Spring - User contributions [en]

Contributing media

2008-09-14T11:03:20Z

Fnordia:

==Contributing media==
It is possible for users to contribute screenshots and videos that will be shown on the media page and in the frontpage rotation. It is done by posting in the correct forum, and attaching your content to the post. After your post has been reviewed by a forum moderator it will be moved to a different forum and start to appear live on the site.
==Uploading images==
Post images in [http://spring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewforum.php?f=36 this forum]. Only attach one image to a post. If you want to upload more than one image, create multiple posts with appropriate tags. These are the guidelines for acceptable content: <to be written>.
==Uploading videos==
Post video clips in [http://spring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewforum.php?f=37 this forum]. The maximum size for a clip is currently 10 megabyte. The video player is sized to display videos in 16:9 format, so this is the preferred aspect ratio. <more guidelines>
==Tagging==
When you upload an image or a video, you should also tag it appropriately so that users can filter out interesting content. Suitable tags include the name of the game/mod and map featured. It is also useful to include those of these standard tags that apply. For examples, look at the existing posts in the content forum.
===Commonly used tags===
* GUI
* No GUI
==Video preview image==
When uploading a video clip, you must also include an image in the post. This image is displayed in the video player before the users clicks on 'play'. It should display some representative part of the video, and include a picture of a play button in the middle to indicate that the video can be started by clicking on it.

Contributing media

2008-09-14T10:44:02Z

Fnordia: New page: ==Contributing media== It is possible for users to contribute screenshots and videos that will be shown on the media page and in the frontpage rotation. It is done by posting in the correc...

==Contributing media==
It is possible for users to contribute screenshots and videos that will be shown on the media page and in the frontpage rotation. It is done by posting in the correct forum, and attaching your content to the post. After your post has been reviewed by a forum moderator it will be moved to a different forum and start to appear live on the site.
==Uploading images==
Post images in this forum. These are the guidelines for acceptable content: <to be written>.
==Uploading videos==
Post video clips in this forum. The maximum size for a clip is currently 10 megabyte. The video player is sized to display videos in 16:9 format, so this is the preferred aspect ratio. <more guidelines>
==Tagging==
When you upload an image or a video, you should also tag it appropriately so that users can filter out interesting content. Suitable tags include the name of the game/mod and map featured. It is also useful to include those of these standard tags that apply. For examples, look at the existing posts in the content forum.
===Commonly used tags===
* GUI
* No GUI
==Video preview image==
When uploading a video clip, you must also include an image in the post. This image is displayed in the video player before the users clicks on 'play'. It should display some representative part of the video, and include a picture of a play button in the middle to indicate that the video can be started by clicking on it.

Download

2008-08-31T11:48:00Z

Fnordia: New page: ==Spring releases== This category contains the latest releases from the Spring project. The listed installers are for Windows, for linux see the linux setup guide. Make su...

==Spring releases==

This category contains the latest releases from the Spring project. The listed installers are for Windows, for linux see the [[SetupGuide|linux setup guide]].

Make sure that you download the latest drivers for your graphic card in order to make Spring work correctly.

===Regular installer===
12.9mb, added 2008-03-02

This installer can provide you with everything you need to play Spring, including the core files, different mods and maps and the TASClient multiplayer lobby client.

Please note that by selecting the mods XTA or BA in the installer you are legally required to own the original total annihilation game. The other mods are free of such content. More release notes can be found here.

This installer can also update your 0.75b2 installation to 0.76b1.

[http://spring.clan-sy.com/dl/spring_0.76b1.exe Click here to download]

===Lobby server (Windows)===
120.7kb, added 2008-03-02

Download this if you want to use spring on a LAN (on Windows), for normal internet play you don't need this. See the readme [http://spring.clan-sy.com/dl/tasserver_readme.txt here].

[http://spring.clan-sy.com/dl/TASServer_035.exe Click here to download]

===Lobby server (Linux)===
100.7kb, added 2008-03-02

Download this if you want to use spring on a LAN (under Linux), for normal internet play you don't need this. See the readme [http://spring.clan-sy.com/dl/tasserver_readme.txt here].

[http://spring.clan-sy.com/dl/TASServer.jar Click here to download]

Games

2008-08-31T11:46:55Z

Fnordia: New page: = Games using the Spring Engine = == Introduction == Spring has many different games and mods available to play. Spring is simply the platform for these games to be built upon, and not a ...

= Games using the Spring Engine =

== Introduction ==
Spring has many different games and mods available to play. Spring is simply the platform for these games to be built upon, and not a game ''per se''. This is a common misconception. Spring was originally built to support the game Total Annihilation in 3D, but now it has grown '''far''' beyond that into a very good general RTS game engine.

== Games, Mods, what's the difference? ==

The reason for the distinction between Games and Mods are because Games are classified as works that were started from the ground up and contain no content legally binding to any other person or publisher.

The term "mod" with regards to the Spring Engine is generally applied to games which use the content from Total Annihilation (Ã‚Â© 1997 Cavedog Entertainment). Regardless of how different they may be, the fact that the content legality is called into question and therefore cannot be considered Games that stand upon their own two feet.

The question of the legality of Total Annihilation intellectual property (IP) has plagued the Spring community for quite some time. At the moment we are not even sure of who owns the Total Annihilation IP, as Atari (parent company of Cavedog Entertainment and publisher of TA) denies knowledge of even owning the content/trademark. As a result, the use of this content is questionable at best. It is a rather safe bet that Atari does not care about some of the mods for Spring using the Total Annihilation content, but because of the lack of clear definition, we cannot refer to them as "Games" ''per se''.

== Installing Games and Mods in Spring ==

The files for these content packages generally go in the spring\mods directory of your spring install. Some of the games have automatically updating installers, and some of them simply provide links to the packages which must be installed manually. Below is a list of some of the most popular games and mods developed for Spring, separated accordingly.

== Games and Mods available to play ==

Below is a short list of the most popular and active mods to download. For a more detailed look at each game or mod, either go to their page link on the list below, or [[Games and Mods Summary|go to this page here]] for a summary of all games and mods, including ones not in active development.

=== Games ===

* [[P.U.R.E]]
* [[Gundam RTS]]
* [[Star Wars: Imperial Winter]]
* [[Evolution RTS]]
* [[Spring: 1944]]
* [[Kernel Panic]]
* [[Under Pressure]]

=== Mods ===

* [[Balanced Annihilation]]
* [[Complete Annihilation]] (categorised as a mod because some OTA content is still present)
* [[NOTA|Not Original Total Annihilation]] (Usually abbreviated to NOTA)
* [[Supreme Annihilation]]
* [[Maximum Annihilation]]

== Game and Mod development ==

Interested in having a go at making a game or mod? Feel free to do so. For help, go to our development pages to check out information on the formatting specification for games and mods, as well as information on creating units, making scripts in Lua, and much more.

About

2008-08-31T11:46:15Z

Fnordia: New page: =About= Spring is a project aiming to create a new and versatile RTS Engine. = System requirements = About 1ghz cpu and a GeForce3 or better graphics card. For larger battles the requirem...

=About=
Spring is a project aiming to create a new and versatile RTS Engine.

= System requirements =
About 1ghz cpu and a GeForce3 or better graphics card. For larger battles the requirements increase. Some graphics effects require a graphics card which supports ARB_vertex_program/ARB_fragment_program. This is the same as having a graphics card that supports DX9.

= Features =

* Large battles limited only by the power of your computer; support for up to 5000 units.
* Large, highly detailed maps in which to wage those battles, fully 3D with deformable terrain, forest fires, dynamic and reflective water, and custom skyboxes.
* Several camera modes, allowing for anything to be viewed from almost any angle.
* Fully 3D combat in land, sea, and air, with realistic weapon trajectories (physics engine).
* Many different Games, made just for Spring.
* Complex 3rd party AIs, some of which are quite good.
* An extremely powerful GUI, designed to minimize unnecessary micromanagement.
* Frequent additions and bugfixes.

= Currently in Development =

* New scripting engine.
* Many different Maps, Games, and AIs.

= Other plans not on any roadmap =

* Monthly Topic Rotation

Main Page

2007-12-16T17:56:34Z

Fnordia: Remove junk from front page

{|border="2" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 10px; border: 1px #aaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; background: #f9f9f9"
|<center>'''Other Languages'''</center>
|<center>'''[[Image:france_flag.gif]] [[Page_principale|FranÃƒÂ§ais]]'''</center>
|<center>'''[[Image:germany_flag.gif]] [[Uebersicht der Wiki|Deutsch]]'''</center>
|<center>'''[[Pagina Principale|Italiano]]'''</center>
|}
{|border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="10" width="100%"
|width="50%" valign="top" style="background: #e6e6fa; border: 1px #aaa solid;"|
== General ==

'''[[Read Me First]]''' Answers to questions often asked - Everyone should read this first. 
'''[[FAQ]]''' Has it been asked before? 
'''[[Using_Spring|Playing Spring]]''' How to play the game. Controls, issuing orders, and related topics. 
'''[[Maps]]''' All about maps for the Spring engine and where to get them. 
'''[[Mods]]''' Games that use the Spring engine. 
'''[[AIs]]''' Skirmish AIs, Helper AIs... 
'''[[Strategy and Tactics]]''' Basic ideas how to stand your ground. 
'''[[Glossary]]''' What does "AA" or "XTA" mean? Explanations for common terms and shorthand. 
'''[[Clans]]''' A list of the official clans in spring. 
'''[[King Titles]]''' Titles of importance. 
'''[[Spreading Spring]]''' Read before advertising. 
'''[[Hosting Spring]]''' Autohosting and related topics. 
'''[[The Lighter Side Of Spring]]''' Humour, comics and quotations. 
|width="50%" valign="top" style="background: #e6e6fa; border: 1px #aaa solid;"|
== Development ==
'''[[Engine Development]]''' Information regarding the source code of Spring. 
'''[[Mod_and_Unit_development#Mod_development|Game Development And Unit Creation]]''' Lots of links to valuable Articles and forum threads regarding Mod/Unit Development. 
'''[[Mission development]]''' Help on writing campaigns, demos and missions using Lua. 
'''[[Lua Scripting]]''' Information regarding the use of the supplementary Lua scripting language for Widgets and beyond... 
'''[[Map, Mod, And Unit Development Programs|Content Development Programs]]''' Links to all kind of useful programs. 
'''[[Map_development|Map Development]]''' Tutorials and other useful information for creating maps. 
'''[[AI|AI Development]]''' Lots of information about developing Skirmish, Unit and Group AIs for Spring. 
'''[[Linux_Page |Linux and Mac OS]]''' Mac OSX / NetBSD / Solaris / Linux / Cross-platform information. 
'''[[Monthly Topic Rotation]]''' Generally related to development of the engine or particular mods. Read before posting on the forums. 
'''[[General Resources]]''' Usable textures, sounds and code snippets by the community, for the community. 
'''[[Associated Development Groups]]''' Teams, Forums and Groups associated with Spring content and code development. 
|}

{|width="100%" style="margin:10px; background:#f9f9f9; padding:5px; border:1px #aaa solid;"
|
This site is put together by the community, which could (read as SHOULD) mean YOU! If you see information missing, or find out new information you think would be helpful, put it in. If you find a spelling mistake or phrase that could be clearer, fix it. If you find yourself doing repeated searches or going back to the [[Special:Allpages|Topic Index]] repeatedly when trying to find out about a particular feature, consider combining articles or linking them to one another. Any contributions you make to this Wiki are in the public domain. [[Help:Editing|Add to the Wiki]]

''"A wiki is a web application that allows users to add content, as on an Internet forum, but also allows anyone to edit the content."''
- [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiki Wikipedia.org]
|}
__NOTOC__
__NOEDITSECTION__

If you wish to comment on this page (or the wiki) you need to login and then you can go [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/w/index.php?title=Talk:Main_Page&action=edit&section=new here], and post your thoughts.
[[Category:Spring]]

Main Page

2007-12-16T17:56:34Z

Fnordia: Remove junk from front page

Air Domination

2007-09-22T15:46:36Z

Fnordia: Reverted edits by OjiSjw (Talk); changed back to last version by Neddiedrow

Air Domination is an tactic best employed on maps with little land or large areas on which land units cannot act. It's simple - build an attack group of aircraft suitable for taking out your targets, and support with units that minimize the weakness of air.

Alternatively, build up a tremendous force of the cheapest effective air units for a task and mass your targets, using shock and awe to augment your activities.

'''Connections'''

This tactic is viable in most games with advanced air units and independent air technology, such as AA or XTA. The relative weakness of air units in E&E and Gundam RTS may make this a poor tactical choice despite the access to a variety of aircraft.

''' [[Strategy_and_Tactics|<- Back to Strategy and Tactics page]]'''

[[category:Strategy]]

Tutorial:MapDesignHelp(IceXuick)

2007-09-22T15:45:33Z

Fnordia: Reverted edits by TogSft (Talk); changed back to last version by 193.19.165.3

'''How to build a map'''

Hello, welcome to the IceXuick map Design help. On this wiki page i will try to make a complete and organized 'topic' how to build a map, from A-Z. Tips, add-ons or other suggestions are always welcome. OKAY.

'''What do you need:''' 

First of all i'll sum up the thing you need:

- Photoshop / Gimp (or other image editor) 
- Bryce / L3dT (optional, if you don't want a great looking texture) 
- Mothers MapConv (map converter program) 
- Patience & passion 

If you have most of these things, you can start thinking about the map you want to make. It is very smart to make sketches of your map, before creating it. Try to design the map, so that in your 'mind' it could play well. Think of possible problems as porcing probabilities, turtling, strategic important places, but also metal layouts, geo-vent locations, and maybe even feature-placement.

'''What are you going to make:''' 

Well, how much different things you might have read, these are the things i use, and work very well, so i suggest you use this, and nothing else :). To know how big your map will be, the factor is 512 times the TA:S size: here are some (total)map sizes and corresponding dimensions:

'''TA Spring ---- Actual Pixels''' 
32 x 24 ------ 16384 x 12288 
16 x 12 ------ 8192 x 6144 
8 x 4 -------- 4096 x 2048 
 

This is the best order in which you should work: 
 

- '''Heightmap''' ... bmp 24-bit - 1/8 +1 of Total map size 
- '''Metalmap''' ..... bmp 24-bit - 1/8 +1 of Total map size 
- '''Featuremap''' .. bmp 24-bit - 1/8 of Total map size 
- '''Typemap''' ...... bmp 24-bit - 1/16 of Total map size 
- '''TestTexture''' .. bmp 24-bit - Total map size 
- '''Compiling''' ..... your maps with Mothers MapConv 
- '''SMD file''' ........ script of all kinds of things, including atmosfear, colors of sky and water, fog settings, but more important, metaloutput, winds, tidal, start locations and terraintypes. 
- '''Test Phase''' ... debug your map a much as possible 
- '''Texturemap''' .. bmp 24-bit - Total map size 

 

'''The Heightmap:''' 

Here are in following order the things that are to be done: 

- roughly outlining large mountains/valleys 
- go deeper into detail by lowering size of drawing brush 
- finalize details with 15px brush (in Photoshop) 
- make slopes/passages on your map with smudge/blur tools 
- Texturemap - bmp 24-bit - Total map size 
 

The heightmap is one the the most important things you make for a map, and therefor i always start with it. After you have drawn your concept of your map (sketches) you may want to digitize them (if you don't already have that) and you should think which mapsize would be best. If you want your map to be a 8x8 map you should (first) also make the heightmap this size. By doing so, you can use Bryce or L3dT to render your texture at the highest possible quality. 
 

So you now are going to start working in Photoshop (or other image program). Try to remake your sketch by drawing different shades of grey. White is the highest (255) and black (0) is the lowest. You can start drawing roughly, to outline every hill or valley. After that, try and go deeper into detail, and finally use a brush size of 15px in Photoshop for the final details. 
 

To make your map work for all the units, it should have passable slopes and passages: use a 'Smudge'-tool (optionally also Blur-tool). A lot of programs have this, so you should be able to figure it out. For every slope or passage that needs to be passable, the gradient from the lowest to the brightest color of that slope should be as smooth as possible. You need to get the feel of the smudge-tool in Photoshop, but after a while you'll get the hang of it. Also try to make slopes that have a big difference in highest and lowest point, long and smooth. 
 

When you think everything is smooth and detailed, save that image as FullHeight.bmp, at the same size as the Total Map. After that, scale down this file to 1/8th of the size of the Total map, +1 pixel (x and y), and save this one as Height.bmp 
 

'''The Metalmap:''' 
 

Okay, for playtesting value, you can now make your metal map. This is at first quite simple, and easily done, but the placement and balance is very hard. You can only try and think of good locations, and the output should be 15 metal per player (non-moho), if they have their part of the map (on a four player map, this would be 1/4th of the map)

In Photoshop, make another layer onto your heightmap, and put metal places around the map. Use a 6 or 8px '''PENCIL''' for the metal patches, and paint with red 255 (make sure there is no antialiasing, so that every pixel is RED 255.

When done, you can save this file as Metal.bmp (1/8th of Total map size +1). 
 

'''The Featuremap:''' 
 

In the featuremap you can place Geo-vents, Trees, grass, and extra features like rocks, palms, energy spires. You need to have these 'extra' features, later to be compiled within the map. Geo's, tree's and grass will work automatically. For the extra features, you need to get the whole pack, which consists of a couple of maps with files for the model, the texture and the script. Check the "maps" forum for features that were created. 
 

'''Geo's''' are represented by '''GREEN''' (255), single pixels. Every green (255), pixel will (most likely) be compiled as a geo-vent. 
 
The shades 200-215 of GREEN are different '''Tree-types'''. Remember to use 1 single pixel for tree's as well. 200-206 seem to be coniferous tree, 207-215 seem to be decidious. 
 
'''BLUE''' represents the ammount of '''Grass''' to be placed, where black means none, and BLUE (255) means full spreading of grass) 
 
Than Last but not least, '''RED''', for the '''Features'''. In the FS.txt file (that comes with Mothers MapConv, you can list all your features, that you want to use. The first feature that is listed in this file, will be represented as RED 255. The second feature will be RED 254, the third RED 253, and so on. Also features will need only one pixel. 
 
Try to make sure that no one of those pixel are next to each other within 4-5 pixels. This may crash during compiling, or gives strange results in-game. 
 

'''The Typemap:''' 
 

Okay, the Typemap, also known as the TerrainType map, let'a you set the '''terrain name''', the unit categories '''speed multipliers''', and also the '''hardness multiplier'''. This map works again with RED only. Every Shade of RED can be set in the SMD file, on which i'll return later on. The Typemap that worked for me is '''NOT''' the same as the height- and metalmap, but is '''1/16th''' of the Total Map size. 
 
So an 8x8 map is Total 4096 x 4096 pixels. If we then do the math: 4096 /16 = 256. (otherwise there will be a default terraintype (that you did not set) between different terraintypes, and this can be very annoying) 
 

Draw your 'terrain' onto your heightmap (make sure you again use the '''PENCIL''' mode, without antialiasing around your pixels), and save it as a BMP in 1/16th of the Total Map size (Typemap.bmp). 
 

'''Test Texture:''' 
 

You need to have a 'test'-texture in order to compile, so you can simply make a big grey image, that has the '''right dimensions''' (for 16x16 it will be 8192x8192). Save this as Texture.bmp 
 

'''Compiling your map:''' 
 

Before rendering your final, huge, super shweet texture, you want to know if your map plays okay, and that's why we first going to compile the map: 
 
- how is the heightmap, '''check it for all units''' if everything works 
- is the metal placing and spacing okay? are there spots on slopes or unbuildable terrain, or unreachable. 
- are the geo's working, and also well placed (no clusters of geo's?) 
- do units move quite right, or do they get stuck all the time 
- how is the water level (if there is any) 
- are the starting locations allright? 
- maybe you already want to check the other features, as grass, trees or extra's? 
 

Therefor, we are going to compile this thing first, to check all these things in-game. This will save you numerous re-renderings. And changes in the heightmap after the render, is '''NOT''' recommended. Esspecially for the people that play in '''TA-cam mode''', because they have to be able to tell from above what the terrain is like. 
 

Okay, if you did all of the above, and did it perfect, than this will be your first and second last compile... but trust me, you will compile a '''couple of times''' more, if you want the map to play well! 
 

Although there is a mapcompiler in the works as i type this, for now we need to do it the old fashioned way, by DOS. 
 

Unpack the files of '''Mothers MapConv''' into your directory with all your previously saved files. '''Make sure''' that all the (sub-)directories to this location '''DON'T have SPACES''' in them! After this being said, you will need to go to DOS mode. 
 
In Windows, go to "start", and then "run", and type 'cmd' (without the quotes). This will bring up the commandline prompt. Navigate to your directory in which all bmp's and Mothers Mapconv are located. I ain't gonna explain how you navigate is DOS, if you got this far, you probably know your way around with computers. 
 

Once in the right directory/folder, type 'MapConv --help' for a explaination of all parameters. This is not nescesary if you use it as following: 
 

'''MapConv -f Features.bmp -i -l -c 0.5 -x 300 -n -150 -o YourMapName.smf -y Typemap.bmp -m Metal.bmp -a Height.bmp -t Texture.bmp''' 
 

This line will compile your map will the above created files, and compresses it only half (normal compression is 0.8), what will leave a bit more of your original texture in tact, however your filesize will be higher. 
 
* The -i -l commands are nescesary. 
* The 0.5 compression can be altered to 0.8 or for high quality to 0.2 or 0.3 
* the -x is the maximum height and -n the, yes, minimum 
 

To get the water level right you can '''calculate the best values''' for the max. and min. height. Check your height.bmp and look which grey value you like to be the surface of the water (darker is submerged, higher is land). If this is grey 80, than you know that 80/(255/100) = 31.4% should be submerged. Depending on what total height you want to use, be sure that the zero-0-point (which is the water level) is at 31.4%. So if you want around 600 height difference in total, then you should use -x 412 -n -188 (you may do the math yourself). This should get near the water altitude that you want. Otherwise recompile and test again! 
 

If all went well, you should now have '''4 new files''' in that same directory. 
 
* '''mini.bmp''' - absolete, you don't need this. 
* '''mini.dds''' - needed for minimap 1024x1024 (texture in DirectX format DTX1) 
* '''YourMapName.smf''' - Feature file 
* '''YourMapName.smt''' - Texture file 

Now you have the basic files that TA:Spring can read, BUT you need to ''''sd7'''' them. SD7-ing kind of 'zips' these files into 'one map-zip-file-archive'. How you do this, is quite important. 
 
First make a '''new''' sub-directory, i always name it after the version, so 'v01' wil be right. In this directory, you need to make '''another sub-directory''' called 'maps'. In THIS directory, you need to place your .dds, .smf and .smt files. If you have downloaded extra features (with directories included such as 'features', 'objects3d' and 'unittextures') you need to copy them to the 'v01' directory as well, so it's '''next''' to your 'maps' subdirectory, not in the 'maps' dir. Also do '''NOT forget''' to copy your '''fs.txt''' file from your 'edit' directory, into the 'v01' directory. 
 

'''Create or Edit an SMD file:''' 
 

Now you have to create (or copy paste) a .smd file, that will be put next to the other files in the 'maps' sub-directory. I will post the most important stuff needed. You may also use the '''SMD Creator''', which is also available for download somewhere, and quite '''handy for sun direction and colors''', but 'sometimes' a bit buggy when opening and re-saving a file '''(crashes)'''. The most important stuff,'''--''' means that i've deleted something, and the '''//''' + remarks are to be removed: 
 

[MAP] 
{ 
Description=Describe your map shortly, it can be seen in the lobby; 
TidalStrength=10; //Energy that Tidal generators will give. (10-30) 
Gravity=120; //variable, 120-150 is kinda standard, test on map 
MaxMetal=1.2; //metal output rate. <1 is more OTA, >1 is more XTA 
ExtractorRadius=100; // radius of mexxes, 40-50 tiny, '''100 desirable''' 
MapHardness=100; // Global hardness of terrain 100 will deform from shots 
 
[ATMOSPHERE] 
{ 
-- 
MinWind=1; // minimum wind 
MaxWind=25; // max wind, know that a '''average of 10 is almost equal to solar''' 
} 
 
-- 
 
[TERRAINTYPE50] 
{ 
name=SoftTerrain; // name that will be shown in-game on mouse-hover 
hardness=2; // multiplier of Global MapHardness 
tankmovespeed=0.9; // The speed multiplier of the different units 
kbotmovespeed=1; 
hovermovespeed=1; 
shipmovespeed=0; // '''0 means impassable''' 
} 
 
[TEAM0] 
{ 
StartPosX=250; // start x-coord. of player 1 
StartPosZ=250; // start y-coord. of player 1 
} 
[TEAM1] // '''TEAM0 is player 1 and TEAM1 is player 2''' 
{ 
StartPosX=4950; 
StartPosZ=4950; 
} 
 
etc.. 
 

After you are satisfied with all the settings, you can then save this file as 'YourMapName.smd'. PLace it '''next''' to the other YourMapName.* files, in the 'maps' subdirectory, so that there are now '''4 files''' there. 
 

Assuming you have downloaded a '''7z zip program''' (which you can (re)name to .sd7) you then go into your 'v01' directory, and zip all those directories, including the fs.txt file if you use extra features. Three important things: 
 

* name your map 'YourMapName.sd7' and '''NOT else''' (use '''exact''' same name as with compile) 
* Compression can be set to '''ultra''' 
* Dictionary Size = 32 mb 
* Word size = 64 mb 
* do '''NOT''' make it an '''SOLID''' archive 
* Multi-threading, if you like 
 

When this is done, copy 'YourMapName.sd7' into the maps folder of TA Spring, and off you go! '''You can now start your game from within TA:Spring!!''' 
 

'''The Testing Phase''' 
 

Start up your map. If you did everything i told you to, '''it should work'''! The things i always do is build the following units to test the 'pathfinding' and movement areas: 
 
* '''Peewee's''' - k-bot footprint - same movement for all k-bots 
* '''Flashes''' - Tank footpring 
* '''Hover Tank''' - Hover footpring 
* Build '''all metal spots''' with mexxes to check if their location is buildable 
* If watermap, build boats and subs 
* Optionally build exp. bots like Krogoth & Orcone 
 

When you've build these units, select one, and '''press F2'''. You can now see where that unit can go (GREEN), where it will move slow (or fast downhill)(ORANGE), and where it '''CAN'T move'''(RED). This last one is particulary important. Test all units this way, and check the whole map, if some type or more types of units can't go somewhere. If this is so, you need to '''smoothen out that slope''' in your heightmap (and make it probably longer as well, or change the '''heightdifference'''). It can also be that units '''CAN''' pass certain 'ridges' that it weren't supposed to do. You can always do 2 things. '''OR''' you change the '''heightdifference''' (bigger is higher ridges), this is often the easiest way, '''OR''' you '''change your heightmap''', and make it right, what very often is the way to do it best. 
 

Make sure you '''check''' these things as well: 
 

* is the '''water level''' right? 
* How does the water look, do you need to change the colors? 
* How is the '''wind''', do you like it, is it too much or too little 
* How is the '''sun''' working out (more on this after Final Texture) 
* Can '''hovercrafts''' go onto the water easily
* Do all the '''boats''' work fine (maybe water level too deep) 
* How does your map look in FPS or sort of view? 
* are the '''Geo's''' working? 
* Do all '''features''' work? 
* Is the '''metal output''' okay, too much, too little? 
 

You see, there is a '''LOT''' to test and check, So do play and test and play and test alot! '''If''' one or more of these things aren't working allright, you need to change it in the SMD or in your bmp's and recompile. If you are playing against AAI as a testing method, be '''SURE''' that if you recompile a '''changed height, metal or feature map''', you need to '''delete all cached and cfg files''' in the AAI folders. Otherwise the AAI won't see the difference. 
 

After multiple testrounds, you should have a good working map. If you like to 'organic-ize' your map, you can/must do it now. If you make it too organic, the pathfinding and passable slopes could be distorted, and you don't want that! So you can heighten or lower certain parts, or even throw in a noize overlay, but be '''SURE''' that you check if the map still plays okay! 
 

'''ARE YOU READY??''' 
 
OKay than you can start working on the looks!! 
 

'''The Texture:''' 
 

Remember the heightmap "fullHeight.bmp" we made bigger than we eventually will need? Well now you will see. Personally i use Bryce for rendering maps. I makes them nice and gives a perfect OTA feel to them. If you have Bryce, you must do the following steps: 
 

- create a terrain 
- edit the terrain, go to the picture tab, and load "FullHeight.bmp" 
- optionally add some height- or slopenoise, but do not overdo this 
- set the material, choose one, alter it a bit, so you like it! 
- set the atmosfear, light angle, and play with the icons and colors 
- last but not least, make the camera settings right! 
 

To do this you need to enter camera mode (you'll a camera icon). Then you must click the grey triangle next to the round sphere thing. There you can click on "edit current camera". In this menu, you must set the following where '''A''' an '''B''' are variables: 
 

- - - - - '''x''' --- '''y''' --- '''z''' 
origin -- 0 --- '''A''' --- 0 
pos - -- 0 --- '''A''' --- 0 
rotate - 90 -- 0 --- 0 

FOV: 1 degree
Scale: '''B'''

Only the first time, you need to tweak this, then you can save it as an template. The scale '''B''' should at least be 100% (but bigger ain't a problem). 
 
After that, you need to set the 'altitude' of the camera with '''A'''. You need to tweak this, so that you terrain completely fills the map. It will be a '''large number''', my template uses 25600. If you have a square map, set your document settings to square (800x800 for example). If it's not, make that change, just make sure the map fits the scene/screen. 
 
When you are sure your map 'fits' you can start your render. You must "Render to Disk" and you should also set the antialiasing to ultrafine for the best results (you can do this also in "document setup"). 
 
If you are not sure the map fits 100% (in any case, don't make it TOO big, because you will '''loose map''' that way), than you should consider rendering a bit larger, let's say 3-5% bigger (for a render of 8192, render to 8500) and you can then later cut of the edges and change it to the desired size of your image in Photoshop. (Although this is '''NOT recommended''') 
 

'''Voila''', after a couple of hours (depending on your system en scene settings) you'll probably have a nice render. (on which you can work later, to add more details...) 
 

Now you can open this file again in Photoshop, and start working on the details. Most important of all, is that you add the metalspots. The best way to do this, is to open your Metal.bmp, scale it to you Total Map size (8192x8192 for example) and put this image in a layer on top of your final texture layer, and set the opacity to 30-50%. Now you can see where the metal is supposed to be, and you can start drawing these in the map. (You can also download the original TA Metal patches somewhere, and add these)

After you have done all this, and are '''satisfied''' with the result, save your texture as Texture.bmp. You are now ready to compile it. You should use the settings that you now know (min. & max. height and compression setting). After Compiling, copy the files to your 'maps' directory, SD7 them, and finally place the final 'YourMapName.sd7' in your TA:Spring 'maps' folder, 
 

'''you can now play it!!''' 
 

If you also want to play it against other people, you should upload this sd7 file to Fileuniverse.com. Be sure to place it in the TA:Spring area, and also add a minimap (at least). 
 
 
 
Hopefully you have enjoyed this tutorial. Question, tips and suggestion are always welcome!! 
 

Good Luck with mapping!! 
 

IceXuick

Spring for RTS Players

2007-07-09T14:17:28Z

Fnordia: Reverted edits by 203.162.27.93 (Talk); changed back to last version by Neddiedrow

'''

If you already played a lot of RTS Games, this is a fast guide to Spring and it is useful for OTA players.
If you are new to RTS then you should read the [[Spring guide!]].

I will only explain the major differences and leave the complicated stuff for you to learn by playing.

NOTE: This section tends toward OTA, XTA and AA content, and may be of lesser help with other Mods such as Gundam or E&E.

----

=== Resources ===

In Spring resources (Metal and Energy) are unlimited, unlike in most other RTS Games. This means that once you have built i.e. a metal extractor(Mex)/Solarplant you will get metal/energy out of it until it's destroyed (as long as you have Energy for the Mex).
There are 2 major following Issues because of this:
*Your economy will grow exponentially (always more and more) if you invest most of your resources into it.
*You never end up with no resources to gather, but the battle builds up till one side is overpowered.

At the top off the screen there is a grey (metal) and yellow (energy) bar, these show you how full your storages are. There is a green (income) and red (usage) number next to each.
If one or both bars are full, you are wasting resources, so you should be using more of them. If Metal is empty you should get more, but Energy should never be empty, because then all Metal producing Facilities stop working.

Especially for all OTA players, mexes have a radius, if you press f4, you will see green where there is metal (the greener the better) and red where your mexes are already collecting.

----

=== Units ===

You start with the Commander (Comm), the unique builder unit who has the D-Gun. The D-Gun can destroy *anything* in one hit. The D-Gun, however, requires large amounts of energy, which is critical at the early stages in which it's use is more likely (to defend agaisnt rushes and the like). The Commander is furthermore the fastest builder that you start with (although better builders are avaible at techlevel 2, later in the game); you can snap to him with CTRL+C if he gets lost. Beware, though, because the Commander is ALSO a walking bomb - when he dies, he takes EVERYTHING around him with him.

Construction Units ("Builders" or "con units" or just "conbots") can help eachother building - the more conbots you put on a building, the faster it'll be constructed. Be aware that the rate at which metal and energy is consumed also increases - you cannot build if you do not have anything to build with. The same can be done to help factories build units - simply assign the conbot to Guard (hotkey G) the factory, and the conbot will automatically help build whatever it is the factory is building.

There are, generally speaking, five kinds of units in Spring: Vehicles (tanks, cars, what have you), K-Bots ("infantry" robots, if you will), Hovercrafts (all-terrain tanks), aircraft (have wings, will fly) and Ships (including submarines). Vehicles are generally heavier and more hard-hitting than K-Bots, but since the K-Bots have legs, they can get to places the vehicles can't. Similarly, the hovercrafts are all capable of travelling on both land and water, but like the tanks, they are unable to traverse cliffsides and steep terrain. What's more, hovercrafts are generally lighter than tanks in regards to armor and armament. Aircrafts are generally more expensive and less deadly than vehicles and K-Bots, but they have the advantage of fast and unlimited movement.

Ships are just big. Lots of armor, lots of guns. And they sail.
----

=== Radar ===

The big colored blips on your screen are radar dots.
With radar covarage you can see things out of los, but only as moving blips. Radar doesn't go through hills, there are radar jammers and under water there is sonar instead.

----

=== Side Notes ===

To improve your gameplay, watch replays of good players. But you should also watch your own, to see where your problems are. (spring.exe->not server->name of replay.sdf enter; + and - to change the speed) 
With shift you can que up things. (A must in this game) 
There are keybord shortcuts (uikeys.txt), and you can make some yourself with the selection editor. 
For a general Idea of how to start building look at the [[Base building tips]]. 
And if you aren't a good strategist, you can look into the [[Spring guide!]] (long). 

----
If you have more Questions look in the FAQ, if theres nothing there, you are welcome to ask me (Metaltrash)

I hope I could help you and have fun battling.
Feel free to edit, or enhance this i.e. with little explaining pictures.
It is supposed to be short so that its an easy quick read.

[[Category:Guides]]

Community news

2007-07-07T20:27:22Z

Fnordia: Reverted edits by Db5Bl4 (Talk); changed back to last version by Antispamguy

On this page, you can post news items that will be seen in the top right section of the frontpage. You can use this to post if you have created or found something of interest to the Spring community, such as a new map, a useful tool or perhaps a new useful page in the wiki. Details on how to update this page can be found [[Community_news_editing | here]].

----
===2007-4-17 Kernel Panic 1.0 out!===
[http://tinyurl.com/2xp6hq Details and download here!] The fast paced, all action no ressource, mod with its unique tron graphical style, got a new version released!

[http://spring.unknown-files.net/file/2738/Kernel_Panic_1.0/ http://www.unknown-files.net/imagestore/spring/thumb/de7c43795fc6ee577e1af0ed8378e053_img2_thumb.jpg]

===2007-4-7 Star Wars Spring Design Competition===
[http://spring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=10002 Design the most important unit in the Imperial Arsenal!]

Your chance to design the Imperial Commander, and have your unit design seen by over 8,000 people!*
[* source: current SWS download count]

===2007-2-8 Expand and Exterminate v 0.173 released===
--> [http://spring.unknown-files.net/file/2325/Expand_and_Exterminate_v_0.173/ Info and downloads] <--

===2007-2-7 Balanced Annihilation v4.7 released===
--> [http://spring.unknown-files.net/file/2309/Balanced_Annihilation_4.7/ Info and downloads] <--

===2006-12-05 BOTA with cavedog and TAUIP 1.3 Released===
BOTA v1.3 with ota units inside and UIP2.1 in the mod file.
[http://www.unknown-files.net/index.php?page=browse&dlid=1997 download Mod]

===2006-12-01 Balanced Annihilation v4.2 released===
No more Weaselspam, Kbots are viable, Custom uniticons, faster gameplay, Overall better gameplay - get decent games now! --> [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=8163 Info and downloadlinks] <--

===2006-11-28 XTA v8.1 Release posted===
All new and shiny XTA! Look [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=8212 here]!

===2006-11-27 NanoBlobz v0.64 Release posted===
Awesome new graphics! Look [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=8089 here]!

===2006-11-25 RAI v0.40 Released (Skirmish AI)===
[http://spring.unknown-files.net/file/2108/RAI_v0.40_dll/ Download Link]

===2006-10-27 XTA - Final v8 Release posted===
All new and shiny XTA! Look [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=7806 here]!

===2006-10-20 Absolute Annihilation 2.23 posted===
Download here: [http://aaspring.tk aaspring.tk]

===2006-10-14 AAI 0.76 released===
Look here: http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=7539

===2006-08-30 TSI 0.11 Released===
New version of new AI. Many bugfixes and improvemnts.
http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=6787

===2006-08-18 NTai XE9RC22 Released===
Lots of changes and improvements, look here:
http://www.darkstars.co.uk

===2006-07-19 AAI 0.70 Released===
Win + Linux version, look here:
http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?p=102040#102040

===2006-06-30 Absolute Annihilation 2.11 now available===
Download here: http://aaspring.tk

===2006-06-20 NTai XE9 RC19 Released===
Uber AI FTW!!! http://www.darkstars.co.uk

===2006-06-20 KAI v0.11 Released===
Update released fixing most crash bugs (hopefully!)

http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=5500

===2006-05-18 Gundam 1.0 achieved and released!===
After over a year of work I have acomplished what I have set out to do.

http://www.fileuniverse.com/?p=showitem&ID=3208

===2006-06-16 Absolute Annihilation 2.0 Released===
2.0 Released, full 0.72 compatibility; Download here: http://aaspring.tk

===2006-05-18 Gundam 1.0 achieved and released!===
After over a year of work I have acomplished what I have set out to do.

http://www.fileuniverse.com/?p=showitem&ID=3208

===2006-05-13 NTai XE8 and NanoBlobs 0.4 Final Released===
5 new groupAI's, a powerful skirmish AI, 2 maps, and The last Nanoblobz!!!
Download here: www.darkstars.co.uk
Manual / Unit Guide here: http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=4276
Argh/AF

===2006-05-01 Absolute Annihilation 1.46 Released===
1.46 Released. Download here: http://aaspring.tk Mod homepage here: http://ta-aa.sourceforge.net Unit Guide here: http://ta-aa.sourceforge.net/modweb

===2006-05-01 Modweb Generator v0.4 Released===
[http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=3842 Get it here!]
This will create a set of HTML pages about your mod, units, and weapons. Check it out.

===2006-04-18 Expand and Exterminate .152 Released!===
[http://tinyurl.com/pmrhf Get it here!]
Completely original mod, not based on OTA!

===2006-04-18 OTAI 1.13===
Minor Changes and Bugfixes.
[http://www.fileuniverse.com/?p=showitem&ID=2994 DLLs] [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?p=showitem&ID=2993 Source]

===2006-04-17 AAI 0.63 released===
Minor improvements but a lot of bugfixes :)
[http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?p=70404#70404 Look here].

===2006-04-16 Xect vs. Mynn v0.6 released, 100% legal===
[http://www.ta-spring.com/mods/xectvsmynn/ Get it here],
[http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=3005&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=80 discuss it here].

===2006-04-15 XTA Pimped Edition V5.5===
[http://tinyurl.com/p4mtc Read and Grab it here!]

===2006-04-10 AAI 0.60 released===
Experimental water support, linux support and a lot more... [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=4509 Look here]

===2006-04-05 FF v1.15===
New Version of Final Frontier [http://tinyurl.com/q3u3e Here]

===2006-03-30 OTAI v1.12===
With working command buffering [http://tinyurl.com/e8fuh Here]

===2006-03-27 XTA Pimped Edition V5===
[http://tinyurl.com/kr95f Grab it here].

===2006-03-26 NTai XE7.5 Skirmish AI===
[http://www.darkstars.co.uk/ Get it here]. - AF

===NanoBlobs 0.31(beta)===
Exponential game design. Updated. Smaller. Faster. Even cooler. Get it [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=4276 Here]

===2006-03-06 OTAI 1.10===
Now works in 0.70, fixed nanostall somewhat. Get it [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=3412 Here]

===2006-02-25 AAI 0.55===
A rather small release mainly adding support for the modified ai interface [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=3886 get it here].

===2006-02-25 NTAI XE6 for 0.70b1 Skirmish AI===
Universal mod support, statistical unit learning, freeform buildtrees [http://www.darkstars.co.uk/index.php Get them here]. - AF

===2006-02-19 AAI 0.52===
AAI 0.52 is only a small bugfix release [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=3886 get it here].

===2006-02-13 Absolute Annihilation 1.44===
AA 1.44 completed and uploaded.[http://www.planetannihilation.com/aa AA Homepage].
.
[[SWTA]] [[Final_Frontier]] [[Absolute_Annihilation]]

===2006-2-19 AAI 0.52 Released===
AAI 0.52 is only a small bugfix release for AAI 0.5 - hopefully all crashes are gone now
[http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=3886 click here].

===2006-2-15 NTAI XE 3 Released===
XE 3 has support map specific build data, 9 new keywords, StarWars/Gundam support, numerous fixes, and should run a lot faster ^^ [http://www.darkstars.co.uk/index.php here]. - AF

===2006-02-13 Absolute Annihilation 1.44 Released===
AA 1.44 completed and uploaded. Readme and changelog available at the [http://www.planetannihilation.com/aa AA Homepage].

===2006-2-06 OTAI 1.08 Released===
Now uses multithreading to reduce freezing!
[http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?p=55624#55624 Forum] [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?p=showitem&ID=2354 Download]

===2006-02-01 World Domination 5B62 Released===
This version fixes the crashes related to missing .cob-files.
Download [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?p=showitem&ID=2311 here].

===2006-1-31 Star Wars Spring Manual Released===
[http://spring.clan-sy.com/wiki/SWTA_Manual Read the SWS Manual right now!] It contains everything you would ever want to know about SWS, including: Installation Guide, In-Depth Unit Guide as well as a Strategy & Tactics section.

===2006-1-27 OTAI 1.07 Released===
Veylon released OTAI version 1.07. Now builds Dragon's Teeth and crashes less!
Download [http://www.geocities.com/veylon_ii/TASpring/ here].

===2006-11-19 UpSpring Tutorial Released===
Maestro R Setiawan released [http://tinyurl.com/cd25b a very comprehensive tutorial] to UpSpring, the application to import new models to Spring. Now you won't have any excuse to not use UV mapped S3O!

===2006-01-16 NTAI 0.29a Released===
NTAI 0.29a released, go get it here [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?p=50716#50716 Download]

===2006-01-16 Absolute Annihilation 1.42 Released===
AA 1.42 completed and uploaded. Readme and changelog available at the [http://www.planetannihilation.com/aa AA Homepage].

[http://prdownloads.sourceforge.net/ta-aa/AASpring142.zip?download Download] (9 mb)

===2006-01-12 AAI 0.4 Released===
AAI 0.4 now supports air units as well as construction units assisting others.
Edit: Small Bugfix Version AAI 0.42 released
[http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=3527 AAI v0.42].

===2006-1-07 Gundam Annihilation 0.98.sd7 Released===
This is a .sd7 for your spring lobby usage. I have corrected a few of the spring specific bugs in this release. Enjoy. [http://www.planetannihilation.com/gundam/ Gundam annihilation homepage]

[http://www.planetannihilation.com/gundam/shots/screen039.jpg http://www.planetannihilation.com/gundam/shots/screen039_thumb.gif] [http://www.planetannihilation.com/gundam/shots/screen012.jpg http://www.planetannihilation.com/gundam/shots/screen012_thumb.gif]

===2005-12-15 AAI 0.3 Released===
AAI 0.3 includes a lot of bug fixes and placement of defence buildings. [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=3195 AAI v0.3].

===2005-12-14 Absolute Annihilation 1.35 Released===
AA 1.35 completed and uploaded. Readme and changelog available at the [http://www.planetannihilation.com/aa AA Homepage].

[http://prdownloads.sourceforge.net/ta-aa/AASpring135.zip?download Download] (16 mb)

===2005-12-13 OTAI 1.03b Released===
A fixed version of OTAI 1.03 now available.

[http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=3184 Forum Thread]
[http://www.geocities.com/veylon_ii/TASpring/OTAI_v103b.zip Download]

===2005-12-13 The Lost Legacy v1.04 Released===
The Lost Legacy Race, originally by M3G, ported to Spring by NOiZE.

This is the TA:Spring version of the masterpiece race created by the TA creation veterans M3G and Nik. Striving for perfection, they have completed an astoundishing number of 150 new units. This is by far the most expanded and carefully balanced race that has been created to this point. Explore the strategic values of the new submarine pens, defensive constructions and the many supersized monsters that let you toy with the opponent.

[http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=2860 Forum Thread]
[http://www.fileuniverse.com/?p=showitem&ID=1967 Download]

===2005-12-07 Star Wars: Spring 1.0 Released===
The well known Star Wars TC for TA has been ported to Spring.

One of the most complete TCs that existed for TA has now been fully ported to Spring - all of the bugs that plagued the quick and dirty earlier port have been fixed. Some balancing issues that came up in Spring has also been taken care of, along with a few other minor modifications, to ensure that this modification is made specifically for the Spring engine, so that you can enjoy it as such. Furthermore, many of the uglier low-polygon units for SWTA have been remodelled for Spring, so that you can now enjoy high-poly infantry units, as well as a few other vehecular changes.

Feel free to come join us on our own chat channel (itself a good 5 years old), where you can organise games, discuss balance, and report bugs:

Server: irc.gnug.org

Channel: #SWTA

An in-depth manual, with help regarding strategies and unit descriptions can be located [http://www.planetannihilation.com/swta/readme.asp here], however, bear in mind that while much of this will be very helpful, it was originally intended for the Original Total Annihilation release, and so is not 100% accurate or reliable with regards to the Spring release. A Spring-specific manual is in the works.

SWS features around 130 units ranging from all six movies and the expanded universe for the Galactic Empire and Rebel Alliance. Join this galaxy spanning war today, download SWS!

[http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=3166 Forum Thread]
[http://www.fileuniverse.com/?p=showitem&ID=1988 Download]
[http://www.planetannihilation.com/swta/ SWTA Homepage]

===2005-12-07 The Lost Legacy v1.03 Released===
The Lost Legacy Race, originally by M3G, ported to Spring by NOiZE.

This is the TA:Spring version of the masterpiece race created by the TA creation veterans M3G and Nik. Striving for perfection, they have completed an astoundishing number of 150 new units. This is by far the most expanded and carefully balanced race that has been created to this point. Explore the strategic values of the new submarine pens, defensive constructions and the many supersized monsters that let you toy with the opponent.

[http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=2860 Forum Thread]
[http://www.fileuniverse.com/?p=showitem&ID=1967 Download]

===2005-12-05 NTAI 0.28.10+ installer FIXED)===
Counter attacking, and numrous fixes, modifications. All who've downlaoded it redownload as I made a terrible mistake copying the wrong files over. - Alantai

[http://www.fileuniverse.com/?p=showitem&ID=1950 Download Installer]
[http://img479.imageshack.us/img479/8186/screen0121oq.jpg Screenshot]

===2005-12-01 NTAI 0.28Beta 7 Released===
Working Attack code, vastly improved building, Xect, Rhyoss, Mynn, TLL, XTA and AA support. - Alantai

[http://www.fileuniverse.com/?p=showitem&ID=1909 Download]
[http://img479.imageshack.us/img479/8186/screen0121oq.jpg Screenshot]

===2005-12-01 OTAI for 0.67 Released===
Veylons latest installment of OTAI, with a slew of improovements.
[http://www.geocities.com/veylon_ii/TASpring/OTAI_v102.zip Downlaod]

===2005-11-11 Cursor groupAI Released===
Show Allies what untis you have selected and where your mouse cursor is.

[http://www.fileuniverse.com/?p=showitem&ID=1873 Link]
[http://img479.imageshack.us/img479/8186/screen0121oq.jpg Screenshot]

(This is a new version from beta 6.5 released yesterday)

===2005-11-12 NTAI 028BETA 7.1 Released===
Full ARM + TLL support, and improved attacking.

[http://www.fileuniverse.com/?p=showitem&ID=1887 Linky]
[http://www.fileuniverse.com/?p=showimage&ID=1755 Screenshot]

(This is a new version from beta 6.5 released yesterday)

===2005-11-12 - NTAI 0.27 Released===
Water map support, krogoths, vehicles, aircraft, and more!
[http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=2829 Details]
[http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=2827 Screenshots]

===2005-10-29 - NTAI 0.25 Released===
The latest version of NTAI released today with many new abilities, such as a greatly improved attack system, and the ability to scout.

[http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=2687 Forum Thread]

===2005-10-20 - Absolute Annihilation: Spring Released===
The highly popular OTA mod, Absolute Annihilation, has now been fully converted for compatibility with Spring. Unlike the original Spring version released some months ago, the new version is fully compatible with the mod switching system. It also features many visual and strategic enhancements only possible in Spring, and uses the latest version of the AA dataset, 6.0.

Already a new version is available, 1.25, which corrects several major bugs.

[http://files.filefront.com/AASpring125zip/;4417183;;/fileinfo.html Direct Download (1.25)]

[http://prdownloads.sourceforge.net/ta-aa/AATrailer.zip?download Mod Trailer]

[http://www.planetannihilation.com/aa AA Homepage]

[http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=2633 Forum Thread]

===2005-10-16 - KuroTA v0.45 Released===
This is the second public release of this fairly popular mod. It all started out as a bunch of custom units in a TA installation from years gone by, but thanks to dedication it's been turned into a playable and fairly balanced mod for everyone to play on Spring. For more info at [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=2514 read this thread]. And it can be downloaded from [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?p=showitem&ID=1646 FileUniverse].

===2005-10-15 - UberHack, SpringVersion1.3 Released===
This port of the famous balance mod for TA, done by NOiZE, has been made as good as bug free now. This mod would not have been possible without help from: zwzsg, Gnome and Kuroneko. For more info at [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=2540 read this thread]. And it can be downloaded from [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?p=showitem&ID=1633 FileUniverse].

===2005-10-12 - Maelstroms SMD Creator===
[http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=2420 Maelstroms SMD Creator] has been relesed, to help people create SMD Map files with an easy to use GUI.

===2005-10-11 - JCAI 0.20 Released===
[http://spring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?p=33275#33275 JCAI 0.20 skirmish AI] is released for Spring 0.64b1 with a modified spring exe, it is much more stable now. JCAI 0.20 is included in current release (0.65b1)

===2005-09-28 - UberHack, SpringVersion1.2 Released===
This port of the famous balance mod for TA, done by NOiZE, has been made as good as bug free now. This mod would not have been possible without help from: zwzsg, Gnome and Kuroneko. For more info at [http://spring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=2364 read this thread]. And it can be downloaded from [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?p=showitem&ID=1552 FileUniverse].

===2005-08-20 - wiki Button Added===
As you probably already have noticed, the SY's have added a wiki button (Made by aGorm) to the Navigation bar. Hopefully, this will make people more aware of the wiki, as some have never even heard of it! More info on [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=1917 this thread]. If you don't see the wiki button, empty the cache of your browser and refresh.

===2005-08-16 - JCAI Released===
Zaphod has released alpha 1 of his skirmish AI JCAI for spring,[http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=1920 see forum post]
TAI code has been released but doesnt work. [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?p=showitem&ID=1322 Get it here]

===2005-08-03 - Mods and Maps===
zwzsg made a 3.6MB mod package with: OTA balance, Evolva models, UTASP Buildpics. Install and use easy thanks to the new mod switcher introduced in Spring 0.60b1.
 - [http://spring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=1843 More info and discussion]
 - [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?p=showitem&ID=1257 Download link]

[http://zwzsg.hosted.luckz.de/img/spring/Azure%20Rampart%20-%20evnbp%20-%20Bomber.png http://www.fileuniverse.com/images/Azure%20Rampart%20-%20evnbp%20-%20Bomber.jpg-thumb.png][http://www.fileuniverse.com/images/causticscreenshot.jpg http://www.fileuniverse.com/images/causticscreenshot.jpg-thumb.png]

Spring 0.60b1 made all previous maps obsolete, but as the pictures above show, there's a steadily increasing [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?p=listing&ID=121 choice of new maps], either old ones converted to the new format or brand new.

Community news

2006-11-26T18:10:11Z

Fnordia: Removed some old broken links

On this page, you can post news items that will be seen in the top right section of the frontpage. You can use this to post if you have created or found something of interest to the Spring community, such as a new map, a useful tool or perhaps a new useful page in the wiki. Details on how to update this page can be found [[Community_news_editing | here]].

----

===2006-11-25 RAI v0.35 Released (Skirmish AI)===
[http://www.fileuniverse.com/?p=show&a=it&id=4030 Download Link]

===2006-10-27 XTA - Final v8 Release posted===
All new and shiny XTA! Look [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=7806 here]!

===2006-10-20 Absolute Annihilation 2.23 posted===
Download here: [http://aaspring.tk aaspring.tk]

===2006-10-14 AAI 0.76 released===
Look here: http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=7539

===2006-08-30 TSI 0.11 Released===
New version of new AI. Many bugfixes and improvemnts.
http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=6787

===2006-08-18 NTai XE9RC22 Released===
Lots of changes and improvements, look here:
http://www.darkstars.co.uk

===2006-07-19 AAI 0.70 Released===
Win + Linux version, look here:
http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?p=102040#102040

===2006-06-30 Absolute Annihilation 2.11 now available===
Download here: http://aaspring.tk

===2006-06-20 NTai XE9 RC19 Released===
Uber AI FTW!!! http://www.darkstars.co.uk

===2006-06-20 KAI v0.11 Released===
Update released fixing most crash bugs (hopefully!)

http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=5500

===2006-05-18 Gundam 1.0 achieved and released!===
After over a year of work I have acomplished what I have set out to do.

http://www.fileuniverse.com/?p=showitem&ID=3208

===2006-06-16 Absolute Annihilation 2.0 Released===
2.0 Released, full 0.72 compatibility; Download here: http://aaspring.tk

===2006-05-18 Gundam 1.0 achieved and released!===
After over a year of work I have acomplished what I have set out to do.

http://www.fileuniverse.com/?p=showitem&ID=3208

===2006-05-13 NTai XE8 and NanoBlobs 0.4 Final Released===
5 new groupAI's, a powerful skirmish AI, 2 maps, and The last Nanoblobz!!!
Download here: www.darkstars.co.uk
Manual / Unit Guide here: http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=4276
Argh/AF

===2006-05-01 Absolute Annihilation 1.46 Released===
1.46 Released. Download here: http://aaspring.tk Mod homepage here: http://ta-aa.sourceforge.net Unit Guide here: http://ta-aa.sourceforge.net/modweb

===2006-05-01 Modweb Generator v0.4 Released===
[http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=3842 Get it here!]
This will create a set of HTML pages about your mod, units, and weapons. Check it out.

===2006-04-18 Expand and Exterminate .152 Released!===
[http://tinyurl.com/pmrhf Get it here!]
Completely original mod, not based on OTA!

===2006-04-18 OTAI 1.13===
Minor Changes and Bugfixes.
[http://www.fileuniverse.com/?p=showitem&ID=2994 DLLs] [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?p=showitem&ID=2993 Source]

===2006-04-17 AAI 0.63 released===
Minor improvements but a lot of bugfixes :)
[http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?p=70404#70404 Look here].

===2006-04-16 Xect vs. Mynn v0.6 released, 100% legal===
[http://www.ta-spring.com/mods/xectvsmynn/ Get it here],
[http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=3005&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=80 discuss it here].

===2006-04-15 XTA Pimped Edition V5.5===
[http://tinyurl.com/p4mtc Read and Grab it here!]

===2006-04-10 AAI 0.60 released===
Experimental water support, linux support and a lot more... [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=4509 Look here]

===2006-04-05 FF v1.15===
New Version of Final Frontier [http://tinyurl.com/q3u3e Here]

===2006-03-30 OTAI v1.12===
With working command buffering [http://tinyurl.com/e8fuh Here]

===2006-03-27 XTA Pimped Edition V5===
[http://tinyurl.com/kr95f Grab it here].

===2006-03-26 NTai XE7.5 Skirmish AI===
[http://www.darkstars.co.uk/ Get it here]. - AF

===NanoBlobs 0.31(beta)===
Exponential game design. Updated. Smaller. Faster. Even cooler. Get it [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=4276 Here]

===2006-03-06 OTAI 1.10===
Now works in 0.70, fixed nanostall somewhat. Get it [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=3412 Here]

===2006-02-25 AAI 0.55===
A rather small release mainly adding support for the modified ai interface [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=3886 get it here].

===2006-02-25 NTAI XE6 for 0.70b1 Skirmish AI===
Universal mod support, statistical unit learning, freeform buildtrees [http://www.darkstars.co.uk/index.php Get them here]. - AF

===2006-02-19 AAI 0.52===
AAI 0.52 is only a small bugfix release [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=3886 get it here].

===2006-02-13 Absolute Annihilation 1.44===
AA 1.44 completed and uploaded.[http://www.planetannihilation.com/aa AA Homepage].
.
[[SWTA]] [[Final_Frontier]] [[Absolute_Annihilation]]

===2006-2-19 AAI 0.52 Released===
AAI 0.52 is only a small bugfix release for AAI 0.5 - hopefully all crashes are gone now
[http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=3886 click here].

===2006-2-15 NTAI XE 3 Released===
XE 3 has support map specific build data, 9 new keywords, StarWars/Gundam support, numerous fixes, and should run a lot faster ^^ [http://www.darkstars.co.uk/index.php here]. - AF

===2006-02-13 Absolute Annihilation 1.44 Released===
AA 1.44 completed and uploaded. Readme and changelog available at the [http://www.planetannihilation.com/aa AA Homepage].

===2006-2-06 OTAI 1.08 Released===
Now uses multithreading to reduce freezing!
[http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?p=55624#55624 Forum] [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?p=showitem&ID=2354 Download]

===2006-02-01 World Domination 5B62 Released===
This version fixes the crashes related to missing .cob-files.
Download [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?p=showitem&ID=2311 here].

===2006-1-31 Star Wars Spring Manual Released===
[http://spring.clan-sy.com/wiki/SWTA_Manual Read the SWS Manual right now!] It contains everything you would ever want to know about SWS, including: Installation Guide, In-Depth Unit Guide as well as a Strategy & Tactics section.

===2006-1-27 OTAI 1.07 Released===
Veylon released OTAI version 1.07. Now builds Dragon's Teeth and crashes less!
Download [http://www.geocities.com/veylon_ii/TASpring/ here].

===2006-11-19 UpSpring Tutorial Released===
Maestro R Setiawan released [http://tinyurl.com/cd25b a very comprehensive tutorial] to UpSpring, the application to import new models to Spring. Now you won't have any excuse to not use UV mapped S3O!

===2006-01-16 NTAI 0.29a Released===
NTAI 0.29a released, go get it here [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?p=50716#50716 Download]

===2006-01-16 Absolute Annihilation 1.42 Released===
AA 1.42 completed and uploaded. Readme and changelog available at the [http://www.planetannihilation.com/aa AA Homepage].

[http://prdownloads.sourceforge.net/ta-aa/AASpring142.zip?download Download] (9 mb)

===2006-01-12 AAI 0.4 Released===
AAI 0.4 now supports air units as well as construction units assisting others.
Edit: Small Bugfix Version AAI 0.42 released
[http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=3527 AAI v0.42].

===2006-1-07 Gundam Annihilation 0.98.sd7 Released===
This is a .sd7 for your spring lobby usage. I have corrected a few of the spring specific bugs in this release. Enjoy. [http://www.planetannihilation.com/gundam/ Gundam annihilation homepage]

[http://www.planetannihilation.com/gundam/shots/screen039.jpg http://www.planetannihilation.com/gundam/shots/screen039_thumb.gif] [http://www.planetannihilation.com/gundam/shots/screen012.jpg http://www.planetannihilation.com/gundam/shots/screen012_thumb.gif]

===2005-12-15 AAI 0.3 Released===
AAI 0.3 includes a lot of bug fixes and placement of defence buildings. [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=3195 AAI v0.3].

===2005-12-14 Absolute Annihilation 1.35 Released===
AA 1.35 completed and uploaded. Readme and changelog available at the [http://www.planetannihilation.com/aa AA Homepage].

[http://prdownloads.sourceforge.net/ta-aa/AASpring135.zip?download Download] (16 mb)

===2005-12-13 OTAI 1.03b Released===
A fixed version of OTAI 1.03 now available.

[http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=3184 Forum Thread]
[http://www.geocities.com/veylon_ii/TASpring/OTAI_v103b.zip Download]

===2005-12-13 The Lost Legacy v1.04 Released===
The Lost Legacy Race, originally by M3G, ported to Spring by NOiZE.

This is the TA:Spring version of the masterpiece race created by the TA creation veterans M3G and Nik. Striving for perfection, they have completed an astoundishing number of 150 new units. This is by far the most expanded and carefully balanced race that has been created to this point. Explore the strategic values of the new submarine pens, defensive constructions and the many supersized monsters that let you toy with the opponent.

[http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=2860 Forum Thread]
[http://www.fileuniverse.com/?p=showitem&ID=1967 Download]

===2005-12-07 Star Wars: Spring 1.0 Released===
The well known Star Wars TC for TA has been ported to Spring.

One of the most complete TCs that existed for TA has now been fully ported to Spring - all of the bugs that plagued the quick and dirty earlier port have been fixed. Some balancing issues that came up in Spring has also been taken care of, along with a few other minor modifications, to ensure that this modification is made specifically for the Spring engine, so that you can enjoy it as such. Furthermore, many of the uglier low-polygon units for SWTA have been remodelled for Spring, so that you can now enjoy high-poly infantry units, as well as a few other vehecular changes.

Feel free to come join us on our own chat channel (itself a good 5 years old), where you can organise games, discuss balance, and report bugs:

Server: irc.gnug.org

Channel: #SWTA

An in-depth manual, with help regarding strategies and unit descriptions can be located [http://www.planetannihilation.com/swta/readme.asp here], however, bear in mind that while much of this will be very helpful, it was originally intended for the Original Total Annihilation release, and so is not 100% accurate or reliable with regards to the Spring release. A Spring-specific manual is in the works.

SWS features around 130 units ranging from all six movies and the expanded universe for the Galactic Empire and Rebel Alliance. Join this galaxy spanning war today, download SWS!

[http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=3166 Forum Thread]
[http://www.fileuniverse.com/?p=showitem&ID=1988 Download]
[http://www.planetannihilation.com/swta/ SWTA Homepage]

===2005-12-07 The Lost Legacy v1.03 Released===
The Lost Legacy Race, originally by M3G, ported to Spring by NOiZE.

This is the TA:Spring version of the masterpiece race created by the TA creation veterans M3G and Nik. Striving for perfection, they have completed an astoundishing number of 150 new units. This is by far the most expanded and carefully balanced race that has been created to this point. Explore the strategic values of the new submarine pens, defensive constructions and the many supersized monsters that let you toy with the opponent.

[http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=2860 Forum Thread]
[http://www.fileuniverse.com/?p=showitem&ID=1967 Download]

===2005-12-05 NTAI 0.28.10+ installer FIXED)===
Counter attacking, and numrous fixes, modifications. All who've downlaoded it redownload as I made a terrible mistake copying the wrong files over. - Alantai

[http://www.fileuniverse.com/?p=showitem&ID=1950 Download Installer]
[http://img479.imageshack.us/img479/8186/screen0121oq.jpg Screenshot]

===2005-12-01 NTAI 0.28Beta 7 Released===
Working Attack code, vastly improved building, Xect, Rhyoss, Mynn, TLL, XTA and AA support. - Alantai

[http://www.fileuniverse.com/?p=showitem&ID=1909 Download]
[http://img479.imageshack.us/img479/8186/screen0121oq.jpg Screenshot]

===2005-12-01 OTAI for 0.67 Released===
Veylons latest installment of OTAI, with a slew of improovements.
[http://www.geocities.com/veylon_ii/TASpring/OTAI_v102.zip Downlaod]

===2005-11-11 Cursor groupAI Released===
Show Allies what untis you have selected and where your mouse cursor is.

[http://www.fileuniverse.com/?p=showitem&ID=1873 Link]
[http://img479.imageshack.us/img479/8186/screen0121oq.jpg Screenshot]

(This is a new version from beta 6.5 released yesterday)

===2005-11-12 NTAI 028BETA 7.1 Released===
Full ARM + TLL support, and improved attacking.

[http://www.fileuniverse.com/?p=showitem&ID=1887 Linky]
[http://www.fileuniverse.com/?p=showimage&ID=1755 Screenshot]

(This is a new version from beta 6.5 released yesterday)

===2005-11-12 - NTAI 0.27 Released===
Water map support, krogoths, vehicles, aircraft, and more!
[http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=2829 Details]
[http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=2827 Screenshots]

===2005-10-29 - NTAI 0.25 Released===
The latest version of NTAI released today with many new abilities, such as a greatly improved attack system, and the ability to scout.

[http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=2687 Forum Thread]

===2005-10-20 - Absolute Annihilation: Spring Released===
The highly popular OTA mod, Absolute Annihilation, has now been fully converted for compatibility with Spring. Unlike the original Spring version released some months ago, the new version is fully compatible with the mod switching system. It also features many visual and strategic enhancements only possible in Spring, and uses the latest version of the AA dataset, 6.0.

Already a new version is available, 1.25, which corrects several major bugs.

[http://files.filefront.com/AASpring125zip/;4417183;;/fileinfo.html Direct Download (1.25)]

[http://prdownloads.sourceforge.net/ta-aa/AATrailer.zip?download Mod Trailer]

[http://www.planetannihilation.com/aa AA Homepage]

[http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=2633 Forum Thread]

===2005-10-16 - KuroTA v0.45 Released===
This is the second public release of this fairly popular mod. It all started out as a bunch of custom units in a TA installation from years gone by, but thanks to dedication it's been turned into a playable and fairly balanced mod for everyone to play on Spring. For more info at [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=2514 read this thread]. And it can be downloaded from [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?p=showitem&ID=1646 FileUniverse].

===2005-10-15 - UberHack, SpringVersion1.3 Released===
This port of the famous balance mod for TA, done by NOiZE, has been made as good as bug free now. This mod would not have been possible without help from: zwzsg, Gnome and Kuroneko. For more info at [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=2540 read this thread]. And it can be downloaded from [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?p=showitem&ID=1633 FileUniverse].

===2005-10-12 - Maelstroms SMD Creator===
[http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=2420 Maelstroms SMD Creator] has been relesed, to help people create SMD Map files with an easy to use GUI.

===2005-10-11 - JCAI 0.20 Released===
[http://spring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?p=33275#33275 JCAI 0.20 skirmish AI] is released for Spring 0.64b1 with a modified spring exe, it is much more stable now. JCAI 0.20 is included in current release (0.65b1)

===2005-09-28 - UberHack, SpringVersion1.2 Released===
This port of the famous balance mod for TA, done by NOiZE, has been made as good as bug free now. This mod would not have been possible without help from: zwzsg, Gnome and Kuroneko. For more info at [http://spring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=2364 read this thread]. And it can be downloaded from [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?p=showitem&ID=1552 FileUniverse].

===2005-08-20 - wiki Button Added===
As you probably already have noticed, the SY's have added a wiki button (Made by aGorm) to the Navigation bar. Hopefully, this will make people more aware of the wiki, as some have never even heard of it! More info on [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=1917 this thread]. If you don't see the wiki button, empty the cache of your browser and refresh.

===2005-08-16 - JCAI Released===
Zaphod has released alpha 1 of his skirmish AI JCAI for spring,[http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=1920 see forum post]
TAI code has been released but doesnt work. [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?p=showitem&ID=1322 Get it here]

===2005-08-03 - Mods and Maps===
zwzsg made a 3.6MB mod package with: OTA balance, Evolva models, UTASP Buildpics. Install and use easy thanks to the new mod switcher introduced in Spring 0.60b1.
 - [http://spring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=1843 More info and discussion]
 - [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?p=showitem&ID=1257 Download link]

[http://zwzsg.hosted.luckz.de/img/spring/Azure%20Rampart%20-%20evnbp%20-%20Bomber.png http://www.fileuniverse.com/images/Azure%20Rampart%20-%20evnbp%20-%20Bomber.jpg-thumb.png][http://www.fileuniverse.com/images/causticscreenshot.jpg http://www.fileuniverse.com/images/causticscreenshot.jpg-thumb.png]

Spring 0.60b1 made all previous maps obsolete, but as the pictures above show, there's a steadily increasing [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?p=listing&ID=121 choice of new maps], either old ones converted to the new format or brand new.

Talk:Front Page

2006-04-23T13:53:10Z

Fnordia:

Wahaay, IÃ‚Â´ve finally put my proposed page to the front :D .
Hey, if anybody has questions about editing the main page, please shoot away! I know that the table syntax is somewhat daunting at first, but its relatively easy actually. Go have a look [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Table here] if you have some time. --[[User:SeanHeron|SeanHeron]] 16:01, 15 Apr 2006 (W. Europe Daylight Time)

Hmm, although I changed it myself, I think the [[Ideas for the Main Page|"old" design]] is nicer after all. Also the syntax is slightly more simple so unexperienced wiki users may be more invited to play around with it. Maybe a mix of both designs would be best...
Please criticize what you like, and dislike about the different designs (and feel free to go ahead and make some design ideas of your own) -- [[User:SeanHeron|SeanHeron]] 12:43, 17 Apr 2006 (W. Europe Daylight Time)

As others mentioned on the Forums, this page design looks like it might be good for the main site front page, but isn't really good for the ''Wiki'' front-page. That said, the old Wiki front page could use a bit of a redesign. Right now, it's not really obvious what a newbie wants to read, and the categories seem a little arbitrary. Perhaps a better set would be:

Spring (Read Me First, Getting Started, Using Spring, Spring On A LAN, Strategy and Tactics, Features, FAQ, Spring Project, Related Software) - Also might be worth changing "Related Software" to, say, "Lobby Clients", since there appear to be a bunch in development.

Community (Clans, King Titles, Mods, Maps, Monthly Topic Rotation, Add to the Wiki)

Modding (Mod Development, Unit Development, Create Units, Create Maps,
Map, Mod, And Unit Development Programs)

Development (Source Development, Linux, Mac, AI)

It could be split into two rows, one for Spring and Community, one for Modding and Development.

Thoughts?

--[[User:Egarwaen|Egarwaen]] 20:40, 17 Apr 2006 (W. Europe Daylight Time)

I moved the "original" main page back here, and main page to front page. Since this is the main page of the wiki this makes more sense to me, and then I don't have to change any links. :) http://taspring.clan-sy.com/index2.php is a w.i.p of a frontpage using [[Front Page]] as a source for the header. I'm not sure the talk pages are matching anymore though, perhaps some wiki master could take a look at it :)
--[[User:Fnordia|Fnordia]] 15:53, 23 Apr 2006 (W. Europe Daylight Time)

Browse the Wiki

2006-04-23T13:47:24Z

Fnordia: Browse the Wiki moved to Main Page

#REDIRECT [[Main Page]]

Talk:Main Page

2006-04-23T13:43:53Z

Fnordia: Talk:Main Page moved to Talk:Front Page

#REDIRECT [[Talk:Front Page]]

Community news

2006-03-11T17:48:08Z

Fnordia: Fixed date formatting inconcistancy

On this page, you can post news items that will be seen in the top right section of the frontpage. You can use this to post if you have created or found something of interest to the Spring community, such as a new map, a useful tool or perhaps a new useful page in the wiki. Details on how to update this page can be found [[Community_news_editing | here]].

----
===2006-03-06 OTAI 1.10===
Now works in 0.70, fixed nanostall somewhat. Get it [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=3412 Here]

===2006-03-04 NTAI XE7b Skirmish AI===
Nanoblobz support, fixed FF support, many many extra features [http://www.darkstars.co.uk/index.php Get them here]. - AF

===2006-02-25 AAI 0.55===
A rather small release mainly adding support for the modified ai interface [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=3886 get it here].

===2006-02-25 NTAI XE6 for 0.70b1 Skirmish AI===
Universal mod support, statistical unit learning, freeform buildtrees [http://www.darkstars.co.uk/index.php Get them here]. - AF

===2006-02-19 AAI 0.52===
AAI 0.52 is only a small bugfix release [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=3886 get it here].

===2006-02-13 Absolute Annihilation 1.44===
AA 1.44 completed and uploaded.[http://www.planetannihilation.com/aa AA Homepage].
.
[[SWTA]] [[Final_Frontier]] [[Absolute_Annihilation]]

===2006-2-19 AAI 0.52 Released===
AAI 0.52 is only a small bugfix release for AAI 0.5 - hopefully all crashes are gone now
[http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=3886 click here].

===2006-2-15 NTAI XE 3 Released===
XE 3 has support map specific build data, 9 new keywords, StarWars/Gundam support, numerous fixes, and should run a lot faster ^^ [http://www.darkstars.co.uk/index.php here]. - AF

===2006-02-13 Absolute Annihilation 1.44 Released===
AA 1.44 completed and uploaded. Readme and changelog available at the [http://www.planetannihilation.com/aa AA Homepage].

===2006-2-06 OTAI 1.08 Released===
Now uses multithreading to reduce freezing!
[http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?p=55624#55624 Forum] [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?p=showitem&ID=2354 Download]

===2006-02-01 World Domination 5B62 Released===
This version fixes the crashes related to missing .cob-files.
Download [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?p=showitem&ID=2311 here].

===2006-1-31 Star Wars Spring Manual Released===
[http://spring.clan-sy.com/wiki/SWTA_Manual Read the SWS Manual right now!] It contains everything you would ever want to know about SWS, including: Installation Guide, In-Depth Unit Guide as well as a Strategy & Tactics section.

===2006-1-27 OTAI 1.07 Released===
Veylon released OTAI version 1.07. Now builds Dragon's Teeth and crashes less!
Download [http://www.geocities.com/veylon_ii/TASpring/ here].

===2006-11-19 UpSpring Tutorial Released===
Maestro R Setiawan released [http://tinyurl.com/cd25b a very comprehensive tutorial] to UpSpring, the application to import new models to Spring. Now you won't have any excuse to not use UV mapped S3O!

===2006-01-16 NTAI 0.29a Released===
NTAI 0.29a released, go get it here [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?p=50716#50716 Download]

===2006-01-16 Absolute Annihilation 1.42 Released===
AA 1.42 completed and uploaded. Readme and changelog available at the [http://www.planetannihilation.com/aa AA Homepage].

[http://prdownloads.sourceforge.net/ta-aa/AASpring142.zip?download Download] (9 mb)

===2006-01-12 AAI 0.4 Released===
AAI 0.4 now supports air units as well as construction units assisting others.
Edit: Small Bugfix Version AAI 0.42 released
[http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=3527 AAI v0.42].

===2006-1-07 Gundam Annihilation 0.98.sd7 Released===
This is a .sd7 for your spring lobby usage. I have corrected a few of the spring specific bugs in this release. Enjoy. [http://www.planetannihilation.com/gundam/ Gundam annihilation homepage]

[http://www.planetannihilation.com/gundam/shots/screen039.jpg http://www.planetannihilation.com/gundam/shots/screen039_thumb.gif] [http://www.planetannihilation.com/gundam/shots/screen012.jpg http://www.planetannihilation.com/gundam/shots/screen012_thumb.gif]

===2005-12-15 AAI 0.3 Released===
AAI 0.3 includes a lot of bug fixes and placement of defence buildings. [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=3195 AAI v0.3].

===2005-12-14 Absolute Annihilation 1.35 Released===
AA 1.35 completed and uploaded. Readme and changelog available at the [http://www.planetannihilation.com/aa AA Homepage].

[http://prdownloads.sourceforge.net/ta-aa/AASpring135.zip?download Download] (16 mb)

===2005-12-13 OTAI 1.03b Released===
A fixed version of OTAI 1.03 now available.

[http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=3184 Forum Thread]
[http://www.geocities.com/veylon_ii/TASpring/OTAI_v103b.zip Download]

===2005-12-13 The Lost Legacy v1.04 Released===
The Lost Legacy Race, originally by M3G, ported to Spring by NOiZE.

This is the TA:Spring version of the masterpiece race created by the TA creation veterans M3G and Nik. Striving for perfection, they have completed an astoundishing number of 150 new units. This is by far the most expanded and carefully balanced race that has been created to this point. Explore the strategic values of the new submarine pens, defensive constructions and the many supersized monsters that let you toy with the opponent.

[http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=2860 Forum Thread]
[http://www.fileuniverse.com/?p=showitem&ID=1967 Download]

===2005-12-07 Star Wars: Spring 1.0 Released===
The well known Star Wars TC for TA has been ported to Spring.

One of the most complete TCs that existed for TA has now been fully ported to Spring - all of the bugs that plagued the quick and dirty earlier port have been fixed. Some balancing issues that came up in Spring has also been taken care of, along with a few other minor modifications, to ensure that this modification is made specifically for the Spring engine, so that you can enjoy it as such. Furthermore, many of the uglier low-polygon units for SWTA have been remodelled for Spring, so that you can now enjoy high-poly infantry units, as well as a few other vehecular changes.

Feel free to come join us on our own chat channel (itself a good 5 years old), where you can organise games, discuss balance, and report bugs:

Server: irc.gnug.org

Channel: #SWTA

An in-depth manual, with help regarding strategies and unit descriptions can be located [http://www.planetannihilation.com/swta/readme.asp here], however, bear in mind that while much of this will be very helpful, it was originally intended for the Original Total Annihilation release, and so is not 100% accurate or reliable with regards to the Spring release. A Spring-specific manual is in the works.

SWS features around 130 units ranging from all six movies and the expanded universe for the Galactic Empire and Rebel Alliance. Join this galaxy spanning war today, download SWS!

[http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=3166 Forum Thread]
[http://www.fileuniverse.com/?p=showitem&ID=1988 Download]
[http://www.planetannihilation.com/swta/ SWTA Homepage]

===2005-12-07 The Lost Legacy v1.03 Released===
The Lost Legacy Race, originally by M3G, ported to Spring by NOiZE.

This is the TA:Spring version of the masterpiece race created by the TA creation veterans M3G and Nik. Striving for perfection, they have completed an astoundishing number of 150 new units. This is by far the most expanded and carefully balanced race that has been created to this point. Explore the strategic values of the new submarine pens, defensive constructions and the many supersized monsters that let you toy with the opponent.

[http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=2860 Forum Thread]
[http://www.fileuniverse.com/?p=showitem&ID=1967 Download]

===2005-12-05 NTAI 0.28.10+ installer FIXED)===
Counter attacking, and numrous fixes, modifications. All who've downlaoded it redownload as I made a terrible mistake copying the wrong files over. - Alantai

[http://www.fileuniverse.com/?p=showitem&ID=1950 Download Installer]
[http://img479.imageshack.us/img479/8186/screen0121oq.jpg Screenshot]

===2005-12-01 NTAI 0.28Beta 7 Released===
Working Attack code, vastly improved building, Xect, Rhyoss, Mynn, TLL, XTA and AA support. - Alantai

[http://www.fileuniverse.com/?p=showitem&ID=1909 Download]
[http://img479.imageshack.us/img479/8186/screen0121oq.jpg Screenshot]

===2005-12-01 OTAI for 0.67 Released===
Veylons latest installment of OTAI, with a slew of improovements.
[http://www.geocities.com/veylon_ii/TASpring/OTAI_v102.zip Downlaod]

===2005-11-11 Cursor groupAI Released===
Show Allies what untis you have selected and where your mouse cursor is.

[http://www.fileuniverse.com/?p=showitem&ID=1873 Link]
[http://img479.imageshack.us/img479/8186/screen0121oq.jpg Screenshot]

(This is a new version from beta 6.5 released yesterday)

===2005-11-12 NTAI 028BETA 7.1 Released===
Full ARM + TLL support, and improved attacking.

[http://www.fileuniverse.com/?p=showitem&ID=1887 Linky]
[http://www.fileuniverse.com/?p=showimage&ID=1755 Screenshot]

(This is a new version from beta 6.5 released yesterday)

===2005-11-12 - NTAI 0.27 Released===
Water map support, krogoths, vehicles, aircraft, and more!
[http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=2829 Details]
[http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=2827 Screenshots]

===2005-10-29 - NTAI 0.25 Released===
The latest version of NTAI released today with many new abilities, such as a greatly improved attack system, and the ability to scout.

[http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=2687 Forum Thread]

===2005-10-20 - Absolute Annihilation: Spring Released===
The highly popular OTA mod, Absolute Annihilation, has now been fully converted for compatibility with Spring. Unlike the original Spring version released some months ago, the new version is fully compatible with the mod switching system. It also features many visual and strategic enhancements only possible in Spring, and uses the latest version of the AA dataset, 6.0.

Already a new version is available, 1.25, which corrects several major bugs.

[http://files.filefront.com/AASpring125zip/;4417183;;/fileinfo.html Direct Download (1.25)]

[http://prdownloads.sourceforge.net/ta-aa/AATrailer.zip?download Mod Trailer]

[http://www.planetannihilation.com/aa AA Homepage]

[http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=2633 Forum Thread]

===2005-10-16 - KuroTA v0.45 Released===
This is the second public release of this fairly popular mod. It all started out as a bunch of custom units in a TA installation from years gone by, but thanks to dedication it's been turned into a playable and fairly balanced mod for everyone to play on Spring. For more info at [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=2514 read this thread]. And it can be downloaded from [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?p=showitem&ID=1646 FileUniverse].

===2005-10-15 - UberHack, SpringVersion1.3 Released===
This port of the famous balance mod for TA, done by NOiZE, has been made as good as bug free now. This mod would not have been possible without help from: zwzsg, Gnome and Kuroneko. For more info at [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=2540 read this thread]. And it can be downloaded from [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?p=showitem&ID=1633 FileUniverse].

===2005-10-12 - Maelstroms SMD Creator===
[http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=2420 Maelstroms SMD Creator] has been relesed, to help people create SMD Map files with an easy to use GUI.

===2005-10-11 - JCAI 0.20 Released===
[http://spring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?p=33275#33275 JCAI 0.20 skirmish AI] is released for Spring 0.64b1 with a modified spring exe, it is much more stable now. JCAI 0.20 is included in current release (0.65b1)

===2005-09-28 - UberHack, SpringVersion1.2 Released===
This port of the famous balance mod for TA, done by NOiZE, has been made as good as bug free now. This mod would not have been possible without help from: zwzsg, Gnome and Kuroneko. For more info at [http://spring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=2364 read this thread]. And it can be downloaded from [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?p=showitem&ID=1552 FileUniverse].

===2005-08-20 - wiki Button Added===
As you probably already have noticed, the SY's have added a wiki button (Made by aGorm) to the Navigation bar. Hopefully, this will make people more aware of the wiki, as some have never even heard of it! More info on [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=1917 this thread]. If you don't see the wiki button, empty the cache of your browser and refresh.

===2005-08-16 - JCAI Released===
Zaphod has released alpha 1 of his skirmish AI JCAI for spring,[http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=1920 see forum post]
TAI code has been released but doesnt work. [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?p=showitem&ID=1322 Get it here]

===2005-08-03 - Mods and Maps===
zwzsg made a 3.6MB mod package with: OTA balance, Evolva models, UTASP Buildpics. Install and use easy thanks to the new mod switcher introduced in Spring 0.60b1.
 - [http://spring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=1843 More info and discussion]
 - [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?p=showitem&ID=1257 Download link]

[http://zwzsg.hosted.luckz.de/img/spring/Azure%20Rampart%20-%20evnbp%20-%20Bomber.png http://www.fileuniverse.com/images/Azure%20Rampart%20-%20evnbp%20-%20Bomber.jpg-thumb.png][http://www.fileuniverse.com/images/Ahspen%20-%20evnbp%20-%20Tanks%20Tracks.jpg http://www.fileuniverse.com/images/Ahspen%20-%20evnbp%20-%20Tanks%20Tracks.jpg-thumb.png][http://www.fileuniverse.com/images/RedHaven%20-%20evnbp%20-%20Core.jpg http://www.fileuniverse.com/images/RedHaven%20-%20evnbp%20-%20Core.jpg-thumb.png][http://www.fileuniverse.com/images/causticscreenshot.jpg http://www.fileuniverse.com/images/causticscreenshot.jpg-thumb.png]

Spring 0.60b1 made all previous maps obsolete, but as the pictures above show, there's a steadily increasing [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?p=listing&ID=121 choice of new maps], either old ones converted to the new format or brand new.

===2005-07-08 - Buggi's Beta Update===
Buggi released a new version of his modified version of the game; This release added, among other things, custom models for weapons! [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?p=showitem&ID=1257 Get it here]

===2005-07-05 - Map Editing Guide Updated===
You know you wanted to make that map? Well now you can! Check it out in the Wiki, or click on the link.
[[Create_maps]]

===2005-07-03 - New strategy guide===
A new strategy guide to help out new players has been added to the wiki.
Here's the link: [[Spring guide!]]

===2005-07-03 - Community news section===
A new site feature has been added, that allows users to contribute news that will be seen in this section.

This might be useful to expose new maps for example to those that don't visit the map forum regularly... We'll see how it turns out.

Help:Editing

2006-03-07T12:47:29Z

Fnordia: Used to be wider than the page

This page contains tips on editing wiki pages, for full details of editing the Wiki see [http://meta.wikipedia.org/wiki/MediaWiki_User%27s_Guide User's Guide]

==Basic Editing==

*Choose what you want to do:
*# '''Make a new page''' Type the URL of the page you want to create into the address bar. EG: <nowiki>http://taspring.clan-sy.com/wiki/Page_that_dont_exist</nowiki>
*# '''Edit an existing page''' Goto the page you want to edit, either through Links, or a URL.
*Then, click the 'Edit this page' link at the bottom.
*A page with a text box in the middle of it will appear.
*Enter text into this box.
*To insert formatting, click the formatting buttons above the text box.
*For a full list of formatting tags, and their effects, see below
*Click the 'Preview Page' button below the text box to preview the page.
*Fix any errors you spot.
*Click 'Save page' next to the Preview button.
*Your Done!

Dont worry if you stuff things up. It is very easy to fix. Any changes that are made are automatically logged, and we can easily revert to an old version if you totally screw a page up.
And if your still worried of messing something up, you can always play around in the [[sandbox]] first.

==Markup==
The following [[w:HTML element|HTML element]]s are currently permitted, however most of the useful ones have a convenient shorthand (see table below):

{| border="0" cellpadding="5"
| valign="top"|
* [[Wikipedia:HTML_element#Presentational_markup|]]
* [[Wikipedia:HTML_element#Presentational_markup|<big>]]
* [[Wikipedia:HTML_element#Text_containers|<blockquote>]]
* [[Wikipedia:HTML_element#Others| ]]
* [[Wikipedia:HTML_element#Tables|<caption>]]
* <center>
* <cite>
* [[Wikipedia:HTML_element#Logical_markup|<code>]]
* [[Wikipedia:HTML_element#Lists|<dd>]]
* [[Wikipedia:HTML_element#Other_containers|<div>]]
* [[Wikipedia:HTML_element#Lists|<dl>]]
* [[Wikipedia:HTML_element#Lists|<dt>]]
* [[Wikipedia:HTML_element#Logical_markup|]]
* [[Wikipedia:HTML_element#Presentational_markup|]]
* [[Wikipedia:HTML_element#Headings|<h1>]]
| valign="top"|
* [[Wikipedia:HTML_element#Headings|<h2>]]
* [[Wikipedia:HTML_element#Headings|<h3>]]
* [[Wikipedia:HTML_element#Headings|<h4>]]
* [[Wikipedia:HTML_element#Headings|<h5>]]
* [[Wikipedia:HTML_element#Headings|<h6>]]
* [[Wikipedia:HTML_element#Other_containers|<hr>]]
* [[Wikipedia:HTML_element#Presentational_markup|]]
* [[Wikipedia:HTML_element#Lists|<li>]]
* [[Wikipedia:HTML_element#Lists|<ol>]]
* [[Wikipedia:HTML_element#Text_containers|]]
* [[Wikipedia:HTML_element#Text_containers|<pre>]]
* <rb>
* <rp>
* <rt>
* <ruby>
| valign="top"|
* [[Wikipedia:HTML_element#Presentational_markup|<s>]]
* [[Wikipedia:HTML_element#Presentational_markup|]]
* [[Wikipedia:HTML_element#Presentational_markup|<strike>]]
* [[Wikipedia:HTML_element#Logical_markup|]]
* [[Wikipedia:HTML_element#Presentational_markup|]]
* [[Wikipedia:HTML_element#Presentational_markup|]]
* [[Wikipedia:HTML_element#Tables|<table>]]
* [[Wikipedia:HTML_element#Tables|<td>]]
* [[Wikipedia:HTML_element#Tables|<th>]]
* [[Wikipedia:HTML_element#Tables|<tr>]]
* [[Wikipedia:HTML_element#Presentational_markup|<tt>]]
* [[Wikipedia:HTML_element#Presentational_markup|]]
* [[Wikipedia:HTML_element#Lists|<ul>]]
* [[Wikipedia:HTML_element#Logical_markup|<var>]]
* [[Wikipedia:HTML_element#Others|]]
|}

=== Sections, paragraphs, lists and lines ===
<table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0">
<tr>
<th>What it looks like</th>
<th>What you type</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Start your sections with header lines:

Note: Single equal signs work for formatting headings, however as a convention for this wiki, do not use them.






 New section 

 Subsection

 Sub-subsection

</td>
<td><pre><nowiki>

== New section ==

=== Subsection ===

==== Sub-subsection ====
</nowiki></pre>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
[[en:newline|Newline]]:

A single
newline
has no
effect on the
layout.

But an empty line
starts a new paragraph.

(<nowiki></nowiki> disables this paragraphing until <nowiki></nowiki> or the end of the section)

(in Cologne Blue two newlines and a div tag give just one newline; in the order newline, div tag, newline, the result is two newlines)

</td>
<td>
<pre><nowiki>

A single
newline
has no
effect on the
layout.

But an empty line
starts a new paragraph.</nowiki></pre>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top"><td>You can break lines 
without starting a new paragraph.
Sufficient as wikitext code is <nowiki> </nowiki>, the XHTML code <nowiki> </nowiki> is not needed, the system produces this code.</td>
<td><pre><nowiki>You can break lines 
without starting a new paragraph.</nowiki></pre>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
* [[Help:List|Lists]] are easy to do:
** start every line with a star
*** more stars means deeper levels
*A newline
*in a list
marks the end of the list.
*Of course
*you can
*start again.

</td>
<td><pre><nowiki>* Lists are easy to do:
** start every line with a star
*** more stars means deeper levels
*A newline
*in a list
marks the end of the list.
*Of course
*you can
*start again.

</nowiki></pre>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
# Numbered lists are also good
## very organized
## easy to follow
#A newline
#in a list
marks the end of the list.
#New numbering starts
#with 1.

</td>
<td><pre><nowiki># Numbered lists are also good
## very organized
## easy to follow
#A newline
#in a list
marks the end of the list.
#New numbering starts
#with 1.
</nowiki></pre>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
* You can even do mixed lists
*# and nest them
*#* like this or have newlines inside lists
</td>
<td><pre><nowiki>* You can even do mixed lists
*# and nest them
*#* like this or have newlines inside lists</nowiki></pre>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
* You can also
**break lines inside lists like this
</td>
<td><pre><nowiki>* You can also
**break lines inside lists like this</nowiki></pre>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
; Definition list : list of definitions
; item : the item's definition
</td>
<td><pre><nowiki>; Definition list : list of definitions
; item : the item's definition</nowiki></pre>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
:A colon indents a line or paragraph.
A manual newline starts a new paragraph.
* This is primarily for displayed material, but is also used for discussion on [[Help:Talk page|Talk page]]s.
</td>
<td><pre><nowiki>: A colon indents a line or paragraph.
A manual newline starts a new paragraph.
</nowiki></pre>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign=top>
<td>
<pre><nowiki>IF a line of plain text starts
with a space THEN
it will be formatted exactly
as typed;
in a fixed-width font;
lines won't wrap;
ENDIF
this is useful for:
* pasting preformatted text;
* algorithm descriptions;
* program source code
* ASCII art;
* chemical structures;</nowiki></pre>

WARNING If you make it wide,
you [[en:page widening|force the whole page to be wide]] and
hence less readable. Never start ordinary lines with spaces. 
<center>(see also below)</center>
</td>
<td><pre><nowiki> IF a line of plain text starts
with a space THEN
it will be formatted exactly
as typed;
in a fixed-width font;
lines won't wrap;
ENDIF
this is useful for:
* pasting preformatted text;
* algorithm descriptions;
* program source code
* ASCII art;
* chemical structures;</nowiki></pre></td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top"><td><center>Centered text.</center>
</td>
<td><pre><nowiki><center>Centered text.</center></nowiki></pre>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>A [[en:horizontal dividing line|horizontal dividing line]]: above
----
and below.

(However, in most cases a section header is more useful. The horizontal dividing line should only be used if what follows is logically part of the same section; otherwise that part would be hidden in the TOC.)</td>
<td><pre><nowiki>A horizontal dividing line: above
----
and below. </nowiki></pre>
</td>
</tr>
</table>

Summarizing the effect of a single newline: no effect in general, but it ends a list item or indented part; thus changing some text into a list item, or indenting it, is more cumbersome if it contains newlines, they have to be removed; see also [[w:Wikipedia:Don't use line breaks]].

SetupGuide

2006-03-03T17:44:07Z

Fnordia: Fixed quakenet url

== Linux Setup Guide ==
* If you're running [http://www.gentoo.org Gentoo linux], you're lucky, because [http://download.berlios.de/taspring-linux/taspring-linux-svn-ebuild-0.67-r3.tar.bz2 an ebuild is already available]. If not, a short walk-trough to compile, run and debug spring on provided below.

* In short, to get spring compiled under linux, make sure you've got all necessary development packages installed. On [http://www.ubuntu.com/ (K)Ubuntu linux], and maybe [http://www.debian.org/ Debian] too, this can be done by copying the following in a root terminal (or use the graphical package manager Synaptic or Adept if you can't stand commandline): <code>apt-get install build-essential subversion scons libsdl-dev libopenal-dev libglew-dev libboost-dev libboost-thread-dev libboost-filesystem-dev libboost-regex-dev libdevil-dev libfreetype6-dev</code> For any other distribution, grab these libraries and the base development packages too (for Gentoo, base development packages aren't needed, because everything is compiled from source: they're already installed). I've no clue about RPM based distros. But [http://www.google.com google] is your friend.

* To grab the sourcecode from SVN (using commandline SVN), refer to [https://developer.berlios.de/svn/?group_id=4358 this berlios page about SVN]. Use one of the two anonymous checkout methods (upper two) unless you're a spring developer (but in that case you wouldn't be reading this, right?).

* To compile the sourcecode, switch to the trunk directory created by the svn checkout in the previous step. Then type: <code>scons configure</code> to configure the build. (You can fine tune the build by passing options to this command [for enabling debugging/optimizing etc.]. Type <code>scons --help</code> to view the available options.) Now, if you really installed all development package, the scons configure will output: "Everything seems OK. Run `scons' now to build.". If it outputs with an error you're probably missing a development package.

* As instructed on end of previous step, type: <code>scons</code> Spring will now build including [[NTAI]], [[JCAI]] and a few [[GroupAI]]s. You should end up with a file <code>trunk/game/spring</code> (the executable) and some shared objects (SOs or DLLs) in <code>trunk/game/aidll</code>

* Now, grab [https://developer.berlios.de/project/showfiles.php?group_id=4358 the linux data tarball from berlios] and extract it somewhere (or use your windows datafiles for this step if you can acces them from linux).
* <code>mkdir</code> (make directories) the following directories and put respectively the base files, the mod file(s) and your map file(s) in it. Note that you now also need the newes [[XTA]] -> [http://fileuniverse.com/?p=showitem&ID=2372 XTA Pimped Edition], because the default mod changed in SVN.
** <code>game/base</code>
** <code>game/maps</code>
** <code>game/mods</code>

* Now run spring by <code>cd</code>'ing (change dir) to the <code>trunk/game</code> directory and typing: <code>./spring</code> If you've compiled with debugging enabled, you might want to run inside gdb to provide the devs with a backtrace if spring crashes: <code>gdb ./spring</code>
** Basic commands inside gdb are:
*** <code>'''r'''un</code> - Run the program (spring)
*** <code>'''bt'''</code> - Print a backtrace
*** <code>'''q'''uit</code> - Quit
*** <code>'''help'''</code> - This one's important

* Be happy!

Even a tip: If spring hangs/crashes while in full screen mode, you can press ctrl+alt+backspace to restart X, so no need for a reboot.

If you really can't figure out how to get spring compiled, or you think there's a bug in the code or the buildsystem...
* just poke any developer on IRC
** channel <code>#taspring</code> on [http://freenode.net/ FreeNode]
** or channel <code>#sy</code> on [http://www.quakenet.org/ QuakeNet]
* post it on the forum
* or file a bug in our [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/mantis/ Bug tracking system].

[[Category:Linux Port]]

Main Page

2006-03-01T22:39:34Z

Fnordia: The big french flag looked a bit out of place

== The Spring WIKI ==
{|border="2" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 10px; border: 1px #aaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; background: #f9f9f9"
|<center>'''Other Languages'''</center>
|<center>'''[[Image:france_flag.gif]] [http://home.tele2.fr/flani/Tutoriaux.htm FranÃƒÂ§ais]'''</center>
|<center>'''[[Image:germany_flag.gif]] [[Hauptseite|Deutsch]]'''</center>
|}
{|border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="10" width="100%"
|width="33%" valign="top" style="background: #e6e6fa; border: 1px #aaa solid;"|
===Playing Spring===

'''[[Read Me First]]''' - a Wiki article with the most commonly-asked questions from newcomers 
'''[[Getting Started]]''' 
'''[[Using Spring]]''' 
'''[[Glossary]]''' 
'''[[Spring on a LAN]]''' 
'''[[Strategy and Tactics]]''' 
'''[[Clans]]''' 
|width="33%" valign="top" style="background: #e6e6fa; border: 1px #aaa solid;"|

===Spring Project===
'''[[Monthly Topic Rotation]]''' - Read before posting on the forums. Especially before asking for or about features. 
'''[[Spring Project]]''' 
'''[[FAQ]]''' 
'''[[Features]]''' 
'''[[Maps]]''' 
'''[[Units]]''' 
'''[[Mods]]''' 
|width="33%" valign="top" style="background: #e6e6fa; border: 1px #aaa solid;"|
===Development===
'''[[Source Development]]''' 
'''[[Mod Development]]''' 
'''[[Create units]]''' 
'''[[Create maps]]''' 
'''[[Linux]]''' 
'''[[Mac]]''' 
'''[[AI]]''' 
'''[[Map, Mod, And Unit Development Programs]]''' 
'''[[Help:Editing|Add to the Wiki]]'''
|}
----

{|width="100%" style="margin:10px; background:#f9f9f9; padding:5px; border:1px #aaa solid;"
|
This site is put together by the community, which could (read as SHOULD) mean YOU! If you see information missing, or find out new information you think would be helpful, put it in. If you find a spelling mistake or phrase that could be clearer, fix it. If you find yourself doing repeated searches or going back to the [[Special:Allpages|Topic Index]] repeatedly when trying to find out about a particular feature, consider combining articles or linking them to one another. Any contributions you make to this Wiki are in the public domain.

''"A wiki is a web application that allows users to add content, as on an Internet forum, but also allows anyone to edit the content."''
- [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiki Wikipedia.org]
|}
__NOTOC__

Main Page

2006-03-01T22:39:34Z

Fnordia: The big french flag looked a bit out of place

FAQ

2006-01-09T08:56:14Z

Fnordia: Outdated link, and seemed a bit irrelevant

==General information==

===What is Spring?===
Spring is a project to create the best RTS ever (no joke). There are three principle goals which we hope to achieve.

# Reach a stage where TA Spring can flawlessly execute most of Total Annihilation's original gameplay, with its original units in their original format.
# Add new features as we see fit, fix bugs, and release new versions when we feel it is appropriate to do so.
# Support the mod community as we see fit.

The goals might need an update.. -- Tim Blokdijk

===When will Spring be ready?===
Now! You can get the latest beta from the [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/download.php download page].

===Will Spring be free?===
The core game is released under GPL License. However, some parts of the game are still under copyright by their owners. Therefore, today, you need to own the original TA game if you want to play. However the community is working hard in order to offer completely free alternatives.

===Why can I edit this page?===
This page, and several others, are located in the Spring [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiki Wiki]. The link gives a full explanation of what it is, but in short it is a way of letting anyone who wants to contribute to the page content. This can of course be abused, but even while it is easy for someone to vandalise the page, it is just as easy for someone to restore it, since the wiki saves all previous versions of a page.

===Why can't I edit this page?===
You need to be [[Special:Userlogin|logged in]] to edit our wiki because people were vandalizing and/or being morons too much, so they had to lock it down.

===I want to help, what can I do?===
Please look at the Messageboard. There are lots of things you can do according to your skills. Particularly important is to create viable and pleasing free alternatives to copyrighted material, mainly sounds and units.

===I want to donate.===
People have made clear their desire to donate to the project, and so far, we have been fairly reluctant about accepting donations. Our main concern? While we certainly hope to have something on the level of a commercial release in the near future, there is no guarantee that it will ever happen. Unforeseen events arise, and it would be most unfortunate if everyone who donated felt swindled because the project did not turn out as they had hoped.

We do not plan to be more or less productive solely based upon the quantity and frequency of donations received. The Spring project is here only because we view this as an enjoyable hobby.

===I read all that and I still want to donate.===
Very well then! You can find the required details [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/donate.php here]. It will be much appreciated. :)

----

==Technical==

===What port numbers does Spring use?===
Game uses port 8452 UDP by default, which can be changed in the lobby. If you are behind a router, make sure you forward the correct port first and also make sure firewall is not blocking it, or else you won't be able to host games (you will still be able to join others games though).

Not anymore. Now you usually don't ever need to forward anything.

===What APIs does Spring use?===
The Windows version of the program (which one might call the official version, or at this point, simply the working version :) ) uses: OpenGL for rendering, DirectSound for sound, and Winsock for networking.

The Linux port (more info below) will use SDL/OpenGL for rendering, OpenAL for sound (which will connect to DirectSound on Windows and OSS or ALSA on Linux), BSD sockets for networking.

===What language is Spring written in?===
The spring game engine is written in C and C++. The Windows lobby client is written in Delphi, the lobby server is java. Another portable lobby is being made in Python.

===Is Spring open source?===
Yes, it is. Go to the [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/download.php downloads] section of the site to download the source code.

===Is there any documentation for the source code===
Yes, doxygen is used to automatically generate the [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/doxygen/ documentation]

==Requirements==

===What platforms will Spring run on?===
At the moment, it only runs on Windows.
Members of the community are working on porting the game to the Linux platform.
This will make the code more portable so if someone wants to port it to another platform please contact us.
We (the Sy) will not, however, port it ourselves at any time (in the foreseeable future). There is simply no compelling reason for us to do so. Additionally, we would like to focus on getting it to work well.

===What sort of a system will I need to run Spring?===
You will most certainly need a 3D graphics card to run Spring, which will probably require at least a GeForce3 (note that a GeForce4 MX is not better than a GeForce3) and the latest driver supported. Minimum CPU requirements are a little more complex. A more powerful CPU will have the capability to support larger maps and a greater maximum unit limit. A 1 GHz CPU should be able to support an estimated 500 units. The needed memory will also vary with unit count and map size, but 512 MB should be enough. However, 1024MB you should already have, so it'll run fine.

===Spring says I need the GL_ARB_texture_env_combine extension, what can I do?===
If you encounter the error "Needed extension GL_ARB_texture_env_combine not found", this means that your video card driver does not support GL_ARB_texture_env_combine. You can try downloading a new video driver from the manufacturers website ([www.ati.com], [www.nvidia.com], ...) If this doesn't solve the problem then your video hardware is too old to support the extension. Buy a new video card.

EDIT: I am also having this problem with the geoforce 6800 ultra and I have the latest drivers.

REQUEST : please name some working and non-working 3D video cards. please give a value for minimum video memory : 32 Mo ? 64 Mo ?

List of video cards supposingly supporting GL_ARB_texture_env_combine :

http://www.delphi3d.net/hardware/extsupport.php?extension=GL_ARB_texture_env_combine

----

Spring works in full screen,but cncounters the error "Needed extension GL_ARB_texture_env_combine not found" when i try to run spring.exe in window

==Content==

===Do Spring maps need a "ground"?===
Spring maps do require a ground. We have had many requests to have space maps, however, a "true" (ala Homeworld) space setting is not likely. It would have to wait until a much later stage. This does not mean that TA's style of "space" maps won't be possible, (see the Final Frontier TC for examples of this).

===You stated that Spring uses the TA unit format.===
Spring does use the Total Annihilation unit format. However, we do plan to make Spring compatible with a custom unit format of our own design.

===How powerful will Spring's custom format be?===
Total Annihilation's unit format was extremely limited. Most of these limitations will either be expanded or non-existent in Spring's custom unit format. One of the most exciting improvements is the introduction of an entirely new method of scripting, with nearly complete control over every aspect of a unit's actions and behaviors.

===Does Spring have a limited number of weapons?===
No. Unlike Total Annihilation, Spring's weapon IDs will be unlimited. Meaning it will be possible to add as many third-party units as you want. However, the current model format limits 16 weapons to each unit.

===Does Spring have a limited number of unique units?===
No. Unit IDs, like weapon IDs, will be unlimited.

===Will units have a maximum of 3 unique weapons?===
Total Annihilation had a limitation that permitted a maximum of 3 unique weapons per unit. Spring currently has a way to have 16 weapons per unit. (Replace Primary, Secondary, Tertiary by 1 2 3 ...16). More can be made possible by modifying the source if there's a sufficient demand by mod makers.

===I'm curious as to the per-unit polygon limit.===
The engine itself does not have a polygon count limit. The limit is that of the processing power of today's computers. Since Spring requires a 3D card, the maximum polygon count per unit will be several times higher than Total Annihilation's. No real numbers yet though. We're gonna leave it up to the mod community to figure that one out.

===Will units be able to perform basic terraforming?===
Total Annihilation units probably won't have any terrain editable functionality. Future units may be endowed with such functionality, but it's more of a gameplay issue and has not been decided upon yet. However construction units can restore ground.

===Will tunnel building be possible?===
Subterranean areas of any sort is impossible. However, it is possible to heavily deform the ground with explosives.. Which is great fun!

===Will the ground's water retention be editable?===
No. Water will always collect when a piece of land has a height below sea level.

===Does Spring have a limit on the number of races?===
Spring has no limit on the total number of sides/races.

===What are the sizes of the biggest and smallest units?===
Static units (buildings, defenses, etc.) have no size limitations in the engine. Technically, neither do mobile units, but units with a footprint larger than 4x4 "squares" (an arbitrary size standard created by Cavedog) might have problems pathfinding.

===What is going to be the maximum possible sea depth?===
For all practical purposes, it will be unlimited. The depth values are stored as "float variables", so it is doubtful that maps would ever be made which even come close to approaching the limit.

===Will Spring support campaigns?===
Basic Map scripting has been implemented, using a Lua scripting engine. From that, it would be possible to make a basic campain, but for ease of use a better way of selecting scripts and an improved Single player menu is needed.

===How big will the Spring files be?===
Spring will be as small as however much content is included with it. The "essential" files (engine files mostly) will only be several megabytes large. Content (such as maps and units) will add considerable size to the Spring download. However, it is not known at this point just how much "content" will be included with the first release.

Currently, the file size is roughly 40 MB.

===How will Spring render sound effects?===
Sound is rendered 3D, meaning that the volume and direction (assuming a multi-speaker setup) vary with the location of the camera from the sound "emitter". What this translates into gameplay terms means that the closer you are to a unit making a sound or motion, the louder the sound will be. Additionally, the sound will be heard differently depending on which way the camera is facing relative to units making sound.

===Will Spring have ambient sound?===
There is no ambient sound, and we haven't planned on adding it thus far.

===Will there be an AI or a "skirmish" mode?===
We have created an interface for AI's, and two are currently under development. In the meantime, the spawn script included in the latest version exists as a text file in the Spring folder, and can be modified by any text editor such as MS Notepad, for your particular play style, or mod.

===Will a "possess" or a FPS option be present?===
Yes, it is possible to fully control a unit from the first person view. It is more of a gimmick, but it still allows for a nice diversion once in a while.

----

==Getting into a game==

===People talk about 'Single Player'. How do I start a single player game?===
Go into your Spring folder and find the 'Spring.exe' file. Double click on it and say 'yes' to host.

===When I try to make a single player game, it gives me an error.===
Your graphics card probably can't support Spring. If you read the requirements it did say GeForce 3 or better. Go to the settings file in your Spring directory and lower some of the options. Sometimes that works.

===Does Spring support AI Players?===
Yes, see [[AI]] You can also use the [[random_enemies]] script, which spawns units out of thin air and sends them to attack you.

===When I try to connect to the lobby it gives me an error.===
There could be 3 problems. Either you don't have an account, the server is down, or you have not configured your router/firewall correctly. If you don't have an account, make one. If the server is down, you'll just have to wait (this doesn't happen often, though). If you have a router/firewall read below. Have a look at this website's News page and/or the Messageboard, it is likely that you will get some information there in the eventuality that the server is down.

Also make sure that you don't have any spaces in your username.

===I have a router and I don't seem to be able to get a game===

If you are using a router you may have other problems. Explanations of [http://www.portforward.com/routers.htm how to forward ports] has instructions for every router.

===Where can I download more maps?===
As for most Spring downloads [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?page=listing&ID=90 FileUniverse] is the place to be! A collection of maps can be downloaded [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?page=listing&ID=91 here].

===I used the small installer where can I get the missing maps?===
Unfortunately the maps included in the regular installer (0.51b1) aren't available on File Universe. However, since many of the scripts included in the game rely on map4, this can be downloaded [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/dl/map4.7z here].

===How do I install downloaded maps?===
Most maps are released as .sdz or .sd7 files. These can be put directly into the "maps" folder inside the Spring folder. If they are compressed into another type of archive you will have to unpack them first. Just unzip them into your spring maps folder. Some map files use newer (smaller) file formats such as .rar or .7z, to unzip these newer formats, you'll need to download 7-Zip [http://www.7-zip.org/ http://www.7-zip.org/] or Zip-genius [http://downloads.zipgenius.it/ http://downloads.zipgenius.it/]. They both handle almost all formats and are totally free. There is also now a map browser in the TASClient lobby software, click the more maps button in a battle screen to access it.

===Sometimes when I try to join games it gives me an error.===
The host is behind a firewall that has not opened the correct ports for Spring.

===When I make games nobody joins.===
You are probably behind a firewall. See question above.

===When a multiplayer game starts I never make it past the loading screen.===
This indicates a problem with your video card. Once again the best way to deal with this situation is to make sure your video card has the latest driver updates and that all Spring video features are on the lowest settings.

===When a multiplayer game starts, I make it past the loading screen, but when I get into the game it says, "Waiting for Host", and does a 10 second countdown. It always reaches zero and boots me out, what gives?===
This is a firewall issue. There are three things you can do to fix this. First, make sure your windows firewall is either off, or is not blocking the TA: Spring application. Secondly, if you are behind a router, you can forward the ports that the host is using (especially if you are the host), and it usually fixes the problem. To do this you must go to your router configuration page. You can see what port 'you' are using (as the host), by hosting a multiplayer game in the Spring Lobby. You must make this your trigger port, and make sure that it is open for both TCP and UDP. Thirdly, if none of the aforementioned worked. The easiest thing to do (assuming you are behind a router) is to set the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone). This means your computer will be completely exposed to the internet, which will make you vulnerable to any unknown or unpatched exploits in windows. All you have to do is find the personal IP if the computer you are using and add it to your router's DMZ list. Please only try this last option if you can't get the others to work.
Good Luck

===I got into the game, but some people didn't.===
The host may have reached the number of players it has set.
Or the players may be experiencing firewall or video card difficulty. That is not your fault. Please ask them too leave if they are still there when you get into the 'game lobby'.

===I got into a game but my name is red, nobody can hear me speak, and eventually I get disconnected===
This is to do with how long it takes the game to start up (the "load time"). If it takes too long you will see this problem. The load time can be reduced by changing the game graphics settings to lower quality. In particular try setting texture quality to lowest.

----

==Playing==

===What is with this weird right-click mode? I'm 'bout to break my keyboard.===
Sorry, you'll just have to get used to it. As of now it can't be changed.

===Why is somebody else also controlling my units?===
In the 'game lobby' there are two sets of teams. There are the 'Teams' and the 'Ally Teams'. If you are on the same 'Team', then you both get the same commander, and can control the same units. If you are on 'Ally Teams', then you both get different commanders and can't control each others units.

===Then why would I want to be on the same 'Team' as somebody?===
Because it's fun to just drive around units and not have to worry about commanding. (Assuming that one of the people on the team is commanding.)

===How do I talk to my allies only?===
You must type 'a:' before you speak. Here's an example: a: Now I am talking to my allies only. 
And most important, you can split tasks, as base building, troops managment.

===Help! After I'm finished driving a unit, the camera is all insane! This is nuts! How do I fix it?===
Whoa now. Calm down. Just press ctrl + mouse button 3 to change camera modes. If your unit is destroyed in FPS mode, you will stay in FPS mode until you change camera modes. Also, the camera will stay in "free look" when FPS mode is disengaged, press middle-mouse or J to switch to normal scrolling.

===After I'm finished driving a unit, where what used to be my mouse pointer is now a crosshair. Why?===
-This is a special 'view mode' that allows you to move around the screen much faster. It's good for viewing the battle or getting screenshots. Simply press on your third mouse button to revert back to your mouse pointer.

===But I don't have a third mouse button!===
The key 'J' works in the same way as the 'middle mouse button' does. So where you would use ctrl + middle mouse button to change camera modes, ctrl + j does the same thing. Pressing J once will also switch you from 'crosshair mode' to 'pointer mode' and vice versa.

===When I start a game, I am stuck in this weird camera mode and my perspective is all messed up. How do I switch to the overhead (OTA style) camera?===
This happens when you start a single player game or when the host uses force start. Shift+Backspace (or Shift+J or Shift+MiddleMouseClick) switches between the fps style, total war style and OTA style cameras. Use it to get your camera back to normal in this situation.

===People are cheating! How do I stop it?!===
Well currently, you can't.

Only the host can "activate" the cheat codes. After that, any player can do almost all cheats.

The best thing to do is just not play with the cheaters anymore. But with new spring version cheats are disabled in multiplayer, so that paragraph is hopefully now irrelevant.

===Well how do you cheat?===

<table border="3" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0">

<tr><th>Cheat Command</th><th>Effect</th></tr>

<tr>
<td>'''.cheat'''</td><td>'''enable cheats - Cheats don't work in multiplayer until the host types this'''</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.nocost</td><td>instabuild (doesn't work on things already under construction, only on new ones)</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.setmaxspeed 50</td><td>Changes the maximum speed multiplier (default is 3.0)</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.setminspeed 0</td><td>Changes the minimum speed multiplier (default is 0.3)</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.spectator</td><td>Allows you to see the entire map... but you lose control of your units</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.team 0, .team 1, etc.</td><td>Change player</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.give ARMCOM, .give 10 CORKROG, etc.</td><td>Place 1 or specified number of specified unit. Valid units are the internal names of units as specified in the unit definition.</td>
</tr>

</table>

===In Game Commands===
The following ''non-cheating'' commands are also available in game:

<table border="3" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0">

<tr>
<th>Command</th><th>Effect</th>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.info</td><td>Shows you what colour each player is and their ping delay in the bottom left corner of the screen</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.clock</td><td>Shows you the elapsed game time in minutes and seconds in the bottom left corner of the screen</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.take</td><td>Pulls all allied units, that are owned by players who have lost connection to the server, to your team.</td>
</tr>

</table>

===How do I ally or unally in game?===
I'm pretty sure you can't. Yet.

===How do I give somebody units or metal or energy?===
Press the 'H' key. Then select the amount of metal and/or energy to share. Then select the receiving player and press OK.

When sharing units, you must first select the units to share, then press 'H' key. Tick share units checkbox and choose a receiving player.

===How do I continually give somebody metal and/or energy after a certain point (i.e. Original TA commands +setshare..., +shareall)?===
You'll notice that on your metal and energy bars (top of screen), there are two red bars. You have to put them wherever you want your metal and energy to be shared after.

===This game is different than TA, the units HP and damage are not the same===

There were several third party "balance" mods for the original TA game.

One of those mods were xTA, and was developed by the same clan (SY) that has brought life back to TA, making Spring.

This balance mod is what is bundled by default with the spring engine, and is the mod that was ready to play when spring was released.

Now are several mods available, install the mod of your choice.

[http://www.fileuniverse.com/?p=listing&ID=92 get mods here]

===XTA? OTA? AA? OMFGLAMO? What those all the abbreviations mean?===
zwzsg maintains a handy dandy FAQ about TA, and the abbreviations that relate to Spring too, of course.
[http://www.tauniverse.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27309 click here]. See also the Spring [[Glossary]], which contains brief explanations for all non-standard words and phrases.

===Why am I destroyed so easily by long range assaults?===
This is a realistic feature of Spring. Units will automatically attack 'radar blips' (units that they can not actually see, but that are indicated on radar). However, the accuracy is very bad while shooting at radar blips until:
* Your unit kills a lot of units and gets experience
* You get a targeting facility.

===Can I kick people from my 'game lobby' or my game?===
First of all, you have to be the host to kick. Use the good old ".kick playernamehere" command. Works in-game too, use it wisely.

===When I'm 'driving' my commander, why can't I use my laser?===
The TA: Spring team will most likely add a way for you to use your commander's laser soon.

===I hate driving around with the 'arrow keys'. Is there any way I can use the 'W-A-S-D' controls (the controls most First Person Shooters use) anymore?===
Go into your Spring directory and edit the uikeys file. Keep in mind that 'S' is originally a 'hot-key' that will stop your units and that 'D' is a 'hot-key' for your commander's D-Gun. You might want to change those too.

===I turned the shadows feature on; I still don't see shadows. What gives?===
Your graphics card can't handle shadows, so Spring automatically turns them off.

===I can't go backwards when I am 'driving' a unit. Why not?===
Because TA units were never intended to go backwards. Sorry, but you just cant.

===I'm in an Unreal Tournament kind of mood. How do I strafe?===
You can only strafe in 'brawler type' ships, such as the brawler, rapier, and light gunships.

===How can I record and watch demos/replays?===
From version 0.62 onwards recordings of all the games you play are easily available for replay via the Replays button in the TASclient.

You can use the Speed up/Slow down game keys while watching the replay, along with other in-game commands like .team

From version 0.60b1 onwards, demos are automatically recorded in the "demos" folder, underneath your Spring folder (default is C:\Program Files\TASpring\demos), named for the date and map they were played on. If you play multiple games in the same day on the same map, the games will also be numbered to prevent them from overwriting each other.

From version 0.62 onwards, to view a demo from the Windows file manager you can just double click the file name. For versions 0,60 and 0.61, to view a demo start spring.exe as non server and enter the full demo name as server address ("050803-Ashpen-0.60b1.sdf" for example). Note that you don't need to enter the "demos" folder name. Due to the large font, you will find that the name is too big to fit on the screen. If you're confident typing blind from memory, that's OK. Otherwise go into windows explorer, select the demo file you want, press F2, Ctrl-C, and do Ctrl-V to paste it into the server address.

For versions prior to 0.60b1, the game was always recorded to test.sdf which is overwritten by each new game, so the name had to be changed by hand if you wanted to save it. You had to use a name other than test.sdf to view a demo.

===Sometimes when I play get "not sync" "delayed synch" errors===

Thats caused because of lag. One of the players in the game is having some lag issues. Ask him/her to free up its bandwidth for the game to use.

Alternatively you can use the pause key and wait till the connection gets more stable.

Lag is the seccond number showed when you use the .info command ingame, numbers bigger than 40 are not usual in a normal game and are a signal of lag.

==Creating Content for Spring==
===How do I create maps?===
See the [[Maps]] page for all the map info.

===How do I create units/mods?===
See the [[Unit Development]] or the [[Mod Development]] page on creating units.

==Troubleshooting==

Talk:Main Page/archive1

2005-12-23T19:28:02Z

Fnordia: Updating the skin

Made some big changes by integrating a bit of css and deleteing a lot of stuff. Can't figure out how to make a css class whithin wiki markup, which caused some useless repetition.

== Missing category display ==
I think there is one little thing missing in the current wiki-style: There is no display of the categories the viewed page is in. e.g [[Mods]] should have its category <nowiki>[[Category:Mods]]</nowiki> displayed, no? --[[User:Hoehrer|Hoehrer]]

----

TO do something like that, you have to use a template. This is already working on a few of the mods pages. To put this template in, type <nowiki>{{Category:Mods}}</nowiki>, which would look like this:

{{Category:Mods}}

--[[User:Maelstrom|Maelstrom]]

----

I think you are missing/missunderstanding my point (I'm no native speaker, oh well ;) ).... You can classify a wiki-page in mediawiki into several categories e.g. <nowiki>[[Category:TODO]] [[Category:Mods]] [[Category:Fixme]]</nowiki> In the default-style these categories are listed on the bottom of the page, so you can select them and get an overview of all pages in this category. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Java_programming_language as an example (on the bottom of the page is the "Categories" section) Doing a template with a cool formatting is a nice addition to this, but _seeing what categories are used_ is needed IMHO. On a side note: does <nowiki>{{Category:xxx}}</nowiki> '''doesn't''' classify a page inside the xxx category. --[[User:Hoehrer|Hoehrer]] 14:23, 20 Dec 2005 (W. Europe Standard Time)

----

I see what you mean now. Yes that would be a good thing to have. Ask Fnordia about it, he is the one that takes care of the wiki.

And no, adding a <nowiki>{{Template}}</nowiki> does not add that page into that catrgory, it just adds that page into the current page. --[[User:Maelstrom|Maelstrom]] 05:51, 21 Dec 2005 (W. Europe Standard Time)
----
Ok, i'll contact Fnordia.

Template: I know, I actually wanted to write a declarative statement with that sentense, but messed it up with the leading "does" :) --[[User:Hoehrer|Hoehrer]]

== Updating the skin ==

The skin I based the spring skin from (Cologne blue) doesn't seem to show this information either unfortunately. I guess I will have to create a new one based on Monobook instead for that to work. I'll see what I can do.

Help:Contents

2005-11-01T15:48:47Z

Fnordia: Reverted edit of 86.120.197.66, changed back to last version by Maelstrom

Main Page

2005-11-01T15:46:35Z

Fnordia:

== The Spring WIKI ==

'''''FEED THE WIKI!'''''

''"A wiki is a web application that allows users to add content, as on an Internet forum, but also allows anyone to edit the content."''

Quoted From [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiki Wikipedia.org]

=New to Spring:=

'''[[Getting Started]]''' 
'''[[Using Spring]]''' 
'''[[Lan]]''' 
'''[[Strategy and Tactics]]''' 
'''[[FAQ]]''' 
'''[[Features]]''' 
'''[[Maps]]''' 
'''[[Units]]''' 
'''[[Mods]]''' 

=Development:=
'''[[Source Development]]''' 
'''[[Mod Development]]''' 
'''[[Create units]]''' 
'''[[Create maps]]''' 
'''[[Linux]]''' 
'''[[Mac]]''' 
'''[[AI]]''' 

=Navigation:=
'''[[Special:Allpages|All the pages in this wiki]]''' 
'''[[Special:Categories|List of Categories]]''' 
'''[[Special:Recentchanges|Recent Changes to pages]]''' 

See also, "Browse" links below.

If you find words or phrases which you don't understand, the [[Glossary]] may be of help.

For tips on editing wiki pages, usage and configuration help, see [[Help:Editing]]

Also of use: [http://meta.wikipedia.org/wiki/MediaWiki_i18n documentation on customizing the wiki interface]

This site is put together by the community, which could (read as SHOULD) mean YOU! If you see information missing, or find out new information you think would be helpful, put it in. If you find a spelling mistake or phrase that could be clearer, fix it. If you find yourself doing repeated searches or going back to the [[Special:Allpages|Topic Index]] repeatedly when trying to find out about a particular feature, consider combining articles or linking them to one another.

Any contributions you make to this Wiki are in the public domain.

__NOTOC__

Main Page

2005-11-01T15:46:35Z

Fnordia:

Main Page

2005-10-29T13:31:05Z

Fnordia: Reverted edit of 86.193.125.86, changed back to last version by 80.56.144.185

Main Page

2005-10-29T13:31:05Z

Fnordia: Reverted edit of 86.193.125.86, changed back to last version by 80.56.144.185

Getting Started

2005-10-14T01:43:21Z

Fnordia: Reverted edit of 70.26.159.205, changed back to last version by 67.186.45.54

Spring is a project that was started by the [[SY|Swedish Yankspankers]] that aims to create a fully customizable 3D real time strategy game Engine.

TA Spring is the current project focus, which is supposed to port the original Cavedog game "Total Annihilation" to the still developing Spring engine. It uses formats and gameplay elements from the original game and, at this point, can display most [[Mods]] and [[Units]] designed for the orriginal game to different levels of playability.

The most important thing to note however is, '''YOU CAN ACTUALLY DOWNLOAD AND PLAY A WORKING VERSION OF THIS GAME RIGHT NOW AND PLAY ONLINE WITH OTHER PEOPLE'''.

=Getting To Your First Game=

===STEP 1: Is your computer ready?===
Currently Spring is only compatible with Windows Operating systems, there is a [[Linux|Linux Port]] in the works, join the mailinglist if you like to know how it's progressing. In theory it's compatible with all 9x or later OSes, but since we're still beta, we'll call it "hit and miss".

You will need some kind of 3D hardware acceleration, it needs to have the latest OpenGL drivers (which means, providing the card is recent enough, the latest drivers from your cards manufacturer).

You will need some kind of DirectX installed because the game uses DirectSound for that part of it.

===STEP 2: Download the Current Installer===

[http://taspring.clan-sy.com/download.php Click Here] to go to the downloads page. Download the '''Regular installer''' option. Run it and install it somewhere on your computer. In theory if, at this point, you read the stuff in the "docs" folder, then you will know what to do next.

===STEP 3(Optional): Make Sure the Engine Works on Your Computer===

Browse to the installation folder and double-click "spring.exe". Choose "yes" on the "do you want to be a server" dialog, choose the "Commanders" script with the arrow keys and enter, choose a map with the arrow keys and enter, press enter to force start the game.

Shift-Middle Click to change views, middle click activates free-look, arrows keys, moving your cursor to the edge and the scroll wheel controls your camera. If you've ever played Total Annihilation before in it's default control mode, you will know what to do next. Otherwise visit the Exaustive [[Using_Spring]] Page.

Don't bother going online until you figure out how to make your Commander build buildings and your buildings build units, and manage to find and kill the other Commander on the map and get the "You Win" message.

===STEP 4: Playing Online - TASClient.exe===

Playing is quite simple. Just make sure you are connected to the internet, then double-click on the tasclient icon (it may have been put on your desktop, but it will definitely be in your start menu). Once you are in the client app, you will need to use the options button at the top of the window to set up an account. From there, just click the little button in the upper left section of the screen to connect to the server. Assuming your firewalls aren't excessively paranoid, it will make a noise and you will be put into the main discussion channel. You can then choose a game from the bottom pane, or chat in the top one.

===STEP 5: Hosting Online - TASClient.exe===

In order to host a game, you must open the "Battle Window" by clicking on the "Battle Screen" button. Once there, you will need to click on the "Host battle" button. The bar at the top defines the ammount of players you can have (2-16), next is the game's name, followed by a dropdown box with a list of your currently installed mods, the port the server will host on, and if you wish to lock your server from outsiders- you can also add a password.

You've started your game, people joined, and you started it! Great! But, what if once you're ingame, everyone elses' name is stays red for several mins? That means they were unable to connect to your game. (oh noes) This normally means you have a firewall blocking access to your computer from the outside. Consult http://www.portforward.com/routers.htm if you need to know how to open ports on your router. Choose any game in the list, it doesn't matter, just be sure to use the port 8245, instead of what the game's listing says to use.

Main Page

2005-10-11T23:32:24Z

Fnordia: Reverted edit of 70.26.198.218, changed back to last version by 81.205.94.3

== The Spring WIKI ==

'''''FEED THE WIKI!'''''

''"A wiki is a web application that allows users to add content, as on an Internet forum, but also allows anyone to edit the content."''

Quoted From [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiki Wikipedia.org]

=New to Spring:=

'''[[Getting Started]]''' 
'''[[Using Spring]]''' 
'''[[Lan]]''' 
'''[[Strategy and Tactics]]''' 
'''[[FAQ]]''' 
'''[[Features]]''' 
'''[[Maps]]''' 
'''[[Units]]''' 
'''[[Mods]]''' 

=Development:=
'''[[Development]]''' 
'''[[Mod Development]]''' 
'''[[Create units]]''' 
'''[[Create maps]]''' 
'''[[Linux]]''' 
'''[[AI]]''' 

=Navigation:=
'''[[Special:Allpages|All the pages in this wiki]]''' 
'''[[Special:Categories|List of Categories]]''' 
'''[[Special:Recentchanges|Recent Changes to pages]]''' 

See also, "Browse" links below.

If you find words or phrases which you don't understand, the [[Glossary]] may be of help.

For tips on editing wiki pages, usage and configuration help, see [[Help:Editing]]

Also of use: [http://meta.wikipedia.org/wiki/MediaWiki_i18n documentation on customizing the wiki interface]

This site is put together by the community, which could (read as SHOULD) mean YOU! If you see information missing, or find out new information you think would be helpful, put it in. If you find a spelling mistake or phrase that could be clearer, fix it. If you find yourself doing repeated searches or going back to the [[Special:Allpages|Topic Index]] repeatedly when trying to find out about a particular feature, consider combining articles or linking them to one another.

__NOTOC__

Main Page

2005-10-11T23:32:24Z

Fnordia: Reverted edit of 70.26.198.218, changed back to last version by 81.205.94.3

== The Spring WIKI ==

'''''FEED THE WIKI!'''''

''"A wiki is a web application that allows users to add content, as on an Internet forum, but also allows anyone to edit the content."''

Quoted From [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiki Wikipedia.org]

=New to Spring:=

'''[[Getting Started]]''' 
'''[[Using Spring]]''' 
'''[[Lan]]''' 
'''[[Strategy and Tactics]]''' 
'''[[FAQ]]''' 
'''[[Features]]''' 
'''[[Maps]]''' 
'''[[Units]]''' 
'''[[Mods]]''' 

=Development:=
'''[[Development]]''' 
'''[[Mod Development]]''' 
'''[[Create units]]''' 
'''[[Create maps]]''' 
'''[[Linux]]''' 
'''[[AI]]''' 

=Navigation:=
'''[[Special:Allpages|All the pages in this wiki]]''' 
'''[[Special:Categories|List of Categories]]''' 
'''[[Special:Recentchanges|Recent Changes to pages]]''' 

See also, "Browse" links below.

If you find words or phrases which you don't understand, the [[Glossary]] may be of help.

For tips on editing wiki pages, usage and configuration help, see [[Help:Editing]]

Also of use: [http://meta.wikipedia.org/wiki/MediaWiki_i18n documentation on customizing the wiki interface]

This site is put together by the community, which could (read as SHOULD) mean YOU! If you see information missing, or find out new information you think would be helpful, put it in. If you find a spelling mistake or phrase that could be clearer, fix it. If you find yourself doing repeated searches or going back to the [[Special:Allpages|Topic Index]] repeatedly when trying to find out about a particular feature, consider combining articles or linking them to one another.

__NOTOC__

Main Page

2005-09-10T04:11:37Z

Fnordia: Reverted edit of 24.254.39.252, changed back to last version by Sinbadev

Starting Points:

===[[Getting Started]]===

===[[FAQ]]===
===[[Maps]]===
===[[Strategy and Tactics]]===
===[[Mods]]===
===[[Units]]===
===[[Linux]]===
===[[AI]]===
===[[Development]]===

===[[Special:Allpages|Topic Index]]===

===[[Special:Categories|List of Categories]]===

See also, "Browse" links below.

If you find words or phrases which you don't understand, the [[Glossary]] may be of help.

For tips on editing wiki pages, usage and configuration help, see [[Help:Editing]]

Also of use: [http://meta.wikipedia.org/wiki/MediaWiki_i18n documentation on customizing the wiki interface]

=FEED THE WIKI!!!=
''"A wiki is a web application that allows users to add content, as on an Internet forum, but also allows anyone to edit the content."'' Quoted From [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiki Wikipedia.org]

That means this site is put together by the community, which could (read as SHOULD) mean YOU! If you see information missing, or find out new information you think would be helpful, put it in. If you find a spelling mistake or phrase that could be clearer, fix it. If you find yourself doing repeated searches or going back to the [[Special:Allpages|Topic Index]] repeatedly when trying to find out about a particular feature, consider combining articles or linking them to one another.

__NOTOC__

Main Page

2005-09-10T04:11:37Z

Fnordia: Reverted edit of 24.254.39.252, changed back to last version by Sinbadev

FAQ

2005-08-31T04:15:25Z

Fnordia: Reverted edit of 83.253.6.251, changed back to last version by 82.152.193.160

==General information==

===What is TA Spring?===
TA Spring is a project to create the best RTS ever (no joke). There are three principle goals which we hope to achieve.

. . . . . .A) Reach a stage where TA Spring can flawlessly execute most of Total Annihilation's original gameplay, with its original units in their original format.

. . . . . .B) Add new features as we see fit, fix bugs, and release new versions when we feel it is appropriate to do so.

. . . . . .C) Support the mod community as we see fit.

===When will TA Spring be ready?===
Now! You can get the latest beta from the download page.

===Will TA Spring be free?===
The core game is released under GPL License. However, some parts of the game are still under copyright by their owners. Therefore, today, you need to own the original TA game if you want to play. However the community is working hard in order to offer completely free alternatives.

===Why can I edit this page?===
This page, and several others, are located in the TA Spring [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiki Wiki]. The link gives a full explanation of what it is, but in short it is a way of letting anyone who wants to contribute to the page content. This can of course be abused, but even while it is easy for someone to vandalise the page, it is just as easy for someone to restore it, since the wiki saves all previous versions of a page.

===I want to help, what can I do?===
Please look at the Messageboard. There are lots of things you can do according to your skills. Particularly important is to create viable and pleasing free alternatives to copyrighted material, mainly sounds and units.

===I want to donate.===
People have made clear their desire to donate to the project, and so far, we have been fairly reluctant about accepting donations. Our main concern? While we certainly hope to have something on the level of a commercial release in the near future, there is no guarantee that it will ever happen. Unforseen events arise, and it would be most unfortunate if everyone who donated felt swindled because the project did not turn out as they had hoped.

We do not plan to be more or less productive solely based upon the quantity and frequency of donations received. The TA Spring project is here only because we view this as an enjoyable hobby.

===I read all that and I still want to donate.===
Very well then! You can find the required details [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/donate.php here]. It will be much appreciated. :)

----

==Technical==

===What port numbers does TA Spring use?===
The lobby room uses 4897 TCP to communicate with the server. Then when you create a battleroom you can choose what ports it should use. 8452 is the default. The battleroom itself will use TCP on this port while the game will use UDP on this port. Be sure to do this, else you may not be able to join or host a game if you are behind a firewall or a router.

===What APIs does TA Spring use?===
The Windows version of the program (which one might call the official version, or at this point, simply the working version :) ) uses: OpenGL for rendering, DirectSound for sound, and Winsock for networking.

The Linux port (more info below) will use SDL/OpenGL for rendering, OpenAL for sound (which will connect to DirectSound on Windows and OSS or ALSA on Linux), BSD sockets for networking.

===What language is TA Spring written in?===
C and C++.

===Is TA Spring open source?===
Yes, it is. Go to the downloads section of the site to download the source code.

===Will there be a linux port?===
There is an effort being made by some in the community to create a port. For more information see the separate wiki [https://opensvn.csie.org/traccgi/taspring_linux/trac.cgi/ here] and see the Messageboard, where most discussion is focused in this [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=743&highlight= thread].

----
==Requirements==

===What platforms will TA Spring run on?===
At the moment, it only runs on Windows.
Members of the community are working on porting the game on Linux platform (please refer to the Messageboard).
If someone wants to port it to another platform, please contact us once we have an initial release ready. We will not, however, port it ourselves at any time (in the forseeable future). There is simply no compelling reason for us to do so. Additionally, we would like to focus on getting it working well on just one platform.

===What sort of a system will I need to run TA Spring?===
You will most certainly need a 3D graphics card to run TA Spring, which will probably require at least a GeForce3 (note that a GeForce4 MX is not better than a GeForce3) and the latest driver supported. Minimum CPU requirements are a little more complex. A more powerful CPU will have the capability to support larger maps and a greater maximum unit limit. A 1ghz CPU should be able to support an estimated 500 units. The needed memory will also vary with unit count and mapsize, but 512mb should be enough.

===Spring says I need the GL_ARB_texture_env_combine extension, what can I do?===
If you encounter the error "Needed extension GL_ARB_texture_env_combine not found", this means that your video card driver does not support GL_ARB_texture_env_combine. You can try downloading a new video driver from the manufacturers website ([www.ati.com], [www.nvidia.com], ...) If this doesn't solve the problem then your video hardware is too old to support the extension. Buy a new video card.

EDIT: I am also having this problem with the geoforce 6800 ultra and I have the latest drivers.

----

==Content==

===Do TA Spring maps need a "ground"?===
TA Spring maps do require a ground. We have had many requests to have space maps, however, a "true" (ala Homeworld) space setting is not likely. It would have to wait until a much later stage. This does not mean that TA's style of "space" maps won't be possible, (see the Final Frontier TC for examples of this).

===You stated that TA Spring uses the TA unit format.===
TA Spring does use the Total Annihilation unit format. However, we do plan to make TA Spring compatible with a custom unit format of our own design.

===How powerful will TA Spring's custom format be?===
Total Annihilation's unit format was extremely limited. Most of these limitations will either be expanded or non-existent in TA Spring's custom unit format. One of the most exciting improvements is the introduction of an entirely new method of scripting, with nearly complete control over every aspect of a unit's actions and behaviors.

===Does TA Spring have a limited number of weapons?===
No. Unlike Total Annihilation, TA Spring's weapon IDs will be unlimited. Meaning it will be possible to add as many third-party units as you want.

===Does TA Spring have a limited number of unique units?===
No. Unit IDs, like weapon IDs, will be unlimited.

===Will units have a maximum of 3 unique weapons?===
Total Annihilation had a limitation that permitted a maximum of 3 unique weapons per unit. This limit will exist in TA Spring only if a unit is made in the original Total Annihilation format. To bypass this limit, a unit would have to be created entirely within the limits of our own format.

===I'm curious as to the per-unit polygon limit.===
The engine itself does not have a polygon count limit. The limit is that of the processing power of today's computers. Since TA Spring requires a 3D card, the maximum polygon count per unit will be several times higher than Total Annihilation's. No real numbers yet though. We're gonna leave it up to the mod community to figure that one out.

===Will units be able to perform basic terraforming?===
Total Annihilation units probably won't have any terrain editable functionality. Future units may be endowed with such functionality, but it's more of a gameplay issue and has not been decided upon yet. However construction units can restore ground.

===Will tunnel building be possible?===
Subterranean areas of any sort is impossible. However, it is possible to heavily deform the ground with explosives.

===Will the ground's water retention be editable?===
No. Water will always collect when a piece of land has a height below sea level.

===Does TA Spring have a limit on the number of races?===
TA Spring has no limit on the total number of sides/races.

===What are the sizes of the biggest and smallest units?===
Static units (buildings, defenses, etc.) have no size limitations in the engine. Technically, neither do mobile units, but units with a footprint larger than 4x4 "squares" (an arbitrary size standard created by Cavedog) might have problems pathfinding.

===What is going to be the maximum possible sea depth?===
For all practical purposes, it will be unlimited. The depth values are stored as "float variables", so it is doubtful that maps would ever be made which even come close to approaching the limit.

===Will TA Spring support campaigns?===
No such support is planned at the moment but it is possible using the GroupAI interface.

===How big will the TA Spring files be?===
TA Spring will be as small as however much content is included with it. The "essential" files (engine files mostly) will only be several megabytes large. Content (such as maps and units) will add considerable size to the TA Spring download. However, it is not known at this point just how much "content" will be included with the first release.

===How will TA Spring render sound effects?===
Sound is rendered 3D, meaning that the volume and direction (assuming a multi-speaker setup) vary with the location of the camera from the sound "emitter". What this translates into gameplay terms means that the closer you are to a unit making a sound or motion, the louder the sound will be. Additionally, the sound will be heard differently depending on which way the camera is facing relative to units making sound.

===Will TA Spring have ambient sound?===
There is no ambient sound, and we haven't planned on adding it thus far.

===Will there be an AI or a "skirmish" mode?===
We have created an interface for AI's, and two are currently under development. In the meantime, the spawn script included in the latest version exists as a text file in the TASpring folder, and can be modified by any text editor such as MS Notepad, for your particular play style, or mod.

===Will a "possess" or a FPS option be present?===
Yes, it is possible to fully control a unit from the first person view. It is more of a gimmick, but it still allows for a nice diversion once in a while.

----
==Getting into a game==

===People talk about 'Single Player'. How do I start a single player game?===
Go into your TA Spring folder and find the 'Spring.exe' file. Double click on it and say 'yes' to host.

===When I try to make a single player game, it gives me an error.===
Your graphics card probably can't support Spring. If you read the requirements it did say GeForce 3 or better. Go to the settings file in your TA Spring directory and lower some of the options. Sometimes that works.

===Does TA Spring support AI Players?===
Not yet. Fortunately for you they are currently working on it :) In the mean time you can use the [[random_enemies]] script, which spawns units out of thin air and sends them to attack you.

===When I try to connect to the lobby it gives me an error.===
There could be 3 problems. Either you don't have an account, the server is down, or you have not configured your router/firewall correctly. If you don't have an account, make one. If the server is down, you'll just have to wait (this doesn't happen often, though). If you have a router/firewall read below. Have a look at this website's News page and/or the Messageboard, it is likely that you will get some information there in the eventuality that the server is down.

===I have a router and I don't seem to be able to get a game===

If you are using a router you may have other problems. Explanations of [http://www.portforward.com/routers.htm how to forward ports] has instructions for every router.

===Where can I download more maps?===
As for most Spring downloads [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?page=listing&ID=90 FileUniverse] is the place to be! A collection of maps can be downloaded [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?page=listing&ID=91 here].

===I used the small installer where can I get the missing maps?===
Unfortunately the maps included in the regular installer (0.51b1) aren't available on File Universe. However, since many of the scripts included in the game rely on map4, this can be downloaded [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/dl/map4.7z here].

===How do I install downloaded maps?===
Most maps are released as .sdz or .sd7 files. These can be put directly into the "maps" folder inside the Spring folder. If they are compressed into another type of archive you will have to unpack them first. Just unzip them into your spring maps folder. Some map files use newer (smaller) file formats such as .rar or .7z, to unzip these newer formats, you'll need to download 7-Zip [http://www.7-zip.org/ http://www.7-zip.org/] or Zip-genius [http://downloads.zipgenius.it/ http://downloads.zipgenius.it/]. They both handle almost all formats and are totaly free.

===Sometimes when I try to join games it gives me an error.===
The host is behind a firewall that has not opened the correct ports for Spring.

Dixit SJ: "The lobby room uses 4897 tcp to communicate with the server. Then when you create a battleroom you can choose what ports it should use. 8452 is the default. The battleroom itself will use tcp on this port while the game will use udp on this port."

===When I make games nobody joins.===
You are probably behind a firewall. See question above.

===When a multiplayer game starts I never make it past the loading screen.===
This indicates a problem with your video card. Once again the best way to deal with this situation is to make sure your video card has the latest driver updates and that all Spring video features are on the lowest settings.

===When a multiplayer game starts, I make it past the loading screen, but when I get into the game it says, "Waiting for Host", and does a 10 second countdown. It always reaches zero and boots me out, what gives?===
This is a firewall issue. There are three things you can do to fix this. First, make sure your windows firewall is either off, or is not blocking the TA: Spring application. Secondly, if you are behind a router, you can forward the ports that the host is using (especially if you are the host), and it usually fixes the problem. To do this you must go to your router configuration page. You can see what port 'you' are using (as the host), by hosting a multiplayer game in the Spring Lobby. You must make this your trigger port, and make sure that it is open for both TCP and UDP. Thirdly, if none of the aforementioned worked. The easiest thing to do (assuming you are behind a router) is to set the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone). This means your computer will be completely exposed to the internet, which will make you vulnerable to any unknown or unpatched exploits in windows. All you have to do is find the personal IP if the computer you are using and add it to your router's DMZ list. Please only try this last option if you can't get the others to work.
Good Luck

===I got into the game, but some people didn't.===
The host may have reached the number of players it has set.
Or the players may be experiencing firewall or video card difficulty. That is not your fault. Please ask them too leave if they are still there when you get into the 'game lobby'.

===I got into a game but my name is red, nobody can hear me speak, and eventually I get disconnected===
This is to do with how long it takes the game to start up (the "load time"). If it takes too long you will see this problem. The load time can be reduced by changing the game graphics settings to lower quality. In particular try setting texture quality to lowest.

----

==Playing==

===What is with this weird right-click mode? I'm bout to break my keyboard.===
Sorry, you'll just have to get used to it. As of now it can't be changed.

===Why is somebody else also controlling my units?===
In the 'game lobby' there are two sets of teams. There are the 'Teams' and the 'Ally Teams'. If you are on the same 'Team', then you both get the same commander, and can control the same units. If you are on 'Ally Teams', then you both get different commanders and can't control each others units.

===Then why would I want to be on the same 'Team' as somebody?===
Because it's fun to just drive around units and not have to worry about commanding. (Assuming that one of the people on the team is commanding.)

===How do I talk to my allies only?===
You must type 'a:' before you speak. Here's an example: a: Now I am talking to my allies only.

===Help! After I'm finished driving a unit, the camera is all insane! This is nuts! How do I fix it?===
Whoa now. Calm down. Just press ctrl + mouse button 3 to change camera modes.

===After I'm finished driving a unit, where what used to be my mouse pointer is now a crosshair. Why?===
-This is a special 'view mode' that allows you to move around the screen much faster. It's good for viewing the battle or getting screenshots. Simply press on your third mouse button to revert back to your mouse pointer.

===But I don't have a third mouse button!===
The key 'J' works in the same way as the 'middle mouse button' does. So where you would use ctrl + middle mouse button to change camera modes, ctrl + j does the same thing. Pressing J once will also switch you from 'crosshair mode' to 'pointer mode' and vice versa.

===When I start a game, I am stuck in this weird camera mode and my perspective is all messed up. How do I switch to the overhead(ota style) camera?===
This happens when you start a single player game or when the host uses force start. Shift+Backspace switches between the fps style, total war style and ota style cameras. Use it to get your camera back to normal in this situation.

===Sometimes my units just get deleted. Why?===
For some reason units get deleted when they go into the wrong places. Like out of the map edge.

This is already fixed in recent versions.

===People are cheating! How do I stop it?!===
Well currently, you can't.

Only the host can "activate" the cheat codes. After that, any player can do almost all cheats.

The best thing to do is just not play with the cheaters anymore. But with new spring version cheats are disabled in multiplayer, so that paragraph is hopefully now irrelevant.

===Well how do you cheat?===

<table border="3" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0">

<tr><th>Cheat Command</th><th>Effect</th></tr>

<tr>
<td>'''.cheat'''</td><td>'''enable cheats - Cheats don't work in multiplayer until the host types this'''</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.nocost</td><td>instabuild (doesn't work on things already under construction, only on new ones)</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.setmaxspeed 50</td><td>Changes the maximum speed multiplier (default is 3.0)</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.setminspeed 0</td><td>Changes the minimum speed multiplier (default is 0.3)</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.spectator</td><td>Allows you to see the entire map... but you lose control of your units</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.team 0, .team 1, etc.</td><td>Change player</td>
</tr>

</table>

===In Game Commands===
The following ''non-cheating'' commands are also available in game:

<table border="3" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0">

<tr>
<th>Command</th><th>Effect</th>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.info</td><td>Shows you what colour each player is and their ping delay in the bottom left corner of the screen</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.clock</td><td>Shows you the elapsed game time in minutes and seconds in the bottom left corner of the screen</td>
</tr>

</table>

===How do I ally or unally in game?===
I'm pretty sure you can't. Yet.

===How do I give somebody units or metal or energy?===
Press the 'H' key.
Then select the amount of metal and/or energy to share.

Then select the recieving player an press ok.

When sharing units, you must first select the units to share, then press 'H' key.

Tick share units checkbox and choose recieving player.

===How do I continually give somebody metal and/or energy after a certain point (i.e. Original TA commands +setshare..., +shareall)?===
You'll notice that on your metal and energy bars (top of screen), there are two red bars. You have to put them wherever you want your metal and energy to be shared after.

===Man I am soooo sick of XTA. How do I play AA or OTA instead?===
Well. Somebody has made a patch to turn TA Spring into OTA: [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?page=showitem&ID=679 click here]. But really, why would you want to go back to OTA? There are also patches available for various mods other than XTA (which is installed as default): [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?page=listing&ID=92 click here]. A switcher is available which makes it easier to switch between the different mods: [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?page=showitem&ID=805 click here]

===XTA? OTA? AA? OMFGLAMO? What those all the abbreviations mean?===
zwzsg maintains a handy dandy Faq about TA, and the abbreviations that relate to Spring too, of course.
[http://www.tauniverse.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27309 click here]. See also the Spring [[Glossary]], which contains brief explanations for all non-standard words and phrases.

===Why am I destroyed so easily by long range assaults?===
This is a realistic feature of TA Spring. Units will automatically attack 'radar blips' (units that they can not actually see, but that are indicated on radar). However, the accuracy is very bad while shooting at radar blips until:
* Your unit kills a lot of units and gets experience
* You get a targetting facility.

===Can I kick people from my 'game lobby' or my game?===
First of all, you have to be the host to kick. In theory, you would right click on someone's name in the 'game lobby' and that would give you the option to kick them. This feature is not currently supported, however, but it will be fixed soon.

===When I'm 'driving' my commander, why can't I use my laser?===
The TA: Spring team will most likely add a way for you to use your commander's laser soon.

===I hate driving around with the 'arrow keys'. Is there any way I can use the 'W-A-S-D' controls (the controls most First Person Shooters use) anymore?===
Go into your Spring directory and edit the uikeys file. Keep in mind that 'S' is originally a 'hot-key' that will stop your units and that 'D' is a 'hot-key' for your commander's D-Gun. You might want to change those too.

===I turned the shadows feature on; I still don't see shadows. What gives?===
Your graphics card can't handle shadows, so Spring automatically turns them off.

===I can't go backwards when I am 'driving' a unit. Why not?===
Because TA units were never intended to go backwards. Sorry.

===I'm in an Unreal Tournament kind of mood. How do I strafe?===
You can only strafe in 'brawler type' ships, such as the brawler, rapier, and light gunships.

===How can I record and watch demos/replays?===
From version 0.62 onwards recordings of all the games you play are easily available for replay via the Replays button in the TASclient.

You can use the Speed up/Slow down game keys while watching the replay, along with other in-game commands like .team

From version 0.60b1 onwards, demos are automatically recorded in the "demos" folder, underneath your Spring folder (default is C:\Program Files\TASpring\demos), named for the date and map they were played on. If you play multiple games in the same day on the same map, the games will also be numbered to prevent them from overwriting each other.

From version 0.62 onwards, to view a demo from the Windows file manager you can just double click the file name. For versions 0,60 and 0.61, to view a demo start spring.exe as non server and enter the full demo name as server address ("050803-Ashpen-0.60b1.sdf" for example). Note that you don't need to enter the "demos" folder name. Due to the large font, you will find that the name is too big to fit on the screen. If you're confident typing blind from memory, that's OK. Otherwise go into windows explorer, select the demo file you want, press F2, Ctrl-C, and do Ctrl-V to paste it into the server address.

For versions prior to 0.60b1, the game was always recorded to test.sdf which is overwritten by each new game, so the name had to be changed by hand if you wanted to save it. You had to use a name other than test.sdf to view a demo.

===Sometimes when I play with certain people I get HUGE sync errors that continue throughout the game.===
It used to be because they have a different mod installed than you. If, for example, you had not installed a mod, and somebody was in the game with you that had the OTA mod installed, it would cause the 'sync' error. However, now those errors should show up as disabled units in the battleroom.

Check the list at the right hand in the game battleroom for disabled units.

If there are tons of them (not just 1, as this is known bug [naval flakker bug]), some players has a different mod installed.

===My aircraft repairing platforms don't work!===
This feature is not implemented yet. I'm afraid you'll have to wait. Note however that in Spring all units (including aircraft) automatically start to repair themselves if they are kept out of combat for long enough.

----

==Creating Content for Spring==
===How do I create maps===
See this page: [[Create maps]]
===How do I create units===
Go here: [[Create units]]

Community news

2005-08-25T19:07:18Z

Fnordia: Removed this one since there's a normal newspost about it now

Features

2005-08-18T22:30:59Z

Fnordia: Hm.. Is that really a feature I wonder..

Spring is a project aiming to create a new RTS.
Until it gets there we are using content such as units from Total Annihilation to get something to play with.
You officialy need to own a copy of the game.

TA Spring reads the TA formats directly without conversions needed, so 3rd party units should work just as well as the original ones. Maps from TA are not supported though. They are not (that) suited for 3D view, as they are not drawn from above but at an angle. This means that the far side of hills for example lose a lot of detail.

Here is an (incomplete) list of some of the currently implemented stuff in TA Spring, and also some of the ones that we have planned.

Current features:
* High resolution maps, viewable from all angles and ranges
* Dynamic map with craters from weapon and unit explosions
* Work with unit files from Total annihilation
* Realistic 3D trajectories for weapons
* Fully 3D aircombat
* Several camera modes to suit different tastes

Currently in development:
* [[Mod switcher]]
* New GUI
* [https://opensvn.csie.org/traccgi/taspring_linux/trac.cgi/wiki/PortOfSpringClient New Platform-Independent Lobby Client]
* [https://opensvn.csie.org/traccgi/taspring_linux/trac.cgi/ TA Spring Linux Port]

Planned features:
* New map format
* New unit format
* New ways to handle unit energy for more strategic gameplay
* New improved unit model and script formats

Readme

2005-08-13T14:21:57Z

Fnordia:

__NOTOC__
For up-to-date information about this project, visit the project home page at http://taspring.clan-sy.com.

==About==
TA Spring is a project aiming to create a new RTS.

==System requirements==
About 1ghz cpu and a GeForce3 or better graphics card. For larger battles the requirements increases. Some graphics effects require a graphics card which supports ARB_vertex_program/ARB_fragment_program. This is the same as having a graphics card that supports DX8/DX9.

==Quick start==
===Multiplayer===
Run the TA Spring battleroom and create an account

Login to the master server and find a game to join

===Singleplayer===
Spring does not include any AI for singleplayer yet. If you start the spring.exe application directly, you will get to choose between a few different scripts that show off some different parts of Spring.

==Multiplayer lobby==
===Name registration===
Before you can log into the master server, you must register a handle. Click File->Register to open up the registration dialog. Names must be no more than 16 alphanumeric characters, and is not case sensitive. However, you may format your name with capitalization.

===Options===
If you are behind a proxy server, or you are having trouble hosting, you might want to consider overriding the IP the server sees you as having so that people joining your battle room know where to find you

===Chat===
The lobby supports basic chat functions. There is a permanent chatroom called Main, which you can join by double clicking it from the list, as well as any others that may have been created. You can create a chatroom from the menu, but this room is deleted when it becomes empty.

===Battle room===
You can host a battle by selecting it from the menu. To choose a map, simply click the minimap and pick one from the popup window. Once in the battle room, the host may boot anyone by right clicking and selecting boot. The alliance system is a little complicated and needs a little explaining... Any number of players can join a Team, which is the equivalent of one player in OTA. Everyone on a Team shares resources, units, and LOS. The first player to join a team is the team leader, and can pick an Ally Team to join. An Ally Team is a permanent alliance. You'll notice a strange shape with two triangles to the right of the Ally Team combo box. This functions the same way as it did in OTA. If you click it, you create a one-way alliance with another ally team moving the triangle on the left to the middle. If the other Ally Team reciprocates, the triangle on the right will move to the middle. The host can then start Spring once all non-spectators have clicked ready.

===Features to come===
* Clan support
* Map sharing
* Unit sharing
* Private messaging
* Private chatrooms
* New, slicker looking battle room

==Game controls==
===Camera controls===
Move the camera with the arrow keys or by placing the mouse curser at the screen borders. Holding shift makes the camera move faster, and holding ctrl makes it slower. Turn on mouselook with mouse button 3 (or backspace). Use ctrl+mouse3 to toggle between the camera modes available.

===Key assignments===
You can configure the assignment of keys by editing the file uikeys.txt, and by running the Selectionkeys editor. These are the default key bindings:

{|
|Camera controls || Function
|-
| colspan="2" | <hr>
|-
| valign="top" | Mouse 1|| Selects units. Drag to select a group, double click to select units of the same type. Gives order if a specific order has been selected.
|-
|Mouse 2 || Gives the default order for the unit
|-
|Mouse 3 || Toggles mouse look
|-
| Ctrl + Mouse 3|| Toggles camera mode
|-
|Arrow keys || Moves the camera
|-
|Ctrl/shift|| Increases/decreases camera movement speed
|-
|Mousewheel|| Moves the camera up/down
|-
|T || Track a selected unit
|-
|C|| Take direct control of a selected unit
|-
|F3|| Jump to last message location
|-
|  
|-
| General || Function
|-
| colspan="2" | <hr>
|-
| F1 || Toggles color coding of the map according to terrain elevation
|-
| F4 || Toggles color coding of the map according to the metal density
|-
| F12 || Screenshot
|-
| +/- || Increases/decreases game speed
|-
| Pause || Pauses the game
|-
| Enter || Used to send chat messages
|-
| B || Toggles the display of debug information
|-
| Ã‚Â§/` || Draw stuff in map that you and allies can see (mouse1=lines, mouse2=erase, mouse3=marker, doubleclick=named marker)
|-
| H || Share Interface
|-
| L|| Show los and radar info in map
|-
|  
|-
| Unit groups || Function
|-
| colspan="2" | <hr>
|-
| 0-9 || Select AI group 0-9
|-
| Ctrl + 0-9 || Add current units to AI group 0-9
|-
| Q || Selects an unnamed group from which at least one unit is selected
|-
| Ctrl + Q || Creates an unnamed AI group or selects an AI for an existing one
|-
| Shift + Q || Deletes the current AI group
|-
|  
|-
| Building buildings || Function
|-
| colspan="2" | <hr>
|-
| Shift+Drag mouse || Create a line of buildings
|-
| Shift+Ctrl+Drag || Create an axis aligned line of buildings
|-
| Shift+Ctrl+Click unit || Build a ring of buildings around existing unit
|-
| Shift+Alt+Drag || Build a box of buildings
|-
| Shift+Alt+Ctrl+Drag || Build a hollow box of buildings
|-
|  
|-
| Unit commands || Function
|-
| colspan="2" | <hr>
|-
| M || Move (Ctrl=keep relative distances among selected)
|-
| P || Patrol
|-
| A || Attack
|-
| S || Stop
|-
| X || Toggle on/off
|-
| Ctrl-D || Self destruct
|-
| G || Guard
|-
| K || Cloak
|-
| D || DGun
|-
| E|| Reclaim (Can take an area)
|-
| R || Repair (Can take an area)
|-
| L || Load (Can take an area)
|-
| U || Unload (Can take an area)
|}

==Tips==
The repeat order option can be very usefull. For example if you want to make a factory output an unlimited amount of units or if you want transport units to ferry units from one area to another indefinitly.

Ballistic weapons(maybe also other later on) can now be set to fire in a high trajectory which can be usefull to shot over mountains etc but they will lose some accuracy. (we are not entirely sure if we will keep this option or not)

==External code/programs used by Spring==
{|
| Nehe tutorial
| nehe.gamedev.net
| Window creation and main message pump. Spring is really only an overgrown lesson 02. (Lesson 200 "Your first RTS" perhaps ?)
|-
| GLEW
| glew.sourceforge.net
| OpenGL extension loading
|-
|HPIUtil
| www.tauniverse.com/joed/
| Opening HPI files
|-
|JPEGLib
| www.ijg.org
| Loading JPEG files
|-
|TCLAP
| tclap.sourceforge.net
| Command line parsing in mapconv
|-
|FreeType
| www.freetype.org
| Font handling in the new GUI
|-
|CrashRpt
| www3.sympatico.ca/grant.mcdorman/
| Generating and sending crashdumps
|-
|Rice Video
| www.emutalk.net/showthread.php?t=26229
| Creating higher resolution unit textures from the standard TA ones
|}
==Legal==
This program is released under the GNU General Public License.

The download may also have included content from the game Total Annihilation which is Copyright Ã‚Â© 1997 Humongous Entertainment. To use this, you would have to own a copy of the game Total Annihilation. However, since it (the TA mod XTA) has been available for download from www.clan-sy.com for many years, and since TA itself can be freely downloaded from abandonware sites, we have decided to include this content in some of the TA Spring packages as a convenience. It is possible that this will change in the future though.

FAQ

2005-08-10T08:13:17Z

Fnordia: Reverted edit of 67.185.21.57, changed back to last version by Fnordia

==General information==

===What is TA Spring?===
TA Spring is a project to create the best RTS ever (no joke). There are three principle goals which we hope to achieve.

. . . . . .A) Reach a stage where TA Spring can flawlessly execute most of Total Annihilation's original gameplay, with its original units in their original format.

. . . . . .B) Add new features as we see fit, fix bugs, and release new versions when we feel it is appropriate to do so.

. . . . . .C) Support the mod community as we see fit.

===When will TA Spring be ready?===
Now! You can get the latest beta from the download page.

===Will TA Spring be free?===
The core game is released under GPL License. However, some parts of the game are still under copyright by their owners. Therefore, today, you need to own the original TA game if you want to play. However the community is working hard in order to offer completely free alternatives.

===Why can I edit this page?===
This page, and several others, are located in the TA Spring [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiki Wiki]. The link gives a full explanation of what it is, but in short it is a way of letting anyone who wants contribute to the page content. This can of course be abused, but even while it is easy for someone to vandalise the page, it is just as easy for someone to restore it, since the wiki saves all previous versions of a page.

===I want to help, what can I do?===
Please look at the Messageboard. There are lots of things you can do according to your skills. Particularly important is to create viable and pleasing free alternatives to copyrighted material, mainly sounds and units.

===I want to donate.===
People have made clear their desire to donate to the project, and so far, we have been fairly reluctant about accepting donations. Our main concern? While we certainly hope to have something on the level of a commercial release in the near future, there is no guarantee that it will ever happen. Unforseen events arise, and it would be most unfortunate if everyone who donated felt swindled because the project did not turn out as they had hoped.

We do not plan to be more or less productive solely based upon the quantity and frequency of donations received. The TA Spring project is here only because we view this as an enjoyable hobby.

===I read all that and I still want to donate.===
Very well then! You can find the required details [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/donate.php here]. It will be much appreciated. :)

----

==Technical==

===What port numbers does TA Spring use?===
The lobby room uses 4897 TCP to communicate with the server. Then when you create a battleroom you can choose what ports it should use. 8452 is the default. The battleroom itself will use TCP on this port while the game will use UDP on this port.

===What APIs does TA Spring use?===
The Windows version of the program (which one might call the official version, or at this point, simply the working version :) ) uses: OpenGL for rendering, DirectSound for sound, and Winsock for networking.

The Linux port (more info below) will use SDL/OpenGL for rendering, OpenAL for sound (which will connect to DirectSound on Windows and OSS or ALSA on Linux), BSD sockets for networking.

===What language is TA Spring written in?===
C and C++.

===Is TA Spring open source?===
Yes, it is. Go to the downloads section of the site to download the source code.

===Will there be a linux port?===
There is an effort being made by some in the community to create a port. For more information see the separate wiki [https://opensvn.csie.org/traccgi/taspring_linux/trac.cgi/ here] and see the Messageboard, where most discussion is focused in this [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=743&highlight= thread].

----
==Requirements==

===What platforms will TA Spring run on?===
At the moment, it only runs on Windows.
Members of the community are working on porting the game on Linux platform (please refer to the Messageboard).
If someone wants to port it to another platform, please contact us once we have an initial release ready. We will not, however, port it ourselves at any time (in the forseeable future). There is simply no compelling reason for us to do so. Additionally, we would like to focus on getting it working well on just one platform.

===What sort of a system will I need to run TA Spring?===
You will most certainly need a 3D graphics card to run TA Spring, which will probably require at least a GeForce3 (note that a GeForce4 MX is not better than a GeForce3) and the latest driver supported. Minimum CPU requirements are a little more complex. A more powerful CPU will have the capability to support larger maps and a greater maximum unit limit. A 1ghz CPU should be able to support an estimated 500 units. The needed memory will also vary with unit count and mapsize, but 512mb should be enough.

===Spring says I need the GL_ARB_texture_env_combine extension, what can I do?===
If you encounter the error "Needed extension GL_ARB_texture_env_combine not found", this means that your video card driver does not support GL_ARB_texture_env_combine. You can try downloading a new video driver from the manufacturers website ([www.ati.com], [www.nvidia.com], ...) If this doesn't solve the problem then your video hardware is too old to support the extension. Buy a new video card.

EDIT: I am also having this problem with the geoforce 6800 ultra and I have the latest drivers.

----

==Content==

===Do TA Spring maps need a "ground"?===
TA Spring maps do require a ground. We have had many requests to have space maps, however, a "true" (ala Homeworld) space setting is not likely. It would have to wait until a much later stage. This does not mean that TA's style of "space" maps won't be possible, (see the Final Frontier TC for examples of this).

===You stated that TA Spring uses the TA unit format.===
TA Spring does use the Total Annihilation unit format. However, we do plan to make TA Spring compatible with a custom unit format of our own design.

===How powerful will TA Spring's custom format be?===
Total Annihilation's unit format was extremely limited. Most of these limitations will either be expanded or non-existent in TA Spring's custom unit format. One of the most exciting improvements is the introduction of an entirely new method of scripting, with nearly complete control over every aspect of a unit's actions and behaviors.

===Does TA Spring have a limited number of weapons?===
No. Unlike Total Annihilation, TA Spring's weapon IDs will be unlimited.

===Does TA Spring have a limited number of unique units?===
No. Unit IDs, like weapon IDs, will be unlimited.

===Will units have a maximum of 3 unique weapons?===
Total Annihilation had a limitation that permitted a maximum of 3 unique weapons per unit. This limit will exist in TA Spring only if a unit is made in the original Total Annihilation format. To bypass this limit, a unit would have to be created entirely within the limits of our own format.

===I'm curious as to the per-unit polygon limit.===
The engine itself does not have a polygon count limit. The limit is that of the processing power of today's computers. Since TA Spring requires a 3D card, the maximum polygon count per unit will be several times higher than Total Annihilation's. No real numbers yet though. We're gonna leave it up to the mod community to figure that one out.

===Will units be able to perform basic terraforming?===
Total Annihilation units probably won't have any terrain editable functionality. Future units may be endowed with such functionality, but it's more of a gameplay issue and has not been decided upon yet. However construction units can restore ground.

===Will tunnel building be possible?===
Subterranean areas of any sort is impossible. However, it is possible to heavily deform the ground with explosives.

===Will the ground's water retention be editable?===
No. Water will always collect when a piece of land has a height below sea level.

===Does TA Spring have a limit on the number of races?===
TA Spring has no limit on the total number of sides/races.

===What are the sizes of the biggest and smallest units?===
Static units (buildings, defenses, etc.) have no size limitations in the engine. Technically, neither do mobile units, but units with a footprint larger than 4x4 "squares" (an arbitrary size standard created by Cavedog) might have problems pathfinding.

===What is going to be the maximum possible sea depth?===
For all practical purposes, it will be unlimited. The depth values are stored as "float variables", so it is doubtful that maps would ever be made which even come close to approaching the limit.

===Will TA Spring support campaigns?===
No such support is planned at the moment but it is possible using the GroupAI interface.

===How big will the TA Spring files be?===
TA Spring will be as big as however much content is included with it. The "essential" files (engine files mostly) will only be several megabytes large. Content (such as maps and units) will add considerable size to the TA Spring download. However, it is not known at this point just how much "content" will be included with the first release.

===How will TA Spring render sound effects?===
Sound is rendered 3D, meaning that the volume and direction (assuming a multi-speaker setup) vary with the location of the camera from the sound "emitter". What this translates into gameplay terms means that the closer you are to a unit making a sound or motion, the louder the sound will be. Additionally, the sound will be heard differently depending on which way the camera is facing relative to units making sound.

===Will TA Spring have ambient sound?===
There is no ambient sound, and we haven't planned on adding it thus far.

===Will there be an AI or a "skirmish" mode?===
We have created an interface for AI's, and two are currently approaching development. In the meantime, the spawn script included in the latest version exists as a text file in the TASpring folder, and can be modified by any text editor such as MS Notepad, for your particular play style, or mod.

===Will a "possess" or a FPS option be present?===
Yes, it is possible to fully control a unit from the first person view. It is more of a gimmick, but it still allows for a nice diversion once in a while.

----
==Getting into a game==

===People talk about 'Single Player'. How do I start a single player game?===
Go into your TA Spring folder and find the 'Spring.exe' file. Double click on it and say 'yes' to host.

===When I try to make a single player game, it gives me an error.===
Your graphics card probably can't support Spring. If you read the requirements it did say GeForce 3 or better. Go to the settings file in your TA Spring directory and lower some of the options. Sometimes that works.

===Does TA Spring support AI Players?===
Not yet. Fortunately for you they are currently working on it :) In the mean time you can use the [[random_enemies]] script, which spawns units out of thin air and sends them to attack you.

===When I try to connect to the lobby it gives me an error.===
There could be 2 problems. Either you don't have an account, or the server is down. If you don't have an account, make one. If the server is down, you'll just have to wait (this doesn't happen often, though).
Have a look at this website's News page and/or the Messageboard, it is likely that you will get some information there in the eventuality that the server is down.

===I have a router and I don't seem to be able to get a game===

If you are using a router you may have other problems. Explanations of [http://www.portforward.com/routers.htm how to forward ports] has instructions for every router.

===Sometimes when I join games the minimap is blank===
This is because you don't have the map they're using. At present (0.51b1) the regular installer comes with the following maps: Small Divide, map4, mars and Flooded Desert. The small installer only comes with Small Divide. If you want to play games with other maps you need to download them.

===Where can I download more maps?===
As for most Spring downloads [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?page=listing&ID=90 FileUniverse] is the place to be! A collection of maps can be downloaded [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?page=listing&ID=91 here].

===I used the small installer where can I get the missing maps?===
Unfortunately the maps included in the regular installer (0.51b1) aren't available on File Universe. However, since many of the scripts included in the game rely on map4, this can be downloaded [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/dl/map4.7z here].

===How do I install downloaded maps?===
Just unzip them into your spring maps folder. Some map files use newer (smaller) file formats such as .rar or .7z, to unzip these newer formats, you'll need to download 7-Zip [http://www.7-zip.org/ http://www.7-zip.org/] or Zip-genius [http://downloads.zipgenius.it/ http://downloads.zipgenius.it/]. They both handle almost all formats and are totaly free.

===Sometimes when I try to join games it gives me an error.===
The host is behind a firewall that has not opened the correct ports for Spring.

Dixit SJ: "The lobby room uses 4897 tcp to communicate with the server. Then when you create a battleroom you can choose what ports it should use. 8452 is the default. The battleroom itself will use tcp on this port while the game will use udp on this port."

===When I make games nobody joins.===
You are probably behind a firewall. See question above.

===When a multiplayer game starts I never make it past the loading screen.===
This indicates a problem with your video card. Once again the best way to deal with this situation is to make sure your video card has the latest driver updates and that all Spring video features are on the lowest settings.

===When a multiplayer game starts, I make it past the loading screen, but when I get into the game it says, "Waiting for Host", and does a 10 second countdown. It always reaches zero and boots me out, what gives?===
This is a firewall issue. There are three things you can do to fix this. First, make sure your windows firewall is either off, or is not blocking the TA: Spring application. Secondly, if you are behind a router, you can forward the ports that the host is using (especially if you are the host), and it usually fixes the problem. To do this you must go to your router configuration page. You can see what port 'you' are using (as the host), by hosting a multiplayer game in the Spring Lobby. You must make this your trigger port, and make sure that it is open for both TCP and UDP. Thirdly, if none of the aforementioned worked. The easiest thing to do (assuming you are behind a router) is to set the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone). This means your computer will be completely exposed to the internet, which will make you vulnerable to any unknown or unpatched exploits in windows. All you have to do is find the personal IP if the computer you are using and add it to your router's DMZ list. Please only try this last option if you can't get the others to work.
Good Luck

===Sometimes when I chat in the 'game lobby', people can't hear me.===
I would recommend closing and restarting the whole Spring application after each successful game. Weird things tend too happen. (By successful I mean all the players loaded and the game started.)

===I got into the game, but some people didn't.===
The host may have reached the number of players it has set.
Or the players may be experiencing firewall or video card difficulty. That is not your fault. Please ask them too leave if they are still there when you get into the 'game lobby'.

===I got into a game but my name is red, nobody can hear me speak, and eventually I get disconnected===
This is to do with how long it takes the game to start up (the "load time"). If it takes too long you will see this problem. The load time can be reduced by changing the game graphics settings to lower quality. In particular try setting texture quality to lowest.

----

==Playing==

===What is with this weird right-click mode? I'm bout to break my keyboard.===
Sorry, you'll just have to get used to it. As of now it can't be changed.

===Why is somebody else also controlling my units?===
In the 'game lobby' there are two sets of teams. There are the 'Teams' and the 'Ally Teams'. If you are on the same 'Team', then you both get the same commander, and can control the same units. If you are on 'Ally Teams', then you both get different commanders and can't control each others units.

===Then why would I want to be on the same 'Team' as somebody?===
Because it's fun to just drive around units and not have to worry about commanding. (Assuming that one of the people on the team is commanding.)

===How do I talk to my allies only?===
You must type 'a:' before you speak. Here's an example: a: Now I am talking to my allies only.

===Help! After I'm finished driving a unit, the camera is all insane! This is nuts! How do I fix it?===
Whoa now. Calm down. Just press ctrl + mouse button 3 to change camera modes.

===After I'm finished driving a unit, where what used to be my mouse pointer is now a crosshair. Why?===
-This is a special 'view mode' that allows you to move around the screen much faster. It's good for viewing the battle or getting screenshots. Simply press on your third mouse button to revert back to your mouse pointer.

===But I don't have a third mouse button!===
The key 'J' works in the same way as the 'middle mouse button' does. So where you would use ctrl + middle mouse button to change camera modes, ctrl + j does the same thing. Pressing J once will also switch you from 'crosshair mode' to 'pointer mode' and vice versa.

===When I start a game, I am stuck in this weird camera mode and my perspective is all messed up. How do I switch to the overhead(ota style) camera?===
This happens when you start a single player game or when the host uses force start. Shift+Backspace switches between the fps style, total war style and ota style cameras. Use it to get your camera back to normal in this situation.

===Sometimes my units just get deleted. Why?===
For some reason units get deleted when they go into the wrong places. Like out of the map edge.

This is already fixed in recent versions.

===People are cheating! How do I stop it?!===
Well currently, you can't.

Only the host can "activate" the cheat codes. After that, any player can do almost all cheats.

The best thing to do is just not play with the cheaters anymore. But with new spring version cheats are disabled in multiplayer, so that paragraph is hopefully now irrelevant.

===Well how do you cheat?===

<table border="3" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0">

<tr><th>Cheat Command</th><th>Effect</th></tr>

<tr>
<td>'''.cheat'''</td><td>'''enable cheats - Cheats don't work in multiplayer until the host types this'''</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.nocost</td><td>instabuild (doesn't work on things already under construction, only on new ones)</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.setmaxspeed 50</td><td>Changes the maximum speed multiplier (default is 3.0)</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.setminspeed 0</td><td>Changes the minimum speed multiplier (default is 0.3)</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.spectator</td><td>Allows you to see the entire map... but you lose control of your units</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.team 0, .team 1, etc.</td><td>Change player</td>
</tr>

</table>

===In Game Commands===
The following ''non-cheating'' commands are also available in game:

<table border="3" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0">

<tr>
<th>Command</th><th>Effect</th>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.info</td><td>Shows you what colour each player is and their ping delay in the bottom left corner of the screen</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.clock</td><td>Shows you the elapsed game time in minutes and seconds in the bottom left corner of the screen</td>
</tr>

</table>

===How do I ally or unally in game?===
I'm pretty sure you can't. Yet.

===How do I give somebody units or metal or energy?===
Press the 'H' key.
Then select the amount of metal and/or energy to share.

Then select the recieving player an press ok.

When sharing units, you must first select the units to share, then press 'H' key.

Tick share units checkbox and choose recieving player.

===How do I continually give somebody metal and/or energy after a certain point (i.e. Original TA commands +setshare..., +shareall)?===
You'll notice that on your metal and energy bars (top of screen), there are two red bars. You have to put them wherever you want your metal and energy to be shared after.

===Man I am soooo sick of XTA. How do I play AA or OTA instead?===
Well. Somebody has made a patch to turn TA Spring into OTA: [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?page=showitem&ID=679 click here]. But really, why would you want to go back to OTA? There are also patches available for various mods other than XTA (which is installed as default): [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?page=listing&ID=92 click here]. A switcher is available which makes it easier to switch between the different mods: [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?page=showitem&ID=805 click here]

===XTA? OTA? AA? OMFGLAMO? What those all the abbreviations mean?===
zwzsg maintains a handy dandy Faq about TA, and the abbreviations that relate to Spring too, of course.
[http://www.tauniverse.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27309 click here]. See also the Spring [[Glossary]], which contains brief explanations for all non-standard words and phrases.

===Why am I destroyed so easily by long range assaults?===
This is a realistic feature of TA Spring. Units will automatically attack 'radar blips' (units that they can not actually see, but that are indicated on radar). However, the accuracy is very bad while shooting at radar blips until:
* Your unit kills a lot of units and gets experience
* You get a targetting facility.

===Can I kick people from my 'game lobby' or my game?===
First of all, you have to be the host to kick. In theory, you would right click on someone's name in the 'game lobby' and that would give you the option to kick them. This feature is not currently supported, however, but it will be fixed soon.

===When I'm 'driving' my commander, why can't I use my laser?===
The TA: Spring team will most likely add a way for you to use your commander's laser soon.

===I hate driving around with the 'arrow keys'. Is there any way I can use the 'W-A-S-D' controls (the controls most First Person Shooters use) anymore?===
Go into your Spring directory and edit the uikeys file. Keep in mind that 'S' is originally a 'hot-key' that will stop your units and that 'D' is a 'hot-key' for your commander's D-Gun. You might want to change those too.

===I turned the shadows feature on; I still don't see shadows. What gives?===
Your graphics card can't handle shadows, so Spring automatically turns them off.

===I can't go backwards when I am 'driving' a unit. Why not?===
Because TA units were never intended to go backwards. Sorry.

===I'm in the Unreal Tournament 2004 kind of mood. How do I strafe?===
You can only strafe in 'brawler type' ships, such as the brawler, rapier, and light gunships.

===How can I record and watch demos/replays?===
From version 0.60b1 onwards, demos are automatically recorded in the "demos" folder, underneath your Spring folder (probably C:\Program Files\TASpring), named for the date and map they were played on. If you play multiple games in the same day on the same map, the games will also be numbered to prevent them from overwriting each other.

To view a demo start spring.exe as non server and enter the full demo name (demos/050803-Ashpen-0.60b1.sdf for example) as server address. Due to the large font, you will find that the name is too big to fit on the screen. If you're confident typing blind from memory, that's OK. Otherwise you probably want to copy the file to your Spring folder and rename it to something shorter e.g. "replay.sdf". Since the game remembers the name of the file you used last time, it saves you typing it out if you use the same name every time.

You can use the Speed up/Slow down game keys while watching the replay, along with other in-game commands like .team

For versions prior to 0.60b1, the game was always recorded to test.sdf which is overwritten by each new game, so the name had to be changed by hand if you wanted to save it. You had to use a name other than test.sdf to view a demo.

===Sometimes when I play with certain people I get HUGE sync errors that continue throughout the game.===
It used to be because they have a different mod installed than you. If, for example, you had not installed a mod, and somebody was in the game with you that had the OTA mod installed, it would cause the 'sync' error. However, now those errors should show up as disabled units in the battleroom.

Check the list at the right hand in the game battleroom for disabled units.

If there are tons of them (not just 1, as this is known bug [naval flakker bug]), some players has a different mod installed.

===My aircraft repairing platforms don't work!===
This feature is not implemented yet. I'm afraid you'll have to wait.

===What features from the original TA game have not been implemented yet?===
In addition to aircraft repair platforms (above), enemy capturing and resurrection have not been implemented yet.

----
==Creating Content for Spring==
===How do I create maps===
See this page: [[Create maps]]
===How do I create units===
Go here: [[Create units]]

FAQ

2005-08-09T05:27:11Z

Fnordia: Reverted edit of 84.41.158.198, changed back to last version by Munchgreeble

==General information==

===What is TA Spring?===
TA Spring is a project to create the best RTS ever (no joke). There are three principle goals which we hope to achieve.

. . . . . .A) Reach a stage where TA Spring can flawlessly execute most of Total Annihilation's original gameplay, with its original units in their original format.

. . . . . .B) Add new features as we see fit, fix bugs, and release new versions when we feel it is appropriate to do so.

. . . . . .C) Support the mod community as we see fit.

===When will TA Spring be ready?===
Now! You can get the latest beta from the download page.

===Will TA Spring be free?===
The core game is released under GPL License. However, some parts of the game are still under copyright by their owners. Therefore, today, you need to own the original TA game if you want to play. However the community is working hard in order to offer completely free alternatives.

===Why can I edit this page?===
This page, and several others, are located in the TA Spring [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiki Wiki]. The link gives a full explanation of what it is, but in short it is a way of letting anyone who wants contribute to the page content. This can of course be abused, but even while it is easy for someone to vandalise the page, it is just as easy for someone to restore it, since the wiki saves all previous versions of a page.

===I want to help, what can I do?===
Please look at the Messageboard. There are lots of things you can do according to your skills. Particularly important is to create viable and pleasing free alternatives to copyrighted material, mainly sounds and units.

===I want to donate.===
People have made clear their desire to donate to the project, and so far, we have been fairly reluctant about accepting donations. Our main concern? While we certainly hope to have something on the level of a commercial release in the near future, there is no guarantee that it will ever happen. Unforseen events arise, and it would be most unfortunate if everyone who donated felt swindled because the project did not turn out as they had hoped.

We do not plan to be more or less productive solely based upon the quantity and frequency of donations received. The TA Spring project is here only because we view this as an enjoyable hobby.

===I read all that and I still want to donate.===
Very well then! You can find the required details [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/donate.php here]. It will be much appreciated. :)

----

==Technical==

===What port numbers does TA Spring use?===
The lobby room uses 4897 TCP to communicate with the server. Then when you create a battleroom you can choose what ports it should use. 8452 is the default. The battleroom itself will use TCP on this port while the game will use UDP on this port.

===What APIs does TA Spring use?===
The Windows version of the program (which one might call the official version, or at this point, simply the working version :) ) uses: OpenGL for rendering, DirectSound for sound, and Winsock for networking.

The Linux port (more info below) will use SDL/OpenGL for rendering, OpenAL for sound (which will connect to DirectSound on Windows and OSS or ALSA on Linux), BSD sockets for networking.

===What language is TA Spring written in?===
C and C++.

===Is TA Spring open source?===
Yes, it is. Go to the downloads section of the site to download the source code.

===Will there be a linux port?===
There is an effort being made by some in the community to create a port. For more information see the separate wiki [https://opensvn.csie.org/traccgi/taspring_linux/trac.cgi/ here] and see the Messageboard, where most discussion is focused in this [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=743&highlight= thread].

----
==Requirements==

===What platforms will TA Spring run on?===
At the moment, it only runs on Windows.
Members of the community are working on porting the game on Linux platform (please refer to the Messageboard).
If someone wants to port it to another platform, please contact us once we have an initial release ready. We will not, however, port it ourselves at any time (in the forseeable future). There is simply no compelling reason for us to do so. Additionally, we would like to focus on getting it working well on just one platform.

===What sort of a system will I need to run TA Spring?===
You will most certainly need a 3D graphics card to run TA Spring, which will probably require at least a GeForce3 (note that a GeForce4 MX is not better than a GeForce3) and the latest driver supported. Minimum CPU requirements are a little more complex. A more powerful CPU will have the capability to support larger maps and a greater maximum unit limit. A 1ghz CPU should be able to support an estimated 500 units. The needed memory will also vary with unit count and mapsize, but 512mb should be enough.

===Spring says I need the GL_ARB_texture_env_combine extension, what can I do?===
If you encounter the error "Needed extension GL_ARB_texture_env_combine not found", this means that your video card driver does not support GL_ARB_texture_env_combine. You can try downloading a new video driver from the manufacturers website ([www.ati.com], [www.nvidia.com], ...) If this doesn't solve the problem then your video hardware is too old to support the extension. Buy a new video card.

EDIT: I am also having this problem with the geoforce 6800 ultra and I have the latest drivers.

----

==Content==

===Do TA Spring maps need a "ground"?===
TA Spring maps do require a ground. We have had many requests to have space maps, however, a "true" (ala Homeworld) space setting is not likely. It would have to wait until a much later stage. This does not mean that TA's style of "space" maps won't be possible, (see the Final Frontier TC for examples of this).

===You stated that TA Spring uses the TA unit format.===
TA Spring does use the Total Annihilation unit format. However, we do plan to make TA Spring compatible with a custom unit format of our own design.

===How powerful will TA Spring's custom format be?===
Total Annihilation's unit format was extremely limited. Most of these limitations will either be expanded or non-existent in TA Spring's custom unit format. One of the most exciting improvements is the introduction of an entirely new method of scripting, with nearly complete control over every aspect of a unit's actions and behaviors.

===Does TA Spring have a limited number of weapons?===
No. Unlike Total Annihilation, TA Spring's weapon IDs will be unlimited.

===Does TA Spring have a limited number of unique units?===
No. Unit IDs, like weapon IDs, will be unlimited.

===Will units have a maximum of 3 unique weapons?===
Total Annihilation had a limitation that permitted a maximum of 3 unique weapons per unit. This limit will exist in TA Spring only if a unit is made in the original Total Annihilation format. To bypass this limit, a unit would have to be created entirely within the limits of our own format.

===I'm curious as to the per-unit polygon limit.===
The engine itself does not have a polygon count limit. The limit is that of the processing power of today's computers. Since TA Spring requires a 3D card, the maximum polygon count per unit will be several times higher than Total Annihilation's. No real numbers yet though. We're gonna leave it up to the mod community to figure that one out.

===Will units be able to perform basic terraforming?===
Total Annihilation units probably won't have any terrain editable functionality. Future units may be endowed with such functionality, but it's more of a gameplay issue and has not been decided upon yet. However construction units can restore ground.

===Will tunnel building be possible?===
Subterranean areas of any sort is impossible. However, it is possible to heavily deform the ground with explosives.

===Will the ground's water retention be editable?===
No. Water will always collect when a piece of land has a height below sea level.

===Does TA Spring have a limit on the number of races?===
TA Spring has no limit on the total number of sides/races.

===What are the sizes of the biggest and smallest units?===
Static units (buildings, defenses, etc.) have no size limitations in the engine. Technically, neither do mobile units, but units with a footprint larger than 4x4 "squares" (an arbitrary size standard created by Cavedog) might have problems pathfinding.

===What is going to be the maximum possible sea depth?===
For all practical purposes, it will be unlimited. The depth values are stored as "float variables", so it is doubtful that maps would ever be made which even come close to approaching the limit.

===Will TA Spring support campaigns?===
No such support is planned at the moment but it is possible using the GroupAI interface.

===How big will the TA Spring files be?===
TA Spring will be as big as however much content is included with it. The "essential" files (engine files mostly) will only be several megabytes large. Content (such as maps and units) will add considerable size to the TA Spring download. However, it is not known at this point just how much "content" will be included with the first release.

===How will TA Spring render sound effects?===
Sound is rendered 3D, meaning that the volume and direction (assuming a multi-speaker setup) vary with the location of the camera from the sound "emitter". What this translates into gameplay terms means that the closer you are to a unit making a sound or motion, the louder the sound will be. Additionally, the sound will be heard differently depending on which way the camera is facing relative to units making sound.

===Will TA Spring have ambient sound?===
There is no ambient sound, and we haven't planned on adding it thus far.

===Will there be an AI or a "skirmish" mode?===
We have created an interface for AI's, and two are currently approaching development. In the meantime, the spawn script included in the latest version exists as a text file in the TASpring folder, and can be modified by any text editor such as MS Notepad, for your particular play style, or mod.

===Will a "possess" or a FPS option be present?===
Yes, it is possible to fully control a unit from the first person view. It is more of a gimmick, but it still allows for a nice diversion once in a while.

----
==Getting into a game==

===People talk about 'Single Player'. How do I start a single player game?===
Go into your TA Spring folder and find the 'Spring.exe' file. Double click on it and say 'yes' to host.

===When I try to make a single player game, it gives me an error.===
Your graphics card probably can't support Spring. If you read the requirements it did say GeForce 3 or better. Go to the settings file in your TA Spring directory and lower some of the options. Sometimes that works.

===Does TA Spring support AI Players?===
Not yet. Fortunately for you they are currently working on it :) In the mean time you can use the [[random_enemies]] script, which spawns units out of thin air and sends them to attack you.

===When I try to connect to the lobby it gives me an error.===
There could be 2 problems. Either you don't have an account, or the server is down. If you don't have an account, make one. If the server is down, you'll just have to wait (this doesn't happen often, though).
Have a look at this website's News page and/or the Messageboard, it is likely that you will get some information there in the eventuality that the server is down.

===I have a router and I don't seem to be able to get a game===

If you are using a router you may have other problems. Explanations of [http://www.portforward.com/routers.htm how to forward ports] has instructions for every router.

===Sometimes when I join games the minimap is blank===
This is because you don't have the map they're using. At present (0.51b1) the regular installer comes with the following maps: Small Divide, map4, mars and Flooded Desert. The small installer only comes with Small Divide. If you want to play games with other maps you need to download them.

===Where can I download more maps?===
As for most Spring downloads [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?page=listing&ID=90 FileUniverse] is the place to be! A collection of maps can be downloaded [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?page=listing&ID=91 here].

===I used the small installer where can I get the missing maps?===
Unfortunately the maps included in the regular installer (0.51b1) aren't available on File Universe. However, since many of the scripts included in the game rely on map4, this can be downloaded [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/dl/map4.7z here].

===How do I install downloaded maps?===
Just unzip them into your spring maps folder. Some map files use newer (smaller) file formats such as .rar or .7z, to unzip these newer formats, you'll need to download 7-Zip [http://www.7-zip.org/ http://www.7-zip.org/] or Zip-genius [http://downloads.zipgenius.it/ http://downloads.zipgenius.it/]. They both handle almost all formats and are totaly free.

===Sometimes when I try to join games it gives me an error.===
The host is behind a firewall that has not opened the correct ports for Spring.

Dixit SJ: "The lobby room uses 4897 tcp to communicate with the server. Then when you create a battleroom you can choose what ports it should use. 8452 is the default. The battleroom itself will use tcp on this port while the game will use udp on this port."

===When I make games nobody joins.===
You are probably behind a firewall. See question above.

===When a multiplayer game starts I never make it past the loading screen.===
This indicates a problem with your video card. Once again the best way to deal with this situation is to make sure your video card has the latest driver updates and that all Spring video features are on the lowest settings.

===When a multiplayer game starts, I make it past the loading screen, but when I get into the game it says, "Waiting for Host", and does a 10 second countdown. It always reaches zero and boots me out, what gives?===
This is a firewall issue. There are three things you can do to fix this. First, make sure your windows firewall is either off, or is not blocking the TA: Spring application. Secondly, if you are behind a router, you can forward the ports that the host is using (especially if you are the host), and it usually fixes the problem. To do this you must go to your router configuration page. You can see what port 'you' are using (as the host), by hosting a multiplayer game in the Spring Lobby. You must make this your trigger port, and make sure that it is open for both TCP and UDP. Thirdly, if none of the aforementioned worked. The easiest thing to do (assuming you are behind a router) is to set the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone). This means your computer will be completely exposed to the internet, which will make you vulnerable to any unknown or unpatched exploits in windows. All you have to do is find the personal IP if the computer you are using and add it to your router's DMZ list. Please only try this last option if you can't get the others to work.
Good Luck

===Sometimes when I chat in the 'game lobby', people can't hear me.===
I would recommend closing and restarting the whole Spring application after each successful game. Weird things tend too happen. (By successful I mean all the players loaded and the game started.)

===I got into the game, but some people didn't.===
The host may have reached the number of players it has set.
Or the players may be experiencing firewall or video card difficulty. That is not your fault. Please ask them too leave if they are still there when you get into the 'game lobby'.

===I got into a game but my name is red, nobody can hear me speak, and eventually I get disconnected===
This is to do with how long it takes the game to start up (the "load time"). If it takes too long you will see this problem. The load time can be reduced by changing the game graphics settings to lower quality. In particular try setting texture quality to lowest.

----

==Playing==

===What is with this weird right-click mode? I'm bout to break my keyboard.===
Sorry, you'll just have to get used to it. As of now it can't be changed.

===Why is somebody else also controlling my units?===
In the 'game lobby' there are two sets of teams. There are the 'Teams' and the 'Ally Teams'. If you are on the same 'Team', then you both get the same commander, and can control the same units. If you are on 'Ally Teams', then you both get different commanders and can't control each others units.

===Then why would I want to be on the same 'Team' as somebody?===
Because it's fun to just drive around units and not have to worry about commanding. (Assuming that one of the people on the team is commanding.)

===How do I talk to my allies only?===
You must type 'a:' before you speak. Here's an example: a: Now I am talking to my allies only.

===Help! After I'm finished driving a unit, the camera is all insane! This is nuts! How do I fix it?===
Whoa now. Calm down. Just press ctrl + mouse button 3 to change camera modes.

===After I'm finished driving a unit, where what used to be my mouse pointer is now a crosshair. Why?===
-This is a special 'view mode' that allows you to move around the screen much faster. It's good for viewing the battle or getting screenshots. Simply press on your third mouse button to revert back to your mouse pointer.

===But I don't have a third mouse button!===
The key 'J' works in the same way as the 'middle mouse button' does. So where you would use ctrl + middle mouse button to change camera modes, ctrl + j does the same thing. Pressing J once will also switch you from 'crosshair mode' to 'pointer mode' and vice versa.

===When I start a game, I am stuck in this weird camera mode and my perspective is all messed up. How do I switch to the overhead(ota style) camera?===
This happens when you start a single player game or when the host uses force start. Shift+Backspace switches between the fps style, total war style and ota style cameras. Use it to get your camera back to normal in this situation.

===Sometimes my units just get deleted. Why?===
For some reason units get deleted when they go into the wrong places. Like out of the map edge.

This is already fixed in recent versions.

===People are cheating! How do I stop it?!===
Well currently, you can't.

Only the host can "activate" the cheat codes. After that, any player can do almost all cheats.

The best thing to do is just not play with the cheaters anymore. But with new spring version cheats are disabled in multiplayer, so that paragraph is hopefully now irrelevant.

===Well how do you cheat?===

<table border="3" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0">

<tr><th>Cheat Command</th><th>Effect</th></tr>

<tr>
<td>'''.cheat'''</td><td>'''enable cheats - Cheats don't work in multiplayer until the host types this'''</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.nocost</td><td>instabuild (doesn't work on things already under construction, only on new ones)</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.setmaxspeed 50</td><td>Changes the maximum speed multiplier (default is 3.0)</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.setminspeed 0</td><td>Changes the minimum speed multiplier (default is 0.3)</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.spectator</td><td>Allows you to see the entire map... but you lose control of your units</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.team 0, .team 1, etc.</td><td>Change player</td>
</tr>

</table>

===In Game Commands===
The following ''non-cheating'' commands are also available in game:

<table border="3" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0">

<tr>
<th>Command</th><th>Effect</th>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.info</td><td>Shows you what colour each player is and their ping delay in the bottom left corner of the screen</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.clock</td><td>Shows you the elapsed game time in minutes and seconds in the bottom left corner of the screen</td>
</tr>

</table>

===How do I ally or unally in game?===
I'm pretty sure you can't. Yet.

===How do I give somebody units or metal or energy?===
Press the 'H' key.
Then select the amount of metal and/or energy to share.

Then select the recieving player an press ok.

When sharing units, you must first select the units to share, then press 'H' key.

Tick share units checkbox and choose recieving player.

===How do I continually give somebody metal and/or energy after a certain point (i.e. Original TA commands +setshare..., +shareall)?===
You'll notice that on your metal and energy bars (top of screen), there are two red bars. You have to put them wherever you want your metal and energy to be shared after.

===Man I am soooo sick of XTA. How do I play AA or OTA instead?===
Well. Somebody has made a patch to turn TA Spring into OTA: [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?page=showitem&ID=679 click here]. But really, why would you want to go back to OTA? There are also patches available for various mods other than XTA (which is installed as default): [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?page=listing&ID=92 click here]. A switcher is available which makes it easier to switch between the different mods: [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?page=showitem&ID=805 click here]

===XTA? OTA? AA? OMFGLAMO? What those all the abbreviations mean?===
zwzsg maintains a handy dandy Faq about TA, and the abbreviations that relate to Spring too, of course.
[http://www.tauniverse.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27309 click here]. See also the Spring [[Glossary]], which contains brief explanations for all non-standard words and phrases.

===Why am I destroyed so easily by long range assaults?===
This is a realistic feature of TA Spring. Units will automatically attack 'radar blips' (units that they can not actually see, but that are indicated on radar). However, the accuracy is very bad while shooting at radar blips until:
* Your unit kills a lot of units and gets experience
* You get a targetting facility.

===Can I kick people from my 'game lobby' or my game?===
First of all, you have to be the host to kick. In theory, you would right click on someone's name in the 'game lobby' and that would give you the option to kick them. This feature is not currently supported, however, but it will be fixed soon.

===When I'm 'driving' my commander, why can't I use my laser?===
The TA: Spring team will most likely add a way for you to use your commander's laser soon.

===I hate driving around with the 'arrow keys'. Is there any way I can use the 'W-A-S-D' controls (the controls most First Person Shooters use) anymore?===
Go into your Spring directory and edit the uikeys file. Keep in mind that 'S' is originally a 'hot-key' that will stop your units and that 'D' is a 'hot-key' for your commander's D-Gun. You might want to change those too.

===I turned the shadows feature on; I still don't see shadows. What gives?===
Your graphics card can't handle shadows, so Spring automatically turns them off.

===I can't go backwards when I am 'driving' a unit. Why not?===
Because TA units were never intended to go backwards. Sorry.

===I'm in the Unreal Tournament 2004 kind of mood. How do I strafe?===
You can only strafe in 'brawler type' ships, such as the brawler, rapier, and light gunships.

===How can I record and watch demos/replays?===
From version 0.60b1 onwards, demos are automatically recorded in the "demos" folder, underneath your Spring folder (probably C:\Program Files\TASpring), named for the date and map they were played on. If you play multiple games in the same day on the same map, the games will also be numbered to prevent them from overwriting each other.

To view a demo start spring.exe as non server and enter the full demo name (demos/050803-Ashpen-0.60b1.sdf for example) as server address. Due to the large font, you will find that the name is too big to fit on the screen. If you're confident typing blind from memory, that's OK. Otherwise you probably want to copy the file to your Spring folder and rename it to something shorter e.g. "replay.sdf". Since the game remembers the name of the file you used last time, it saves you typing it out if you use the same name every time.

You can use the Speed up/Slow down game keys while watching the replay, along with other in-game commands like .team

For versions prior to 0.60b1, the game was always recorded to test.sdf which is overwritten by each new game, so the name had to be changed by hand if you wanted to save it. You had to use a name other than test.sdf to view a demo.

===Sometimes when I play with certain people I get HUGE sync errors that continue throughout the game.===
It used to be because they have a different mod installed than you. If, for example, you had not installed a mod, and somebody was in the game with you that had the OTA mod installed, it would cause the 'sync' error. However, now those errors should show up as disabled units in the battleroom.

Check the list at the right hand in the game battleroom for disabled units.

If there are tons of them (not just 1, as this is known bug [naval flakker bug]), some players has a different mod installed.

===My aircraft repairing platforms don't work!===
This feature is not implemented yet. I'm afraid you'll have to wait.

===What features from the original TA game have not been implemented yet?===
In addition to aircraft repair platforms (above), enemy capturing and resurrection have not been implemented yet.

----
==Creating Content for Spring==
===How do I create maps===
See this page: [[Create maps]]
===How do I create units===
Go here: [[Create units]]

Spring guide

2005-08-08T14:13:49Z

Fnordia: Reverted edit of 213.17.92.158, changed back to last version by 64.53.232.133

'''

Ã¢â‚¬ËœÃ¢â‚¬â„¢Keep in mind that spring still is a beta , therefore crashes happen (a lot) and we (well, not me!) havenÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t got everything fixed out yet.Ã¢â‚¬â„¢Ã¢â‚¬â„¢

Before we start, letÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s have some background info.

== TA: so what's so cool about this game ? ==
[warning, boring info that doesnÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t really mean anything]

TA was created by Cavedog (R.I.P) in 1997, about half a year before(!!!) Starcraft was released. It was revolutionary in many ways, with 3D graphics (but a fixed camera) good animations (aircraft barrel rolled and leaned when they turned etc.), 3D terrain and many units (150 in the original game.) But in my not so humble opinion, the 3 greatest things that set TA apart were...

* Its physics ! Every shot trajectory was calculated ! An artillery shell could try to get over a hill and hit an aircraft, which exploded into bits, damaging other troops nearby, which could also explode and set forests in fire. Yeah, might not sound that big after 7 years, but back then we had Starcraft, which defied at least a half dozen physics laws.

(Example of the tentacle through space. Yeah, really realistic)
[http://fast.filespace.org/Kixxe/WTF.png Click here]

* The order system ! You could have 300 units waiting to be built, and when they are done, they could go and patrol an area and attack anyone in it. Order queues were limitless. You could build your whole base and drink tea while it was getting built. Construction units on patrol would repair damaged units, help build things and reclaim stuff (sucking it in and transforming it into recourses.)

* The resources system ! Contrary to other RTS games, the resources in TA are infinite. What limits resource consumption is the rate at which they can be gathered. This sole fact would make for longer and more epic games, with hundreds or thousands of units fighting in the endgame.

Pretty cool game. If you want, check out their old website for more info. [http://www.fileuniverse.com/Total_Annihilation_Mirror/totala/index.html Click here]

[/warning, boring info that doesnÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t really mean anything]

Anyway, enough with my rambling, onto Spring!

Now, as I told you, Spring was inspired by TA and has the same features TA had. Plus a few new thingsÃ¢â‚¬Â¦ check out Spring features page for more info.
[http://taspring.clan-sy.com/wiki/Features Click here]

----

==Resources==

There are two types of resources in spring, namely '''metal''' and '''energy'''. Both are gathered continually. In the upper corner of the screen, there is a bar and some numbers showing how much you are gathering/consuming. Units and building cost both metal and energy, while some units/building require energy to walk, shoot or operate in general.

Metal is gained from either using metal extractors (often called mexes) to extract from certain areas of the map or by using metal makers (MM) that transform energy into metal. Metal making requires a lot of energy though.
A faster way to produce resources is to reclaim stuff by sucking it in and transforming it (corpses is the most common source of metal, but you can also reclaim trees to gather energy).

Energy is made by different buildings, or reclaimed. There are many different types of energy producers, but i'll cover them in later.

In a game, ''always keep an eye on your metal and energy bar'', because if one of them goes to zero, particularly energy your building rate will stall,(metal maker and extractor will stop) and some units will be unable to fire their energy weapons (eg. LRPCs, Annihilators, Doomsday Machines)

----

==A Normal Spring Game==

Anyway, now you will learn the basics of a normal Spring game, as I see it.
Every Spring game starts with all players only havingÃ¢â‚¬Â¦

'''The COMMANDER'''! (Insert DUN DUN DUUUUUNN)

The Commander is the unit you start with and the most important one in game. He is unique and cannot be rebuilt. In fact, there is a mode where the game ends when the commander dies, so never leave him alone.

The fastest builder, he can walk and build under water, he makes a nuke sized explosion when he dies, he has a laser and the privilege of a Disintegrator gun (alias D-Gun).
The D-gun is the single most powerful weapon in the whole game, which kills ANY (ANY, I mean it!) unit in one hit (friend or foe no difference, be careful!). Even if that sounds a little overkill, keep in mind that the Commander has a very limited range, is defenceless against any aircraft and long range artillery and when he is submerged, he cannot shoot. (Subs! Onoz!)

The Commander is used for setting up a base, and early base defences. The D-gun should protect him against any level 1 unit that tries to kill him, so if you lose your Commander in the beginning of the gameÃ¢â‚¬Â¦ then you're dead. You lose your best (only?) builder and attacker, plus you have a nuke size explosion that may destroy half or all of your base.

AnywayÃ¢â‚¬Â¦ if you're seeing everything in a top down perspective, click the Commander (type Ctrl+C if you can't find him) with left mouse button to select him.

(If you have a crosshair as a mouse, press j. If your camera is ZOOMED out or all jerky, press ctrl+j until you find OTA camera.)

Okay, letÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s now discuss '''how to build stuff'''.

Like any normal RTS, itÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s choose and click location. But there is more with Spring. Hold shift and click on different locations to make the unit build the same building there. Hold shift and drag and you will make a line of the building. Hold ctrl and shift to make boxes/rectangular shapes of buildings. Use these ! Make a line of DT (Dragon Teeth, small piece of wall/cover) instead of clicking each and everyone. The controls are there to help you.
This is called queuing up stuff. You can use almost every single command in a queue. Buildings can be queued to build lots of different units, and then the other orders in the behaviour of the unit. You can make them walk to something, or guard/follow a unit by pressing G and selecting the unit to guard. Try it.
Selecting a unit and pressing Shift key will show the orders queue.

Build 2 solar generators, or 4 wind generators to gather energy. Keep in mind that wind is pretty unstable, and that a number of maps (like lunar ones) have no wind at all ! (The level of wind and tides in the map is indicated in the Map Selector in the Lobby).

Now select the Metal extractors and the whole screen turns black and green. Okay, place one on the green stuff. (The greener, the better! Like broccoli!)

----

==The TA bestiary==

Okay, time to describe the cool units that are at your disposal to make your enemies bleed. 8)

(Disclaimer : This will discuss the types of units, not every unit. Therefore, if I say that vehicles have large armour, I donÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t mean artillery of course.)

On to the first level 1 lab/plant to build. The categories areÃ¢â‚¬Â¦

===Vehicles===

These babies are all about armour. The level 1 units are pretty basic, with more armour and (build) speed and than their K-bot counterparts. Level 2 vehicles show even more of the same pattern: better armour than their K-bot counterparts. Level 2 also offers the mobile Flak unit, which is the only real level 2 mobile AA.
Their weakness is that they are clumsy, turn slowly, and most of them canÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t climb mountainsÃ¢â‚¬Â¦ at all. Leads to trouble when an explosion makes a crater: units survive but can get stuck in the crater. Or just when they are trying to get up a steep hill. But sooner or later, you'll learn what kind of destruction a rush of 30 Goliaths can do !

===K-Bots===

K-bots have genereally less powerful weapons than tanks, and are also less heavily armoured.
So why build them in the first place?
Because they are cheaper! And since they are cheaper, you can build more and outnumber your enemies. This doesnÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t work out that good in game though, since tanks ARE stronger. K-bots are also smaller, and will slip through DT and such alike easier than tanks.
And finally, the third advantage (which IMO is the biggest) of K-bots are that they can climb most mountains with ease! Climb by defences, up on mountains, through holes, these are all-purpose units.

===Aircraft===

Planes are planes. In Spring, thereÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s a plane for every role. Bombers, fighters, gunships, flying radar, transports, stealth fighters and torpedo bombers. Planes are fast, and are not affected by terrain. There is no wall or relief that can stop a plane. You can just swoop in a base and take out AA with your gunship, and then bomb the crap out of their important structures. To stop them, you've got to rely on Anti Air (AA) units.

On the downside, planes are quite expensive to build and are relatively fragile. They are also the only units that have an anti unit against them (Except subs). When someone finds out you're building a large air fleet, they just cram their base full of AA and their army with mobile AA. And the only counter is more planes than their AA can handle, or a ground troop to take the AA down. A combined ground and air attack can be very destructive. Good luck!

===Ships===

Ships are good on a map with water. (DUH!) Ships come in many different kinds, but mostly for taking out other ships or bombing the crap out of land units in some way or another. The ships' strength is their powerful weaponry and their long range. All ships made to take out land have long range. Ships also have lots of armour. Another thing thatÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s good about ships is that there is not much you can do to stop them because they are usually out of range. Once you see that the enemy has ships, either build a dock and a navy real fast or build planes and pray that he doesnÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t have too many AA ships.
Their weaknesses are slowness (especially when turning), they can be taken out by submarines, and of course they are confined to water, meaning that they are often stuck with units just outside of their reach.

And they are expensive.

===Hovercraft===

(These are counted as level 2 units, so I would not recommend them as the first to build unless itÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s the perfect map for them)

Hovercrafts are a tank and a plane (some say ship, but I find planes to be more accurate for some reason O.o) mixed. Sure itÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s weaker than your average tank, and slower than your average plane. So why build them at all? Okay, picture this. YouÃ¢â‚¬â„¢re playing a swampy map with many transitions from water to land... Since your enemy knows that the only good thing to do is to go air, since the water way is very hard to take and land is impossible, he crams his base full with AA and builds lots of planes. Then your army hovers over land and sea, and takes down his whole base.
Long story short, Hovercrafts are good for those who like (or must) attack from the ground, but canÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t since there is too much water.

Their weakness is their low climbing ability, and that they're weaker than a tank and slower than a plane. (DonÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t build them on a land map, tanks ARE better.)

===Towers and Turrets===

Like TA, Spring boasts an impressive range of plasma and laser towers, cannons and turrets. These cannons will undoubtly be essential parts of your offensive as well as defensive strategies.

'''Light laser tower (LLT)'''
A cheap and fast laser that hits almost every time. Mostly useful against level 1 units, but can be used in groups against level 2. They suffer from short range, so most long range weapons can kill them(Samsons, for example). Since they fire faster than their bigger brothers, LLTs are more useful against hordes of small weak units than a single strong one.

'''Heavy laser tower (HLT)'''
This is the only tower that works on those pesky level 2 units that just wonÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t die. These shoot slower, but with much more power than the LLT. They also have a longer range and can be quite effective against air attacks. They cost a fair amount and take a long time to build, but they are often worth it.

'''Missile Tower (MT)'''
The missile tower is good for planes or weak level 1 units. They shoot a weak rocket that almost hits their target every time. They have a fair range, but very low hp. They work on most level 2 planes as well, but should be backed up with Flack cannons.

'''Pop-up Cannons'''
Pop-up cannons are pretty cheap middle range gun. A guardian can outshoot them, but they are still a choice to use. When Ã¢â‚¬ËœÃ¢â‚¬â„¢offÃ¢â‚¬â„¢Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ they take 50% less damage! I heard that a closed popup can withstand a nuke! (If itÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s not a direct hit) In XTA you can build them with level 1 construction K-bot or whatever. Sometimes individual wars between 2 or 4 pop-ups break out, where both sides try to kill the other's ones. Just remember to repair them, as with all PCÃ¢â‚¬Â¦

'''Middle range Plasma Cannons (MRPC)'''
Guardians and such alike. These arenÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t for attacking, but they have a pretty long range, and are not too expensive. Plus their targeting is pretty fast, meaning they are practically made for defence and very lethal. Perfect to have on a hill close to a HLT and some MTÃ¢â‚¬Â¦

'''Long Range Plasma Cannons (LRPC)'''
We are talking Big berthas, Intimidators and such alike. These babies got the RANGE and may be the ultimate weapon on small maps. The Big Bertha, yeah. An amazing unit. Not the ultimate, but several times cheaper and more accurate than a Buzz Saw/Vulcan, and its accuracy will improve with every kill. Not good at defending, since its slow targeting makes it impossible to hit moving targets. Try to build one on a small maps, or just build one close to the enemy and your Bertha will start pounding his base mercilessly. In fact, build several, with a lot of AA around'em (and ground, if thatÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s possible) and you'll see your enemy's morale quickly fall to the ground. A LRPC expansion can sometimes become the winning factor of a game.

'''Very long range plasma Cannons (VLRC)'''
Buzzsaws are big, cost much, are huge energy suckers, are VERY inaccurate and are pretty slow on targeting. BUT, they have the DOUBLE range of a normal LRPC and shoot 4(!!!) shots at a time. This is the one thing to finish those ÃƒÂ¼ber porckers.
Defend these well, with lots of AA around and in a wide circle. They only have about 5000 hp, so killing'em is easy if you donÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t have AAÃ¢â‚¬Â¦
In OTA however Vulcans/Buzzsaws have the SAME range as LRPCs, so LRPCs are generally better because they are so cheaper and each are a seperate entity with a fair bit of life(around 2500 i think).

The obvious way to kill LRC is to use planes, since they are fast enough to enter and kill it all.

===The first steps===

Now comes the tricky part. The first minute is always the same really, so what after that?
Well, itÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s hard to judge. But here are some paths that can be taken.

1. Build many construction units and send them out to build mexxes and Geothermal Power Plants. Then a defence and maybe some DT.

2. Build some construction units, and then start building defences. Follow the Ã¢â‚¬ËœÃ¢â‚¬â„¢line defenceÃ¢â‚¬â„¢Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ guide lines.
Build Fusion Power Plants and Metal makers, and then an army. After that, use the army how armies are used best.
This strategy is called PORCING, and is considered by many as BAD.
There are disadvantages with this. You canÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t use many metal extractors or Geos, so you have slim to no resources to build your base. A popular strategy is to kill the anti-nuke, and then blow the whole compact base to bits.

3. Build a small army of 3-6 units and attack the enemy. The goal isnÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t to kill him, but to do as much damage as possible to his resources and hinder his economy. Mexxes are the most important, and then look for wind or solar generators.
Try to keep on attacking him, but remember to still tech up and build defences.

Anyway, use your construction units to build defences of SOME kind. Take advantage of Geothermal gases. Yeah the smoking stuff. You can place Geo plants there for good, cheap and space saving energy. If youÃ¢â‚¬â„¢re expanding, use every Mex' positions, and try to find a place to settle your defence line.

When you can defend yourself from most level 1 units, start on your level 2 building.

When itÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s done, ALWAYS build a construction unit first. Use it for your first mini Fusion. (Or build some mobile fusion at the vehicle plant if you're Arm)
Build level 2 units in the meantime.
Low on metal? Upgrade the finest of your Mexxes to Moho Mexxes. They are bigger and better (but they suck up energy).
You can also build a Moho Metal maker if you have enough energy to support it. (MMM :p)
Okay, if you made this far, you must really start thinking about how to defeat the enemy. Look for his weak spot. Maybe a K-bot assault from the mountains ? Maybe planes. Maybe using amphibious units. That part is for you to figure out.

----

==STRATEGY==

I read this guide through, and suddenly realisedÃ¢â‚¬Â¦

''where is the strategy?''

So I fiddled this section up. Hope you'll learn something from it and thereby increase your Spring gaming experience.

===Defence===

AhÃ¢â‚¬Â¦ the overall defence. There are many different ways of making a good defence, but there are 3 main categories.

''Compact defence!''

The most common type of defence is a single line of defence, often with Dragon Teeth (DT) in front. Inside your base is some AA, and thatÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s about it. The good thing about this is that itÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s pretty easy and fast to set up, and you know where your territory ends, which can make the game much easier. Problem is, if something makes it past the line of defence, then youÃ¢â‚¬â„¢re screwed. Unless youÃ¢â‚¬â„¢re building line after line of defence, or have some units to stop em.

''Spread out defence!''

I saw a guy pull this off one time, and he won with a large margin. The trick with this is to never really have a defined line of defence, just a Heavy Laser Tower (HLT) here, a radar there, some DT there, a mine here and thereÃ¢â‚¬Â¦
Basically, you expand every time you build a defence building, so in the end you have ENORMOUS space to move in. Since the defence is spread out, you can have some units hide behind mountains and attack. He used merls who he trapped in fortification walls. I tried to run past the defence with an army of 30 bulldogs. His HLT and missile and plasma batteries stopped me before I even reached his final defence line.
Even though this defence are the best of 'em all, itÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s hard to build up, and requires lots off resources and time. IF youÃ¢â‚¬â„¢re able to pull it off, the only problem may be if they are fast enough to run by it all, or if you donÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t have much AA and 30 Brawlers are comingÃ¢â‚¬Â¦

''No defenceÃ¢â‚¬Â¦ at all?''

Yes, this is an option. Okay, you may want some mines here and there, and some DT to stop them from running right through the door and AA in your base if their building planes. But how do you defend with no defence?
with units. The whole concept is that you put all your effort on making units. This works pretty well, since you can look where the enemy is going to attack, you can MOVE your whole defence to that location.
The problem with this defence, is that when you are attacking, you lose most of your defence. Sure you can leave units behind, but I find it hard mentally to leave half the army at home when i am attacking.
If you manage to pull this off, and make enough units to both attack and defend, then you have not wasted any money on defence, and you have a strong army!

ThatÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s all I know of.

Also, one thing to remember is to eliminate the largest threat first. If youÃ¢â‚¬â„¢re relying on DT, take out the FARK or construction planes first.

Okay, you built a good defence
You must get into the mind of your enemy, and find the weakness of your defence.
Take a 4 seconds look through the enemyÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s eyes that just scouted the area. How would you attack something like this?
*"Well, I would try a gunship raid or attack from those undefended mountainsÃ¢â‚¬Â¦"
Then prevent that from happening, by reinforcing the area.

===Moving===
Moving or attacking is pretty easy right? Just move from point a to point b and attack cÃ¢â‚¬Â¦
Nope.
First, you have to have your units move TOGETHER. . If some are trailing behind, then you just have to wait a little for them. I heard that if holding ctrl while telling the units to move, they try to stick together. DonÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t know how much of that is true. A way of having your units stick together is to take a pretty slow unit, like a Can and have others guard it.
Transports are useful for moving units, but use the air transport (Valkyrie /Atlas) smartly and protect them. The other transportation units are harder to use, since they take more time to load/unload.

===Attacking===

When attacking, remember what the unit role in the fight is. Fark are used to heal your wounded important units or. Bulldogs are meant to take damage and give damage back. Merls are used to shot missiles from distance, and doesnÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t require a clear path. The question is what to heal. Merls die quickly, so one shot= dead can mean that the healing could be used on a bulldog instead. But bulldogs are ofen the first thing that the enemy targets and loses lots of HP fast. Wicht means that your healing may have slim effect on em... Therefore try to heal the middle mans. Not the giant hp monsters, not the weak defence strong/useful attack. Mobile artillery has enough hp to survive one or two attacks. Heal them so they stay alive.

===Army vs Army===

Many units attacking one unit is the best thing you can do, as if you kill one of theirs, they lose one source of fire power. Focus fire is the important. Using focus fire in a group of easy killed units is very effective. Using em all on the HP power houses is less effective.
When youÃ¢â‚¬â„¢re facing an army, always try to attack from behind or the side. Keep your units a little spread out when attacking. Not to far, but just so that area weapons donÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t do as much damage. Have your HP powerhouses at the front, or at the front plus sides. Keep em pretty close though but not too much. On the one hand, having them spread out makes it easier for the units behind to attack; on the other hand you donÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t want Zippers and Pyros running past them and flaming up everything.

This is the normal way of attacking the army. There is the classical pincher movement tooÃ¢â‚¬Â¦
In this, you run one third of your HP powerhouses go to the left, one third to the right and have thze last third stay where they are.
This gives you 3 advantages:
*it's easier to get past the units and attack their weak units, or just run past them into the base,
*you do more damage, since their units will have to change their target all the time and can't escape
*it makes it MUCH harder for the enemy to run away or try to get past you.

===Army vs Base===

Okay, you may have made it past the ground troops, but the fight is not over (Unless he used units to defend, and didnÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t have any backup ones). Now you must face his base defence, and depending on the type of the defence he hasÃ¢â‚¬Â¦

''Line defence''

Gather your army and set up for battle a bit away from his base, and get ready to move in. Have the FARKS guard your main HP power houses, so they are in the front but still can hide behind em. Everything else behind that. When attacking, have several units attacking the HLT and plasma batteries, and use the FARKS to reclaim his Dragon Teeth. When you have a hole in it, just run like a maniac into the heart of the base. Split your tanks in 2 groups, 1 guarding your long range/high damage units and let the other go loose into the heart of the base. Find the Fusion reactors with your second group of tanks, and try to move the other big group to a place that is easy to defend while hitting the Fusions. Behind buildings is perfect! Kill as much as you can in short, or kill all^^.
If there are several lines of defence, dig the hole in each line of defence and repeat the same tactics.

''Spread out defence''

ArghÃ¢â‚¬Â¦ The tough one. While the individual towers are easy to beat, you canÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t run past his defences unless you like suicide. (And if you do, Ctrl+a and then ctrl+d will do the trick. A slice over the wrist works too.)
This is when you have to make penitence. Use your army, and slowly start killing the defence. Step by step, defence structure by defence structure. Keep building units, and moving them to the fray (you can use Air transports with repeat command and make them drop the units slightly away from the fight). Once you start getting close to his last line of defence, think of it as a line defence.

''Units defence''

Think army vs army. DonÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t rush past 'em with all your units. Your units will spread out and try to go through holes in the enemyÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s formation. In a word, they are dead meat. If you MUST get to the base, have half of the tanks go round the units.

===Naval Battles===

Naval battles are hard to predict if you donÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t play island maps a lot, since there many factors to take into play. Since land units are removed, you have to think in a WHOLE new perspective. No land means that only Sea, Air and Hover units can fight (and LRC off course).
Anyway, try to have air units scouting land and sea, and looking how much AA the enemy has. Ships roam around assaulting other ships, with a mix of subs, sub killers, AA ships and normal ships. Hovercrafts should be the thing to use when assaulting land thatÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s a little far from shore. Have'em escorted with planes or ships (or both).

====Ships====
When using ships, have scout ships or planes scout the area in front, then subs and sub killers front. Use Long range ships at the sides to protect anything of value you might have with you (a sea transport or an aircraft carrier). When in battle, try to have the subs run away from sub killers, while your sub killers kill the enemy subs. Your subs should try to attack the most important ship they have, and then just go crazy.
When facing land, youÃ¢â‚¬â„¢re pretty much in for an easy win. Just have your ships blow it all up. If you face LRC, take them out first. The rest of it is out of your hands.
Remember if your opponent has air superiority or LRPCs use subs as they can't hit them :)

====Hovercraft====
Use the Army vs Army or Army vs Base strategy here.

===Planes===
Hohoho, planes. Fun stuff to attack with. Anyway, the most stuff is basic with planes.
First, always attack the AA first. Unless your are going to do a suicide mission. Kill the AA with gunships, and use bombers to kill structures. Many players use gunships only, with is pretty wrong. Bombers take a little time to master but allied with gunships, they do a very good job. Scout early, so you can quickly see WHAT the enemy has and WHERE he has it. Use gunships to take out AA and act like overall decoys. Have Bombers fly in and bomb the crap out off his Fusion or whatever nevralgic point, and use the fighters to guard the bombers.
When facing units, do the same.
When facing sea, do the same thing, but add Torpedoes to bombers and gunships.

===Using Terrain===

Using terrain wisely is very important. The issue of a game can depend on a good use of terrain.
First, Line of Sight (LOS) and RADAR. Both are blocked by terrain. So build your radars as highly as possibly, otherwise you may just not see anything. Use the relief at your advantage to hide an army or your important buildings from enemy radars.
Of course, one can also take advantage of altitude to increase fire range. A couple of Guardians on top of two high hills can easily devastate a small army.
Terrain also helps shield your units against attacks. Therefore, when youÃ¢â‚¬â„¢re building something high on top of a hill, try placing it a little behind the top. This is like crouching behind a crate when just your head and gun sticks up. But remember that terrain in Spring is deformable and can be leveled by impacts !
Know the climbing ability of your units. Hovercrafts and vehicles have pretty low climbing ability. But if a foe thinks he has sealed up all exits, your K-bots can still climb the mountains where he hasnÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t put any Dragon ToothÃ¢â‚¬Â¦
Another good thing about terrain is that it mentally makes you feel safe. If there is a water barrier between me and the enemy, with 3 land bridges here and there, there probably wonÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t have much ground defence at a location AWAY from the bridges. Presuming the map is pretty flat (like "Flooded Desert") a hovercraft assault would do A LOT of damage, right?

===Energy and all the problems with it===

As I said before, most level 2 units require energy to move, shoot and operate in general. Meaning that if you have no energy to support your army, you can't do anything ! You can use this in your favor, by attacking his Fusions, or
by ''giving'' Metal makers to your enemy when you are attacking him, or he is attacking you! Things that drain a lot of energy include LRPC, Goliaths, HLT, and most level 2 units.

===Paper-rock-scissor ?===

Try to look at all units as individuals. Even if I didn't write much about each single unit, know your favorite ones and how to use them effectively in conjunction with the others. You'll find that some units are very complementary. The only real paper-rock relationships are AA and planes... Maybe subs vs sub killers...

I didn't even mention cloaking, radar jamming, troops behaviour facing attacks, mines, etc, etc. The possibilities are immense, but I don't want to spoil your pleasure any longer, so I'll let you discover them by yourself.

'''Have fun !!!'''

----

===Strategy Tips===

-Expand! Metal is scarce. The more you get, the more you can build. Even if you have a good base, not a bad thing to do is to make it bigger.

-Scout! Knowledge is power. You must know what your enemy is planning, and what the enemy knows about you. (Or thinks he know about youÃ¯?Å ) Check what he has, and what he is building. If heÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s building aircrafts, do something about it. Look for weaknesses in defence and such alike. If you or your ally are scouting, donÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t look away. Gather as much information as possible.
ALL buildings once in sight range will remain visible as 'ghost' buildings.

-Radar = GOOD^^. Radar checks areas for units, increases your units LOS and is overall helpful. A radar with your army makes a big difference when attacking. But so is Jamming. Jamming is good for sneak attacks. They are cheap, so just build one and make your units guard it.

-Work Together! Often I see allies who just mind their own business and donÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t care what the other person's doing. DONÃ¢â‚¬â„¢TÃ¢â‚¬Â¦ DOÃ¢â‚¬Â¦ THIS!!! Listen to each other, make up a plan. Prepare combined attacks. If there is a 2v2, then itÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s 2 alliesÃ¢â‚¬â„¢ vs 2 allies. Not a ffa with neutral partners. Type h to share units. Left click on the bars to auto share resources with allies

-Power Plants. In order to level out the building costs, it is important to make a smooth transition from the least powerful generators to the most powerful ones stepwise. First solar, then Geo, then mobile/mini Fusion then Fusion.

-Check your rescore bar. Try to keep a fine line between having too much resources and wasting, and having a nanostall. Use your factories and such accordingly. If you have a lot of resources, try using your old level 1 factories to build some units. Also, try to find the time to build an energy/metal storage...

-Spread out your buildings/units. Since every unit explodes, they damage units close to them. This is especially important with Fusions... (I once saw someone put 13 mobile fusions close to each other... blew up half his base with 2 (!!!) LRPC shots...)

-Queue (yeah, easy word for it to:/) up orders! You can almost win the game by pausing, queuing up some stuff, and then go eat lunch. Not really, but holding shift is good whilst putting up buildings.

-Guard = following and protection. Use planes to guard your tanks, subs to guard your transports, construction units to automatically repair important units or and so on. Then they will choose to attack whatever is hurting their guard object first. You can even do this to structures, for units who are built to move to a unitÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s position or AA to attack whatever is shooting on the Fusion reactors, etcÃ¢â‚¬Â¦
Overall, this makes working with several unit types easier.

-Reclaim stuff (sucking it in and transforming it into resources). When you're starting to run low on metal, reclaim the enemyÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s and your own corpses. Trees give energy, so if youÃ¢â‚¬â„¢re out on energy in the beginning... You can reclaim a whole area by shift-clicking.

-The key for porcers are to build LRPC. Or even better, build a nuke and use LOTS of planes to kill his anti-nuke. Then BOOM!
Also as you have way loads more metal and space to move in than your opponent, you can easily afford 2 nukes. An anti-nuke can't deal with 2 nukes heading towards it(and if you aim the nukes at the antinuke...^^!

-Experiment! I suggest you go into single player and try every unit. Use commanders for arm, and small battle (watch that Krogoth!) for core. Try every approach to a problem. Remember, just because a unit is good, itÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s not invincible. Also, try how much metal and energy a building uses while in operation. For instance, a level 1 factory uses about 50 energy and 5 metal. This varies depending on what you build. This could help you prevent nanostalling.

-Several types of factories. Yeah, even if it costs money. A advanced building cost as much as a Bulldog or 2... You got the time, and the money. Build it.

-Raid. Take the Weasel or a couple of Peewees on a cruise right by the enemyÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s mexxes. Having trouble finding'em ? Type F4 to see where the ground is drained^^. A tip is to stay away from the Commander, or use buildings as hostages. Hide behind stuff and kill it off, then move on. If you're sure you're going to die, move close to a building and self-destruct.

-Just because Peewees are better then AKÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s doesnÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t meant that AKÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s are useless. (And so onÃ¢â‚¬Â¦). In fact, no unit is useless. If you believe it is, try it once. On what it was meant to do.

-Mix armies. O boy, if you havenÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t heard this one a thousand times before, you've only been playing Half-Life for the last 7 years or something. Even if Goliaths rule, a couple of missile units will make them much more effective.

-Farks are useful in combat. Always have 1-3 with you. Reclaiming DT, or doing what they were meant to do : Repair -.-* (also, when i say FARKs somewhere in the guide, construction units work to...)

-Ask questions. No one is going to laugh at you. And if someone does, heÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s a ass and shouldnÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t even be poked a stick at. No question is too stupid. Just donÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t expect anyone in the heat of a battle to answer to Ã¢â‚¬ËœÃ¢â‚¬â„¢how do I play?Ã¢â‚¬â„¢Ã¢â‚¬â„¢.

-Learn ! If you lost, use the replay too to watch the game and try to understand why you died. What did the enemy do better than you? What was the key to winning? And so on.

-The Readme file has some cool keyboard shortcuts... check it out.

-Develop! Are you a programmer, a 3D design artist or just some regular Joe? Come to the forum for a talk, chatter, and make wacky suggestions! In the end you may contribute of making Spring better! Remember, Spring is open source. So just dive into there and replace AKÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s with flying monkeys in space suits or whatever.

-Try having some good music on when playing. It can give you a good kick. I recommend the WAR OF THE WORLD (the strategy game, yes it exists) Ã¢â‚¬ËœÃ¢â‚¬â„¢eve of the warÃ¢â‚¬â„¢Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?page=listing&ID=54 the original TA music]
Or anything you like.

-Need more strategy and tips? Since Spring is a remake of TA, any TA strategy guide works...

-LAST BUT NOT LEAST : '''DonÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t get too serious. ItÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s only a game.'''

This guide was written by Kixxe aka Johan Wittrock before everyone edited (and improved!) it mercilessly.

Back to [[Strategy_and_Tactics]]

Game specification

2005-08-07T14:35:43Z

Fnordia: Added new info

===Overview===

This is a specification of how Spring will support mods and switching between them.

First, Spring looks for mods in the folders "maps", "base" and "mods", and all their subfolders. It is recommended however that mods simple are placed in the "mods" folder. If the mod contains more than one archive it might be nice to put them in a subfolder. As far as the switcher is concernced it does not matter where the files are though.

To present mods to switch between, Spring will search these folders and their subfolders for archive files containing a file called "modinfo.tdf". The general idea is that this file should be used as a manifest file to let Spring know what to do with the archive it is found inside, so each archive file in the mods directory is supposed to have one. Archive files that does not contain this file are ignored.

These info files will also be cached to avoid having to look inside files that haven't changed every time spring is started.

===Specification===

This is an example of what this file should look like:

<tt>
// Description of the mod control file recognized by spring:

[MOD]
{
// The name is shown in the selection interface
Name=XTA version 0.61;

// These can be shown by the selection interface
Description=XTA 0.61 beta makes stuff balanced and cool;
URL=http://www.clan-sy.com/;

// What kind of mod this is
// 0 - Hidden (support mod that can't be selected, such as OTA_textures)
// 1 - Normal, only one can be selected at a time
// 2 - Addon, any number of these can be selected. Could be used
// for single units for example.
// others - perhaps mutators and addon races that can be
// enabled in addition to xta for example?
ModType=1;

// Number of other archives this one depends on
NumDependencies=1;
Depend0=taenheter.sdz;

// Number of other archives this one replaces
NumReplaces=1;
Replace0=xta_se_v060.sdz;
}
</tt>

Most of these entries should be easy to understand. Dependencies and replacements needs some consideration though.

===Dependencies===

Listing the dependencies allows a mod to not load the OTA textures at all for example, if it only uses original textures. Only one mod of type 1 can be selected at one time. Also, if a mod of type 2 is depending on a type 1 mod, that mod has to be selected first.

Some examples on how this could be used:

* An OTA mod that restores balance to be more similar to OTA could use modtype=1 and depend on XTA. Since XTA is now in the dependency graph, type 2 mods that depend on XTA would now also be usable.
* A new total conversion with a few extra options (not sure what that could be.. but anyway) could use a hidden base package and provide several type 1 mods that are small files that depend on the base.

When playing, the files would be loaded in the order defined by the dependency graph. The files could also be checked with an MD5 checksum or similar to make sure all players have the same file.

===Replacements===

When releasing new versions of a mod it is recommended that a new unique filename is used. In this manner it would be possible for the lobby to download archives from a fast webserver based on the filename. But if a new name is used for a support archive with content for example, it would break other mods that depends on the archive. To avoid this, replacements can be used.

Replacements simply specifies which other archives this one replaces. So if a new archive specifies that it replaces old_archive.sdz, any other mod that depends on old_archive.sdz would now use the new one instead.

It is probably not always a good idea to use this for new versions of a mod however, since if you hide the old version people would not be able to switch between the old and the new version. So only use replacements when you are sure that it is what you want.

===Final words===

If a player does not have a certain mod when trying to join a game, the info in description etc could be sent to allow the player to download it.. The filename could be sent as well, so that the client could try to download it automatically from a few predefined redirect servers (similar to the system unreal tournament uses).

Features

2005-08-01T19:25:22Z

Fnordia: Reverted edit of 68.163.36.71, changed back to last version by 83.160.168.23

Spring is a project aiming to create a new RTS.
Until it gets there we are using content such as units from Total Annihilation to get something to play with.
You officialy need to own a copy of the game.

TA Spring reads the TA formats directly without conversions needed, so 3rd party units should work just as well as the original ones. Maps from TA are not supported though. They are not (that) suited for 3D view, as they are not drawn from above but at an angle. This means that the far side of hills for example lose a lot of detail.

Here is an (incomplete) list of some of the currently implemented stuff in TA Spring, and also some of the ones that we have planned.

Current features:
* High resolution maps, viewable from all angles and ranges
* Dynamic map with craters from weapon and unit explosions
* Work with unit files from Total annihilation
* Realistic 3D trajectories for weapons
* Fully 3D aircombat
* Several camera modes to suit different tastes
*

Currently in development:
* [[Mod switcher]]
* New GUI
* [https://opensvn.csie.org/traccgi/taspring_linux/trac.cgi/wiki/PortOfSpringClient New Platform-Independent Lobby Client]
* [https://opensvn.csie.org/traccgi/taspring_linux/trac.cgi/ TA Spring Linux Port]

Planned features:
* New map format
* New unit format
* New ways to handle unit energy for more strategic gameplay
* New improved unit model and script formats

FAQ

2005-08-01T02:44:54Z

Fnordia: /* Will TA Spring be free? */

==General information==

===What is TA Spring?===
TA Spring is a project to create the best RTS ever (no joke). There are three principle goals which we hope to achieve.

. . . . . .A) Reach a stage where TA Spring can flawlessly execute most of Total Annihilation's original gameplay, with its original units in their original format.

. . . . . .B) Add new features as we see fit, fix bugs, and release new versions when we feel it is appropriate to do so.

. . . . . .C) Support the mod community as we see fit.

===When will TA Spring be ready?===
Now! You can get the latest beta from the download page.

===Will TA Spring be free?===
The core game is released under GPL License. However, some parts of the game are still under copyright by their owners. Therefore, today, you need to own the original TA game if you want to play. However the community is working hard in order to offer completely free alternatives.

===Why can I edit this page?===
This page, and several others, are located in the TA Spring [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiki Wiki]. The link gives a full explanation of what it is, but in short it is a way of letting anyone who wants contribute to the page content. This can of course be abused, but even while it is easy for someone to vandalise the page, it is just as easy for someone to restore it, since the wiki saves all previous versions of a page.

===I want to help, what can I do?===
Please look at the Messageboard. There are lots of things you can do according to your skills. Particularly important is to create viable and pleasing free alternatives to copyrighted material, mainly sounds and units.

===I want to donate.===
People have made clear their desire to donate to the project, and so far, we have been fairly reluctant about accepting donations. Our main concern? While we certainly hope to have something on the level of a commercial release in the near future, there is no guarantee that it will ever happen. Unforseen events arise, and it would be most unfortunate if everyone who donated felt swindled because the project did not turn out as they had hoped.

We do not plan to be more or less productive solely based upon the quantity and frequency of donations received. The TA Spring project is here only because we view this as an enjoyable hobby.

===I read all that and I still want to donate.===
Very well then! You can find the required details [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/donate.php here]. It will be much appreciated. :)

----

==Technical==

===What port numbers does TA Spring use?===
The lobby room uses 4897 TCP to communicate with the server. Then when you create a battleroom you can choose what ports it should use. 8452 is the default. The battleroom itself will use TCP on this port while the game will use UDP on this port.

===What APIs does TA Spring use?===
The Windows version of the program (which one might call the official version, or at this point, simply the working version :) ) uses: OpenGL for rendering, DirectSound for sound, and Winsock for networking.

The Linux port (more info below) will use SDL/OpenGL for rendering, OpenAL for sound (which will connect to DirectSound on Windows and OSS or ALSA on Linux), BSD sockets for networking.

===What language is TA Spring written in?===
C and C++.

===Is TA Spring open source?===
Yes, it is. Go to the downloads section of the site to download the source code.

===Will there be a linux port?===
There is an effort being made by some in the community to create a port. For more information see the separate wiki [https://opensvn.csie.org/traccgi/taspring_linux/trac.cgi/ here] and see the Messageboard, where most discussion is focused in this [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=743&highlight= thread].

----
==Requirements==

===What platforms will TA Spring run on?===
At the moment, it only runs on Windows.
Members of the community are working on porting the game on Linux platform (please refer to the Messageboard).
If someone wants to port it to another platform, please contact us once we have an initial release ready. We will not, however, port it ourselves at any time (in the forseeable future). There is simply no compelling reason for us to do so. Additionally, we would like to focus on getting it working well on just one platform.

===What sort of a system will I need to run TA Spring?===
You will most certainly need a 3D graphics card to run TA Spring, which will probably require at least a GeForce3 (note that a GeForce4 MX is not better than a GeForce3) and the latest driver supported. Minimum CPU requirements are a little more complex. A more powerful CPU will have the capability to support larger maps and a greater maximum unit limit. A 1ghz CPU should be able to support an estimated 500 units. The needed memory will also vary with unit count and mapsize, but 512mb should be enough.

===Spring says I need the GL_ARB_texture_env_combine extension, what can I do?===
If you encounter the error "Needed extension GL_ARB_texture_env_combine not found", this means that your video card driver does not support GL_ARB_texture_env_combine. You can try downloading a new video driver from the manufacturers website ([www.ati.com], [www.nvidia.com], ...) If this doesn't solve the problem then your video hardware is too old to support the extension. Buy a new video card.

----

==Content==

===Do TA Spring maps need a "ground"?===
TA Spring maps do require a ground. We have had many requests to have space maps, however, a "true" (ala Homeworld) space setting is not likely. It would have to wait until a much later stage. This does not mean that TA's style of "space" maps won't be possible, (see the Final Frontier TC for examples of this).

===You stated that TA Spring uses the TA unit format.===
TA Spring does use the Total Annihilation unit format. However, we do plan to make TA Spring compatible with a custom unit format of our own design.

===How powerful will TA Spring's custom format be?===
Total Annihilation's unit format was extremely limited. Most of these limitations will either be expanded or non-existent in TA Spring's custom unit format. One of the most exciting improvements is the introduction of an entirely new method of scripting, with nearly complete control over every aspect of a unit's actions and behaviors.

===Does TA Spring have a limited number of weapons?===
No. Unlike Total Annihilation, TA Spring's weapon IDs will be unlimited.

===Does TA Spring have a limited number of unique units?===
No. Unit IDs, like weapon IDs, will be unlimited.

===Will units have a maximum of 3 unique weapons?===
Total Annihilation had a limitation that permitted a maximum of 3 unique weapons per unit. This limit will exist in TA Spring only if a unit is made in the original Total Annihilation format. To bypass this limit, a unit would have to be created entirely within the limits of our own format.

===I'm curious as to the per-unit polygon limit.===
The engine itself does not have a polygon count limit. The limit is that of the processing power of today's computers. Since TA Spring requires a 3D card, the maximum polygon count per unit will be several times higher than Total Annihilation's. No real numbers yet though. We're gonna leave it up to the mod community to figure that one out.

===Will units be able to perform basic terraforming?===
Total Annihilation units probably won't have any terrain editable functionality. Future units may be endowed with such functionality, but it's more of a gameplay issue and has not been decided upon yet. However construction units can restore ground.

===Will tunnel building be possible?===
Subterranean areas of any sort is impossible. However, it is possible to heavily deform the ground with explosives.

===Will the ground's water retention be editable?===
No. Water will always collect when a piece of land has a height below sea level.

===Does TA Spring have a limit on the number of races?===
TA Spring has no limit on the total number of sides/races.

===What are the sizes of the biggest and smallest units?===
Static units (buildings, defenses, etc.) have no size limitations in the engine. Technically, neither do mobile units, but units with a footprint larger than 4x4 "squares" (an arbitrary size standard created by Cavedog) might have problems pathfinding.

===What is going to be the maximum possible sea depth?===
For all practical purposes, it will be unlimited. The depth values are stored as "float variables", so it is doubtful that maps would ever be made which even come close to approaching the limit.

===Will TA Spring support campaigns?===
No such support is planned at the moment but it is possible using the GroupAI interface.

===How big will the TA Spring files be?===
TA Spring will be as big as however much content is included with it. The "essential" files (engine files mostly) will only be several megabytes large. Content (such as maps and units) will add considerable size to the TA Spring download. However, it is not known at this point just how much "content" will be included with the first release.

===How will TA Spring render sound effects?===
Sound is rendered 3D, meaning that the volume and direction (assuming a multi-speaker setup) vary with the location of the camera from the sound "emitter". What this translates into gameplay terms means that the closer you are to a unit making a sound or motion, the louder the sound will be. Additionally, the sound will be heard differently depending on which way the camera is facing relative to units making sound.

===Will TA Spring have ambient sound?===
There is no ambient sound, and we haven't planned on adding it so far.

===Will there be an AI or a "skirmish" mode?===
We have created an interface for AI's, and two are currently approaching development. In the meantime, the spawn script included in the latest version exists as a text file in the TASpring folder, and can be modified by any text editor such as MS Notepad, for your particular play style, or mod.

===Will a "possess" or a FPS option be present?===
Yes, it is possible to fully control a unit from the first person view. It is more of a gimmick, but it still allows for a nice diversion once in a while.

----
==Getting into a game==

===People talk about 'Single Player'. How do I start a single player game?===
Go into your TA Spring folder and find the 'Spring.exe' file. Double click on it and say 'yes' to host.

===When I try to make a single player game, it gives me an error.===
Your graphics card probably can't support Spring. If you read the requirements it did say GeForce 3 or better. Go to the settings file in your TA Spring directory and lower some of the options. Sometimes that works.

===Does TA Spring support AI Players?===
Not yet. Fortunately for you they are currently working on it :) In the mean time you can use the [[random_enemies]] script, which spawns units out of thin air and sends them to attack you.

===When I try to connect to the lobby it gives me an error.===
There could be 2 problems. Either you don't have an account, or the server is down. If you don't have an account, make one. If the server is down, you'll just have to wait (this doesn't happen often, though).
Have a look at this website's News page and/or the Messageboard, it is likely that you will get some information there in the eventuality that the server is down.

===I have a router and I don't seem to be able to get a game===

If you are using a router you may have other problems. Explanations of [http://www.portforward.com/routers.htm how to forward ports] has instructions for every router.

===Sometimes when I join games the minimap is blank===
This is because you don't have the map they're using. At present (0.51b1) the regular installer comes with the following maps: Small Divide, map4, mars and Flooded Desert. The small installer only comes with Small Divide. If you want to play games with other maps you need to download them.

===Where can I download more maps?===
As for most Spring downloads [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?page=listing&ID=90 FileUniverse] is the place to be! A collection of maps can be downloaded [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?page=listing&ID=91 here].

===I used the small installer where can I get the missing maps?===
Unfortunately the maps included in the regular installer (0.51b1) aren't available on File Universe. However, since many of the scripts included in the game rely on map4, this can be downloaded [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/dl/map4.7z here].

===How do I install downloaded maps?===
Just unzip them into your spring maps folder. Some map files use newer (smaller) file formats such as .rar or .7z, to unzip these newer formats, you'll need to download 7-Zip [http://www.7-zip.org/ http://www.7-zip.org/] or Zip-genius [http://downloads.zipgenius.it/ http://downloads.zipgenius.it/]. They both handle almost all formats and are totaly free.

===Sometimes when I try to join games it gives me an error.===
The host is behind a firewall that has not opened the correct ports for Spring.

Dixit SJ: "The lobby room uses 4897 tcp to communicate with the server. Then when you create a battleroom you can choose what ports it should use. 8452 is the default. The battleroom itself will use tcp on this port while the game will use udp on this port."

===When I make games nobody joins.===
You are probably behind a firewall. See question above.

===When a multiplayer game starts I never make it past the loading screen.===
This indicates a problem with your video card. Once again the best way to deal with this situation is to make sure your video card has the latest driver updates and that all Spring video features are on the lowest settings.

===When a multiplayer game starts, I make it past the loading screen, but when I get into the game it says, "Waiting for Host", and does a 10 second countdown. It always reaches zero and boots me out, what gives?===
This is a firewall issue. There are three things you can do to fix this. First, make sure your windows firewall is either off, or is not blocking the TA: Spring application. Secondly, if you are behind a router, you can forward the ports that the host is using (especially if you are the host), and it usually fixes the problem. To do this you must go to your router configuration page. You can see what port 'you' are using (as the host), by hosting a multiplayer game in the Spring Lobby. You must make this your trigger port, and make sure that it is open for both TCP and UDP. Thirdly, if none of the aforementioned worked. The easiest thing to do (assuming you are behind a router) is to set the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone). This means your computer will be completely exposed to the internet, which will make you vulnerable to any unknown or unpatched exploits in windows. All you have to do is find the personal IP if the computer you are using and add it to your router's DMZ list. Please only try this last option if you can't get the others to work.
Good Luck

===Sometimes when I chat in the 'game lobby', people can't hear me.===
I would recommend closing and restarting the whole Spring application after each successful game. Weird things tend too happen. (By successful I mean all the players loaded and the game started.)

===I got into the game, but some people didn't.===
The host may have reached the number of players it has set.
Or the players may be experiencing firewall or video card difficulty. That is not your fault. Please ask them too leave if they are still there when you get into the 'game lobby'.

===I got into a game but my name is red, nobody can hear me speak, and eventually I get disconnected===
This is to do with how long it takes the game to start up (the "load time"). If it takes too long you will see this problem. The load time can be reduced by changing the game graphics settings to lower quality. In particular try setting texture quality to lowest.

----

==Playing==

===What is with this weird right-click mode? I'm bout to break my keyboard.===
Sorry, you'll just have to get used to it. As of now it can't be changed.

===Why is somebody else also controlling my units?===
In the 'game lobby' there are two sets of teams. There are the 'Teams' and the 'Ally Teams'. If you are on the same 'Team', then you both get the same commander, and can control the same units. If you are on 'Ally Teams', then you both get different commanders and can't control each others units.

===Then why would I want to be on the same 'Team' as somebody?===
Because it's fun to just drive around units and not have to worry about commanding. (Assuming that one of the people on the team is commanding.)

===How do I talk to my allies only?===
You must type 'a:' before you speak. Here's an example: a: Now I am talking to my allies only.

===Help! After I'm finished driving a unit, the camera is all insane! This is nuts! How do I fix it?===
Whoa now. Calm down. Just press ctrl + mouse button 3 to change camera modes.

===After I'm finished driving a unit, where what used too be my mouse pointer is now a crosshair. Why?===
-This is a special 'view mode' that allows you to move around the screen much faster. It's good for viewing the battle or getting screenshots. Simply press on your third mouse button too revert back to your mouse pointer.

===But I don't have a third mouse button!===
The key 'J' works in the same way as the 'middle mouse button' does. So where you would use ctrl + middle mouse button to change camera modes, ctrl + j does the same thing. Pressing J once will also switch you from 'crosshair mode' to 'pointer mode' and vice versa.

===When I start a game, I am stuck in this weird camera mode and my perspective is all messed up. How do I switch to the overhead(ota style) camera?===
This happens when you start a single player game or when the host uses force start. Shift+Backspace switches between the fps style, total war style and ota style cameras. Use it to get your camera back to normal in this situation.

===Sometimes my units just get deleted. Why?===
For some reason units get deleted when they go into the wrong places. Like out of the map edge.

This is already fixed in recent versions.

===People are cheating! How do I stop it?!===
Well currently, you can't.

Only the host can "activate" the cheat codes. After that, any player can do almost all cheats.

The best thing to do is just not play with the cheaters anymore. But with new spring version cheats are disabled in multiplayer, so that paragraph is hopefully now irrelevant.

===Well how do you cheat?===

<table border="3" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0">

<tr><th>Cheat Command</th><th>Effect</th></tr>

<tr>
<td>'''.cheat'''</td><td>'''enable cheats - Cheats don't work in multiplayer until the host types this'''</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.nocost</td><td>instabuild (doesn't work on things already under construction, only on new ones)</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.setmaxspeed 50</td><td>Changes the maximum speed multiplier (default is 3.0)</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.setminspeed 0</td><td>Changes the minimum speed multiplier (default is 0.3)</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.spectator</td><td>Allows you to see the entire map... but you lose control of your units</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.team 0, .team 1, etc.</td><td>Change player</td>
</tr>

</table>

===In Game Commands===
The following ''non-cheating'' commands are also available in game:

<table border="3" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0">

<tr>
<th>Command</th><th>Effect</th>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.info</td><td>Shows you what colour each player is and their ping delay in the bottom left corner of the screen</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.clock</td><td>Shows you the elapsed game time in minutes and seconds in the bottom left corner of the screen</td>
</tr>

</table>

===How do I ally or unally in game?===
I'm pretty sure you can't. Yet.

===How do I give somebody units or metal or energy?===
Press the 'H' key.
Then select the amount of metal and/or energy to share.

Then select the recieving player an press ok.

When sharing units, you must first select the units to share, then press 'H' key.

Tick share units checkbox and choose recieving player.

===How do I continually give somebody metal and/or energy after a certain point (i.e. Original TA commands +setshare..., +shareall)?===
You'll notice that on your metal and energy bars (top of screen), there are two red bars. You have to put them wherever you want your metal and energy to be shared after.

===Man I am soooo sick of XTA. How do I play AA or OTA instead?===
Well. Somebody has made a patch to turn TA Spring into OTA: [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?page=showitem&ID=679 click here]. But really, why would you want to go back to OTA? There are also patches available for various mods other than XTA (which is installed as default): [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?page=listing&ID=92 click here]. A switcher is available which makes it easier to switch between the different mods: [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?page=showitem&ID=805 click here]

===XTA? OTA? AA? OMFGLAMO? What those all the abbreviations mean?===
zwzsg maintains a handy dandy Faq about TA, and the abbreviations that relate to Spring too, of course.
[http://www.tauniverse.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27309 click here]. See also the Spring [[Glossary]], which contains brief explanations for all non-standard words and phrases.

===Why am I destroyed so easily by long range assaults?===
This is a realistic feature of TA Spring. Units will automatically attack 'radar blips' (units that they can not actually see, but that are indicated on radar). However, the accuracy is very bad while shooting at radar blips until:
* Your unit kills a lot of units and gets experience
* You get a targetting facility.

===Can I kick people from my 'game lobby' or my game?===
First of all, you have to be the host to kick. In theory, you would right click on someone's name in the 'game lobby' and that would give you the option to kick them. This feature is not currently supported, however, but it will be fixed soon.

===When I'm 'driving' my commander, why can't I use my laser?===
The TA: Spring team will most likely add a way for you to use your commander's laser soon.

===I hate driving around with the 'arrow keys'. Is there any way I can use the 'W-A-S-D' controls (the controls most First Person Shooters use) anymore?===
Go into your Spring directory and edit the uikeys file. Keep in mind that 'S' is originally a 'hot-key' that will stop your units and that 'D' is a 'hot-key' for your commander's D-Gun. You might want to change those too.

===I turned the shadows feature on; I still don't see shadows. What gives?===
Your graphics card can't handle shadows, so Spring automatically turns them off.

===I can't go backwards when I am 'driving' a unit. Why not?===
Because TA units were never intended to go backwards. Sorry.

===I'm in the Unreal Tournament 2004 kind of mood. How do I strafe?===
You can only strafe in 'brawler type' ships, such as the brawler, rapier, and light gunships.

===How can I record and watch demos/replays?===
The game is always recorded to test.sdf which is overwritten by each new game. Change the name if you want to save it. To view a demo start spring.exe as non server and enter the full demo name (coolgame.sdf for example) as server address. You must change the name to something else than test.sdf to view a demo.

You can use the Speed up/Slow down game keys while watching the replay. +

===Sometimes when I play with certain people I get HUGE sync errors that continue throughout the game.===
It used to be because they have a different mod installed than you. If, for example, you had not installed a mod, and somebody was in the game with you that had the OTA mod installed, it would cause the 'sync' error. However, now those errors should show up as disabled units in the battleroom.

Check the list at the right hand in the game battleroom for disabled units.

If there are tons of them (not just 1, as this is known bug [naval flakker bug]), some players has a different mod installed.

===My aircraft repairing platforms don't work!===
This feature is not implemented yet. I'm afraid you'll have to wait.

===What features from the original TA game have not been implemented yet?===
In addition to aircraft repair platforms (above), enemy capturing and resurrection have not been implemented yet.

----
==Creating Content for Spring==
===How do I create maps===
See this page: [[Create maps]]
===How do I create units===
Go here: [[Create units]]

FAQ

2005-08-01T02:44:09Z

Fnordia: /* Why can I edit this page? */

==General information==

===What is TA Spring?===
TA Spring is a project to create the best RTS ever (no joke). There are three principle goals which we hope to achieve.

. . . . . .A) Reach a stage where TA Spring can flawlessly execute most of Total Annihilation's original gameplay, with its original units in their original format.

. . . . . .B) Add new features as we see fit, fix bugs, and release new versions when we feel it is appropriate to do so.

. . . . . .C) Support the mod community as we see fit.

===When will TA Spring be ready?===
Now! You can get the latest beta from the download page.

===Will TA Spring be free?===
The core game is released under GPL License. However, some parts of the game are still under copyright by their owners. Therefore, today, you need to own the original TA game if you want to play. However the community is working hard in order to offer completely free alternatives. + Yes.

===Why can I edit this page?===
This page, and several others, are located in the TA Spring [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiki Wiki]. The link gives a full explanation of what it is, but in short it is a way of letting anyone who wants contribute to the page content. This can of course be abused, but even while it is easy for someone to vandalise the page, it is just as easy for someone to restore it, since the wiki saves all previous versions of a page.

===I want to help, what can I do?===
Please look at the Messageboard. There are lots of things you can do according to your skills. Particularly important is to create viable and pleasing free alternatives to copyrighted material, mainly sounds and units.

===I want to donate.===
People have made clear their desire to donate to the project, and so far, we have been fairly reluctant about accepting donations. Our main concern? While we certainly hope to have something on the level of a commercial release in the near future, there is no guarantee that it will ever happen. Unforseen events arise, and it would be most unfortunate if everyone who donated felt swindled because the project did not turn out as they had hoped.

We do not plan to be more or less productive solely based upon the quantity and frequency of donations received. The TA Spring project is here only because we view this as an enjoyable hobby.

===I read all that and I still want to donate.===
Very well then! You can find the required details [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/donate.php here]. It will be much appreciated. :)

----

==Technical==

===What port numbers does TA Spring use?===
The lobby room uses 4897 TCP to communicate with the server. Then when you create a battleroom you can choose what ports it should use. 8452 is the default. The battleroom itself will use TCP on this port while the game will use UDP on this port.

===What APIs does TA Spring use?===
The Windows version of the program (which one might call the official version, or at this point, simply the working version :) ) uses: OpenGL for rendering, DirectSound for sound, and Winsock for networking.

The Linux port (more info below) will use SDL/OpenGL for rendering, OpenAL for sound (which will connect to DirectSound on Windows and OSS or ALSA on Linux), BSD sockets for networking.

===What language is TA Spring written in?===
C and C++.

===Is TA Spring open source?===
Yes, it is. Go to the downloads section of the site to download the source code.

===Will there be a linux port?===
There is an effort being made by some in the community to create a port. For more information see the separate wiki [https://opensvn.csie.org/traccgi/taspring_linux/trac.cgi/ here] and see the Messageboard, where most discussion is focused in this [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=743&highlight= thread].

----
==Requirements==

===What platforms will TA Spring run on?===
At the moment, it only runs on Windows.
Members of the community are working on porting the game on Linux platform (please refer to the Messageboard).
If someone wants to port it to another platform, please contact us once we have an initial release ready. We will not, however, port it ourselves at any time (in the forseeable future). There is simply no compelling reason for us to do so. Additionally, we would like to focus on getting it working well on just one platform.

===What sort of a system will I need to run TA Spring?===
You will most certainly need a 3D graphics card to run TA Spring, which will probably require at least a GeForce3 (note that a GeForce4 MX is not better than a GeForce3) and the latest driver supported. Minimum CPU requirements are a little more complex. A more powerful CPU will have the capability to support larger maps and a greater maximum unit limit. A 1ghz CPU should be able to support an estimated 500 units. The needed memory will also vary with unit count and mapsize, but 512mb should be enough.

===Spring says I need the GL_ARB_texture_env_combine extension, what can I do?===
If you encounter the error "Needed extension GL_ARB_texture_env_combine not found", this means that your video card driver does not support GL_ARB_texture_env_combine. You can try downloading a new video driver from the manufacturers website ([www.ati.com], [www.nvidia.com], ...) If this doesn't solve the problem then your video hardware is too old to support the extension. Buy a new video card.

----

==Content==

===Do TA Spring maps need a "ground"?===
TA Spring maps do require a ground. We have had many requests to have space maps, however, a "true" (ala Homeworld) space setting is not likely. It would have to wait until a much later stage. This does not mean that TA's style of "space" maps won't be possible, (see the Final Frontier TC for examples of this).

===You stated that TA Spring uses the TA unit format.===
TA Spring does use the Total Annihilation unit format. However, we do plan to make TA Spring compatible with a custom unit format of our own design.

===How powerful will TA Spring's custom format be?===
Total Annihilation's unit format was extremely limited. Most of these limitations will either be expanded or non-existent in TA Spring's custom unit format. One of the most exciting improvements is the introduction of an entirely new method of scripting, with nearly complete control over every aspect of a unit's actions and behaviors.

===Does TA Spring have a limited number of weapons?===
No. Unlike Total Annihilation, TA Spring's weapon IDs will be unlimited.

===Does TA Spring have a limited number of unique units?===
No. Unit IDs, like weapon IDs, will be unlimited.

===Will units have a maximum of 3 unique weapons?===
Total Annihilation had a limitation that permitted a maximum of 3 unique weapons per unit. This limit will exist in TA Spring only if a unit is made in the original Total Annihilation format. To bypass this limit, a unit would have to be created entirely within the limits of our own format.

===I'm curious as to the per-unit polygon limit.===
The engine itself does not have a polygon count limit. The limit is that of the processing power of today's computers. Since TA Spring requires a 3D card, the maximum polygon count per unit will be several times higher than Total Annihilation's. No real numbers yet though. We're gonna leave it up to the mod community to figure that one out.

===Will units be able to perform basic terraforming?===
Total Annihilation units probably won't have any terrain editable functionality. Future units may be endowed with such functionality, but it's more of a gameplay issue and has not been decided upon yet. However construction units can restore ground.

===Will tunnel building be possible?===
Subterranean areas of any sort is impossible. However, it is possible to heavily deform the ground with explosives.

===Will the ground's water retention be editable?===
No. Water will always collect when a piece of land has a height below sea level.

===Does TA Spring have a limit on the number of races?===
TA Spring has no limit on the total number of sides/races.

===What are the sizes of the biggest and smallest units?===
Static units (buildings, defenses, etc.) have no size limitations in the engine. Technically, neither do mobile units, but units with a footprint larger than 4x4 "squares" (an arbitrary size standard created by Cavedog) might have problems pathfinding.

===What is going to be the maximum possible sea depth?===
For all practical purposes, it will be unlimited. The depth values are stored as "float variables", so it is doubtful that maps would ever be made which even come close to approaching the limit.

===Will TA Spring support campaigns?===
No such support is planned at the moment but it is possible using the GroupAI interface.

===How big will the TA Spring files be?===
TA Spring will be as big as however much content is included with it. The "essential" files (engine files mostly) will only be several megabytes large. Content (such as maps and units) will add considerable size to the TA Spring download. However, it is not known at this point just how much "content" will be included with the first release.

===How will TA Spring render sound effects?===
Sound is rendered 3D, meaning that the volume and direction (assuming a multi-speaker setup) vary with the location of the camera from the sound "emitter". What this translates into gameplay terms means that the closer you are to a unit making a sound or motion, the louder the sound will be. Additionally, the sound will be heard differently depending on which way the camera is facing relative to units making sound.

===Will TA Spring have ambient sound?===
There is no ambient sound, and we haven't planned on adding it so far.

===Will there be an AI or a "skirmish" mode?===
We have created an interface for AI's, and two are currently approaching development. In the meantime, the spawn script included in the latest version exists as a text file in the TASpring folder, and can be modified by any text editor such as MS Notepad, for your particular play style, or mod.

===Will a "possess" or a FPS option be present?===
Yes, it is possible to fully control a unit from the first person view. It is more of a gimmick, but it still allows for a nice diversion once in a while.

----
==Getting into a game==

===People talk about 'Single Player'. How do I start a single player game?===
Go into your TA Spring folder and find the 'Spring.exe' file. Double click on it and say 'yes' to host.

===When I try to make a single player game, it gives me an error.===
Your graphics card probably can't support Spring. If you read the requirements it did say GeForce 3 or better. Go to the settings file in your TA Spring directory and lower some of the options. Sometimes that works.

===Does TA Spring support AI Players?===
Not yet. Fortunately for you they are currently working on it :) In the mean time you can use the [[random_enemies]] script, which spawns units out of thin air and sends them to attack you.

===When I try to connect to the lobby it gives me an error.===
There could be 2 problems. Either you don't have an account, or the server is down. If you don't have an account, make one. If the server is down, you'll just have to wait (this doesn't happen often, though).
Have a look at this website's News page and/or the Messageboard, it is likely that you will get some information there in the eventuality that the server is down.

===I have a router and I don't seem to be able to get a game===

If you are using a router you may have other problems. Explanations of [http://www.portforward.com/routers.htm how to forward ports] has instructions for every router.

===Sometimes when I join games the minimap is blank===
This is because you don't have the map they're using. At present (0.51b1) the regular installer comes with the following maps: Small Divide, map4, mars and Flooded Desert. The small installer only comes with Small Divide. If you want to play games with other maps you need to download them.

===Where can I download more maps?===
As for most Spring downloads [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?page=listing&ID=90 FileUniverse] is the place to be! A collection of maps can be downloaded [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?page=listing&ID=91 here].

===I used the small installer where can I get the missing maps?===
Unfortunately the maps included in the regular installer (0.51b1) aren't available on File Universe. However, since many of the scripts included in the game rely on map4, this can be downloaded [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/dl/map4.7z here].

===How do I install downloaded maps?===
Just unzip them into your spring maps folder. Some map files use newer (smaller) file formats such as .rar or .7z, to unzip these newer formats, you'll need to download 7-Zip [http://www.7-zip.org/ http://www.7-zip.org/] or Zip-genius [http://downloads.zipgenius.it/ http://downloads.zipgenius.it/]. They both handle almost all formats and are totaly free.

===Sometimes when I try to join games it gives me an error.===
The host is behind a firewall that has not opened the correct ports for Spring.

Dixit SJ: "The lobby room uses 4897 tcp to communicate with the server. Then when you create a battleroom you can choose what ports it should use. 8452 is the default. The battleroom itself will use tcp on this port while the game will use udp on this port."

===When I make games nobody joins.===
You are probably behind a firewall. See question above.

===When a multiplayer game starts I never make it past the loading screen.===
This indicates a problem with your video card. Once again the best way to deal with this situation is to make sure your video card has the latest driver updates and that all Spring video features are on the lowest settings.

===When a multiplayer game starts, I make it past the loading screen, but when I get into the game it says, "Waiting for Host", and does a 10 second countdown. It always reaches zero and boots me out, what gives?===
This is a firewall issue. There are three things you can do to fix this. First, make sure your windows firewall is either off, or is not blocking the TA: Spring application. Secondly, if you are behind a router, you can forward the ports that the host is using (especially if you are the host), and it usually fixes the problem. To do this you must go to your router configuration page. You can see what port 'you' are using (as the host), by hosting a multiplayer game in the Spring Lobby. You must make this your trigger port, and make sure that it is open for both TCP and UDP. Thirdly, if none of the aforementioned worked. The easiest thing to do (assuming you are behind a router) is to set the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone). This means your computer will be completely exposed to the internet, which will make you vulnerable to any unknown or unpatched exploits in windows. All you have to do is find the personal IP if the computer you are using and add it to your router's DMZ list. Please only try this last option if you can't get the others to work.
Good Luck

===Sometimes when I chat in the 'game lobby', people can't hear me.===
I would recommend closing and restarting the whole Spring application after each successful game. Weird things tend too happen. (By successful I mean all the players loaded and the game started.)

===I got into the game, but some people didn't.===
The host may have reached the number of players it has set.
Or the players may be experiencing firewall or video card difficulty. That is not your fault. Please ask them too leave if they are still there when you get into the 'game lobby'.

===I got into a game but my name is red, nobody can hear me speak, and eventually I get disconnected===
This is to do with how long it takes the game to start up (the "load time"). If it takes too long you will see this problem. The load time can be reduced by changing the game graphics settings to lower quality. In particular try setting texture quality to lowest.

----

==Playing==

===What is with this weird right-click mode? I'm bout to break my keyboard.===
Sorry, you'll just have to get used to it. As of now it can't be changed.

===Why is somebody else also controlling my units?===
In the 'game lobby' there are two sets of teams. There are the 'Teams' and the 'Ally Teams'. If you are on the same 'Team', then you both get the same commander, and can control the same units. If you are on 'Ally Teams', then you both get different commanders and can't control each others units.

===Then why would I want to be on the same 'Team' as somebody?===
Because it's fun to just drive around units and not have to worry about commanding. (Assuming that one of the people on the team is commanding.)

===How do I talk to my allies only?===
You must type 'a:' before you speak. Here's an example: a: Now I am talking to my allies only.

===Help! After I'm finished driving a unit, the camera is all insane! This is nuts! How do I fix it?===
Whoa now. Calm down. Just press ctrl + mouse button 3 to change camera modes.

===After I'm finished driving a unit, where what used too be my mouse pointer is now a crosshair. Why?===
-This is a special 'view mode' that allows you to move around the screen much faster. It's good for viewing the battle or getting screenshots. Simply press on your third mouse button too revert back to your mouse pointer.

===But I don't have a third mouse button!===
The key 'J' works in the same way as the 'middle mouse button' does. So where you would use ctrl + middle mouse button to change camera modes, ctrl + j does the same thing. Pressing J once will also switch you from 'crosshair mode' to 'pointer mode' and vice versa.

===When I start a game, I am stuck in this weird camera mode and my perspective is all messed up. How do I switch to the overhead(ota style) camera?===
This happens when you start a single player game or when the host uses force start. Shift+Backspace switches between the fps style, total war style and ota style cameras. Use it to get your camera back to normal in this situation.

===Sometimes my units just get deleted. Why?===
For some reason units get deleted when they go into the wrong places. Like out of the map edge.

This is already fixed in recent versions.

===People are cheating! How do I stop it?!===
Well currently, you can't.

Only the host can "activate" the cheat codes. After that, any player can do almost all cheats.

The best thing to do is just not play with the cheaters anymore. But with new spring version cheats are disabled in multiplayer, so that paragraph is hopefully now irrelevant.

===Well how do you cheat?===

<table border="3" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0">

<tr><th>Cheat Command</th><th>Effect</th></tr>

<tr>
<td>'''.cheat'''</td><td>'''enable cheats - Cheats don't work in multiplayer until the host types this'''</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.nocost</td><td>instabuild (doesn't work on things already under construction, only on new ones)</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.setmaxspeed 50</td><td>Changes the maximum speed multiplier (default is 3.0)</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.setminspeed 0</td><td>Changes the minimum speed multiplier (default is 0.3)</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.spectator</td><td>Allows you to see the entire map... but you lose control of your units</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.team 0, .team 1, etc.</td><td>Change player</td>
</tr>

</table>

===In Game Commands===
The following ''non-cheating'' commands are also available in game:

<table border="3" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0">

<tr>
<th>Command</th><th>Effect</th>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.info</td><td>Shows you what colour each player is and their ping delay in the bottom left corner of the screen</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.clock</td><td>Shows you the elapsed game time in minutes and seconds in the bottom left corner of the screen</td>
</tr>

</table>

===How do I ally or unally in game?===
I'm pretty sure you can't. Yet.

===How do I give somebody units or metal or energy?===
Press the 'H' key.
Then select the amount of metal and/or energy to share.

Then select the recieving player an press ok.

When sharing units, you must first select the units to share, then press 'H' key.

Tick share units checkbox and choose recieving player.

===How do I continually give somebody metal and/or energy after a certain point (i.e. Original TA commands +setshare..., +shareall)?===
You'll notice that on your metal and energy bars (top of screen), there are two red bars. You have to put them wherever you want your metal and energy to be shared after.

===Man I am soooo sick of XTA. How do I play AA or OTA instead?===
Well. Somebody has made a patch to turn TA Spring into OTA: [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?page=showitem&ID=679 click here]. But really, why would you want to go back to OTA? There are also patches available for various mods other than XTA (which is installed as default): [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?page=listing&ID=92 click here]. A switcher is available which makes it easier to switch between the different mods: [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?page=showitem&ID=805 click here]

===XTA? OTA? AA? OMFGLAMO? What those all the abbreviations mean?===
zwzsg maintains a handy dandy Faq about TA, and the abbreviations that relate to Spring too, of course.
[http://www.tauniverse.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27309 click here]. See also the Spring [[Glossary]], which contains brief explanations for all non-standard words and phrases.

===Why am I destroyed so easily by long range assaults?===
This is a realistic feature of TA Spring. Units will automatically attack 'radar blips' (units that they can not actually see, but that are indicated on radar). However, the accuracy is very bad while shooting at radar blips until:
* Your unit kills a lot of units and gets experience
* You get a targetting facility.

===Can I kick people from my 'game lobby' or my game?===
First of all, you have to be the host to kick. In theory, you would right click on someone's name in the 'game lobby' and that would give you the option to kick them. This feature is not currently supported, however, but it will be fixed soon.

===When I'm 'driving' my commander, why can't I use my laser?===
The TA: Spring team will most likely add a way for you to use your commander's laser soon.

===I hate driving around with the 'arrow keys'. Is there any way I can use the 'W-A-S-D' controls (the controls most First Person Shooters use) anymore?===
Go into your Spring directory and edit the uikeys file. Keep in mind that 'S' is originally a 'hot-key' that will stop your units and that 'D' is a 'hot-key' for your commander's D-Gun. You might want to change those too.

===I turned the shadows feature on; I still don't see shadows. What gives?===
Your graphics card can't handle shadows, so Spring automatically turns them off.

===I can't go backwards when I am 'driving' a unit. Why not?===
Because TA units were never intended to go backwards. Sorry.

===I'm in the Unreal Tournament 2004 kind of mood. How do I strafe?===
You can only strafe in 'brawler type' ships, such as the brawler, rapier, and light gunships.

===How can I record and watch demos/replays?===
The game is always recorded to test.sdf which is overwritten by each new game. Change the name if you want to save it. To view a demo start spring.exe as non server and enter the full demo name (coolgame.sdf for example) as server address. You must change the name to something else than test.sdf to view a demo.

You can use the Speed up/Slow down game keys while watching the replay. +

===Sometimes when I play with certain people I get HUGE sync errors that continue throughout the game.===
It used to be because they have a different mod installed than you. If, for example, you had not installed a mod, and somebody was in the game with you that had the OTA mod installed, it would cause the 'sync' error. However, now those errors should show up as disabled units in the battleroom.

Check the list at the right hand in the game battleroom for disabled units.

If there are tons of them (not just 1, as this is known bug [naval flakker bug]), some players has a different mod installed.

===My aircraft repairing platforms don't work!===
This feature is not implemented yet. I'm afraid you'll have to wait.

===What features from the original TA game have not been implemented yet?===
In addition to aircraft repair platforms (above), enemy capturing and resurrection have not been implemented yet.

----
==Creating Content for Spring==
===How do I create maps===
See this page: [[Create maps]]
===How do I create units===
Go here: [[Create units]]

FAQ

2005-08-01T02:43:55Z

Fnordia: /* Will TA Spring be free? */

==General information==

===What is TA Spring?===
TA Spring is a project to create the best RTS ever (no joke). There are three principle goals which we hope to achieve.

. . . . . .A) Reach a stage where TA Spring can flawlessly execute most of Total Annihilation's original gameplay, with its original units in their original format.

. . . . . .B) Add new features as we see fit, fix bugs, and release new versions when we feel it is appropriate to do so.

. . . . . .C) Support the mod community as we see fit.

===When will TA Spring be ready?===
Now! You can get the latest beta from the download page.

===Will TA Spring be free?===
The core game is released under GPL License. However, some parts of the game are still under copyright by their owners. Therefore, today, you need to own the original TA game if you want to play. However the community is working hard in order to offer completely free alternatives. + Yes.

===Why can I edit this page?===

===I want to help, what can I do?===
Please look at the Messageboard. There are lots of things you can do according to your skills. Particularly important is to create viable and pleasing free alternatives to copyrighted material, mainly sounds and units.

===I want to donate.===
People have made clear their desire to donate to the project, and so far, we have been fairly reluctant about accepting donations. Our main concern? While we certainly hope to have something on the level of a commercial release in the near future, there is no guarantee that it will ever happen. Unforseen events arise, and it would be most unfortunate if everyone who donated felt swindled because the project did not turn out as they had hoped.

We do not plan to be more or less productive solely based upon the quantity and frequency of donations received. The TA Spring project is here only because we view this as an enjoyable hobby.

===I read all that and I still want to donate.===
Very well then! You can find the required details [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/donate.php here]. It will be much appreciated. :)

----

==Technical==

===What port numbers does TA Spring use?===
The lobby room uses 4897 TCP to communicate with the server. Then when you create a battleroom you can choose what ports it should use. 8452 is the default. The battleroom itself will use TCP on this port while the game will use UDP on this port.

===What APIs does TA Spring use?===
The Windows version of the program (which one might call the official version, or at this point, simply the working version :) ) uses: OpenGL for rendering, DirectSound for sound, and Winsock for networking.

The Linux port (more info below) will use SDL/OpenGL for rendering, OpenAL for sound (which will connect to DirectSound on Windows and OSS or ALSA on Linux), BSD sockets for networking.

===What language is TA Spring written in?===
C and C++.

===Is TA Spring open source?===
Yes, it is. Go to the downloads section of the site to download the source code.

===Will there be a linux port?===
There is an effort being made by some in the community to create a port. For more information see the separate wiki [https://opensvn.csie.org/traccgi/taspring_linux/trac.cgi/ here] and see the Messageboard, where most discussion is focused in this [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=743&highlight= thread].

----
==Requirements==

===What platforms will TA Spring run on?===
At the moment, it only runs on Windows.
Members of the community are working on porting the game on Linux platform (please refer to the Messageboard).
If someone wants to port it to another platform, please contact us once we have an initial release ready. We will not, however, port it ourselves at any time (in the forseeable future). There is simply no compelling reason for us to do so. Additionally, we would like to focus on getting it working well on just one platform.

===What sort of a system will I need to run TA Spring?===
You will most certainly need a 3D graphics card to run TA Spring, which will probably require at least a GeForce3 (note that a GeForce4 MX is not better than a GeForce3) and the latest driver supported. Minimum CPU requirements are a little more complex. A more powerful CPU will have the capability to support larger maps and a greater maximum unit limit. A 1ghz CPU should be able to support an estimated 500 units. The needed memory will also vary with unit count and mapsize, but 512mb should be enough.

===Spring says I need the GL_ARB_texture_env_combine extension, what can I do?===
If you encounter the error "Needed extension GL_ARB_texture_env_combine not found", this means that your video card driver does not support GL_ARB_texture_env_combine. You can try downloading a new video driver from the manufacturers website ([www.ati.com], [www.nvidia.com], ...) If this doesn't solve the problem then your video hardware is too old to support the extension. Buy a new video card.

----

==Content==

===Do TA Spring maps need a "ground"?===
TA Spring maps do require a ground. We have had many requests to have space maps, however, a "true" (ala Homeworld) space setting is not likely. It would have to wait until a much later stage. This does not mean that TA's style of "space" maps won't be possible, (see the Final Frontier TC for examples of this).

===You stated that TA Spring uses the TA unit format.===
TA Spring does use the Total Annihilation unit format. However, we do plan to make TA Spring compatible with a custom unit format of our own design.

===How powerful will TA Spring's custom format be?===
Total Annihilation's unit format was extremely limited. Most of these limitations will either be expanded or non-existent in TA Spring's custom unit format. One of the most exciting improvements is the introduction of an entirely new method of scripting, with nearly complete control over every aspect of a unit's actions and behaviors.

===Does TA Spring have a limited number of weapons?===
No. Unlike Total Annihilation, TA Spring's weapon IDs will be unlimited.

===Does TA Spring have a limited number of unique units?===
No. Unit IDs, like weapon IDs, will be unlimited.

===Will units have a maximum of 3 unique weapons?===
Total Annihilation had a limitation that permitted a maximum of 3 unique weapons per unit. This limit will exist in TA Spring only if a unit is made in the original Total Annihilation format. To bypass this limit, a unit would have to be created entirely within the limits of our own format.

===I'm curious as to the per-unit polygon limit.===
The engine itself does not have a polygon count limit. The limit is that of the processing power of today's computers. Since TA Spring requires a 3D card, the maximum polygon count per unit will be several times higher than Total Annihilation's. No real numbers yet though. We're gonna leave it up to the mod community to figure that one out.

===Will units be able to perform basic terraforming?===
Total Annihilation units probably won't have any terrain editable functionality. Future units may be endowed with such functionality, but it's more of a gameplay issue and has not been decided upon yet. However construction units can restore ground.

===Will tunnel building be possible?===
Subterranean areas of any sort is impossible. However, it is possible to heavily deform the ground with explosives.

===Will the ground's water retention be editable?===
No. Water will always collect when a piece of land has a height below sea level.

===Does TA Spring have a limit on the number of races?===
TA Spring has no limit on the total number of sides/races.

===What are the sizes of the biggest and smallest units?===
Static units (buildings, defenses, etc.) have no size limitations in the engine. Technically, neither do mobile units, but units with a footprint larger than 4x4 "squares" (an arbitrary size standard created by Cavedog) might have problems pathfinding.

===What is going to be the maximum possible sea depth?===
For all practical purposes, it will be unlimited. The depth values are stored as "float variables", so it is doubtful that maps would ever be made which even come close to approaching the limit.

===Will TA Spring support campaigns?===
No such support is planned at the moment but it is possible using the GroupAI interface.

===How big will the TA Spring files be?===
TA Spring will be as big as however much content is included with it. The "essential" files (engine files mostly) will only be several megabytes large. Content (such as maps and units) will add considerable size to the TA Spring download. However, it is not known at this point just how much "content" will be included with the first release.

===How will TA Spring render sound effects?===
Sound is rendered 3D, meaning that the volume and direction (assuming a multi-speaker setup) vary with the location of the camera from the sound "emitter". What this translates into gameplay terms means that the closer you are to a unit making a sound or motion, the louder the sound will be. Additionally, the sound will be heard differently depending on which way the camera is facing relative to units making sound.

===Will TA Spring have ambient sound?===
There is no ambient sound, and we haven't planned on adding it so far.

===Will there be an AI or a "skirmish" mode?===
We have created an interface for AI's, and two are currently approaching development. In the meantime, the spawn script included in the latest version exists as a text file in the TASpring folder, and can be modified by any text editor such as MS Notepad, for your particular play style, or mod.

===Will a "possess" or a FPS option be present?===
Yes, it is possible to fully control a unit from the first person view. It is more of a gimmick, but it still allows for a nice diversion once in a while.

----
==Getting into a game==

===People talk about 'Single Player'. How do I start a single player game?===
Go into your TA Spring folder and find the 'Spring.exe' file. Double click on it and say 'yes' to host.

===When I try to make a single player game, it gives me an error.===
Your graphics card probably can't support Spring. If you read the requirements it did say GeForce 3 or better. Go to the settings file in your TA Spring directory and lower some of the options. Sometimes that works.

===Does TA Spring support AI Players?===
Not yet. Fortunately for you they are currently working on it :) In the mean time you can use the [[random_enemies]] script, which spawns units out of thin air and sends them to attack you.

===When I try to connect to the lobby it gives me an error.===
There could be 2 problems. Either you don't have an account, or the server is down. If you don't have an account, make one. If the server is down, you'll just have to wait (this doesn't happen often, though).
Have a look at this website's News page and/or the Messageboard, it is likely that you will get some information there in the eventuality that the server is down.

===I have a router and I don't seem to be able to get a game===

If you are using a router you may have other problems. Explanations of [http://www.portforward.com/routers.htm how to forward ports] has instructions for every router.

===Sometimes when I join games the minimap is blank===
This is because you don't have the map they're using. At present (0.51b1) the regular installer comes with the following maps: Small Divide, map4, mars and Flooded Desert. The small installer only comes with Small Divide. If you want to play games with other maps you need to download them.

===Where can I download more maps?===
As for most Spring downloads [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?page=listing&ID=90 FileUniverse] is the place to be! A collection of maps can be downloaded [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?page=listing&ID=91 here].

===I used the small installer where can I get the missing maps?===
Unfortunately the maps included in the regular installer (0.51b1) aren't available on File Universe. However, since many of the scripts included in the game rely on map4, this can be downloaded [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/dl/map4.7z here].

===How do I install downloaded maps?===
Just unzip them into your spring maps folder. Some map files use newer (smaller) file formats such as .rar or .7z, to unzip these newer formats, you'll need to download 7-Zip [http://www.7-zip.org/ http://www.7-zip.org/] or Zip-genius [http://downloads.zipgenius.it/ http://downloads.zipgenius.it/]. They both handle almost all formats and are totaly free.

===Sometimes when I try to join games it gives me an error.===
The host is behind a firewall that has not opened the correct ports for Spring.

Dixit SJ: "The lobby room uses 4897 tcp to communicate with the server. Then when you create a battleroom you can choose what ports it should use. 8452 is the default. The battleroom itself will use tcp on this port while the game will use udp on this port."

===When I make games nobody joins.===
You are probably behind a firewall. See question above.

===When a multiplayer game starts I never make it past the loading screen.===
This indicates a problem with your video card. Once again the best way to deal with this situation is to make sure your video card has the latest driver updates and that all Spring video features are on the lowest settings.

===When a multiplayer game starts, I make it past the loading screen, but when I get into the game it says, "Waiting for Host", and does a 10 second countdown. It always reaches zero and boots me out, what gives?===
This is a firewall issue. There are three things you can do to fix this. First, make sure your windows firewall is either off, or is not blocking the TA: Spring application. Secondly, if you are behind a router, you can forward the ports that the host is using (especially if you are the host), and it usually fixes the problem. To do this you must go to your router configuration page. You can see what port 'you' are using (as the host), by hosting a multiplayer game in the Spring Lobby. You must make this your trigger port, and make sure that it is open for both TCP and UDP. Thirdly, if none of the aforementioned worked. The easiest thing to do (assuming you are behind a router) is to set the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone). This means your computer will be completely exposed to the internet, which will make you vulnerable to any unknown or unpatched exploits in windows. All you have to do is find the personal IP if the computer you are using and add it to your router's DMZ list. Please only try this last option if you can't get the others to work.
Good Luck

===Sometimes when I chat in the 'game lobby', people can't hear me.===
I would recommend closing and restarting the whole Spring application after each successful game. Weird things tend too happen. (By successful I mean all the players loaded and the game started.)

===I got into the game, but some people didn't.===
The host may have reached the number of players it has set.
Or the players may be experiencing firewall or video card difficulty. That is not your fault. Please ask them too leave if they are still there when you get into the 'game lobby'.

===I got into a game but my name is red, nobody can hear me speak, and eventually I get disconnected===
This is to do with how long it takes the game to start up (the "load time"). If it takes too long you will see this problem. The load time can be reduced by changing the game graphics settings to lower quality. In particular try setting texture quality to lowest.

----

==Playing==

===What is with this weird right-click mode? I'm bout to break my keyboard.===
Sorry, you'll just have to get used to it. As of now it can't be changed.

===Why is somebody else also controlling my units?===
In the 'game lobby' there are two sets of teams. There are the 'Teams' and the 'Ally Teams'. If you are on the same 'Team', then you both get the same commander, and can control the same units. If you are on 'Ally Teams', then you both get different commanders and can't control each others units.

===Then why would I want to be on the same 'Team' as somebody?===
Because it's fun to just drive around units and not have to worry about commanding. (Assuming that one of the people on the team is commanding.)

===How do I talk to my allies only?===
You must type 'a:' before you speak. Here's an example: a: Now I am talking to my allies only.

===Help! After I'm finished driving a unit, the camera is all insane! This is nuts! How do I fix it?===
Whoa now. Calm down. Just press ctrl + mouse button 3 to change camera modes.

===After I'm finished driving a unit, where what used too be my mouse pointer is now a crosshair. Why?===
-This is a special 'view mode' that allows you to move around the screen much faster. It's good for viewing the battle or getting screenshots. Simply press on your third mouse button too revert back to your mouse pointer.

===But I don't have a third mouse button!===
The key 'J' works in the same way as the 'middle mouse button' does. So where you would use ctrl + middle mouse button to change camera modes, ctrl + j does the same thing. Pressing J once will also switch you from 'crosshair mode' to 'pointer mode' and vice versa.

===When I start a game, I am stuck in this weird camera mode and my perspective is all messed up. How do I switch to the overhead(ota style) camera?===
This happens when you start a single player game or when the host uses force start. Shift+Backspace switches between the fps style, total war style and ota style cameras. Use it to get your camera back to normal in this situation.

===Sometimes my units just get deleted. Why?===
For some reason units get deleted when they go into the wrong places. Like out of the map edge.

This is already fixed in recent versions.

===People are cheating! How do I stop it?!===
Well currently, you can't.

Only the host can "activate" the cheat codes. After that, any player can do almost all cheats.

The best thing to do is just not play with the cheaters anymore. But with new spring version cheats are disabled in multiplayer, so that paragraph is hopefully now irrelevant.

===Well how do you cheat?===

<table border="3" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0">

<tr><th>Cheat Command</th><th>Effect</th></tr>

<tr>
<td>'''.cheat'''</td><td>'''enable cheats - Cheats don't work in multiplayer until the host types this'''</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.nocost</td><td>instabuild (doesn't work on things already under construction, only on new ones)</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.setmaxspeed 50</td><td>Changes the maximum speed multiplier (default is 3.0)</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.setminspeed 0</td><td>Changes the minimum speed multiplier (default is 0.3)</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.spectator</td><td>Allows you to see the entire map... but you lose control of your units</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.team 0, .team 1, etc.</td><td>Change player</td>
</tr>

</table>

===In Game Commands===
The following ''non-cheating'' commands are also available in game:

<table border="3" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0">

<tr>
<th>Command</th><th>Effect</th>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.info</td><td>Shows you what colour each player is and their ping delay in the bottom left corner of the screen</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.clock</td><td>Shows you the elapsed game time in minutes and seconds in the bottom left corner of the screen</td>
</tr>

</table>

===How do I ally or unally in game?===
I'm pretty sure you can't. Yet.

===How do I give somebody units or metal or energy?===
Press the 'H' key.
Then select the amount of metal and/or energy to share.

Then select the recieving player an press ok.

When sharing units, you must first select the units to share, then press 'H' key.

Tick share units checkbox and choose recieving player.

===How do I continually give somebody metal and/or energy after a certain point (i.e. Original TA commands +setshare..., +shareall)?===
You'll notice that on your metal and energy bars (top of screen), there are two red bars. You have to put them wherever you want your metal and energy to be shared after.

===Man I am soooo sick of XTA. How do I play AA or OTA instead?===
Well. Somebody has made a patch to turn TA Spring into OTA: [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?page=showitem&ID=679 click here]. But really, why would you want to go back to OTA? There are also patches available for various mods other than XTA (which is installed as default): [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?page=listing&ID=92 click here]. A switcher is available which makes it easier to switch between the different mods: [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?page=showitem&ID=805 click here]

===XTA? OTA? AA? OMFGLAMO? What those all the abbreviations mean?===
zwzsg maintains a handy dandy Faq about TA, and the abbreviations that relate to Spring too, of course.
[http://www.tauniverse.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27309 click here]. See also the Spring [[Glossary]], which contains brief explanations for all non-standard words and phrases.

===Why am I destroyed so easily by long range assaults?===
This is a realistic feature of TA Spring. Units will automatically attack 'radar blips' (units that they can not actually see, but that are indicated on radar). However, the accuracy is very bad while shooting at radar blips until:
* Your unit kills a lot of units and gets experience
* You get a targetting facility.

===Can I kick people from my 'game lobby' or my game?===
First of all, you have to be the host to kick. In theory, you would right click on someone's name in the 'game lobby' and that would give you the option to kick them. This feature is not currently supported, however, but it will be fixed soon.

===When I'm 'driving' my commander, why can't I use my laser?===
The TA: Spring team will most likely add a way for you to use your commander's laser soon.

===I hate driving around with the 'arrow keys'. Is there any way I can use the 'W-A-S-D' controls (the controls most First Person Shooters use) anymore?===
Go into your Spring directory and edit the uikeys file. Keep in mind that 'S' is originally a 'hot-key' that will stop your units and that 'D' is a 'hot-key' for your commander's D-Gun. You might want to change those too.

===I turned the shadows feature on; I still don't see shadows. What gives?===
Your graphics card can't handle shadows, so Spring automatically turns them off.

===I can't go backwards when I am 'driving' a unit. Why not?===
Because TA units were never intended to go backwards. Sorry.

===I'm in the Unreal Tournament 2004 kind of mood. How do I strafe?===
You can only strafe in 'brawler type' ships, such as the brawler, rapier, and light gunships.

===How can I record and watch demos/replays?===
The game is always recorded to test.sdf which is overwritten by each new game. Change the name if you want to save it. To view a demo start spring.exe as non server and enter the full demo name (coolgame.sdf for example) as server address. You must change the name to something else than test.sdf to view a demo.

You can use the Speed up/Slow down game keys while watching the replay. +

===Sometimes when I play with certain people I get HUGE sync errors that continue throughout the game.===
It used to be because they have a different mod installed than you. If, for example, you had not installed a mod, and somebody was in the game with you that had the OTA mod installed, it would cause the 'sync' error. However, now those errors should show up as disabled units in the battleroom.

Check the list at the right hand in the game battleroom for disabled units.

If there are tons of them (not just 1, as this is known bug [naval flakker bug]), some players has a different mod installed.

===My aircraft repairing platforms don't work!===
This feature is not implemented yet. I'm afraid you'll have to wait.

===What features from the original TA game have not been implemented yet?===
In addition to aircraft repair platforms (above), enemy capturing and resurrection have not been implemented yet.

----
==Creating Content for Spring==
===How do I create maps===
See this page: [[Create maps]]
===How do I create units===
Go here: [[Create units]]

FAQ

2005-08-01T02:42:24Z

Fnordia: Reverted edit of Fnordia, changed back to last version by 207.200.116.69

==General information==

===What is TA Spring?===
TA Spring is a project to create the best RTS ever (no joke). There are three principle goals which we hope to achieve.

. . . . . .A) Reach a stage where TA Spring can flawlessly execute most of Total Annihilation's original gameplay, with its original units in their original format.

. . . . . .B) Add new features as we see fit, fix bugs, and release new versions when we feel it is appropriate to do so.

. . . . . .C) Support the mod community as we see fit.

===When will TA Spring be ready?===
Now! You can get the latest beta from the download page.

===Will TA Spring be free?===
Yes.

===Why can I edit this page?===

===I want to help, what can I do?===
Please look at the Messageboard. There are lots of things you can do according to your skills. Particularly important is to create viable and pleasing free alternatives to copyrighted material, mainly sounds and units.

===I want to donate.===
People have made clear their desire to donate to the project, and so far, we have been fairly reluctant about accepting donations. Our main concern? While we certainly hope to have something on the level of a commercial release in the near future, there is no guarantee that it will ever happen. Unforseen events arise, and it would be most unfortunate if everyone who donated felt swindled because the project did not turn out as they had hoped.

We do not plan to be more or less productive solely based upon the quantity and frequency of donations received. The TA Spring project is here only because we view this as an enjoyable hobby.

===I read all that and I still want to donate.===
Very well then! You can find the required details [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/donate.php here]. It will be much appreciated. :)

----

==Technical==

===What port numbers does TA Spring use?===
The lobby room uses 4897 TCP to communicate with the server. Then when you create a battleroom you can choose what ports it should use. 8452 is the default. The battleroom itself will use TCP on this port while the game will use UDP on this port.

===What APIs does TA Spring use?===
The Windows version of the program (which one might call the official version, or at this point, simply the working version :) ) uses: OpenGL for rendering, DirectSound for sound, and Winsock for networking.

The Linux port (more info below) will use SDL/OpenGL for rendering, OpenAL for sound (which will connect to DirectSound on Windows and OSS or ALSA on Linux), BSD sockets for networking.

===What language is TA Spring written in?===
C and C++.

===Is TA Spring open source?===
Yes, it is. Go to the downloads section of the site to download the source code.

===Will there be a linux port?===
There is an effort being made by some in the community to create a port. For more information see the separate wiki [https://opensvn.csie.org/traccgi/taspring_linux/trac.cgi/ here] and see the Messageboard, where most discussion is focused in this [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=743&highlight= thread].

----
==Requirements==

===What platforms will TA Spring run on?===
At the moment, it only runs on Windows.
Members of the community are working on porting the game on Linux platform (please refer to the Messageboard).
If someone wants to port it to another platform, please contact us once we have an initial release ready. We will not, however, port it ourselves at any time (in the forseeable future). There is simply no compelling reason for us to do so. Additionally, we would like to focus on getting it working well on just one platform.

===What sort of a system will I need to run TA Spring?===
You will most certainly need a 3D graphics card to run TA Spring, which will probably require at least a GeForce3 (note that a GeForce4 MX is not better than a GeForce3) and the latest driver supported. Minimum CPU requirements are a little more complex. A more powerful CPU will have the capability to support larger maps and a greater maximum unit limit. A 1ghz CPU should be able to support an estimated 500 units. The needed memory will also vary with unit count and mapsize, but 512mb should be enough.

===Spring says I need the GL_ARB_texture_env_combine extension, what can I do?===
If you encounter the error "Needed extension GL_ARB_texture_env_combine not found", this means that your video card driver does not support GL_ARB_texture_env_combine. You can try downloading a new video driver from the manufacturers website ([www.ati.com], [www.nvidia.com], ...) If this doesn't solve the problem then your video hardware is too old to support the extension. Buy a new video card.

----

==Content==

===Do TA Spring maps need a "ground"?===
TA Spring maps do require a ground. We have had many requests to have space maps, however, a "true" (ala Homeworld) space setting is not likely. It would have to wait until a much later stage. This does not mean that TA's style of "space" maps won't be possible, (see the Final Frontier TC for examples of this).

===You stated that TA Spring uses the TA unit format.===
TA Spring does use the Total Annihilation unit format. However, we do plan to make TA Spring compatible with a custom unit format of our own design.

===How powerful will TA Spring's custom format be?===
Total Annihilation's unit format was extremely limited. Most of these limitations will either be expanded or non-existent in TA Spring's custom unit format. One of the most exciting improvements is the introduction of an entirely new method of scripting, with nearly complete control over every aspect of a unit's actions and behaviors.

===Does TA Spring have a limited number of weapons?===
No. Unlike Total Annihilation, TA Spring's weapon IDs will be unlimited.

===Does TA Spring have a limited number of unique units?===
No. Unit IDs, like weapon IDs, will be unlimited.

===Will units have a maximum of 3 unique weapons?===
Total Annihilation had a limitation that permitted a maximum of 3 unique weapons per unit. This limit will exist in TA Spring only if a unit is made in the original Total Annihilation format. To bypass this limit, a unit would have to be created entirely within the limits of our own format.

===I'm curious as to the per-unit polygon limit.===
The engine itself does not have a polygon count limit. The limit is that of the processing power of today's computers. Since TA Spring requires a 3D card, the maximum polygon count per unit will be several times higher than Total Annihilation's. No real numbers yet though. We're gonna leave it up to the mod community to figure that one out.

===Will units be able to perform basic terraforming?===
Total Annihilation units probably won't have any terrain editable functionality. Future units may be endowed with such functionality, but it's more of a gameplay issue and has not been decided upon yet. However construction units can restore ground.

===Will tunnel building be possible?===
Subterranean areas of any sort is impossible. However, it is possible to heavily deform the ground with explosives.

===Will the ground's water retention be editable?===
No. Water will always collect when a piece of land has a height below sea level.

===Does TA Spring have a limit on the number of races?===
TA Spring has no limit on the total number of sides/races.

===What are the sizes of the biggest and smallest units?===
Static units (buildings, defenses, etc.) have no size limitations in the engine. Technically, neither do mobile units, but units with a footprint larger than 4x4 "squares" (an arbitrary size standard created by Cavedog) might have problems pathfinding.

===What is going to be the maximum possible sea depth?===
For all practical purposes, it will be unlimited. The depth values are stored as "float variables", so it is doubtful that maps would ever be made which even come close to approaching the limit.

===Will TA Spring support campaigns?===
No such support is planned at the moment but it is possible using the GroupAI interface.

===How big will the TA Spring files be?===
TA Spring will be as big as however much content is included with it. The "essential" files (engine files mostly) will only be several megabytes large. Content (such as maps and units) will add considerable size to the TA Spring download. However, it is not known at this point just how much "content" will be included with the first release.

===How will TA Spring render sound effects?===
Sound is rendered 3D, meaning that the volume and direction (assuming a multi-speaker setup) vary with the location of the camera from the sound "emitter". What this translates into gameplay terms means that the closer you are to a unit making a sound or motion, the louder the sound will be. Additionally, the sound will be heard differently depending on which way the camera is facing relative to units making sound.

===Will TA Spring have ambient sound?===
There is no ambient sound, and we haven't planned on adding it so far.

===Will there be an AI or a "skirmish" mode?===
We have created an interface for AI's, and two are currently approaching development. In the meantime, the spawn script included in the latest version exists as a text file in the TASpring folder, and can be modified by any text editor such as MS Notepad, for your particular play style, or mod.

===Will a "possess" or a FPS option be present?===
Yes, it is possible to fully control a unit from the first person view. It is more of a gimmick, but it still allows for a nice diversion once in a while.

----
==Getting into a game==

===People talk about 'Single Player'. How do I start a single player game?===
Go into your TA Spring folder and find the 'Spring.exe' file. Double click on it and say 'yes' to host.

===When I try to make a single player game, it gives me an error.===
Your graphics card probably can't support Spring. If you read the requirements it did say GeForce 3 or better. Go to the settings file in your TA Spring directory and lower some of the options. Sometimes that works.

===Does TA Spring support AI Players?===
Not yet. Fortunately for you they are currently working on it :) In the mean time you can use the [[random_enemies]] script, which spawns units out of thin air and sends them to attack you.

===When I try to connect to the lobby it gives me an error.===
There could be 2 problems. Either you don't have an account, or the server is down. If you don't have an account, make one. If the server is down, you'll just have to wait (this doesn't happen often, though).
Have a look at this website's News page and/or the Messageboard, it is likely that you will get some information there in the eventuality that the server is down.

===I have a router and I don't seem to be able to get a game===

If you are using a router you may have other problems. Explanations of [http://www.portforward.com/routers.htm how to forward ports] has instructions for every router.

===Sometimes when I join games the minimap is blank===
This is because you don't have the map they're using. At present (0.51b1) the regular installer comes with the following maps: Small Divide, map4, mars and Flooded Desert. The small installer only comes with Small Divide. If you want to play games with other maps you need to download them.

===Where can I download more maps?===
As for most Spring downloads [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?page=listing&ID=90 FileUniverse] is the place to be! A collection of maps can be downloaded [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?page=listing&ID=91 here].

===I used the small installer where can I get the missing maps?===
Unfortunately the maps included in the regular installer (0.51b1) aren't available on File Universe. However, since many of the scripts included in the game rely on map4, this can be downloaded [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/dl/map4.7z here].

===How do I install downloaded maps?===
Just unzip them into your spring maps folder. Some map files use newer (smaller) file formats such as .rar or .7z, to unzip these newer formats, you'll need to download 7-Zip [http://www.7-zip.org/ http://www.7-zip.org/] or Zip-genius [http://downloads.zipgenius.it/ http://downloads.zipgenius.it/]. They both handle almost all formats and are totaly free.

===Sometimes when I try to join games it gives me an error.===
The host is behind a firewall that has not opened the correct ports for Spring.

Dixit SJ: "The lobby room uses 4897 tcp to communicate with the server. Then when you create a battleroom you can choose what ports it should use. 8452 is the default. The battleroom itself will use tcp on this port while the game will use udp on this port."

===When I make games nobody joins.===
You are probably behind a firewall. See question above.

===When a multiplayer game starts I never make it past the loading screen.===
This indicates a problem with your video card. Once again the best way to deal with this situation is to make sure your video card has the latest driver updates and that all Spring video features are on the lowest settings.

===When a multiplayer game starts, I make it past the loading screen, but when I get into the game it says, "Waiting for Host", and does a 10 second countdown. It always reaches zero and boots me out, what gives?===
This is a firewall issue. There are three things you can do to fix this. First, make sure your windows firewall is either off, or is not blocking the TA: Spring application. Secondly, if you are behind a router, you can forward the ports that the host is using (especially if you are the host), and it usually fixes the problem. To do this you must go to your router configuration page. You can see what port 'you' are using (as the host), by hosting a multiplayer game in the Spring Lobby. You must make this your trigger port, and make sure that it is open for both TCP and UDP. Thirdly, if none of the aforementioned worked. The easiest thing to do (assuming you are behind a router) is to set the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone). This means your computer will be completely exposed to the internet, which will make you vulnerable to any unknown or unpatched exploits in windows. All you have to do is find the personal IP if the computer you are using and add it to your router's DMZ list. Please only try this last option if you can't get the others to work.
Good Luck

===Sometimes when I chat in the 'game lobby', people can't hear me.===
I would recommend closing and restarting the whole Spring application after each successful game. Weird things tend too happen. (By successful I mean all the players loaded and the game started.)

===I got into the game, but some people didn't.===
The host may have reached the number of players it has set.
Or the players may be experiencing firewall or video card difficulty. That is not your fault. Please ask them too leave if they are still there when you get into the 'game lobby'.

===I got into a game but my name is red, nobody can hear me speak, and eventually I get disconnected===
This is to do with how long it takes the game to start up (the "load time"). If it takes too long you will see this problem. The load time can be reduced by changing the game graphics settings to lower quality. In particular try setting texture quality to lowest.

----

==Playing==

===What is with this weird right-click mode? I'm bout to break my keyboard.===
Sorry, you'll just have to get used to it. As of now it can't be changed.

===Why is somebody else also controlling my units?===
In the 'game lobby' there are two sets of teams. There are the 'Teams' and the 'Ally Teams'. If you are on the same 'Team', then you both get the same commander, and can control the same units. If you are on 'Ally Teams', then you both get different commanders and can't control each others units.

===Then why would I want to be on the same 'Team' as somebody?===
Because it's fun to just drive around units and not have to worry about commanding. (Assuming that one of the people on the team is commanding.)

===How do I talk to my allies only?===
You must type 'a:' before you speak. Here's an example: a: Now I am talking to my allies only.

===Help! After I'm finished driving a unit, the camera is all insane! This is nuts! How do I fix it?===
Whoa now. Calm down. Just press ctrl + mouse button 3 to change camera modes.

===After I'm finished driving a unit, where what used too be my mouse pointer is now a crosshair. Why?===
-This is a special 'view mode' that allows you to move around the screen much faster. It's good for viewing the battle or getting screenshots. Simply press on your third mouse button too revert back to your mouse pointer.

===But I don't have a third mouse button!===
The key 'J' works in the same way as the 'middle mouse button' does. So where you would use ctrl + middle mouse button to change camera modes, ctrl + j does the same thing. Pressing J once will also switch you from 'crosshair mode' to 'pointer mode' and vice versa.

===When I start a game, I am stuck in this weird camera mode and my perspective is all messed up. How do I switch to the overhead(ota style) camera?===
This happens when you start a single player game or when the host uses force start. Shift+Backspace switches between the fps style, total war style and ota style cameras. Use it to get your camera back to normal in this situation.

===Sometimes my units just get deleted. Why?===
For some reason units get deleted when they go into the wrong places. Like out of the map edge.

This is already fixed in recent versions.

===People are cheating! How do I stop it?!===
Well currently, you can't.

Only the host can "activate" the cheat codes. After that, any player can do almost all cheats.

The best thing to do is just not play with the cheaters anymore. But with new spring version cheats are disabled in multiplayer, so that paragraph is hopefully now irrelevant.

===Well how do you cheat?===

<table border="3" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0">

<tr><th>Cheat Command</th><th>Effect</th></tr>

<tr>
<td>'''.cheat'''</td><td>'''enable cheats - Cheats don't work in multiplayer until the host types this'''</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.nocost</td><td>instabuild (doesn't work on things already under construction, only on new ones)</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.setmaxspeed 50</td><td>Changes the maximum speed multiplier (default is 3.0)</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.setminspeed 0</td><td>Changes the minimum speed multiplier (default is 0.3)</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.spectator</td><td>Allows you to see the entire map... but you lose control of your units</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.team 0, .team 1, etc.</td><td>Change player</td>
</tr>

</table>

===In Game Commands===
The following ''non-cheating'' commands are also available in game:

<table border="3" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0">

<tr>
<th>Command</th><th>Effect</th>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.info</td><td>Shows you what colour each player is and their ping delay in the bottom left corner of the screen</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.clock</td><td>Shows you the elapsed game time in minutes and seconds in the bottom left corner of the screen</td>
</tr>

</table>

===How do I ally or unally in game?===
I'm pretty sure you can't. Yet.

===How do I give somebody units or metal or energy?===
Press the 'H' key.
Then select the amount of metal and/or energy to share.

Then select the recieving player an press ok.

When sharing units, you must first select the units to share, then press 'H' key.

Tick share units checkbox and choose recieving player.

===How do I continually give somebody metal and/or energy after a certain point (i.e. Original TA commands +setshare..., +shareall)?===
You'll notice that on your metal and energy bars (top of screen), there are two red bars. You have to put them wherever you want your metal and energy to be shared after.

===Man I am soooo sick of XTA. How do I play AA or OTA instead?===
Well. Somebody has made a patch to turn TA Spring into OTA: [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?page=showitem&ID=679 click here]. But really, why would you want to go back to OTA? There are also patches available for various mods other than XTA (which is installed as default): [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?page=listing&ID=92 click here]. A switcher is available which makes it easier to switch between the different mods: [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?page=showitem&ID=805 click here]

===XTA? OTA? AA? OMFGLAMO? What those all the abbreviations mean?===
zwzsg maintains a handy dandy Faq about TA, and the abbreviations that relate to Spring too, of course.
[http://www.tauniverse.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27309 click here]. See also the Spring [[Glossary]], which contains brief explanations for all non-standard words and phrases.

===Why am I destroyed so easily by long range assaults?===
This is a realistic feature of TA Spring. Units will automatically attack 'radar blips' (units that they can not actually see, but that are indicated on radar). However, the accuracy is very bad while shooting at radar blips until:
* Your unit kills a lot of units and gets experience
* You get a targetting facility.

===Can I kick people from my 'game lobby' or my game?===
First of all, you have to be the host to kick. In theory, you would right click on someone's name in the 'game lobby' and that would give you the option to kick them. This feature is not currently supported, however, but it will be fixed soon.

===When I'm 'driving' my commander, why can't I use my laser?===
The TA: Spring team will most likely add a way for you to use your commander's laser soon.

===I hate driving around with the 'arrow keys'. Is there any way I can use the 'W-A-S-D' controls (the controls most First Person Shooters use) anymore?===
Go into your Spring directory and edit the uikeys file. Keep in mind that 'S' is originally a 'hot-key' that will stop your units and that 'D' is a 'hot-key' for your commander's D-Gun. You might want to change those too.

===I turned the shadows feature on; I still don't see shadows. What gives?===
Your graphics card can't handle shadows, so Spring automatically turns them off.

===I can't go backwards when I am 'driving' a unit. Why not?===
Because TA units were never intended to go backwards. Sorry.

===I'm in the Unreal Tournament 2004 kind of mood. How do I strafe?===
You can only strafe in 'brawler type' ships, such as the brawler, rapier, and light gunships.

===How can I record and watch demos/replays?===
The game is always recorded to test.sdf which is overwritten by each new game. Change the name if you want to save it. To view a demo start spring.exe as non server and enter the full demo name (coolgame.sdf for example) as server address. You must change the name to something else than test.sdf to view a demo.

You can use the Speed up/Slow down game keys while watching the replay. +

===Sometimes when I play with certain people I get HUGE sync errors that continue throughout the game.===
It used to be because they have a different mod installed than you. If, for example, you had not installed a mod, and somebody was in the game with you that had the OTA mod installed, it would cause the 'sync' error. However, now those errors should show up as disabled units in the battleroom.

Check the list at the right hand in the game battleroom for disabled units.

If there are tons of them (not just 1, as this is known bug [naval flakker bug]), some players has a different mod installed.

===My aircraft repairing platforms don't work!===
This feature is not implemented yet. I'm afraid you'll have to wait.

===What features from the original TA game have not been implemented yet?===
In addition to aircraft repair platforms (above), enemy capturing and resurrection have not been implemented yet.

----
==Creating Content for Spring==
===How do I create maps===
See this page: [[Create maps]]
===How do I create units===
Go here: [[Create units]]

FAQ

2005-08-01T02:40:37Z

Fnordia: Reverted edit of 207.200.116.69, changed back to last version by 84.136.235.69

==General information==

===What is TA Spring?===
TA Spring is a project to create the best RTS ever (no joke). There are three principle goals which we hope to achieve.

. . . . . .A) Reach a stage where TA Spring can flawlessly execute most of Total Annihilation's original gameplay, with its original units in their original format.

. . . . . .B) Add new features as we see fit, fix bugs, and release new versions when we feel it is appropriate to do so.

. . . . . .C) Support the mod community as we see fit.

===When will TA Spring be ready?===
Now! You can get the latest beta from the download page.

===Will TA Spring be free?===
T

===Why can I edit this page?===

===I want to help, what can I do?===
Please look at the Messageboard. There are lots of things you can do according to your skills. Particularly important is to create viable and pleasing free alternatives to copyrighted material, mainly sounds and units.

===I want to donate.===
People have made clear their desire to donate to the project, and so far, we have been fairly reluctant about accepting donations. Our main concern? While we certainly hope to have something on the level of a commercial release in the near future, there is no guarantee that it will ever happen. Unforseen events arise, and it would be most unfortunate if everyone who donated felt swindled because the project did not turn out as they had hoped.

We do not plan to be more or less productive solely based upon the quantity and frequency of donations received. The TA Spring project is here only because we view this as an enjoyable hobby.

===I read all that and I still want to donate.===
Very well then! You can find the required details [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/donate.php here]. It will be much appreciated. :)

----

==Technical==

===What port numbers does TA Spring use?===
The lobby room uses 4897 TCP to communicate with the server. Then when you create a battleroom you can choose what ports it should use. 8452 is the default. The battleroom itself will use TCP on this port while the game will use UDP on this port.

===What APIs does TA Spring use?===
The Windows version of the program (which one might call the official version, or at this point, simply the working version :) ) uses: OpenGL for rendering, DirectSound for sound, and Winsock for networking.

The Linux port (more info below) will use SDL/OpenGL for rendering, OpenAL for sound (which will connect to DirectSound on Windows and OSS or ALSA on Linux), BSD sockets for networking.

===What language is TA Spring written in?===
C and C++.

===Is TA Spring open source?===
Yes, it is. Go to the downloads section of the site to download the source code.

===Will there be a linux port?===
There is an effort being made by some in the community to create a port. For more information see the separate wiki [https://opensvn.csie.org/traccgi/taspring_linux/trac.cgi/ here] and see the Messageboard, where most discussion is focused in this [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=743&highlight= thread].

----
==Requirements==

===What platforms will TA Spring run on?===
At the moment, it only runs on Windows.
Members of the community are working on porting the game on Linux platform (please refer to the Messageboard).
If someone wants to port it to another platform, please contact us once we have an initial release ready. We will not, however, port it ourselves at any time (in the forseeable future). There is simply no compelling reason for us to do so. Additionally, we would like to focus on getting it working well on just one platform.

===What sort of a system will I need to run TA Spring?===
You will most certainly need a 3D graphics card to run TA Spring, which will probably require at least a GeForce3 (note that a GeForce4 MX is not better than a GeForce3) and the latest driver supported. Minimum CPU requirements are a little more complex. A more powerful CPU will have the capability to support larger maps and a greater maximum unit limit. A 1ghz CPU should be able to support an estimated 500 units. The needed memory will also vary with unit count and mapsize, but 512mb should be enough.

===Spring says I need the GL_ARB_texture_env_combine extension, what can I do?===
If you encounter the error "Needed extension GL_ARB_texture_env_combine not found", this means that your video card driver does not support GL_ARB_texture_env_combine. You can try downloading a new video driver from the manufacturers website ([www.ati.com], [www.nvidia.com], ...) If this doesn't solve the problem then your video hardware is too old to support the extension. Buy a new video card.

----

==Content==

===Do TA Spring maps need a "ground"?===
TA Spring maps do require a ground. We have had many requests to have space maps, however, a "true" (ala Homeworld) space setting is not likely. It would have to wait until a much later stage. This does not mean that TA's style of "space" maps won't be possible, (see the Final Frontier TC for examples of this).

===You stated that TA Spring uses the TA unit format.===
TA Spring does use the Total Annihilation unit format. However, we do plan to make TA Spring compatible with a custom unit format of our own design.

===How powerful will TA Spring's custom format be?===
Total Annihilation's unit format was extremely limited. Most of these limitations will either be expanded or non-existent in TA Spring's custom unit format. One of the most exciting improvements is the introduction of an entirely new method of scripting, with nearly complete control over every aspect of a unit's actions and behaviors.

===Does TA Spring have a limited number of weapons?===
No. Unlike Total Annihilation, TA Spring's weapon IDs will be unlimited.

===Does TA Spring have a limited number of unique units?===
No. Unit IDs, like weapon IDs, will be unlimited.

===Will units have a maximum of 3 unique weapons?===
Total Annihilation had a limitation that permitted a maximum of 3 unique weapons per unit. This limit will exist in TA Spring only if a unit is made in the original Total Annihilation format. To bypass this limit, a unit would have to be created entirely within the limits of our own format.

===I'm curious as to the per-unit polygon limit.===
The engine itself does not have a polygon count limit. The limit is that of the processing power of today's computers. Since TA Spring requires a 3D card, the maximum polygon count per unit will be several times higher than Total Annihilation's. No real numbers yet though. We're gonna leave it up to the mod community to figure that one out.

===Will units be able to perform basic terraforming?===
Total Annihilation units probably won't have any terrain editable functionality. Future units may be endowed with such functionality, but it's more of a gameplay issue and has not been decided upon yet. However construction units can restore ground.

===Will tunnel building be possible?===
Subterranean areas of any sort is impossible. However, it is possible to heavily deform the ground with explosives.

===Will the ground's water retention be editable?===
No. Water will always collect when a piece of land has a height below sea level.

===Does TA Spring have a limit on the number of races?===
TA Spring has no limit on the total number of sides/races.

===What are the sizes of the biggest and smallest units?===
Static units (buildings, defenses, etc.) have no size limitations in the engine. Technically, neither do mobile units, but units with a footprint larger than 4x4 "squares" (an arbitrary size standard created by Cavedog) might have problems pathfinding.

===What is going to be the maximum possible sea depth?===
For all practical purposes, it will be unlimited. The depth values are stored as "float variables", so it is doubtful that maps would ever be made which even come close to approaching the limit.

===Will TA Spring support campaigns?===
No such support is planned at the moment but it is possible using the GroupAI interface.

===How big will the TA Spring files be?===
TA Spring will be as big as however much content is included with it. The "essential" files (engine files mostly) will only be several megabytes large. Content (such as maps and units) will add considerable size to the TA Spring download. However, it is not known at this point just how much "content" will be included with the first release.

===How will TA Spring render sound effects?===
Sound is rendered 3D, meaning that the volume and direction (assuming a multi-speaker setup) vary with the location of the camera from the sound "emitter". What this translates into gameplay terms means that the closer you are to a unit making a sound or motion, the louder the sound will be. Additionally, the sound will be heard differently depending on which way the camera is facing relative to units making sound.

===Will TA Spring have ambient sound?===
There is no ambient sound, and we haven't planned on adding it so far.

===Will there be an AI or a "skirmish" mode?===
We have created an interface for AI's, and two are currently approaching development. In the meantime, the spawn script included in the latest version exists as a text file in the TASpring folder, and can be modified by any text editor such as MS Notepad, for your particular play style, or mod.

===Will a "possess" or a FPS option be present?===
Yes, it is possible to fully control a unit from the first person view. It is more of a gimmick, but it still allows for a nice diversion once in a while.

----
==Getting into a game==

===People talk about 'Single Player'. How do I start a single player game?===
Go into your TA Spring folder and find the 'Spring.exe' file. Double click on it and say 'yes' to host.

===When I try to make a single player game, it gives me an error.===
Your graphics card probably can't support Spring. If you read the requirements it did say GeForce 3 or better. Go to the settings file in your TA Spring directory and lower some of the options. Sometimes that works.

===Does TA Spring support AI Players?===
Not yet. Fortunately for you they are currently working on it :) In the mean time you can use the [[random_enemies]] script, which spawns units out of thin air and sends them to attack you.

===When I try to connect to the lobby it gives me an error.===
There could be 2 problems. Either you don't have an account, or the server is down. If you don't have an account, make one. If the server is down, you'll just have to wait (this doesn't happen often, though).
Have a look at this website's News page and/or the Messageboard, it is likely that you will get some information there in the eventuality that the server is down.

===I have a router and I don't seem to be able to get a game===

If you are using a router you may have other problems. Explanations of [http://www.portforward.com/routers.htm how to forward ports] has instructions for every router.

===Sometimes when I join games the minimap is blank===
This is because you don't have the map they're using. At present (0.51b1) the regular installer comes with the following maps: Small Divide, map4, mars and Flooded Desert. The small installer only comes with Small Divide. If you want to play games with other maps you need to download them.

===Where can I download more maps?===
As for most Spring downloads [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?page=listing&ID=90 FileUniverse] is the place to be! A collection of maps can be downloaded [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?page=listing&ID=91 here].

===I used the small installer where can I get the missing maps?===
Unfortunately the maps included in the regular installer (0.51b1) aren't available on File Universe. However, since many of the scripts included in the game rely on map4, this can be downloaded [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/dl/map4.7z here].

===How do I install downloaded maps?===
Just unzip them into your spring maps folder. Some map files use newer (smaller) file formats such as .rar or .7z, to unzip these newer formats, you'll need to download 7-Zip [http://www.7-zip.org/ http://www.7-zip.org/] or Zip-genius [http://downloads.zipgenius.it/ http://downloads.zipgenius.it/]. They both handle almost all formats and are totaly free.

===Sometimes when I try to join games it gives me an error.===
The host is behind a firewall that has not opened the correct ports for Spring.

Dixit SJ: "The lobby room uses 4897 tcp to communicate with the server. Then when you create a battleroom you can choose what ports it should use. 8452 is the default. The battleroom itself will use tcp on this port while the game will use udp on this port."

===When I make games nobody joins.===
You are probably behind a firewall. See question above.

===When a multiplayer game starts I never make it past the loading screen.===
This indicates a problem with your video card. Once again the best way to deal with this situation is to make sure your video card has the latest driver updates and that all Spring video features are on the lowest settings.

===When a multiplayer game starts, I make it past the loading screen, but when I get into the game it says, "Waiting for Host", and does a 10 second countdown. It always reaches zero and boots me out, what gives?===
This is a firewall issue. There are three things you can do to fix this. First, make sure your windows firewall is either off, or is not blocking the TA: Spring application. Secondly, if you are behind a router, you can forward the ports that the host is using (especially if you are the host), and it usually fixes the problem. To do this you must go to your router configuration page. You can see what port 'you' are using (as the host), by hosting a multiplayer game in the Spring Lobby. You must make this your trigger port, and make sure that it is open for both TCP and UDP. Thirdly, if none of the aforementioned worked. The easiest thing to do (assuming you are behind a router) is to set the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone). This means your computer will be completely exposed to the internet, which will make you vulnerable to any unknown or unpatched exploits in windows. All you have to do is find the personal IP if the computer you are using and add it to your router's DMZ list. Please only try this last option if you can't get the others to work.
Good Luck

===Sometimes when I chat in the 'game lobby', people can't hear me.===
I would recommend closing and restarting the whole Spring application after each successful game. Weird things tend too happen. (By successful I mean all the players loaded and the game started.)

===I got into the game, but some people didn't.===
The host may have reached the number of players it has set.
Or the players may be experiencing firewall or video card difficulty. That is not your fault. Please ask them too leave if they are still there when you get into the 'game lobby'.

===I got into a game but my name is red, nobody can hear me speak, and eventually I get disconnected===
This is to do with how long it takes the game to start up (the "load time"). If it takes too long you will see this problem. The load time can be reduced by changing the game graphics settings to lower quality. In particular try setting texture quality to lowest.

----

==Playing==

===What is with this weird right-click mode? I'm bout to break my keyboard.===
Sorry, you'll just have to get used to it. As of now it can't be changed.

===Why is somebody else also controlling my units?===
In the 'game lobby' there are two sets of teams. There are the 'Teams' and the 'Ally Teams'. If you are on the same 'Team', then you both get the same commander, and can control the same units. If you are on 'Ally Teams', then you both get different commanders and can't control each others units.

===Then why would I want to be on the same 'Team' as somebody?===
Because it's fun to just drive around units and not have to worry about commanding. (Assuming that one of the people on the team is commanding.)

===How do I talk to my allies only?===
You must type 'a:' before you speak. Here's an example: a: Now I am talking to my allies only.

===Help! After I'm finished driving a unit, the camera is all insane! This is nuts! How do I fix it?===
Whoa now. Calm down. Just press ctrl + mouse button 3 to change camera modes.

===After I'm finished driving a unit, where what used too be my mouse pointer is now a crosshair. Why?===
-This is a special 'view mode' that allows you to move around the screen much faster. It's good for viewing the battle or getting screenshots. Simply press on your third mouse button too revert back to your mouse pointer.

===But I don't have a third mouse button!===
The key 'J' works in the same way as the 'middle mouse button' does. So where you would use ctrl + middle mouse button to change camera modes, ctrl + j does the same thing. Pressing J once will also switch you from 'crosshair mode' to 'pointer mode' and vice versa.

===When I start a game, I am stuck in this weird camera mode and my perspective is all messed up. How do I switch to the overhead(ota style) camera?===
This happens when you start a single player game or when the host uses force start. Shift+Backspace switches between the fps style, total war style and ota style cameras. Use it to get your camera back to normal in this situation.

===Sometimes my units just get deleted. Why?===
For some reason units get deleted when they go into the wrong places. Like out of the map edge.

This is already fixed in recent versions.

===People are cheating! How do I stop it?!===
Well currently, you can't.

Only the host can "activate" the cheat codes. After that, any player can do almost all cheats.

The best thing to do is just not play with the cheaters anymore. But with new spring version cheats are disabled in multiplayer, so that paragraph is hopefully now irrelevant.

===Well how do you cheat?===

<table border="3" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0">

<tr><th>Cheat Command</th><th>Effect</th></tr>

<tr>
<td>'''.cheat'''</td><td>'''enable cheats - Cheats don't work in multiplayer until the host types this'''</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.nocost</td><td>instabuild (doesn't work on things already under construction, only on new ones)</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.setmaxspeed 50</td><td>Changes the maximum speed multiplier (default is 3.0)</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.setminspeed 0</td><td>Changes the minimum speed multiplier (default is 0.3)</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.spectator</td><td>Allows you to see the entire map... but you lose control of your units</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.team 0, .team 1, etc.</td><td>Change player</td>
</tr>

</table>

===In Game Commands===
The following ''non-cheating'' commands are also available in game:

<table border="3" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0">

<tr>
<th>Command</th><th>Effect</th>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.info</td><td>Shows you what colour each player is and their ping delay in the bottom left corner of the screen</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.clock</td><td>Shows you the elapsed game time in minutes and seconds in the bottom left corner of the screen</td>
</tr>

</table>

===How do I ally or unally in game?===
I'm pretty sure you can't. Yet.

===How do I give somebody units or metal or energy?===
Press the 'H' key.
Then select the amount of metal and/or energy to share.

Then select the recieving player an press ok.

When sharing units, you must first select the units to share, then press 'H' key.

Tick share units checkbox and choose recieving player.

===How do I continually give somebody metal and/or energy after a certain point (i.e. Original TA commands +setshare..., +shareall)?===
You'll notice that on your metal and energy bars (top of screen), there are two red bars. You have to put them wherever you want your metal and energy to be shared after.

===Man I am soooo sick of XTA. How do I play AA or OTA instead?===
Well. Somebody has made a patch to turn TA Spring into OTA: [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?page=showitem&ID=679 click here]. But really, why would you want to go back to OTA? There are also patches available for various mods other than XTA (which is installed as default): [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?page=listing&ID=92 click here]. A switcher is available which makes it easier to switch between the different mods: [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?page=showitem&ID=805 click here]

===XTA? OTA? AA? OMFGLAMO? What those all the abbreviations mean?===
zwzsg maintains a handy dandy Faq about TA, and the abbreviations that relate to Spring too, of course.
[http://www.tauniverse.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27309 click here]. See also the Spring [[Glossary]], which contains brief explanations for all non-standard words and phrases.

===Why am I destroyed so easily by long range assaults?===
This is a realistic feature of TA Spring. Units will automatically attack 'radar blips' (units that they can not actually see, but that are indicated on radar). However, the accuracy is very bad while shooting at radar blips until:
* Your unit kills a lot of units and gets experience
* You get a targetting facility.

===Can I kick people from my 'game lobby' or my game?===
First of all, you have to be the host to kick. In theory, you would right click on someone's name in the 'game lobby' and that would give you the option to kick them. This feature is not currently supported, however, but it will be fixed soon.

===When I'm 'driving' my commander, why can't I use my laser?===
The TA: Spring team will most likely add a way for you to use your commander's laser soon.

===I hate driving around with the 'arrow keys'. Is there any way I can use the 'W-A-S-D' controls (the controls most First Person Shooters use) anymore?===
Go into your Spring directory and edit the uikeys file. Keep in mind that 'S' is originally a 'hot-key' that will stop your units and that 'D' is a 'hot-key' for your commander's D-Gun. You might want to change those too.

===I turned the shadows feature on; I still don't see shadows. What gives?===
Your graphics card can't handle shadows, so Spring automatically turns them off.

===I can't go backwards when I am 'driving' a unit. Why not?===
Because TA units were never intended to go backwards. Sorry.

===I'm in the Unreal Tournament 2004 kind of mood. How do I strafe?===
You can only strafe in 'brawler type' ships, such as the brawler, rapier, and light gunships.

===How can I record and watch demos/replays?===
The game is always recorded to test.sdf which is overwritten by each new game. Change the name if you want to save it. To view a demo start spring.exe as non server and enter the full demo name (coolgame.sdf for example) as server address. You must change the name to something else than test.sdf to view a demo.

You can use the Speed up/Slow down game keys while watching the replay. +

===Sometimes when I play with certain people I get HUGE sync errors that continue throughout the game.===
It used to be because they have a different mod installed than you. If, for example, you had not installed a mod, and somebody was in the game with you that had the OTA mod installed, it would cause the 'sync' error. However, now those errors should show up as disabled units in the battleroom.

Check the list at the right hand in the game battleroom for disabled units.

If there are tons of them (not just 1, as this is known bug [naval flakker bug]), some players has a different mod installed.

===My aircraft repairing platforms don't work!===
This feature is not implemented yet. I'm afraid you'll have to wait.

===What features from the original TA game have not been implemented yet?===
In addition to aircraft repair platforms (above), enemy capturing and resurrection have not been implemented yet.

----
==Creating Content for Spring==
===How do I create maps===
See this page: [[Create maps]]
===How do I create units===
Go here: [[Create units]]

Maps

2005-07-30T00:25:47Z

Fnordia:

With version 0.6 Spring has a new map format.

You can find a lot of new maps at [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?page=listing&ID=121 FileUniverse].

This page could perhaps also contain info about the existing maps...

For Reviews on Maps, go here: [[Map reviews]]

To learn how to create maps go here: [[Create maps]].

A useful tip, on almost every map in a 1v1 you will start opposite your opponent unless you choose your position. this is because random order simply randomly distributes players at the default start points which in almost every map are opposite each other. one exception that i know of is flooded desert where you both start on the left hand island
----

FAQ

2005-07-24T22:47:00Z

Fnordia: Reverted edit of 69.159.8.157, changed back to last version by Fnordia

==General information==

===What is TA Spring?===
TA Spring is a project to create the best RTS ever (no joke). There are three principle goals which we hope to achieve.

. . . . . .A) Reach a stage where TA Spring can flawlessly execute most of Total Annihilation's original gameplay, with its original units in their original format.

. . . . . .B) Add new features as we see fit, fix bugs, and release new versions when we feel it is appropriate to do so.

. . . . . .C) Support the mod community as we see fit.

===When will TA Spring be ready?===
Now! You can get the latest beta from the download page.

===Will TA Spring be free?===
The core game is released under GPL License. However, some parts of the game are still under copyright by their owners. Therefore, today, you need to own the original TA game if you want to play. However the community is working hard in order to offer completely free alternatives.

===Why can I edit this page?===
This page, and several others, are located in the TA Spring [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiki Wiki]. The link gives a full explanation of what it is, but in short it is a way of letting anyone who wants contribute to the page content. This can of course be abused, but even while it is easy for someone to vandalise the page, it is just as easy for someone to restore it, since the wiki saves all previous versions of a page.

===I want to help, what can I do?===
Please look at the Messageboard. There are lots of things you can do according to your skills. Particularly important is to create viable and pleasing free alternatives to copyrighted material, mainly sounds and units.

===I want to donate.===
People have made clear their desire to donate to the project, and so far, we have been fairly reluctant about accepting donations. Our main concern? While we certainly hope to have something on the level of a commercial release in the near future, there is no guarantee that it will ever happen. Unforseen events arise, and it would be most unfortunate if everyone who donated felt swindled because the project did not turn out as they had hoped.

We do not plan to be more or less productive solely based upon the quantity and frequency of donations received. The TA Spring project is here only because we view this as an enjoyable hobby.

===I read all that and I still want to donate.===
Very well then! You can find the required details [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/donate.php here]. It will be much appreciated. :)

----

==Technical==

===What port numbers does TA Spring use?===
The lobby room uses 4897 TCP to communicate with the server. Then when you create a battleroom you can choose what ports it should use. 8452 is the default. The battleroom itself will use TCP on this port while the game will use UDP on this port.

===What APIs does TA Spring use?===
The Windows version of the program (which one might call the official version, or at this point, simply the working version :) ) uses: OpenGL for rendering, DirectSound for sound, and Winsock for networking.

The Linux port (more info below) will use SDL/OpenGL for rendering, OpenAL for sound (which will connect to DirectSound on Windows and OSS or ALSA on Linux), BSD sockets for networking.

===What language is TA Spring written in?===
C and C++.

===Is TA Spring open source?===
Yes, it is. Go to the downloads section of the site to download the source code.

===Will there be a linux port?===
There is an effort being made by some in the community to create a port. For more information see the separate wiki [https://opensvn.csie.org/traccgi/taspring_linux/trac.cgi/ here] and see the Messageboard, where most discussion is focused in this [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=743&highlight= thread].

----
==Requirements==

===What platforms will TA Spring run on?===
At the moment, it only runs on Windows.
Members of the community are working on porting the game on Linux platform (please refer to the Messageboard).
If someone wants to port it to another platform, please contact us once we have an initial release ready. We will not, however, port it ourselves at any time (in the forseeable future). There is simply no compelling reason for us to do so. Additionally, we would like to focus on getting it working well on just one platform.

===What sort of a system will I need to run TA Spring?===
You will most certainly need a 3D graphics card to run TA Spring, which will probably require at least a GeForce3 (note that a GeForce4 MX is not better than a GeForce3) and the latest driver supported. Minimum CPU requirements are a little more complex. A more powerful CPU will have the capability to support larger maps and a greater maximum unit limit. A 1ghz CPU should be able to support an estimated 500 units. The needed memory will also vary with unit count and mapsize, but 512mb should be enough.

===Spring says I need the GL_ARB_texture_env_combine extension, what can I do?===
If you encounter the error "Needed extension GL_ARB_texture_env_combine not found", this means that your video card driver does not support GL_ARB_texture_env_combine. You can try downloading a new video driver from the manufacturers website ([www.ati.com], [www.nvidia.com], ...) If this doesn't solve the problem then your video hardware is too old to support the extension. Buy a new video card.

----

==Content==

===Do TA Spring maps need a "ground"?===
TA Spring maps do require a ground. We have had many requests to have space maps, however, a "true" (ala Homeworld) space setting is not likely. It would have to wait until a much later stage. This does not mean that TA's style of "space" maps won't be possible, (see the Final Frontier TC for examples of this).

===You stated that TA Spring uses the TA unit format.===
TA Spring does use the Total Annihilation unit format. However, we do plan to make TA Spring compatible with a custom unit format of our own design.

===How powerful will TA Spring's custom format be?===
Total Annihilation's unit format was extremely limited. Most of these limitations will either be expanded or non-existent in TA Spring's custom unit format. One of the most exciting improvements is the introduction of an entirely new method of scripting, with nearly complete control over every aspect of a unit's actions and behaviors.

===Does TA Spring have a limited number of weapons?===
No. Unlike Total Annihilation, TA Spring's weapon IDs will be unlimited.

===Does TA Spring have a limited number of unique units?===
No. Unit IDs, like weapon IDs, will be unlimited.

===Will units have a maximum of 3 unique weapons?===
Total Annihilation had a limitation that permitted a maximum of 3 unique weapons per unit. This limit will exist in TA Spring only if a unit is made in the original Total Annihilation format. To bypass this limit, a unit would have to be created entirely within the limits of our own format.

===I'm curious as to the per-unit polygon limit.===
The engine itself does not have a polygon count limit. The limit is that of the processing power of today's computers. Since TA Spring requires a 3D card, the maximum polygon count per unit will be several times higher than Total Annihilation's. No real numbers yet though. We're gonna leave it up to the mod community to figure that one out.

===Will units be able to perform basic terraforming?===
Total Annihilation units probably won't have any terrain editable functionality. Future units may be endowed with such functionality, but it's more of a gameplay issue and has not been decided upon yet. However construction units can restore ground.

===Will tunnel building be possible?===
Subterranean areas of any sort is impossible. However, it is possible to heavily deform the ground with explosives.

===Will the ground's water retention be editable?===
No. Water will always collect when a piece of land has a height below sea level.

===Does TA Spring have a limit on the number of races?===
TA Spring has no limit on the total number of sides/races.

===What are the sizes of the biggest and smallest units?===
Static units (buildings, defenses, etc.) have no size limitations in the engine. Technically, neither do mobile units, but units with a footprint larger than 4x4 "squares" (an arbitrary size standard created by Cavedog) might have problems pathfinding.

===What is going to be the maximum possible sea depth?===
For all practical purposes, it will be unlimited. The depth values are stored as "float variables", so it is doubtful that maps would ever be made which even come close to approaching the limit.

===Will TA Spring support campaigns?===
No such support is planned at the moment but it is possible using the GroupAI interface.

===How big will the TA Spring files be?===
TA Spring will be as big as however much content is included with it. The "essential" files (engine files mostly) will only be several megabytes large. Content (such as maps and units) will add considerable size to the TA Spring download. However, it is not known at this point just how much "content" will be included with the first release.

===How will TA Spring render sound effects?===
Sound is rendered 3D, meaning that the volume and direction (assuming a multi-speaker setup) vary with the location of the camera from the sound "emitter". What this translates into gameplay terms means that the closer you are to a unit making a sound or motion, the louder the sound will be. Additionally, the sound will be heard differently depending on which way the camera is facing relative to units making sound.

===Will TA Spring have ambient sound?===
There is no ambient sound, and we haven't planned on adding it so far.

===Will there be an AI or a "skirmish" mode?===
We have created an interface for AI's, and two are currently approaching development. In the meantime, the spawn script included in the latest version exists as a text file in the TASpring folder, and can be modified by any text editor such as MS Notepad, for your particular play style, or mod.

===Will a "possess" or a FPS option be present?===
Yes, it is possible to fully control a unit from the first person view. It is more of a gimmick, but it still allows for a nice diversion once in a while.

----
==Getting into a game==

===People talk about 'Single Player'. How do I start a single player game?===
Go into your TA Spring folder and find the 'Spring.exe' file. Double click on it and say 'yes' to host.

===When I try to make a single player game, it gives me an error.===
Your graphics card probably can't support Spring. If you read the requirements it did say GeForce 3 or better. Go to the settings file in your TA Spring directory and lower some of the options. Sometimes that works.

===Does TA Spring support AI Players?===
Not yet. Fortunately for you they are currently working on it :) In the mean time you can use the [[random_enemies]] script, which spawns units out of thin air and sends them to attack you.

===When I try to connect to the lobby it gives me an error.===
There could be 2 problems. Either you don't have an account, or the server is down. If you don't have an account, make one. If the server is down, you'll just have to wait (this doesn't happen often, though).
Have a look at this website's News page and/or the Messageboard, it is likely that you will get some information there in the eventuality that the server is down.

===I have a router and I don't seem to be able to get a game===

If you are using a router you may have other problems. Explanations of [http://www.portforward.com/routers.htm how to forward ports] has instructions for every router.

===Sometimes when I join games the minimap is blank===
This is because you don't have the map they're using. At present (0.51b1) the regular installer comes with the following maps: Small Divide, map4, mars and Flooded Desert. The small installer only comes with Small Divide. If you want to play games with other maps you need to download them.

===Where can I download more maps?===
As for most Spring downloads [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?page=listing&ID=90 FileUniverse] is the place to be! A collection of maps can be downloaded [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?page=listing&ID=91 here].

===I used the small installer where can I get the missing maps?===
Unfortunately the maps included in the regular installer (0.51b1) aren't available on File Universe. However, since many of the scripts included in the game rely on map4, this can be downloaded [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/dl/map4.7z here].

===How do I install downloaded maps?===
Just unzip them into your spring maps folder. Some map files use newer (smaller) file formats such as .rar or .7z, to unzip these newer formats, you'll need to download 7-Zip [http://www.7-zip.org/ http://www.7-zip.org/] or Zip-genius [http://downloads.zipgenius.it/ http://downloads.zipgenius.it/]. They both handle almost all formats and are totaly free.

===Sometimes when I try to join games it gives me an error.===
The host is behind a firewall that has not opened the correct ports for Spring.

Dixit SJ: "The lobby room uses 4897 tcp to communicate with the server. Then when you create a battleroom you can choose what ports it should use. 8452 is the default. The battleroom itself will use tcp on this port while the game will use udp on this port."

===When I make games nobody joins.===
You are probably behind a firewall. See question above.

===When a multiplayer game starts I never make it past the loading screen.===
This indicates a problem with your video card. Once again the best way to deal with this situation is to make sure your video card has the latest driver updates and that all Spring video features are on the lowest settings.

===When a multiplayer game starts, I make it past the loading screen, but when I get into the game it says, "Waiting for Host", and does a 10 second countdown. It always reaches zero and boots me out, what gives?===
This is a firewall issue. There are three things you can do to fix this. First, make sure your windows firewall is either off, or is not blocking the TA: Spring application. Secondly, if you are behind a router, you can forward the ports that the host is using (especially if you are the host), and it usually fixes the problem. To do this you must go to your router configuration page. You can see what port 'you' are using (as the host), by hosting a multiplayer game in the Spring Lobby. You must make this your trigger port, and make sure that it is open for both TCP and UDP. Thirdly, if none of the aforementioned worked. The easiest thing to do (assuming you are behind a router) is to set the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone). This means your computer will be completely exposed to the internet, which will make you vulnerable to any unknown or unpatched exploits in windows. All you have to do is find the personal IP if the computer you are using and add it to your router's DMZ list. Please only try this last option if you can't get the others to work.
Good Luck

===Sometimes when I chat in the 'game lobby', people can't hear me.===
I would recommend closing and restarting the whole Spring application after each successful game. Weird things tend too happen. (By successful I mean all the players loaded and the game started.)

===I got into the game, but some people didn't.===
The host may have reached the number of players it has set.
Or the players may be experiencing firewall or video card difficulty. That is not your fault. Please ask them too leave if they are still there when you get into the 'game lobby'.

===I got into a game but my name is red, nobody can hear me speak, and eventually I get disconnected===
This is to do with how long it takes the game to start up (the "load time"). If it takes too long you will see this problem. The load time can be reduced by changing the game graphics settings to lower quality. In particular try setting texture quality to lowest.

----

==Playing==

===What is with this weird right-click mode? I'm bout to break my keyboard.===
Sorry, you'll just have to get used to it. As of now it can't be changed.

===Why is somebody else also controlling my units?===
In the 'game lobby' there are two sets of teams. There are the 'Teams' and the 'Ally Teams'. If you are on the same 'Team', then you both get the same commander, and can control the same units. If you are on 'Ally Teams', then you both get different commanders and can't control each others units.

===Then why would I want to be on the same 'Team' as somebody?===
Because it's fun to just drive around units and not have to worry about commanding. (Assuming that one of the people on the team is commanding.)

===How do I talk to my allies only?===
You must type 'a:' before you speak. Here's an example: a: Now I am talking to my allies only.

===Help! After I'm finished driving a unit, the camera is all insane! This is nuts! How do I fix it?===
Whoa now. Calm down. Just press ctrl + mouse button 3 to change camera modes.

===After I'm finished driving a unit, where what used too be my mouse pointer is now a crosshair. Why?===
-This is a special 'view mode' that allows you to move around the screen much faster. It's good for viewing the battle or getting screenshots. Simply press on your third mouse button too revert back to your mouse pointer.

===But I don't have a third mouse button!===
The key 'J' works in the same way as the 'middle mouse button' does. So where you would use ctrl + middle mouse button to change camera modes, ctrl + j does the same thing. Pressing J once will also switch you from 'crosshair mode' to 'pointer mode' and vice versa.

===When I start a game, I am stuck in this weird camera mode and my perspective is all messed up. How do I switch to the overhead(ota style) camera?===
This happens when you start a single player game or when the host uses force start. Shift+Backspace switches between the fps style, total war style and ota style cameras. Use it to get your camera back to normal in this situation.

===Sometimes my units just get deleted. Why?===
For some reason units get deleted when they go into the wrong places. Like out of the map edge.

This is already fixed in recent versions.

===People are cheating! How do I stop it?!===
Well currently, you can't.

Only the host can "activate" the cheat codes. After that, any player can do almost all cheats.

The best thing to do is just not play with the cheaters anymore. But with new spring version cheats are disabled in multiplayer, so that paragraph is hopefully now irrelevant.

===Well how do you cheat?===

<table border="3" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0">

<tr><th>Cheat Command</th><th>Effect</th></tr>

<tr>
<td>'''.cheat'''</td><td>'''enable cheats - Cheats don't work in multiplayer until the host types this'''</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.nocost</td><td>instabuild (doesn't work on things already under construction, only on new ones)</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.setmaxspeed 50</td><td>Changes the maximum speed multiplier (default is 3.0)</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.setminspeed 0</td><td>Changes the minimum speed multiplier (default is 0.3)</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.spectator</td><td>Allows you to see the entire map... but you lose control of your units</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.team 0, .team 1, etc.</td><td>Change player</td>
</tr>

</table>

===In Game Commands===
The following ''non-cheating'' commands are also available in game:

<table border="3" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0">

<tr>
<th>Command</th><th>Effect</th>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.info</td><td>Shows you what colour each player is and their ping delay in the bottom left corner of the screen</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.clock</td><td>Shows you the elapsed game time in minutes and seconds in the bottom left corner of the screen</td>
</tr>

</table>

===How do I ally or unally in game?===
I'm pretty sure you can't. Yet.

===How do I give somebody units or metal or energy?===
Press the 'H' key.
Then select the amount of metal and/or energy to share.

Then select the recieving player an press ok.

When sharing units, you must first select the units to share, then press 'H' key.

Tick share units checkbox and choose recieving player.

===How do I continually give somebody metal and/or energy after a certain point (i.e. Original TA commands +setshare..., +shareall)?===
You'll notice that on your metal and energy bars (top of screen), there are two red bars. You have to put them wherever you want your metal and energy to be shared after.

===Man I am soooo sick of XTA. How do I play AA or OTA instead?===
Well. Somebody has made a patch to turn TA Spring into OTA: [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?page=showitem&ID=679 click here]. But really, why would you want to go back to OTA? There are also patches available for various mods other than XTA (which is installed as default): [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?page=listing&ID=92 click here]. A switcher is available which makes it easier to switch between the different mods: [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?page=showitem&ID=805 click here]

===XTA? OTA? AA? OMFGLAMO? What those all the abbreviations mean?===
zwzsg main a handy dandy Faq about TA, and the abbreviations that relate to Spring too, of course.
[http://www.tauniverse.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27309 click here]. See also the Spring [[Glossary]], which contains brief explanations for all non-standard words and phrases.

===Why am I destroyed so easily by long range assaults?===
This is a realistic feature of TA Spring. Units will automatically attack 'radar blips' (units that they can not actually see, but that are indicated on radar). However, the accuracy is very bad while shooting at radar blips until:
* Your unit kills a lot of units and gets experience
* You get a targetting facility.

===Can I kick people from my 'game lobby' or my game?===
First of all, you have to be the host to kick. In theory, you would right click on someone's name in the 'game lobby' and that would give you the option to kick them. This feature is not currently supported, however, but it will be fixed soon.

===When I'm 'driving' my commander, why can't I use my laser?===
The TA: Spring team will most likely add a way for you to use your commander's laser soon.

===I hate driving around with the 'arrow keys'. Is there any way I can use the 'W-A-S-D' controls (the controls most First Person Shooters use) anymore?===
Go into your Spring directory and edit the uikeys file. Keep in mind that 'S' is originally a 'hot-key' that will stop your units and that 'D' is a 'hot-key' for your commander's D-Gun. You might want to change those too.

===I turned the shadows feature on; I still don't see shadows. What gives?===
Your graphics card can't handle shadows, so Spring automatically turns them off.

===I can't go backwards when I am 'driving' a unit. Why not?===
Because TA units were never intended to go backwards. Sorry.

===I'm in the Unreal Tournament 2004 kind of mood. How do I strafe?===
You can only strafe in 'brawler type' ships, such as the brawler, rapier, and light gunships.

===How can I record and watch demos/replays?===
The game is always recorded to test.sdf which is overwritten by each new game. Change the name if you want to save it. To view a demo start spring.exe as non server and enter the full demo name (coolgame.sdf for example) as server address. You must change the name to something else than test.sdf to view a demo.

You can use the Speed up/Slow down game keys while watching the replay. +

===Sometimes when I play with certain people I get HUGE sync errors that continue throughout the game.===
It used to be because they have a different mod installed than you. If, for example, you had not installed a mod, and somebody was in the game with you that had the OTA mod installed, it would cause the 'sync' error. However, now those errors should show up as disabled units in the battleroom.

Check the list at the right hand in the game battleroom for disabled units.

If there are tons of them (not just 1, as this is known bug [naval flakker bug]), some players has a different mod installed.

===My aircraft repairing platforms don't work!===
This feature is not implemented yet. I'm afraid you'll have to wait.

===What features from the original TA game have not been implemented yet?===
In addition to aircraft repair platforms (above), enemy capturing and resurrection have not been implemented yet.

----
==Creating Content for Spring==
===How do I create maps===
See this page: [[Create maps]]
===How do I create units===
Go here: [[Create units]]

Game specification

2005-07-24T18:00:30Z

Fnordia: Updated it to reflect the current implementation

This is a preliminary specification of how Spring will support mods and switching between them.

First, a new subdirectory will be created in the spring folder, called "mods". All mods should be placed here, either in the root of the folder or possibly in their own subfolders.

To present mods to switch between, Spring will search this folder and its subfolders for archive files containing a file called "modinfo.tdf". The general idea is that this file should be used as a manifest file to let spring know what to do with the archive it is found inside, so each archive file in the mods directory is supposed to have one or a default one might be used.

These info files will also be cached to avoid having to look inside files that haven't changed every time spring is started.

This is an example of what this file should look like:

<tt>
// Description of the mod control file recognized by spring:

[MOD]
{
// The name is shown in the selection interface
Name=XTA;

// These can be shown by the selection interface
Description=XTA 0.95 beta makes stuff balanced and cool;
URL=http://www.clan-sy.com/;

// What kind of mod this is
// 0 - Hidden (support mod that can't be selected, such as OTA_textures)
// 1 - Normal, only one can be selected at a time
// 2 - Addon, any number of these can be selected. Could be used
// for single units for example.
// others - perhaps mutators and addon races that can be
// enabled in addition to xta for example?
ModType=1;

// Number of other archives this one depends on
NumDependencies=1;
Depend0=taenheter.sdz;
}
</tt>

Listing the dependencies allows a mod to not load the OTA textures at all for example, if it only uses original textures. Only one mod of type 1 can be selected at one time. Also, if a mod of type 2 is depending on a type 1 mod, that mod has to be selected first.

Some examples on how this could be used:

* An OTA mod that restores balance to be more similar to OTA could use modtype=1 and depend on XTA. Since XTA is now in the dependency graph, type 2 mods that depend on XTA would now also be usable.
* A new total conversion with a few extra options (not sure what that could be.. but anyway) could use a hidden base package and provide several type 1 mods that are small files that depend on the base.

To support older spring and ta mods that do not have this file, Spring could use a default modinfo file for all the hpifiles that do not contain this file. The default would be a modname=the filename, modtype=1, and dependencies set up to match the original spring release (xta+ota_textures).

When playing, the files would be loaded in the order defined by the dependency graph. The files could also be checked with an MD5 checksum or similar to make sure all players have the same file.

If a player does not have a certain mod when trying to join a game, the info in description etc could be sent to allow the player to download it.. The filename could be sent as well, so that the client could try to download it automatically from a few predefined redirect servers (similar to the system unreal tournament uses).

FAQ

2005-07-24T17:02:59Z

Fnordia: Changed links into wiki links

==General information==

===What is TA Spring?===
TA Spring is a project to create the best RTS ever (no joke). There are three principle goals which we hope to achieve.

. . . . . .A) Reach a stage where TA Spring can flawlessly execute most of Total Annihilation's original gameplay, with its original units in their original format.

. . . . . .B) Add new features as we see fit, fix bugs, and release new versions when we feel it is appropriate to do so.

. . . . . .C) Support the mod community as we see fit.

===When will TA Spring be ready?===
Now! You can get the latest beta from the download page.

===Will TA Spring be free?===
The core game is released under GPL License. However, some parts of the game are still under copyright by their owners. Therefore, today, you need to own the original TA game if you want to play. However the community is working hard in order to offer completely free alternatives.

===Why can I edit this page?===
This page, and several others, are located in the TA Spring [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiki Wiki]. The link gives a full explanation of what it is, but in short it is a way of letting anyone who wants contribute to the page content. This can of course be abused, but even while it is easy for someone to vandalise the page, it is just as easy for someone to restore it, since the wiki saves all previous versions of a page.

===I want to help, what can I do?===
Please look at the Messageboard. There are lots of things you can do according to your skills. Particularly important is to create viable and pleasing free alternatives to copyrighted material, mainly sounds and units.

===I want to donate.===
People have made clear their desire to donate to the project, and so far, we have been fairly reluctant about accepting donations. Our main concern? While we certainly hope to have something on the level of a commercial release in the near future, there is no guarantee that it will ever happen. Unforseen events arise, and it would be most unfortunate if everyone who donated felt swindled because the project did not turn out as they had hoped.

We do not plan to be more or less productive solely based upon the quantity and frequency of donations received. The TA Spring project is here only because we view this as an enjoyable hobby.

===I read all that and I still want to donate.===
Very well then! You can find the required details [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/donate.php here]. It will be much appreciated. :)

----

==Technical==

===What port numbers does TA Spring use?===
The lobby room uses 4897 TCP to communicate with the server. Then when you create a battleroom you can choose what ports it should use. 8452 is the default. The battleroom itself will use TCP on this port while the game will use UDP on this port.

===What APIs does TA Spring use?===
The Windows version of the program (which one might call the official version, or at this point, simply the working version :) ) uses: OpenGL for rendering, DirectSound for sound, and Winsock for networking.

The Linux port (more info below) will use SDL/OpenGL for rendering, OpenAL for sound (which will connect to DirectSound on Windows and OSS or ALSA on Linux), BSD sockets for networking.

===What language is TA Spring written in?===
C and C++.

===Is TA Spring open source?===
Yes, it is. Go to the downloads section of the site to download the source code.

===Will there be a linux port?===
There is an effort being made by some in the community to create a port. For more information see the separate wiki [https://opensvn.csie.org/traccgi/taspring_linux/trac.cgi/ here] and see the Messageboard, where most discussion is focused in this [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=743&highlight= thread].

----
==Requirements==

===What platforms will TA Spring run on?===
At the moment, it only runs on Windows.
Members of the community are working on porting the game on Linux platform (please refer to the Messageboard).
If someone wants to port it to another platform, please contact us once we have an initial release ready. We will not, however, port it ourselves at any time (in the forseeable future). There is simply no compelling reason for us to do so. Additionally, we would like to focus on getting it working well on just one platform.

===What sort of a system will I need to run TA Spring?===
You will most certainly need a 3D graphics card to run TA Spring, which will probably require at least a GeForce3 (note that a GeForce4 MX is not better than a GeForce3) and the latest driver supported. Minimum CPU requirements are a little more complex. A more powerful CPU will have the capability to support larger maps and a greater maximum unit limit. A 1ghz CPU should be able to support an estimated 500 units. The needed memory will also vary with unit count and mapsize, but 512mb should be enough.

===Spring says I need the GL_ARB_texture_env_combine extension, what can I do?===
If you encounter the error "Needed extension GL_ARB_texture_env_combine not found", this means that your video card driver does not support GL_ARB_texture_env_combine. You can try downloading a new video driver from the manufacturers website ([www.ati.com], [www.nvidia.com], ...) If this doesn't solve the problem then your video hardware is too old to support the extension. Buy a new video card.

----

==Content==

===Do TA Spring maps need a "ground"?===
TA Spring maps do require a ground. We have had many requests to have space maps, however, a "true" (ala Homeworld) space setting is not likely. It would have to wait until a much later stage. This does not mean that TA's style of "space" maps won't be possible, (see the Final Frontier TC for examples of this).

===You stated that TA Spring uses the TA unit format.===
TA Spring does use the Total Annihilation unit format. However, we do plan to make TA Spring compatible with a custom unit format of our own design.

===How powerful will TA Spring's custom format be?===
Total Annihilation's unit format was extremely limited. Most of these limitations will either be expanded or non-existent in TA Spring's custom unit format. One of the most exciting improvements is the introduction of an entirely new method of scripting, with nearly complete control over every aspect of a unit's actions and behaviors.

===Does TA Spring have a limited number of weapons?===
No. Unlike Total Annihilation, TA Spring's weapon IDs will be unlimited.

===Does TA Spring have a limited number of unique units?===
No. Unit IDs, like weapon IDs, will be unlimited.

===Will units have a maximum of 3 unique weapons?===
Total Annihilation had a limitation that permitted a maximum of 3 unique weapons per unit. This limit will exist in TA Spring only if a unit is made in the original Total Annihilation format. To bypass this limit, a unit would have to be created entirely within the limits of our own format.

===I'm curious as to the per-unit polygon limit.===
The engine itself does not have a polygon count limit. The limit is that of the processing power of today's computers. Since TA Spring requires a 3D card, the maximum polygon count per unit will be several times higher than Total Annihilation's. No real numbers yet though. We're gonna leave it up to the mod community to figure that one out.

===Will units be able to perform basic terraforming?===
Total Annihilation units probably won't have any terrain editable functionality. Future units may be endowed with such functionality, but it's more of a gameplay issue and has not been decided upon yet. However construction units can restore ground.

===Will tunnel building be possible?===
Subterranean areas of any sort is impossible. However, it is possible to heavily deform the ground with explosives.

===Will the ground's water retention be editable?===
No. Water will always collect when a piece of land has a height below sea level.

===Does TA Spring have a limit on the number of races?===
TA Spring has no limit on the total number of sides/races.

===What are the sizes of the biggest and smallest units?===
Static units (buildings, defenses, etc.) have no size limitations in the engine. Technically, neither do mobile units, but units with a footprint larger than 4x4 "squares" (an arbitrary size standard created by Cavedog) might have problems pathfinding.

===What is going to be the maximum possible sea depth?===
For all practical purposes, it will be unlimited. The depth values are stored as "float variables", so it is doubtful that maps would ever be made which even come close to approaching the limit.

===Will TA Spring support campaigns?===
No such support is planned at the moment but it is possible using the GroupAI interface.

===How big will the TA Spring files be?===
TA Spring will be as big as however much content is included with it. The "essential" files (engine files mostly) will only be several megabytes large. Content (such as maps and units) will add considerable size to the TA Spring download. However, it is not known at this point just how much "content" will be included with the first release.

===How will TA Spring render sound effects?===
Sound is rendered 3D, meaning that the volume and direction (assuming a multi-speaker setup) vary with the location of the camera from the sound "emitter". What this translates into gameplay terms means that the closer you are to a unit making a sound or motion, the louder the sound will be. Additionally, the sound will be heard differently depending on which way the camera is facing relative to units making sound.

===Will TA Spring have ambient sound?===
There is no ambient sound, and we haven't planned on adding it so far.

===Will there be an AI or a "skirmish" mode?===
We have created an interface for AI's, and two are currently approaching development. In the meantime, the spawn script included in the latest version exists as a text file in the TASpring folder, and can be modified by any text editor such as MS Notepad, for your particular play style, or mod.

===Will a "possess" or a FPS option be present?===
Yes, it is possible to fully control a unit from the first person view. It is more of a gimmick, but it still allows for a nice diversion once in a while.

----
==Getting into a game==

===People talk about 'Single Player'. How do I start a single player game?===
Go into your TA Spring folder and find the 'Spring.exe' file. Double click on it and say 'yes' to host.

===When I try to make a single player game, it gives me an error.===
Your graphics card probably can't support Spring. If you read the requirements it did say GeForce 3 or better. Go to the settings file in your TA Spring directory and lower some of the options. Sometimes that works.

===Does TA Spring support AI Players?===
Not yet. Fortunately for you they are currently working on it :) In the mean time you can use the [[random_enemies]] script, which spawns units out of thin air and sends them to attack you.

===When I try to connect to the lobby it gives me an error.===
There could be 2 problems. Either you don't have an account, or the server is down. If you don't have an account, make one. If the server is down, you'll just have to wait (this doesn't happen often, though).
Have a look at this website's News page and/or the Messageboard, it is likely that you will get some information there in the eventuality that the server is down.

===I have a router and I don't seem to be able to get a game===

If you are using a router you may have other problems. Explanations of [http://www.portforward.com/routers.htm how to forward ports] has instructions for every router.

===Sometimes when I join games the minimap is blank===
This is because you don't have the map they're using. At present (0.51b1) the regular installer comes with the following maps: Small Divide, map4, mars and Flooded Desert. The small installer only comes with Small Divide. If you want to play games with other maps you need to download them.

===Where can I download more maps?===
As for most Spring downloads [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?page=listing&ID=90 FileUniverse] is the place to be! A collection of maps can be downloaded [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?page=listing&ID=91 here].

===I used the small installer where can I get the missing maps?===
Unfortunately the maps included in the regular installer (0.51b1) aren't available on File Universe. However, since many of the scripts included in the game rely on map4, this can be downloaded [http://taspring.clan-sy.com/dl/map4.7z here].

===How do I install downloaded maps?===
Just unzip them into your spring maps folder. Some map files use newer (smaller) file formats such as .rar or .7z, to unzip these newer formats, you'll need to download 7-Zip [http://www.7-zip.org/ http://www.7-zip.org/] or Zip-genius [http://downloads.zipgenius.it/ http://downloads.zipgenius.it/]. They both handle almost all formats and are totaly free.

===Sometimes when I try to join games it gives me an error.===
The host is behind a firewall that has not opened the correct ports for Spring.

Dixit SJ: "The lobby room uses 4897 tcp to communicate with the server. Then when you create a battleroom you can choose what ports it should use. 8452 is the default. The battleroom itself will use tcp on this port while the game will use udp on this port."

===When I make games nobody joins.===
You are probably behind a firewall. See question above.

===When a multiplayer game starts I never make it past the loading screen.===
This indicates a problem with your video card. Once again the best way to deal with this situation is to make sure your video card has the latest driver updates and that all Spring video features are on the lowest settings.

===When a multiplayer game starts, I make it past the loading screen, but when I get into the game it says, "Waiting for Host", and does a 10 second countdown. It always reaches zero and boots me out, what gives?===
This is a firewall issue. There are three things you can do to fix this. First, make sure your windows firewall is either off, or is not blocking the TA: Spring application. Secondly, if you are behind a router, you can forward the ports that the host is using (especially if you are the host), and it usually fixes the problem. To do this you must go to your router configuration page. You can see what port 'you' are using (as the host), by hosting a multiplayer game in the Spring Lobby. You must make this your trigger port, and make sure that it is open for both TCP and UDP. Thirdly, if none of the aforementioned worked. The easiest thing to do (assuming you are behind a router) is to set the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone). This means your computer will be completely exposed to the internet, which will make you vulnerable to any unknown or unpatched exploits in windows. All you have to do is find the personal IP if the computer you are using and add it to your router's DMZ list. Please only try this last option if you can't get the others to work.
Good Luck

===Sometimes when I chat in the 'game lobby', people can't hear me.===
I would recommend closing and restarting the whole Spring application after each successful game. Weird things tend too happen. (By successful I mean all the players loaded and the game started.)

===I got into the game, but some people didn't.===
The host may have reached the number of players it has set.
Or the players may be experiencing firewall or video card difficulty. That is not your fault. Please ask them too leave if they are still there when you get into the 'game lobby'.

===I got into a game but my name is red, nobody can hear me speak, and eventually I get disconnected===
This is to do with how long it takes the game to start up (the "load time"). If it takes too long you will see this problem. The load time can be reduced by changing the game graphics settings to lower quality. In particular try setting texture quality to lowest.

----

==Playing==

===What is with this weird right-click mode? I'm bout to break my keyboard.===
Sorry, you'll just have to get used to it. As of now it can't be changed.

===Why is somebody else also controlling my units?===
In the 'game lobby' there are two sets of teams. There are the 'Teams' and the 'Ally Teams'. If you are on the same 'Team', then you both get the same commander, and can control the same units. If you are on 'Ally Teams', then you both get different commanders and can't control each others units.

===Then why would I want to be on the same 'Team' as somebody?===
Because it's fun to just drive around units and not have to worry about commanding. (Assuming that one of the people on the team is commanding.)

===How do I talk to my allies only?===
You must type 'a:' before you speak. Here's an example: a: Now I am talking to my allies only.

===Help! After I'm finished driving a unit, the camera is all insane! This is nuts! How do I fix it?===
Whoa now. Calm down. Just press ctrl + mouse button 3 to change camera modes.

===After I'm finished driving a unit, where what used too be my mouse pointer is now a crosshair. Why?===
-This is a special 'view mode' that allows you to move around the screen much faster. It's good for viewing the battle or getting screenshots. Simply press on your third mouse button too revert back to your mouse pointer.

===But I don't have a third mouse button!===
The key 'J' works in the same way as the 'middle mouse button' does. So where you would use ctrl + middle mouse button to change camera modes, ctrl + j does the same thing. Pressing J once will also switch you from 'crosshair mode' to 'pointer mode' and vice versa.

===When I start a game, I am stuck in this weird camera mode and my perspective is all messed up. How do I switch to the overhead(ota style) camera?===
This happens when you start a single player game or when the host uses force start. Shift+Backspace switches between the fps style, total war style and ota style cameras. Use it to get your camera back to normal in this situation.

===Sometimes my units just get deleted. Why?===
For some reason units get deleted when they go into the wrong places. Like out of the map edge.

This is already fixed in recent versions.

===People are cheating! How do I stop it?!===
Well currently, you can't.

Only the host can "activate" the cheat codes. After that, any player can do almost all cheats.

The best thing to do is just not play with the cheaters anymore. But with new spring version cheats are disabled in multiplayer, so that paragraph is hopefully now irrelevant.

===Well how do you cheat?===

<table border="3" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0">

<tr><th>Cheat Command</th><th>Effect</th></tr>

<tr>
<td>'''.cheat'''</td><td>'''enable cheats - Cheats don't work in multiplayer until the host types this'''</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.nocost</td><td>instabuild (doesn't work on things already under construction, only on new ones)</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.setmaxspeed 50</td><td>Changes the maximum speed multiplier (default is 3.0)</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.setminspeed 0</td><td>Changes the minimum speed multiplier (default is 0.3)</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.spectator</td><td>Allows you to see the entire map... but you lose control of your units</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.team 0, .team 1, etc.</td><td>Change player</td>
</tr>

</table>

===In Game Commands===
The following ''non-cheating'' commands are also available in game:

<table border="3" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0">

<tr>
<th>Command</th><th>Effect</th>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.info</td><td>Shows you what colour each player is and their ping delay in the bottom left corner of the screen</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>.clock</td><td>Shows you the elapsed game time in minutes and seconds in the bottom left corner of the screen</td>
</tr>

</table>

===How do I ally or unally in game?===
I'm pretty sure you can't. Yet.

===How do I give somebody units or metal or energy?===
Press the 'H' key.
Then select the amount of metal and/or energy to share.

Then select the recieving player an press ok.

When sharing units, you must first select the units to share, then press 'H' key.

Tick share units checkbox and choose recieving player.

===How do I continually give somebody metal and/or energy after a certain point (i.e. Original TA commands +setshare..., +shareall)?===
You'll notice that on your metal and energy bars (top of screen), there are two red bars. You have to put them wherever you want your metal and energy to be shared after.

===Man I am soooo sick of XTA. How do I play AA or OTA instead?===
Well. Somebody has made a patch to turn TA Spring into OTA: [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?page=showitem&ID=679 click here]. But really, why would you want to go back to OTA? There are also patches available for various mods other than XTA (which is installed as default): [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?page=listing&ID=92 click here]. A switcher is available which makes it easier to switch between the different mods: [http://www.fileuniverse.com/?page=showitem&ID=805 click here]

===XTA? OTA? AA? OMFGLAMO? What those all the abbreviations mean?===
zwzsg main a handy dandy Faq about TA, and the abbreviations that relate to Spring too, of course.
[http://www.tauniverse.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27309 click here]. See also the Spring [[Glossary]], which contains brief explanations for all non-standard words and phrases.

===Why am I destroyed so easily by long range assaults?===
This is a realistic feature of TA Spring. Units will automatically attack 'radar blips' (units that they can not actually see, but that are indicated on radar). However, the accuracy is very bad while shooting at radar blips until:
* Your unit kills a lot of units and gets experience
* You get a targetting facility.

===Can I kick people from my 'game lobby' or my game?===
First of all, you have to be the host to kick. In theory, you would right click on someone's name in the 'game lobby' and that would give you the option to kick them. This feature is not currently supported, however, but it will be fixed soon.

===When I'm 'driving' my commander, why can't I use my laser?===
The TA: Spring team will most likely add a way for you to use your commander's laser soon.

===I hate driving around with the 'arrow keys'. Is there any way I can use the 'W-A-S-D' controls (the controls most First Person Shooters use) anymore?===
Go into your Spring directory and edit the uikeys file. Keep in mind that 'S' is originally a 'hot-key' that will stop your units and that 'D' is a 'hot-key' for your commander's D-Gun. You might want to change those too.

===I turned the shadows feature on; I still don't see shadows. What gives?===
Your graphics card can't handle shadows, so Spring automatically turns them off.

===I can't go backwards when I am 'driving' a unit. Why not?===
Because TA units were never intended to go backwards. Sorry.

===I'm in the Unreal Tournament 2004 kind of mood. How do I strafe?===
You can only strafe in 'brawler type' ships, such as the brawler, rapier, and light gunships.

===How can I record and watch demos/replays?===
The game is always recorded to test.sdf which is overwritten by each new game. Change the name if you want to save it. To view a demo start spring.exe as non server and enter the full demo name (coolgame.sdf for example) as server address. You must change the name to something else than test.sdf to view a demo.

You can use the Speed up/Slow down game keys while watching the replay. +

===Sometimes when I play with certain people I get HUGE sync errors that continue throughout the game.===
It used to be because they have a different mod installed than you. If, for example, you had not installed a mod, and somebody was in the game with you that had the OTA mod installed, it would cause the 'sync' error. However, now those errors should show up as disabled units in the battleroom.

Check the list at the right hand in the game battleroom for disabled units.

If there are tons of them (not just 1, as this is known bug [naval flakker bug]), some players has a different mod installed.

===My aircraft repairing platforms don't work!===
This feature is not implemented yet. I'm afraid you'll have to wait.

===What features from the original TA game have not been implemented yet?===
In addition to aircraft repair platforms (above), enemy capturing and resurrection have not been implemented yet.

----
==Creating Content for Spring==
===How do I create maps===
See this page: [[Create maps]]
===How do I create units===
Go here: [[Create units]]