boxerapp.com/ Boxer], a DOSBox front-end designed to simplify the setup process; Boxer includes the demo as part of its standard install.
+
|release history  =
  
−
A Mac version, which ran at an increased resolution, was released in June 1995. Because it is a Classic application, however, there is no way to run it on modern machines. A patch for the Mac version is available [http://www.lucasarts.com/support/update/darkforces.html at LucasArts].
+
|current state    = In late 2022, version 1.0 of [https://theforceengine.github.io/ The Force Engine] was released, a reverse-engineered port allowing for native widescreen, high resolutions, and vertical aiming with the mouse. The game has an active modding community, centered around the [https://df-21.net/ DF-21] website and [https://discord.gg/6T9NvMh2MC it's Discord server].
 +
}}
  
−
The game [http://store.steampowered.com/app/32400 is available on Steam.] The Steam version uses DOSBox as its backend. It was also available on Direct2Drive, but was removed from its catalog when Direct2Drive was acquired by Gamefly in late 2011.
+
'''General information'''
 +
{{GOG.com links|1421404433|star_wars_dark_forces_series|for game series}}
 +
{{mm}} [https://steamcommunity.com/app/32400/discussions/ Steam Community Discussions]
  
−
The original retail version included a manual, ''Coded Transmissions''. In addition to installation instructions and gameplay information, it also provided some background information about the game's plot. Much of this information has since been retconned. The Steam version does not include the manual, but you can download it [http://www.replacementdocs.com/download.php?view.7426 from ReplacementDocs.]
+
==Availability==
 +
{{Availability|
 +
{{Availability/row| Retail | | Disc | See [[#Run retail version without the CD|Run retail version without the CD]] on how to bypass the disc check. |  | DOS, Mac OS }}
 +
{{Availability/row| GOG.com | star_wars_dark_forces | DRM-free | Pre-packaged with [[DOSBox]].<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.gog.com/forum/general/list_of_gog_games_using_dosbox/page1|title=List of GOG games using DOSBox, page 1 - Forum - GOG.com|date=17 May 2023}}</ref> | | Windows, Linux }}
 +
{{Availability/row| Humble | star-wars-dark-forces | Steam | Not available for sale in Germany. | | Windows, OS X }}
 +
{{Availability/row| Origin | star-wars/star-wars-dark-forces | DRM-free | Included with {{store feature|EA Play Pro}}. Currently only visible in the EA App's Browse menu. | | Windows |}}
 +
{{Availability/row| Steam | 32400 | DRM-free | Can be [[#Update Steam DOSBox version/Run without Steam|played without Steam]]. Pre-packaged with [[DOSBox]] 0.73.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://steamdb.info/app/32400/config/|title=Star Wars: Dark Forces · AppID: 32400 · Steam Database|date=9 June 2023}}</ref> Update to 0.74 for better performance and some color issue fixes. | | Windows, OS X }}
 +
{{Availability/row| GamersGate | star-wars-dark-forces | Steam |  |  | Windows, OS X | unavailable }}
 +
{{Availability/row| Gamesplanet | 2795-1 | Steam |  |  | Windows, OS X | unavailable }}
 +
}}
 +
{{ii}} A demo containing an earlier version of the first level [https://archive.org/details/StarWarsDarkForces is available]. A longer demo which includes the finalized versions of the first 3 levels [https://archive.org/details/star-wars-dark-forces-super-sampler was also released].{{note|note=Any references to "the demo" on this page refer to the first demo.|name="demo"}}
 +
{{ii}} The original icon, which isn't used in the Steam version of the game, is available [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/2769-star-wars-dark-forces-original-icon/ here]
  
−
==Updating DOSBox (Steam version)==
+
==Essential improvements==
 +
===Patches===
 +
{{ii}} The DOS version has no patches (the {{file|Install.exe}} listed on the official support page is not for this game).
 +
{{ii}} The [https://support.starwars.com/hc/en-us/articles/360000730486-STAR-WARS-Dark-Forces-Update-Files 1.2 Update] patch fixes some issues with the '''''MacOS Classic''''' version.
 +
{{ii}} [https://archive.org/details/df-update-de Official German Patch] adds missing translations and voice files.
  
−
The Steam release of ''Dark Forces'' includes an outdated version of DOSBox. To run the game using the latest version of DOSBox, first download and install it, then copy '''dosbox.exe''' from your DOSBox install directory to the ''/steamapps/common/dark forces/'' folder in your Steam install directory.
+
===Unofficial patches===
 +
{{ii}} [https://df-21.net/?post=59 Dark Forces Community Patch (2022)] has over 100 fixes and quality of life improvements.  
  
−
==DOSBox configuration file==
+
===[https://theforceengine.github.io/downloads.html The Force Engine]===
 +
{{ii}} Reverse-engineered source port of Dark Forces made by the same author of DarkXL that includes QOL improvements
 +
{{++}} GPU rendering with widescreen and high resolution support (up to 4K)
 +
{{++}} Full mouselook support
 +
{{++}} In-game saving and quicksaves available from any point in the game
 +
{{++}} iMUSE and dynamic music implemented
  
−
In the Steam version, the DOSBox configuration file is in your Steam install directory under ''/steamapps/common/dark forces/dosbox.conf''.
+
===[https://df-21.net/downloads/conf_files/DarkForcesLauncher.zip DarkForces Custom Launcher]===
  
−
For Boxer, right click on your gamebox file and click "Show Package Contents". Inside should be a file called '''DOSBox Preferences.conf'''. That is your DOSBox configuration file.
+
'''Note!!''' this is now superceded by [https://theforceengine.github.io/downloads.html The Force Engine] please use that instead.  
  
−
For more information, including the location of the file on other systems, consult [http://www.dosbox.com/wiki/Dosbox.conf the DOSBox wiki].
+
{{ii}} Multi-featured Launcher which has a [https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2353688304 guide].
 +
* Runs Dark Forces and custom community-made missions
 +
* Automatically updates new missions as they are added to [https://df-21.net/downloads/levels.php df-21.net].
 +
* Includes [[#Dark Forces DeHacker|Dark Forces DeHacker]].
  
−
'''WARNING: Back this file up before making any changes!'''
+
====[http://ctpax-cheater.losthost.org/htmldocs/trouble.htm#df Dark Forces DeHacker]====
 +
{{ii}} All of the following features are completely optional and DeHacker can be used only as configuration tool replacement instead of the buggy original setup executable - see "Configuration setup" menu.
 +
* Enables vertical mouselook and allows for higher controls customization
 +
* Runs the game and setup program without the CD
 +
* Fixes infinite loop bug in General MIDI and Roland music drivers
 +
* Increased mouse sensitivity by 4 times
 +
* Documentation in {{file|DARKINFO.TXT}} file with a complete list of all reserved keyboard keys, command line options, and cheat codes
 +
{{mm}} [https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2311190593# Step-by-step guide]
  
−
===Changing output mode===
+
==Game data==
 +
===Configuration file(s) location===
 +
{{Game data|
 +
{{Game data/config|DOS|{{P|game}}\JEDI.CFG}}
 +
{{Game data/config|Windows|}}
 +
{{Game data/config|Mac OS|Macintosh HD/System Folder/Preferences/Dark Forces Preferences}}
 +
{{Game data/config|OS X|}}
 +
{{Game data/config|Linux|}}
 +
}}
 +
{{ii}} Config file is not human readable. A partial explanation on how to edit it can be found [https://www.gog.com/forum/star_wars_dark_forces_series/dark_forces_more_directflexible_way_of_binding_keys here].
 +
{{XDG|false}}
  
−
Some of the instructions on this page refer to changing DOSBox's output mode. To do this, do the following:
+
===Save game data location===
 +
{{Game data|
 +
{{Game data/saves|DOS|{{P|game}}\DARKPILO.CFG}}
 +
{{Game data/saves|Windows|}}
 +
{{Game data/saves|Mac OS|Macintosh HD/System Folder/Preferences/Dark Forces Pilots}}
 +
{{Game data/saves|OS X|}}
 +
{{Game data/saves|Linux|}}
 +
}}
  
−
# Go to the '''<nowiki>[sdl]</nowiki>''' section of your DOSBox configuration file (create it if not present).
+
===[[Glossary:Save game cloud syncing|Save game cloud syncing]]===
−
# If there is a line that begins with '''output=''' in that section, delete it.
+
{{Save game cloud syncing
−
# Add one of the following lines to that section:
+
|discord                  = unknown
−
#* '''output=surface''' for surface mode (default)
+
|discord notes            =
−
#* '''output=opengl''' for OpenGL mode
+
|epic games launcher      =
−
#* '''output=openglnb''' for OpenGL mode with bilinear filtering (pixels will be smoothed)
+
|epic games launcher notes =
−
#* '''output=ddraw''' for DirectDraw mode
+
|gog galaxy                = false
−
#* '''output=overlay''' for overlay mode
+
|gog galaxy notes          =
 +
|origin                    = true
 +
|origin notes              =
 +
|steam cloud              = true
 +
|steam cloud notes        =  
 +
|ubisoft connect          =  
 +
|ubisoft connect notes    =  
 +
|xbox cloud                =  
 +
|xbox cloud notes          =  
 +
}}
  
−
Note that some output modes may cause performance issues on some machines.
+
==Video==
 +
{{Image|Star Wars Dark Forces Options.png|In-game options menu.}}
 +
{{Video
 +
|wsgf link                  = https://www.wsgf.org/dr/star-wars-dark-forces/en
 +
|widescreen wsgf award      = limited
 +
|multimonitor wsgf award    = limited
 +
|ultrawidescreen wsgf award = limited
 +
|4k ultra hd wsgf award    = incomplete
 +
|widescreen resolution      = hackable
 +
|widescreen resolution notes= DOS version runs at 320x200 (see [[DOSBox#Game appears stretched horizontally|the DOSBox page]] for more information) and Mac OS (Classic) version runs at 640x480.<br/>See [[#The_Force_Engine|The Force Engine]] for widescreen support.
 +
|multimonitor              = hackable
 +
|multimonitor notes        = See [[#The_Force_Engine|The Force Engine]].
 +
|ultrawidescreen            = hackable
 +
|ultrawidescreen notes      = See [[#The_Force_Engine|The Force Engine]].
 +
|4k ultra hd                = hackable
 +
|4k ultra hd notes          = See [[#The_Force_Engine|The Force Engine]].
 +
|fov                        = hackable
 +
|fov notes                  = See [[#The_Force_Engine|The Force Engine]].
 +
|windowed                  = hackable
 +
|windowed notes            = Toggle with {{key|alt|enter}} if using DOSBox.<br>[[#The_Force_Engine|The Force Engine]] supports windowed mode.
 +
|borderless windowed        = false
 +
|borderless windowed notes  =
 +
|anisotropic                = false
 +
|anisotropic notes          =
 +
|antialiasing              = false
 +
|antialiasing notes        =
 +
|upscaling                  = false
 +
|upscaling tech            =
 +
|upscaling notes            =
 +
|vsync                      = hackable
 +
|vsync notes                = Use [[#The_Force_Engine|The Force Engine]].
 +
|60 fps                    = true
 +
|60 fps notes              = Up to 72 frames per second. <ref name="tickrate">{{Refcheck|user=SirYodaJedi|date=2022-12-21|comment=Discussed with TFE developer on Discord:<br>[[File:Dark Forces tick rate vs frame rate discord citation.png|300px]]}}</ref>
 +
|120 fps                    = hackable
 +
|120 fps notes              = The framerate is uncapped on [[#The_Force_Engine|The Force Engine]] if Vsync is turned off. Game logic runs at 145 ticks per second.<ref name="tickrate"/>
 +
|hdr                        = false
 +
|hdr notes                  =
 +
|ray tracing                = unknown
 +
|ray tracing notes          =
 +
|color blind                = false
 +
|color blind notes          =
 +
}}
  
−
==Graphics issues==
+
==Input==
 +
{{Image|Dark Forces control options.png|Control options in INSTALL.EXE.}}
 +
{{Input
 +
|key remap                = limited
 +
|key remap notes          = Use {{file|INSTALL.EXE}} ({{file|KEYCONFI.EXE}} in the demo) or {{file|SETUP.EXE}}. Mouse settings cannot be changed in the demo. Some keys cannot be mapped. See fix below, or use [[#The_Force_Engine|The Force Engine]].
 +
|acceleration option      = false
 +
|acceleration option notes =
 +
|mouse sensitivity        = true
 +
|mouse sensitivity notes  =
 +
|mouse menu                = true
 +
|mouse menu notes          = Some menus only work with mouse.
 +
|invert mouse y-axis      = hackable
 +
|invert mouse y-axis notes = Game lacks vertical-look for mouse. See hack below for adding it, or use [[#The_Force_Engine|The Force Engine]].
 +
|touchscreen              = false
 +
|touchscreen notes        =
 +
|controller support        = true
 +
|controller support notes  =
 +
|full controller          = false
 +
|full controller notes    =
 +
|controller remap          = true
 +
|controller remap notes    = Use {{file|INSTALL.EXE}} ({{file|KEYCONFI.EXE}} in the demo) or {{file|SETUP.EXE}}.
 +
|controller sensitivity    = unknown
 +
|controller sensitivity notes=
 +
|invert controller y-axis  = false
 +
|invert controller y-axis notes=
 +
|xinput controllers        = true
 +
|xinput controllers notes  = Through DosBox
 +
|xbox prompts              = false
 +
|xbox prompts notes        =
 +
|impulse triggers          = false
 +
|impulse triggers notes    =
 +
|dualshock 4              = unknown
 +
|dualshock 4 notes        =
 +
|dualshock prompts        = unknown
 +
|dualshock prompts notes  =
 +
|light bar support        = unknown
 +
|light bar support notes  =
 +
|dualshock 4 modes        = unknown
 +
|dualshock 4 modes notes  =
 +
|tracked motion controllers= unknown
 +
|tracked motion controllers notes =
 +
|tracked motion prompts    = unknown
 +
|tracked motion prompts notes =
 +
|other controllers        = true
 +
|other controllers notes  =
 +
|other button prompts      = generic
 +
|other button prompts notes=
 +
|controller hotplug        = false
 +
|controller hotplug notes  =
 +
|haptic feedback          = false
 +
|haptic feedback notes    =
 +
|simultaneous input        = true
 +
|simultaneous input notes  = Designed for keyboard and flightstick.
 +
|steam input api          = unknown
 +
|steam input api notes    =
 +
|steam hook input          = unknown
 +
|steam hook input notes    =
 +
|steam input presets      = unknown
 +
|steam input presets notes =
 +
|steam controller prompts  = unknown
 +
|steam controller prompts notes =
 +
|steam cursor detection    = unknown
 +
|steam cursor detection notes =
 +
}}
 +
<gallery>
 +
Dark Forces keyboard remapper.png|Keyboard remapper in <code>setup.exe</code><br/>Suggested controls shown.
 +
Dark Forces joystick remapper.png|Joystick remapper in <code>setup.exe</code>
 +
Dark Forces mouse remapper.png|Mouse remapper in <code>setup.exe</code>
 +
</gallery>
  
−
===Game randomly changes colors===
+
===Modern control scheme + v-look for mouse (DOSBox)===
 +
{{ii}} Use [https://www.mediafire.com/file/wpnrjzcbom4532z/DarkForcesPlus_v1.1.zip Dark Forces Plus], compilation of [[DOSBox]] keymapper files and [https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=286364447 GlovePIE script].<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.gog.com/forum/star_wars_dark_forces_series/dark_forces_plus_basically_vanilla_mouse_look_an_alternative_to_darkxl/page1|title=gog.com|date=17 May 2023}}</ref>
 +
{{ii}} Could use [https://steamcommunity.com/app/32400/discussions/0/492378738693466476/ FreePIE] as alternative to GlovePIE.
 +
{{--}} GlovePIE and FreePIE are [[Windows]] programs; they do not work on [[Mac]] or [[Linux]].
  
−
If you experience color issues, change the output mode to DirectDraw or OpenGL.
+
==Audio==
 +
{{Image|Dark Forces sound card config.png|Sound card and MIDI options in <code>setup.exe</code>.<br/>Suggested settings for [[DOSBox]] shown.}}
 +
{{Image|Dark Forces sound channels.png|Sound channel settings in <code>setup.exe</code>.}}
 +
{{Audio
 +
|separate volume          = true
 +
|separate volume notes    =
 +
|surround sound          = false
 +
|surround sound notes    = [[Glossary:Surround sound#Surround-compatible stereo|Uses stereo output with some 3D spatial effects]].<ref name="SYJ">{{refcheck|user=SirYodaJedi|date=July 21, 2018}} using General Midi (VirtualMIDISynth) for Music and Sound Blaster 16 (DOSBox emulation) for Digital Sound Effects.</ref>
 +
|subtitles                = hackable
 +
|subtitles notes          = See [[#The_Force_Engine|The Force Engine]].
 +
|closed captions          = hackable
 +
|closed captions notes    = See [[#The_Force_Engine|The Force Engine]].
 +
|mute on focus lost      = false
 +
|mute on focus lost notes =
 +
|eax support              =
 +
|eax support notes        =
 +
|royalty free audio        = false
 +
|royalty free audio notes  = Uses audio from the original '''Star Wars''' movie trilogy.
 +
|red book cd audio        =
 +
|red book cd audio notes  =
 +
|general midi audio      = true
 +
|general midi audio notes =
 +
}}
 +
{{++}} This game supports the MT-32 and General MIDI for music.
  
−
===Game appears stretched horizontally/black bars on top and bottom===
+
{{L10n|content=
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = English
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = true
 +
|subtitles = false
 +
|notes    =
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = French
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = true
 +
|subtitles = false
 +
|notes    =  
 +
|fan      =  
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = German
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = true
 +
|subtitles = false
 +
|notes    =
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Italian
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = true
 +
|subtitles = false
 +
|notes    =
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Russian
 +
|interface = hackable
 +
|audio    = false
 +
|subtitles = false
 +
|notes    = [https://enpy.net/forum/files/file/114-star-wars-dark-forces/ Fan translation by «ENPY Studio»]
 +
|fan      = true
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Spanish
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = false
 +
|subtitles = false
 +
|notes    =  
 +
|fan      =  
 +
}}
 +
}}
  
−
''Dark Forces'' is designed to run at a resolution of 320x200, but an aspect ratio of 4:3. To account for this, you need to turn aspect ratio correction on in DOSBox. Go to the '''<nowiki>[render]</nowiki>''' section of your DOSBox configuration file (create it if not present), and add the line:
+
==Issues unresolved==
−
<pre>aspect=true</pre>
+
* The MIDI tracks BOSS-05.GMD, BOSS-08.GMD, BOSS-10.GMD, BOSS-11.GMD and BOSS-14.GMD (inside SOUNDS.GOB) never play during the game when the corresponding boss is fought against.  This is known to be true about the DOS retail release and is an iMUSE issue.
−
If the line '''aspect=false''' is present, remove it.
+
* One sector in "Mission 3: Anoat City" is messed up, preventing access to two energy unit pickups. Its corridor can be entered by setting the hub switch to setting 2.  The inaccessible sector is on the right just inside the sewage corridor, showing up with the map cheat or a level editor.
 +
* Two Ceiling Turrets in "Mission 4: Research Facility" are missing their bases.
 +
* Some of the Ceiling Turrets have their base set to have the Turret logic.  Nothing happens unless the corresponding map gets edited.
 +
* A fan in "Mission 4: Research Facility" has its grate set to use the Fan logic.  Unless the map is edited, the grate stays still.
 +
* There is a non-functioning elevator in "Mission 9: Nar Shaddaa" in the room with the first Trandoshans.  Its sector is messed up and inaccessible, preventing players from going back to the starting area without sitting on a mine or cheating.
  
−
For Boxer, you can also use the '''View - Use 4:3 Aspect Ratio''' item in the menu.
+
==Issues fixed==
 +
===Game randomly changes colors===
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Change output method to DirectDraw or OpenGL|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
 +
# Go to the Dark Forces installation folder.
 +
# Edit <code>dosbox.conf</code>
 +
# In the <code>[SDL]</code> section, change <code>output=surface</code> to <code>output=ddraw</code> or <code>output=opengl</code> (whichever works best)
 +
# Save your changes.
 +
}}
  
−
If this causes performance issues, try changing the output mode to something other than surface mode.
+
===Game appears stretched horizontally===
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Fix incorrect aspect ratio|ref={{cn|date=February 2017}}|fix=
 +
{{ii}} Dark Forces is designed to run at 320x200, but with a 4:3 aspect ratio. To set this, do the following:
 +
* Go to the <code>[render]</code> section of the DOSBox configuration file and change <code>aspect=false</code> to <code>aspect=true</code>.
 +
* If you are using Boxer, you can also use the '''View - Use 4:3 Aspect Ratio''' item in the menu.
 +
}}
  
−
==Running retail version without the CD==
+
===Run retail version without the CD===
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Run without the CD|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.dosbox.com/wiki/GAMES:Star_Wars:_Dark_Forces|title=dosbox.com|date=17 May 2023}}</ref>|date=July 2016|fix=
 +
# Perform a full install within DOSBox.
 +
# Copy the '''CD.ID''' file from your ''Dark Forces'' CD, to the folder you have mounted as DOSBox's C: drive.
 +
# Use a text editor to open the '''DRIVE.CD''' file in your Dark Forces installation folder. It should contain one letter. Change it to '''C''' and save it.
 +
{{--}} Disables the ability to change configuration in the setup.exe (says you must install the game first).
 +
}}
  
−
# Perform a full install of the game within DOSBox.
+
{{Fixbox|description=Create a dummy folder|ref={{cn|date=July 2017}}|fix=
−
# Copy the '''CD.ID''' file from your ''Dark Forces'' CD, to the folder you have mounted as DOSBox's root drive.
+
# Perform a full install within DOSBox.
−
# Use a text editor to open the '''DRIVE.CD''' file in your Dark Forces install directory. It should contain one letter. Change it to '''C''' and save it. (If you mount to a drive letter other than C, use that letter instead.)
+
# Copy the '''CD.ID''' file from your ''Dark Forces'' CD, to a new folder (which you will later mount as drive D).
 +
# Copy the '''BOOTMKR.EXE''' and '''IMUSE.EXE''' from the CD or the installation folder to this new folder (the IMUSE.EXE must be in a '''\Dark''' sub folder to be detected by the configuration utility).
 +
# Mount the folder as drive D, then play!
 +
{{--}} Slightly more involved than the above fix for simply the ability to use the configuration utility.
 +
{{++}} Significantly leaner than having an ISO mounted to access setup.exe (Steam version).
 +
{{ii}} Files can be mistakenly deleted using the "Remove modules" option, marking files as read-only is recommended.
 +
}}
  
−
==Windowed mode==
+
===Update Steam DOSBox version/Run without Steam===
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Run without Steam|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
 +
# Install the game through Steam.
 +
# Download the [http://www.dosbox.com/download.php?main=1 latest DOSBox version].
 +
# Run the installer and point it to the Dark Forces installation folder.
 +
# To run Dark Forces without Steam, run <code>dosbox.exe</code> directly. To run with Steam, launch as usual.
 +
}}
  
−
To switch between fullscreen and windowed mode, press '''Alt+Enter''' ('''Cmd+F''' in Boxer).
+
===Ice Glitch using DOSBox===
 +
{{ii}} When playing the game in DOSBox you will find that you get stuck in the ice in the Robots Facility level
  
−
You can also force the game to start in fullscreen mode by adding or removing the line '''fullscreen=true''' in the '''<nowiki>[sdl]</nowiki>''' section of your DOSBox configuration file (create it if not present, and replace any existing '''fullscreen=''' lines).
+
{{Fixbox|description=Set your cycles amount to fixed 40000|fix=
 +
{{ii}} You can do this in DOSBox config or pressing {{key|Ctrl|F11}} / {{key|Ctrl|F12}}
 +
}}
  
−
==Enabling Steam overlay==
+
{{Fixbox|description=You try to grab the Ice Shoes before you get stuck in the ice. If you got stuck on the ice and can't grab the Ice Shoes, try moving the mouse quickly to get unstuck|fix=
  
−
To enable the Steam overlay, change the output mode to OpenGL.
+
}}
  
−
==Controls==
+
===Enable Steam overlay===
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Change DOSBox output method to OpenGL|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
 +
# Go to the Dark Forces installation folder.
 +
# Edit <code>dosbox.conf</code>
 +
# Change <code>output=surface</code> to <code>output=opengl</code>
 +
# Save your changes.
 +
}}
  
−
The default controls differ between the retail and Steam versions. The game also supports joysticks; consult the manual.
+
==Other information==
 +
===API===
 +
{{API
 +
|direct3d versions      =
 +
|direct3d notes        =
 +
|directdraw versions    =
 +
|directdraw notes      =
 +
|opengl versions       = 3.3
 +
|opengl notes          = See [[#The_Force_Engine|The Force Engine]]
 +
|glide versions        =
 +
|glide notes            =
 +
|software mode          = true
 +
|software mode notes    =
 +
|mantle support        =
 +
|mantle support notes  =
 +
|vulkan versions        =
 +
|vulkan notes          =
 +
|dos modes              = MCGA, VGA
 +
|dos modes notes        =
 +
|shader model versions  =
 +
|shader model notes    =
 +
|windows 32-bit exe    = unknown
 +
|windows 64-bit exe    = false
 +
|windows arm app        = unknown
 +
|windows exe notes      =
 +
|mac os x powerpc app  = unknown
 +
|macos intel 32-bit app = unknown
 +
|macos intel 64-bit app = unknown
 +
|macos arm app          = unknown
 +
|macos app notes        =
 +
|linux 32-bit executable= unknown
 +
|linux 64-bit executable= unknown
 +
|linux arm app          = unknown
 +
|linux 68k app          = unknown
 +
|linux executable notes =
 +
|mac os powerpc app    = unknown
 +
|mac os 68k app        = true
 +
|mac os executable notes=
 +
}}
  
−
Note that you do not actually need to look up or down in order to aim up or down; the game handles vertical aiming automatically.
+
===Middleware===
 +
{{Middleware
 +
|physics          =
 +
|physics notes    =
 +
|audio            = iMUSE
 +
|audio notes      = For music
 +
|interface        =
 +
|interface notes  =
 +
|input            =
 +
|input notes      =
 +
|cutscenes        =
 +
|cutscenes notes  =
 +
|multiplayer      =
 +
|multiplayer notes=
 +
|anticheat        =
 +
|anticheat notes  =
 +
}}
 +
<gallery>
 +
Dark Forces setup.png|Main page of <code>setup.exe</code>
 +
Dark Forces system speed.png|System speed settings in <code>setup.exe</code>
 +
</gallery>
  
−
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed wikitable"
+
===[https://github.com/Mindwerks/XLEngine DarkXL]===
−
|+ <!--Default Controls-->
+
{{ii}} DarkXL is heavily outdated at this point and it's not recommended to use it anymore, as it has been surpassed by [[#The_Force_Engine|The Force Engine]].
−
|-
+
{{++}} Enables playing the game in modern Windows. Supports high resolutions, with enhanced visuals and proper mouselook.
−
! colspan = "3" | Default Controls
+
{{--}} The Original version of the project, however, is no-longer in active development, and the most-recent alpha version has some unresolved issues such as missing cutscenes, no music during cutscenes, a float/noclip function bound to the F key that cannot be rebound, and other issues that require workarounds to correct. However, the game can still be completed in this form. (see [https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=390640277 Getting started with XL Engine]).
−
|-
 
−
! style="text-align: center;" | Action
 
−
! style="text-align: center;" | Retail
 
−
! style="text-align: center;" | Steam
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan = "3" | Movement
 
−
|-
 
−
! Move forward
 
−
| Up, mouse up
 
−
| W
 
−
|-
 
−
! Move backward
 
−
| Down, mouse down
 
−
| S
 
−
|-
 
−
! Strafe left
 
−
| &lt;
 
−
| A
 
−
|-
 
−
! Strafe right
 
−
| &gt;
 
−
| D
 
−
|-
 
−
! Strafe (hold)
 
−
| Alt, MOUSE3
 
−
| Alt
 
−
|-
 
−
! Turn left
 
−
| Left, mouse left
 
−
| Left, mouse left
 
−
|-
 
−
! Turn right
 
−
| Right, mouse right
 
−
| Right, mouse right
 
−
|-
 
−
! Run (hold)
 
−
| Shift
 
−
| Shift
 
−
|-
 
−
! Walk slow
 
−
| Caps Lock
 
−
| Caps Lock
 
−
|-
 
−
! Crouch
 
−
| C
 
−
| C
 
−
|-
 
−
! Jump
 
−
| X
 
−
| Space
 
−
|-
 
−
! Look up
 
−
| PgUp
 
−
| PgUp
 
−
|-
 
−
! Look down
 
−
| PgDn
 
−
| PgDn
 
−
|-
 
−
! Center view
 
−
| Num5
 
−
| Num5
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan = "3" | Weapons
 
−
|-
 
−
! Primary fire
 
−
| Ctrl, Mouse1
 
−
| Ctrl, Mouse1
 
−
|-
 
−
! Secondary fire
 
−
| Z
 
−
| R
 
−
|-
 
−
! Holster weapon
 
−
| F8
 
−
| F8
 
−
|-
 
−
! Previous weapon
 
−
| F9
 
−
| F9
 
−
|-
 
−
! Next weapon
 
−
| F10
 
−
| F10
 
−
|-
 
−
! Last used weapon
 
−
| Backspace
 
−
| Backspace
 
−
|-
 
−
! Fists
 
−
| 1
 
−
| 1
 
−
|-
 
−
! Modified Bryar Pistol
 
−
| 2
 
−
| 2
 
−
|-
 
−
! Stormtrooper Rifle
 
−
| 3
 
−
| 3
 
−
|-
 
−
! Thermal Detonators
 
−
| 4
 
−
| 4
 
−
|-
 
−
! Imperial Repeater
 
−
| 5
 
−
| 5
 
−
|-
 
−
! Jeron Fusion Cutter
 
−
| 6
 
−
| 6
 
−
|-
 
−
! IM Mines
 
−
| 7
 
−
| 7
 
−
|-
 
−
! Packered Mortar Gun
 
−
| 8
 
−
| 8
 
−
|-
 
−
! Stouker Concussion Rifle
 
−
| 9
 
−
| 9
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan = "3" | Interaction and equipment
 
−
|-
 
−
! Use
 
−
| Space
 
−
| E
 
−
|-
 
−
! Night vision goggles
 
−
| F2
 
−
| F2
 
−
|-
 
−
! Cleats
 
−
| F3
 
−
| F3
 
−
|-
 
−
! Gas mask
 
−
| F4
 
−
| F4
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan = "3" | Additional controls
 
−
|-
 
−
! Exit mission
 
−
| Esc
 
−
| Esc
 
−
|-
 
−
! PDA menu
 
−
| F1
 
−
| F1
 
−
|-
 
−
! Pause game
 
−
| Pause
 
−
| Pause
 
−
|-
 
−
! Map
 
−
| Tab
 
−
| Tab
 
−
|-
 
−
! Zoom map in
 
−
| =
 
−
| =
 
−
|-
 
−
! Zoom map out
 
−
| -
 
−
| -
 
−
|-
 
−
! Increase screen size
 
−
| Alt+=
 
−
| Alt+=
 
−
|-
 
−
! Decrease screen size
 
−
| Alt+-
 
−
| Alt+-
 
−
|-
 
−
! Toggle head wave
 
−
| F6
 
−
| F6
 
−
|-
 
−
! Toggle auto-equip weapons
 
−
| Alt+F8
 
−
| Alt+F8
 
−
|-
 
−
! Toggle HUD
 
−
| F7
 
−
| F7
 
−
|}
 
  
−
===Customizing controls===
+
The author of the Xlengine/DarkXL port LuciusDXL has, as of May 2020, restarted the project as [https://github.com/luciusDXL/TheForceEngine/ The Force Engine] concentrating on Dark Forces and Outlaws games. This is due in part to Blood and Daggerfall having other complete projects/ports available. More information is available on his blog post [https://theforceengine.github.io/ here].
  
−
You can change these controls using '''INSTALL.EXE''' ('''KEYCONFI.EXE''' in the demo).
+
===[https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/1208-dark-frontend-a-mod-loader-for-dark-forces/ Dark Frontend]===
 +
Dark Frontend is a utility that allows easier launching of mods and levels. Installation (of both the launcher and the mods you intend to use with it) isn't exactly the most straight forward; includes a digital manual (readme.exe), reading it is recommended before using. It has been superseded by [[#Dark Forces Custom Launcher|Dark Forces Custom Launcher]], but unlike its successor, it is a native DOS program and can directly in DOSBox.
  
−
To access this in the Steam version, open your DOSBox configuration file and change '''dark.exe''' to '''install.exe''' (change it back once you are done configuring). You can also use DOSBox's built-in keymapper (Ctrl+F1).
+
==System requirements==
 +
{{ii}} [[#The Force Engine|The Force Engine]] requires an OpenGL 3.3-capable GPU.
 +
{{System requirements
 +
|OSfamily = DOS
  
−
Mouse settings cannot be changed in the demo.
+
|minOS    = 5.0
 +
|minCPU  = Intel 386DX 33 MHz
 +
|minRAM  = 8 MB
 +
|minHD    = 3.5 MB
 +
|minGPU  = MCGA, VGA
 +
|minGPU2  =
  
−
===Adjusting mouse sensitivity===
+
|recOS    = 6.22
 +
|recCPU  = Intel 486DX 33 MHz
  
−
# Go to the '''<nowiki>[sdl]</nowiki>''' section of your DOSBox configuration file (create it if not present).
+
|notes    = {{ii}} Full hard-drive installation requires 67.4 MB.<ref>{{Refcheck|user=SirYodaJedi|date=2023-01-12|comment=}}</ref>
−
# If there is not a line '''sensitivity=100''' in that section, create it.
+
}}
−
# Replace 100 with your desired mouse sensitivity (from 1 to 1000).
 
  
−
==Running Steam version on Mac or Linux==
+
{{System requirements
 +
|OSfamily = Windows
  
−
On a Windows Steam install of the game, all of the game's files are contained in the ''/steamapps/common/dark forces/game'' folder in your Steam install directory. You can copy this folder to a Mac or Linux machine, rename it to whatever you like, then run the game ('''DARK.EXE''') using DOSBox or Boxer.
+
|minOS    = 2000, XP, Vista
 +
|minCPU  = Intel Pentium 486
 +
|minRAM  = 16 MB
 +
|minHD    = 80 MB
 +
|minVRAM  =
 +
|minGPU  =
 +
|minDX    = 5.2
 +
|minaudio = 16-bit sound card
  
−
Unless you have DOSBox set to mount your ''Dark Forces'' folder as '''C:''', you will need to copy the '''CD.ID''' file from your ''Dark Forces'' folder, to the folder you have mounted as DOSBox's hard drive. If your DOSBox hard drive uses a letter other than '''C:''', use a text editor to open the '''DRIVE.CD''' file in your Dark Forces install directory; it should contain one letter, '''C''', which should be changed to your DOSBox hard drive letter.
+
|recOS    =
−
 
+
|recCPU  =
−
==Fan remake projects==
+
|recRAM  =  
−
 
+
|recHD    =  
−
===XL Engine===
+
|recGPU  =  
−
 
+
}}
−
[http://xlengine.com/ XL Engine] (formerly DarkXL and DaggerXL) is a fan project, similar to ScummVM, aimed at porting the Jedi, XnGine and Build engines to modern systems with additional features.
 
  
−
Support for ''Dark Forces'' is currently in alpha stage, and support for ''The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall'' is currently in pre-alpha. Initial support for ''Blood'' and ''Outlaws'' is planned for the next release.
+
{{System requirements
 +
|OSfamily = Mac OS
 +
|minOS    = MacOS 7.1
 +
|minCPU  = 68040 or PowerPC
 +
|minRAM  = 8 MB
 +
|minHD    = 5 MB (Minimum Install)
 +
|minGPU  = 256-color 13" display
 +
|mincont  = Keyboard and mouse
 +
|minother = CD-ROM drive required
  
−
===Jedi Academy mod===
+
|recOS    =  
 +
|recCPU  =  
 +
|recRAM  =  
 +
|recHD    = 13 MB
 +
|recGPU  =  
 +
|reccont  = Joystick optional
  
−
''[http://darkforces.jediknight.net/ Dark Forces: A Mod For Jedi Academy]'' was a fan project to remake ''Dark Forces'' using the id Tech 3 engine, as a mod for ''Jedi Academy''. A demo version containing the first six levels was released in January 2008. Progress then stalled, and the project was cancelled on January 27, 2012.
+
|ref      = <ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.mobygames.com/game/macintosh/star-wars-dark-forces/cover-art/gameCoverId,357726/|title=Star Wars: Dark Forces (1995) Macintosh box cover art - MobyGames|date=2023-01-12}}</ref>
−
 
 
−
==Additional material==
 
−
 
 
−
The official strategy guide, ''Star Wars: Dark Forces: Official Player's Guide'', was written by Jeff Hoff and published in 1996 by Infotainment World. This guide includes full maps and walkthroughs of all missions, as well as concept art, making-of information and the complete script.
 
−
 
 
−
A novelization, ''Star Wars: Dark Forces: Soldier for the Empire'', was released in February of 1997. It was written by William C. Dietz, published by Dark Horse Comics and Boulevard, and contains full-color illustrations by Dean Williams.
 
−
 
 
−
An audio drama adaptation, also called ''Star Wars: Dark Forces: Soldier for the Empire'', was released in March of 1997 on audiocassette and CD. The audio drama was written by John Whitman, directed by Peter Moore, and published by HighBridge Audio, and includes a score by John Williams. It was rereleased in 1998 as part of the ''Star Wars: Dark Forces: The Collector's Trilogy'' boxed set, along with ''Star Wars: Dark Forces: Rebel Agent'' and ''Star Wars: Dark Forces: Jedi Knight'' (the two audio drama adaptations of the game's sequel).
 
−
 
 
−
"Sand Blasted", a short comic in ''Star Wars Tales #4'', expands on one of the events of the game.
 
−
 
 
−
==System requirements==
 
−
 
 
−
{{SysReq
 
−
|minOS = * MS-DOS 5.0 (Retail)
 
−
* Windows 2000/XP/Vista (Steam)
 
−
|minproc = 386DX at 33MHz
 
−
|recproc = 486DX at 33MHz
 
−
|minmem = 8 MB
 
−
|minHD = * 3.5 MB free space (Retail)
 
−
* 80 MB free space (Steam)
 
−
|minGPU1 = 256-color VGA/MCGA (Retail)
 
−
|minGPU2 = DirectX 5.2 (Steam)
 
−
|minaudio = 16-bit sound card
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
==See also==
+
{{References}}
−
 
+
{{GOG.com Enhancement Project}}
−
*[[Star Wars Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II]]
 
−
 
 
−
==External links==
 
−
 
 
−
*[http://store.steampowered.com/app/32400 ''Star Wars: Dark Forces'' on Steam]
 
−
*[http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Star_Wars:_Dark_Forces ''Star Wars: Dark Forces'' at Wookieepedia]
 
−
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Wars:_Dark_Forces ''Star Wars: Dark Forces'' at Wikipedia]
 
−
*[http://www.dosbox.com/ DOSBox]
 
−
*[http://boxerapp.com/ Boxer]
 
−
*[http://www.dosbox.com/wiki/Dosbox.conf DOSBox wiki article on configuration files]
 
−
*[http://www.fileplanet.com/10636/10000/fileinfo/Dark-Forces-Demo Demo at FilePlanet]
 
−
*[http://www.lucasarts.com/support/update/darkforces.html Mac version patch at LucasArts]
 
−
*[http://www.replacementdocs.com/download.php?view.7426 ''Coded Transmissions'' at ReplacementDocs]
 
−
*[http://xlengine.com/?p=121 XL Engine]
 
−
*[http://darkforces.jediknight.net/ ''Dark Forces: A Mod For Jedi Academy'']
 
−
 
 
−
[[Category:Game]]
 
−
[[Category:Linux Game]]
 
−
[[Category:Mac Game]]
 

Latest revision as of 13:48, 1 April 2024

This page is for the original 1995 game. For the 2024 remaster, see Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster.

Star Wars: Dark Forces
Star Wars: Dark Forces cover
Developers
LucasArts
Publishers
LucasArts
Disney Interactive Studios
Engines
Jedi
Release dates
DOS February 15, 1995
Mac OS (Classic) June 1995
Windows (DOSBox) September 16, 2009
Linux (DOSBox) January 20, 2015[1]
macOS (OS X) (DOSBox) March 19, 2018[2]
Taxonomy
Monetization One-time game purchase
Modes Singleplayer
Pacing Real-time
Perspectives First-person
Controls Direct control
Genres Action, Shooter, FPS
Themes Sci-fi, Space
Series Star Wars: Jedi Knight
Icon overlay.png
Star Wars: Dark Forces on HowLongToBeat
Star Wars: Dark Forces on IGDB
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Star Wars: Dark Forces guide on StrategyWiki
Star Wars: Dark Forces on MobyGames
Star Wars: Dark Forces on Wikipedia
Icon overlay.png
Star Wars: Jedi Knight
Subseries of Star Wars
Star Wars: Dark Forces 1995
Star Wars: Jedi Knight - Dark Forces II 1997
Star Wars: Jedi Knight - Mysteries of the Sith 1998
Star Wars: Jedi Knight II - Jedi Outcast 2002
Star Wars: Jedi Knight - Jedi Academy 2003
Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster 2024

Star Wars: Dark Forces is a first-person shooter set during the original Star Wars trilogy, and is the first game in the Jedi Knight series.

In late 2022, version 1.0 of The Force Engine was released, a reverse-engineered port allowing for native widescreen, high resolutions, and vertical aiming with the mouse. The game has an active modding community, centered around the DF-21 website and it's Discord server.

General information

GOG.com Community Discussions for game series
GOG.com Support Page
Steam Community Discussions

Availability

Source DRM Notes Keys OS
Retail
Disc check (requires the CD/DVD in the drive to play)
 See Run retail version without the CD on how to bypass the disc check.
DOS
Mac OS
GOG.com
DRM-free
 Pre-packaged with DOSBox.[3]
Windows
Linux
Humble Store
Icon overlay.png
 Not available for sale in Germany.
Windows
macOS (OS X)
Origin
DRM-free after installation through Origin client (notes may include more details)
 Included with EA Play Pro. Currently only visible in the EA App's Browse menu.
Windows
Steam
DRM-free after installation through Steam client (notes may include more details)
 Can be played without Steam. Pre-packaged with DOSBox 0.73.[4] Update to 0.74 for better performance and some color issue fixes.
Windows
macOS (OS X)
GamersGate (unavailable)
Icon overlay.png
Windows
macOS (OS X)
Gamesplanet logo.svg (unavailable)
Icon overlay.png
Windows
macOS (OS X)
A demo containing an earlier version of the first level is available. A longer demo which includes the finalized versions of the first 3 levels was also released.[Note 1]
The original icon, which isn't used in the Steam version of the game, is available here

Essential improvements

Patches

The DOS version has no patches (the Install.exe listed on the official support page is not for this game).
The 1.2 Update patch fixes some issues with the MacOS Classic version.
Official German Patch adds missing translations and voice files.

Unofficial patches

Dark Forces Community Patch (2022) has over 100 fixes and quality of life improvements.

The Force Engine

Reverse-engineered source port of Dark Forces made by the same author of DarkXL that includes QOL improvements
GPU rendering with widescreen and high resolution support (up to 4K)
Full mouselook support
In-game saving and quicksaves available from any point in the game
iMUSE and dynamic music implemented

DarkForces Custom Launcher

Note!! this is now superceded by The Force Engine please use that instead.

Multi-featured Launcher which has a guide.
  • Runs Dark Forces and custom community-made missions
  • Automatically updates new missions as they are added to df-21.net.
  • Includes Dark Forces DeHacker.

Dark Forces DeHacker

All of the following features are completely optional and DeHacker can be used only as configuration tool replacement instead of the buggy original setup executable - see "Configuration setup" menu.
  • Enables vertical mouselook and allows for higher controls customization
  • Runs the game and setup program without the CD
  • Fixes infinite loop bug in General MIDI and Roland music drivers
  • Increased mouse sensitivity by 4 times
  • Documentation in DARKINFO.TXT file with a complete list of all reserved keyboard keys, command line options, and cheat codes
Step-by-step guide

Game data

Configuration file(s) location

System Location
DOS <path-to-game>\JEDI.CFG
Windows <path-to-game> (mounted in DOSBox)[Note 2]
Mac OS (Classic) Macintosh HD/System Folder/Preferences/Dark Forces Preferences
macOS (OS X) <path-to-game> (mounted in DOSBox)[Note 2]
Linux <path-to-game> (mounted in DOSBox)[Note 2]
Steam Play (Linux) <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/32400/pfx/[Note 3]
Config file is not human readable. A partial explanation on how to edit it can be found here.
This game does not follow the XDG Base Directory Specification on Linux.

Save game data location

System Location
DOS <path-to-game>\DARKPILO.CFG
Windows <path-to-game> (mounted in DOSBox)[Note 2]
Mac OS (Classic) Macintosh HD/System Folder/Preferences/Dark Forces Pilots
macOS (OS X) <path-to-game> (mounted in DOSBox)[Note 2]
Linux <path-to-game> (mounted in DOSBox)[Note 2]
Steam Play (Linux) <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/32400/pfx/[Note 3]

Save game cloud syncing

System Native Notes
GOG Galaxy
Origin
Steam Cloud

Video

In-game options menu.
In-game options menu.

Graphics feature State WSGF Notes
Widescreen resolution
 
 DOS version runs at 320x200 (see the DOSBox page for more information) and Mac OS (Classic) version runs at 640x480.
See The Force Engine for widescreen support.
Multi-monitor
 
 See The Force Engine.
Ultra-widescreen
 
 See The Force Engine.
4K Ultra HD
 
 See The Force Engine.
Field of view (FOV)
See The Force Engine.
Windowed
Toggle with Alt+↵ Enter if using DOSBox.
The Force Engine supports windowed mode.
Borderless fullscreen windowed
Anisotropic filtering (AF)
Anti-aliasing (AA)
High-fidelity upscaling
See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
Vertical sync (Vsync)
Use The Force Engine.
60 FPS
Up to 72 frames per second. [5]
120+ FPS
The framerate is uncapped on The Force Engine if Vsync is turned off. Game logic runs at 145 ticks per second.[5]
High dynamic range display (HDR)
See the glossary page for potential alternatives.

Input

Control options in INSTALL.EXE.
Control options in INSTALL.EXE.

Keyboard and mouse State Notes
Remapping
Use INSTALL.EXE (KEYCONFI.EXE in the demo) or SETUP.EXE. Mouse settings cannot be changed in the demo. Some keys cannot be mapped. See fix below, or use The Force Engine.
Mouse acceleration
Mouse sensitivity
Mouse input in menus
Some menus only work with mouse.
Mouse Y-axis inversion
Game lacks vertical-look for mouse. See hack below for adding it, or use The Force Engine.
Controller
Controller support
Full controller support
Controller remapping
Use INSTALL.EXE (KEYCONFI.EXE in the demo) or SETUP.EXE.
Controller sensitivity
Controller Y-axis inversion
Controller types
XInput-compatible controllers
Through DosBox
Xbox button prompts
Impulse Trigger vibration
PlayStation controllers
Generic/other controllers
Button prompts Input settings icon - Generic Controller.svg
Additional information
Controller hotplugging
Haptic feedback
Digital movement supported
Simultaneous controller+KB/M
Designed for keyboard and flightstick.

  • Keyboard remapper in setup.exe
    Suggested controls shown.

  • Joystick remapper in setup.exe

  • Mouse remapper in setup.exe

Modern control scheme + v-look for mouse (DOSBox)

Use Dark Forces Plus, compilation of DOSBox keymapper files and GlovePIE script.[6]
Could use FreePIE as alternative to GlovePIE.
GlovePIE and FreePIE are Windows programs; they do not work on Mac or Linux.

Audio

Sound card and MIDI options in setup.exe. Suggested settings for DOSBox shown.
Sound card and MIDI options in setup.exe.
Suggested settings for DOSBox shown.
Sound channel settings in setup.exe.
Sound channel settings in setup.exe.

Audio feature State Notes
Separate volume controls
Surround sound
Uses stereo output with some 3D spatial effects.[7]
Subtitles
See The Force Engine.
Closed captions
See The Force Engine.
Mute on focus lost
For DOSBox change the priority background value in the DOSBox configuration file.
Royalty free audio
Uses audio from the original Star Wars movie trilogy.
General MIDI audio
This game supports the MT-32 and General MIDI for music.

Localizations

Language UI Audio Sub Notes
English
French
German
Italian
Russian
Fan translation by «ENPY Studio»
Spanish

Issues unresolved

  • The MIDI tracks BOSS-05.GMD, BOSS-08.GMD, BOSS-10.GMD, BOSS-11.GMD and BOSS-14.GMD (inside SOUNDS.GOB) never play during the game when the corresponding boss is fought against. This is known to be true about the DOS retail release and is an iMUSE issue.
  • One sector in "Mission 3: Anoat City" is messed up, preventing access to two energy unit pickups. Its corridor can be entered by setting the hub switch to setting 2. The inaccessible sector is on the right just inside the sewage corridor, showing up with the map cheat or a level editor.
  • Two Ceiling Turrets in "Mission 4: Research Facility" are missing their bases.
  • Some of the Ceiling Turrets have their base set to have the Turret logic. Nothing happens unless the corresponding map gets edited.
  • A fan in "Mission 4: Research Facility" has its grate set to use the Fan logic. Unless the map is edited, the grate stays still.
  • There is a non-functioning elevator in "Mission 9: Nar Shaddaa" in the room with the first Trandoshans. Its sector is messed up and inaccessible, preventing players from going back to the starting area without sitting on a mine or cheating.

Issues fixed

Game randomly changes colors

Change output method to DirectDraw or OpenGL[citation needed]
  1. Go to the Dark Forces installation folder.
  2. Edit dosbox.conf
  3. In the [SDL] section, change output=surface to output=ddraw or output=opengl (whichever works best)
  4. Save your changes.

Game appears stretched horizontally

Fix incorrect aspect ratio[citation needed]
Dark Forces is designed to run at 320x200, but with a 4:3 aspect ratio. To set this, do the following:
  • Go to the [render] section of the DOSBox configuration file and change aspect=false to aspect=true.
  • If you are using Boxer, you can also use the View - Use 4:3 Aspect Ratio item in the menu.

Run retail version without the CD

Run without the CD[8]
  1. Perform a full install within DOSBox.
  2. Copy the CD.ID file from your Dark Forces CD, to the folder you have mounted as DOSBox's C: drive.
  3. Use a text editor to open the DRIVE.CD file in your Dark Forces installation folder. It should contain one letter. Change it to C and save it.
Disables the ability to change configuration in the setup.exe (says you must install the game first).
Create a dummy folder[citation needed]
  1. Perform a full install within DOSBox.
  2. Copy the CD.ID file from your Dark Forces CD, to a new folder (which you will later mount as drive D).
  3. Copy the BOOTMKR.EXE and IMUSE.EXE from the CD or the installation folder to this new folder (the IMUSE.EXE must be in a \Dark sub folder to be detected by the configuration utility).
  4. Mount the folder as drive D, then play!
Slightly more involved than the above fix for simply the ability to use the configuration utility.
Significantly leaner than having an ISO mounted to access setup.exe (Steam version).
Files can be mistakenly deleted using the "Remove modules" option, marking files as read-only is recommended.

Update Steam DOSBox version/Run without Steam

Run without Steam[citation needed]
  1. Install the game through Steam.
  2. Download the latest DOSBox version.
  3. Run the installer and point it to the Dark Forces installation folder.
  4. To run Dark Forces without Steam, run dosbox.exe directly. To run with Steam, launch as usual.

Ice Glitch using DOSBox

When playing the game in DOSBox you will find that you get stuck in the ice in the Robots Facility level
Set your cycles amount to fixed 40000
You can do this in DOSBox config or pressing Ctrl+F11 / Ctrl+F12
You try to grab the Ice Shoes before you get stuck in the ice. If you got stuck on the ice and can't grab the Ice Shoes, try moving the mouse quickly to get unstuck

Enable Steam overlay

Change DOSBox output method to OpenGL[citation needed]
  1. Go to the Dark Forces installation folder.
  2. Edit dosbox.conf
  3. Change output=surface to output=opengl
  4. Save your changes.

Other information

API

Technical specs Supported Notes
OpenGL 3.3 See The Force Engine
Software renderer
DOS video modes MCGA, VGA

Middleware

Middleware Notes
Audio iMUSE For music

  • Main page of setup.exe

  • System speed settings in setup.exe

DarkXL

DarkXL is heavily outdated at this point and it's not recommended to use it anymore, as it has been surpassed by The Force Engine.
Enables playing the game in modern Windows. Supports high resolutions, with enhanced visuals and proper mouselook.
The Original version of the project, however, is no-longer in active development, and the most-recent alpha version has some unresolved issues such as missing cutscenes, no music during cutscenes, a float/noclip function bound to the F key that cannot be rebound, and other issues that require workarounds to correct. However, the game can still be completed in this form. (see Getting started with XL Engine).

The author of the Xlengine/DarkXL port LuciusDXL has, as of May 2020, restarted the project as The Force Engine concentrating on Dark Forces and Outlaws games. This is due in part to Blood and Daggerfall having other complete projects/ports available. More information is available on his blog post here.

Dark Frontend

Dark Frontend is a utility that allows easier launching of mods and levels. Installation (of both the launcher and the mods you intend to use with it) isn't exactly the most straight forward; includes a digital manual (readme.exe), reading it is recommended before using. It has been superseded by Dark Forces Custom Launcher, but unlike its successor, it is a native DOS program and can directly in DOSBox.

System requirements

The Force Engine requires an OpenGL 3.3-capable GPU.
DOS
Minimum Recommended
Operating system (OS) 5.0 6.22
Processor (CPU) Intel 386DX 33 MHz Intel 486DX 33 MHz
System memory (RAM) 8 MB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 3.5 MB
Video card (GPU) MCGA, VGA
Full hard-drive installation requires 67.4 MB.[9]
Windows
Minimum
Operating system (OS) 2000, XP, Vista
Processor (CPU) Intel Pentium 486
System memory (RAM) 16 MB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 80 MB
Video card (GPU) DirectX 5.2 compatible
Sound (audio device) 16-bit sound card
Mac OS
Minimum[10] Recommended
Operating system (OS) MacOS 7.1
Processor (CPU) 68040 or PowerPC
System memory (RAM) 8 MB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 5 MB (Minimum Install) 13 MB
Video card (GPU) 256-color 13" display
Controller Keyboard and mouse Joystick optional
Other CD-ROM drive required


Notes

  1. ↑ Any references to "the demo" on this page refer to the first demo.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 File/folder structure within the installation folder reflects the path(s) listed for DOS game data.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Notes regarding Steam Play (Linux) data:

References

  1. ↑ LUCASFILM ON GOG.COM: Wave II continues. - GOG.com - last accessed on 17 May 2023
  2. ↑ STAR WARS™: Dark Forces :: Compatibility Patch Update - Steam Community - last accessed on 2019-05-04
  3. ↑ List of GOG games using DOSBox, page 1 - Forum - GOG.com - last accessed on 17 May 2023
  4. ↑ Star Wars: Dark Forces · AppID: 32400 · Steam Database - last accessed on 9 June 2023
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Verified by User:SirYodaJedi on 2022-12-21
    Discussed with TFE developer on Discord:
    Dark Forces tick rate vs frame rate discord citation.png
  6. ↑ gog.com - last accessed on 17 May 2023
  7. ↑ Verified by User:SirYodaJedi on July 21, 2018 using General Midi (VirtualMIDISynth) for Music and Sound Blaster 16 (DOSBox emulation) for Digital Sound Effects.
  8. ↑ dosbox.com - last accessed on 17 May 2023
  9. ↑ Verified by User:SirYodaJedi on 2023-01-12
  10. ↑ Star Wars: Dark Forces (1995) Macintosh box cover art - MobyGames - last accessed on 2023-01-12