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XIII

From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games

This page is for the original game. For the 2020 remake, see XIII (2020).

XIII
XIII cover
Developers
Ubisoft Paris
macOS (OS X) Zonic Limited
Publishers
Retail Ubisoft
Retail (Russia) Akella
Digital Microids
OS X Feral Interactive
Engines
Unreal Engine 2
Release dates
Windows November 18, 2003
macOS (OS X) June 5, 2004
Reception
Metacritic 72
IGDB 73
Taxonomy
Monetization One-time game purchase
Modes Singleplayer, Multiplayer
Pacing Real-time
Perspectives First-person
Controls Direct control
Genres Action, FPS, Stealth
Art styles Cel-shaded
Themes North America
Series XIII
XIII on HowLongToBeat
XIII on IGDB
XIII guide on StrategyWiki
XIII on MobyGames
XIII on Wikipedia
XIII
XIII 2003
XIII: Lost Identity 2011
XIII (2020) 2020

Warnings

The macOS (OS X) version of this game does not work on macOS Catalina (version 10.15) or later due to the removal of support for 32-bit-only apps.

Key points

Official master server for the online multiplayer mode was shut down in 2012[1] (see Network for solutions).

General information

InsideXIII - fan site
Opaquit's XIII Files - fan site
GOG.com Community Discussions
GOG.com Support Page

Availability

Source DRM Notes Keys OS
Retail
DRM-free
TAGES DRM
Released on multiple CDs, later editions on 1 DVD.
Patch 1.3 removes the copy protection.
Windows
macOS (OS X)
Gamesplanet logo.svg
Icon overlay.png
Windows
GOG.com
DRM-free
Windows
Steam
DRM-free after installation through Steam client (notes may include more details)
Can be started without Steam by running <path-to-game>\System\XIII.exe directly.
Windows
ZOOM Platform
DRM-free
Windows
macOS (OS X)
A demo is available.

Essential improvements

Patches

Official patches
Unofficial patches
All patches include previous patch updates.
Make sure XIII+(Multiplayer Patch) option is checked while using the All-in-One installer, even if only playing the single player campaign. Otherwise, improvements such as mouse input won't be fixed.

Skip intro videos

Download and install Patch 1.4.2.1 / XIII+[2]
Replace video files[3]
  1. Go to <path-to-game>\Video\.
  2. Delete or rename alien.bik, nvidia.bik and ubi.bik.
  3. Download the blank video file.
  4. Move the file to <path-to-game>\Video\.
  5. Create two copies of this file in the same location.
  6. Rename all three blank video files respectively to alien.bik, nvidia.bik and ubi.bik.

Game data

Configuration file(s) location

System Location
Windows <path-to-game>\System\[Note 1]
macOS (OS X)
Steam Play (Linux) <Steam-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/1170760/pfx/[Note 2]

Save game data location

System Location
Windows <path-to-game>\save\[Note 1]
macOS (OS X)
Steam Play (Linux) <Steam-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/1170760/pfx/[Note 2]
1 quicksave slot + 9 autosave slots available. Additional save slots can be made by creating an additional profile. Game does not autosave progress.

Save game cloud syncing

System Native Notes
GOG Galaxy
Steam Cloud

Video

In-game video settings.
In-game video settings.

Widescreen resolution

Download and install unofficial patch 1.4.2.1 / XIII+[2]
Modify XIII.ini[3][4]
  1. Go to the configuration file(s) location.
  2. Open XIII.ini with Notepad or other text editor. (GoG Version 2021: it is Default.ini)
  3. Change the values of FullscreenViewportX and FullscreenViewportY to your desired resolution.
  4. Save the changes.
  5. Set the field of view (FOV) according to the given aspect ratio or resolution:
    • 16:9 - 101.4
    • 16:10 - 95.43
    • 2560x1080 - 116.91
    • 1366x768 - 101.43
    • 1360x768 - 101.18

Notes

Cursor is upscaled.

Field of view (FOV)

Modify DefUser.ini[4]
  1. Go to the configuration file(s) location.
  2. Open DefUser.ini with Notepad or another text editor.
  3. Change the values of DesiredFOV and DefaultFOV to your desired FOV.
  4. Save the changes.

Notes

Requires starting a new profile.

Windowed

Use unofficial patch 1.4.2.1 / XIII+[2]
  1. Download and install unofficial patch 1.4.2.1 / XIII+.
  2. Toggle with F11.
Use DxWnd[citation needed]
  1. Download, extract and run DxWnd.
  2. Click on Edit, then Add.
  3. Set Name (e.g. XIII) and Path (<path-to-game>\System\XIII.exe).
  4. Check Do not notify on task switch.
  5. Set Window initial position & size.
  6. Select Desktop for borderless fullscreen windowed.
  7. Click on the Mouse tab, then for Mouse clipper select LOCKED.
  8. Click OK and File, then Save and Yes.

Vertical sync (Vsync)

Modify XIII.ini[citation needed]
  1. Go to the configuration file(s) location.
  2. Open XIII.ini with Notepad or another text editor.
  3. Change the value of UseVSync to:
  • False to disable Vsync;
  • True to enable Vsync.
  1. Save the changes.
Download and install unofficial patch 1.4.2.1 / XIII+[2]
When installing leave the option Optimize Input Settings checked to disable vsync.

High frame rate

Fullscreen mode defaults to 60 Hz, even if the screen refresh rate is set higher than that.
Use dgVoodoo2[5]
  1. Download and extract dgVoodoo2.
  2. Open MS and copy the contents of x86 to <path-to-game>\System\.
  3. Run dgVoodooCpl.exe.
  4. Click Add and select <path-to-game>\System\.
  5. Check Enumerate refresh rates.
  6. Go to the DirectX tab.
  7. Select Resolution from the list (e.g. 1920x1080, 119Hz).
  8. Uncheck Disable Alt-Enter to toggle screen state and dgVoodoo Watermark, then click OK.

Notes

For some users, using this fix with Patch 1.4.2.1 / XIII+ might cap the game to around 50 FPS for unknown reasons. Use Patch 1.4 or below if you are having issues.
If this doesn't work, leave the resolution as unforced and use Nvidia Control Panel to set your Max Frame Rate.
Use d3d8to9 and ReShade wrappers[6]
  1. Download d3d8to9 and paste the d3d8.dll file into <path-to-game>\System
  2. Download ReShade and install it for the game by following its installation wizard and choosing <path-to-game>\System\XIII.exe and Direct3D 9 options. You don't have to install any effects.
  3. Go to <path-to-game>\System in File Explorer, open ReShade.ini with a text editor and change ForceDefaultRefreshRate=0 variable to ForceDefaultRefreshRate=1

Notes

The game's Direct3D 8 renderer will run through d3d8to9 wrapper's d3d8.dll and then through ReShade's d3d9.dll forcing the game to render through Direct3D 9 using your desktop refresh rate.

Input

Keyboard and mouse State Notes
Remapping
Mouse acceleration
Mouse smoothing is enabled by default.
Mouse sensitivity
See Mouse sensitivity.
Mouse input in menus
Mouse is barely usable unless a 125 Hz polling rate is used. Download and install unofficial patch 1.4.2.1 / XIII+ to fix this.[2]
Mouse Y-axis inversion
Controller
Controller support
Controller types

Mouse smoothing

Modify DefUser.ini[7]
  1. Go to the configuration file(s) location.
  2. Open DefUser.ini with Notepad or other text editor.
  3. Change the value of bMaxMouseSmoothing to:
  • False to disable mouse smoothing;
  • True to enable mouse smoothing.
  1. Save the changes.

Notes

Requires starting a new profile.

Mouse sensitivity

Modify DefUser.ini[7]
  1. Go to the configuration file(s) location.
  2. Open DefUser.ini with Notepad or other text editor.
  3. Change the values of MouseX=Axis aMouseX Speed=6.0, MouseY=Axis aMouseY Speed=6.0 and MouseSensitivity=3.00000 to fine-tune your sensitivity.
  4. Save the changes.

Notes

It's not recommended to adjust MouseSensitivity as the in-game slider may override it.
Requires starting a new profile.

Audio

In-game audio settings.
In-game audio settings.

Audio feature State Notes
Separate volume controls
Music can be toggled on/off.
Surround sound
Subtitles
The cutscenes aren't subtitled.
Closed captions
Mute on focus lost
Royalty free audio

Localizations

Save files need to be deleted in order to change the voice language for any version.
Language UI Audio Sub Notes
English
Fan made pre-rendered cutscenes with subtitles are available, download.
Czech
Select when installing unofficial patch 1.4.2.1.
French
Select when installing unofficial patch 1.4.2.1.
German
Select when installing unofficial patch 1.4.2.1.
Hungarian
Retail only.
Italian
Select when installing unofficial patch 1.4.2.1.
Japanese
Korean
Polish
Retail only. Patch for digital release here.
Brazilian Portuguese
Fan translation, download.
Russian
Spanish
Select when installing unofficial patch 1.4.2.1.
Also translation available to download from Clan Dlan archives.
Turkish
Fan translation, download.

Network

Multiplayer types

Type Native Players Notes
LAN play
8 Versus
Online play
8 Versus
Direct IP connect through the console (A list of running game servers can be found here). Alternatively download and install unofficial patch 1.4.2.1 / XIII+ to see the server list in game.[2]

Connection types

Type Native Notes
Matchmaking
Peer-to-peer
Dedicated
See Issues with dedicated server.
Self-hosting
Use <path-to-game>\System\ServerLauncher.exe.
Alternatively, you can use standalone dedicated XIII server.
Direct IP
Open the console (F2) and use SWITCHLEVEL followed by the IP and port.[8]
Alternatively, you can use XIII IP Join.

Ports

Protocol Port(s) and/or port range(s)[9]
UDP 7099, 7777
Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) support status is unknown.

VR support

3D modes State Notes
vorpX
G3D
User created profile, requires dgVoodoo v2.55.4, see profile introdution.
Note: Profile may not work with the latest wrapper, in case of issues please report to the vorpx forum.

Issues fixed

4-CD installation problem

Refers to the 4-CD retail version. The following message appears on CD 2: Delete all configuration and saved games files? (Answering YES will delete the XIII installation folder and all of its content). Answering Yes or No stops the installation and constantly reappears if you start the installation again.
Use unofficial patch 1.4.2.1 / XIII+[2]
  1. Download unofficial patch 1.4.2.1 / XIII+.
  2. Install the patch by selecting the (Re-)Install XIII The Game method.

Notes

Supported versions of the game can be found in the patch description.
Apply compatibility settings and rename the setup.exe file[10]
  1. Create XIII on the desktop.
  2. Inside XIII, create the following folders: CD 1, CD 2, CD 3, and CD 4.
  3. Copy the entire CD to each of their respective folders, e.g. CD 1 to CD 1, and so on.
  4. Enable the following compatibility settings for setup.exe in CD 1: Compatibility mode (Windows 98 / Windows ME).
  5. Open Task Manager (Ctrl+ Shift+Esc) and go to Processes.
  6. Start setup.exe in CD 1.
  7. In the Task Manager you'll notice a bunch of new processes start up, when this happens change the name of setup.exe to something else, e.g. to abc.exe.
  8. Installation of CD 1 will continue.
  9. When it asks for CD 2, change whatever you named setup.exe back to setup.exe.
  10. Follow the rest of the installation instructions.

Game crashes and starting problems

Fixed in GOG.com version.
Download and install unofficial patch 1.4.2.1 / XIII+[11]
Set CPU affinity in Task Manager[5]
  1. Launch the game.
  2. While in main menu minimize the game (Alt+Tab ).
  3. Open Task Manager (Ctrl+ Shift+Esc) and click on the Processes tab.
  4. Right click XIII.exe and click on Set Affinity.
  5. Make sure only CPU 0 is selected.

Notes

May cause some timing or framerate issues in multiplayer.[11]

Game will not start in fullscreen

Download and install unofficial patch 1.4.2.1 / XIII+[11]
Modify XIII.ini[11]
  1. Go to the configuration file(s) location.
  2. Open XIII.ini with Notepad or another text editor.
  3. Change the value of ReduceMouseLag to False.
  4. Save the changes.

Game runs in slow motion

Fixed in GOG.com version.
Download and install unofficial patch 1.4.2.1 / XIII+[2]

Left click leaves game

Left mouse click causes focus change away from the fullscreen window back to your desktop.
Use Alt+Tab [11]

Checkpoints are not saved permanently

Checkpoint save only applies when you die during your current play through and does not save your game. You need to quick/manually save it. Loading any level manually can be done if needed.
Use SWITCHLEVEL followed by the internal level identifier in the in-game console (F2)[12]
When you start a level with SWITCHLEVEL, you will start the level you have chosen with no weapons and no skills.

Issues with dedicated server

Server launcher does not work

Server console window disappears immediately after start.
Download and install unofficial patch 1.4[13]

Failed to register the game server

The above error appears in the server console.
Modify XIII.ini[3]
  1. Go to the configuration file(s) location; <path-to-game>\Server\ when using unofficial patch 1.4.
  2. Open XIII.ini with Notepad or another text editor.
  3. Delete the ServerActors=IpDrv.RegisterServerToUbiCom line or insert a semicolon (;) before it.
  4. Save the changes.

Cannot change multiplayer name

Direct IP connect to multiplayer servers results in default username being used instead of the profile name.
Modify DefUser.ini
  1. Go to the configuration file(s) location.
  2. Open DefUser.ini with Notepad or another text editor.
  3. Under DefaultPlayer, change the value of Name to your name of choice.
  4. Save the changes.

No audio in cutscenes

Enable the following compatibility settings for XIII.exe: Compatibility mode (Windows XP (Service Pack 3))[14]

Vsync (Enabled by default) not working on Windows 10

Apply d3d8to9[citation needed]
  1. Download the d3d8.dll file.
  2. Move this file to <path-to-game>.

Extreme latency in multiplayer

Patch 1.4.2.1 makes changes which reduces the quality of the game's netcode.
Downgrade to unofficial patch 1.4 and join games via direct IP connect[15]

Game caps FPS at 65

This appears to be a separate issue from the 60 Hz refresh rate cap.
Set vertical sync to "Fast" in the Nvidia Control Panel[16]

Other information

API

Technical specs Supported Notes
Direct3D 8.1
ExecutablePPC 32-bit 64-bit Notes
Windows
macOS (OS X)
This 32-bit-only macOS game does not work on macOS Catalina (10.15) or later.

Middleware

Middleware Notes
Audio HXAudio Obscure driver that lacks surround sound support.
Cutscenes Bink Video 1.5v

System requirements

Steam

Windows
Minimum
Operating system (OS) 7, 8, 10
Processor (CPU) 1.8 GHz
System memory (RAM) 1 GB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 2 GB
Video card (GPU) DirectX 9.0c compatible

Disc Version

Windows
Minimum Recommended
Operating system (OS) 98
Processor (CPU) Intel Pentium III 700 MHz
System memory (RAM) 128 MB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 1.2 GB
Video card (GPU) ATI Radeon 7000
Nvidia GeForce 2
32 MB of VRAM
DirectX 8.1 compatible
Sound (audio device) DirectX compatible 16-bit sound card


Notes

  1. 1.0 1.1 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).
  2. 2.0 2.1 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>/1170760/ in addition to or instead of this directory. The app ID (1170760) may differ in some cases. Treat backslashes as forward slashes. See the glossary page for details.

References

  1. Ubisoft Support - Multiplayer wurde eingestellt! - last accessed on 2022-09-14
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 XIII All-In-One Installer (HD / Multiplayer ready) file - Mod DB - last accessed on 2022-09-14
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 Verified by User:Orzelek303 on 2019-10-05
  4. 4.0 4.1 XIII ∣ WSGF - last accessed on 2022-09-14
  5. 5.0 5.1 Verified by User:Keith on 2018-03-27
  6. Verified by User:Dgrdsv on 2024-03-14
  7. 7.0 7.1 Verified by User:Stereo3D on 2017-06-07
  8. Legacy:Console Commands/Admin Console Commands - Unreal Wiki - last accessed on 2022-09-14
  9. InsideXIII - last accessed on 2022-09-14
    "Required ports to forward: 7099 (ping lamp) and 7777 (connect to server), both UDP."
  10. installing XIII Windows 7+delete your savegames error fix - YouTube - last accessed on 2022-09-14
  11. 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 Verified by User:Locke on 2019-10-04
    Confirmed by the author of the unofficial patch 1.4.2.1 / XIII+.
  12. Skipping levels?, page 1 - Forum - GOG.com - last accessed on 2022-09-14
  13. Opaquit's XIII Files - XIII Downloads - last accessed on 2022-09-14
    "Dedicated servers work again, just like with version 1.0"
  14. No sound on cutscenes, page 1 - Forum - GOG.com - last accessed on 2022-09-14
  15. XIII (PC) - Patch 1.4 vs. 1.4.2.1 Netcode Comparison - YouTube - last accessed on 2022-09-14
  16. How to uncap the frame rate? :: XIII - Classic General Discussions - last accessed on 2022-09-14