Installation

This chapter of the Manual details about the installation of DarkSpace.

Minimum System Requirements

DarkSpace requires the following minimum computer specifications to run normally:

OS: Windows 7 or newer

CPU: 700 mHz Intel/AMD

Video: Second:Generation 3D Card (GeForce, Matrox G400, Graphics Blaster)

Audio: Direct Sound compatible sound card required.

Hard Drive: 150 MB

RAM: 512 MB

Internet Connection (56k modem or faster)

Direct Input:compatible Mouse.

DirectX 9.0c or higher

We recommend the following for best performance:

OS: Windows 7 or newer

CPU: 1 Ghz Intel/AMD

Video: Third:Generation 3D Card (GeForce FX, Radeon 9x00, or equivalent)

Audio: Direct Sound compatible sound card required.

Hard Drive: 150 MB

RAM: 1 GB

Internet Connection (ISDN, Cable, ADSL)

Direct Input:compatible Mouse.

DirectX 9.0c or higher.

DarkSpace requires DirectX 9.0c or higher. All modern Windows machines require DirectX, but if you still need an update, click here.

GameCQ, DarkSpace's web and chat client, requires Internet Explorer 7.0 or higher.

Installing DarkSpace

A Client program must be downloaded an installed in order to play DarkSpace. The DarkSpace client can be found in the Downloads section of the DarkSpace website. Currently, DarkSpace is at version 1.671, but because a new installer is only built for major patches, the most recent client installer is version 1.67. Pick one of the available download mirrors and when the download starts, select the option to save the installer to your hard drive. You should be downloading a file called "DarkSpace.exe", which has an MD5 sum of 6b7fdff1a05cae5a8054c390054f5b3e, this is the installer for both the chat client (Lobby) and the game client.

DarkSpace is also legally available via bittorrent by clicking this magnet link.

Once you have downloaded this file, please run it and follow the instructions. By default, DarkSpace will install to C:\GameCQ\, and it is recommended to avoid using C:\Program Files\ to avoid potential conflicts with Windows Vista/7's UAC feature.

Retail (Boxed) Copy

In case you are in possession of a (now rare) retail DarkSpace installation CD, you must still download the latest game client. The client has changed significantly over the years and the old CD installer is no longer compatible with the new version. However if you own a DarkSpace Boxed version with CD there should be a CD-Key coupon included, which can be redeemed for some free prestige to start you off at a higher rank than Midshipman.

Once you complete the instructions you are given and DarkSpace is installed, you are almost ready to go.