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

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

Difference between revisions of "Cossacks: Back to War"

From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
m (updated template usage)
m
 
(23 intermediate revisions by 8 users not shown)
Line 8: Line 8:
 
|release dates=  
 
|release dates=  
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|November 20, 2002}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|November 20, 2002}}
 +
|taxonomy    =
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/monetization      | One-time game purchase, Expansion pack }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/microtransactions | }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/modes            | Singleplayer, Multiplayer }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/pacing            | Real-time }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/perspectives      | Bird's-eye view, Isometric }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/controls          | Multiple select, Point and select }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/genres            | RTS }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/sports            | }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/vehicles          | }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/art styles        | }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/themes            | Europe }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/series            | Cossacks }}
 
|steam appid  = 4850
 
|steam appid  = 4850
 +
|steam appid side = 4856
 
|gogcom id    = 1207662833
 
|gogcom id    = 1207662833
 
|gogcom id side = 1207659005
 
|gogcom id side = 1207659005
 +
|hltb        = 21824
 +
|lutris      = cossacks-back-to-war
 
|strategywiki =  
 
|strategywiki =  
 +
|mobygames    = 13461
 
|wikipedia    = Cossacks: European Wars
 
|wikipedia    = Cossacks: European Wars
 
|winehq      =  
 
|winehq      =  
 
|license      = commercial
 
|license      = commercial
 
}}
 
}}
−
{{Series|Cossacks}}
+
 
 +
{{Introduction
 +
|introduction      =
 +
 
 +
|release history  =
 +
 
 +
|current state    =
 +
}}
  
 
'''General information'''
 
'''General information'''
Line 24: Line 48:
 
==Availability==
 
==Availability==
 
{{Availability|
 
{{Availability|
−
{{Availability/row| retail | | Disc | {{DRM|SecuROM|4}}. | | Windows }}
+
{{Availability/row| retail | | Disc, key | {{DRM|SecuROM|4}}. | | Windows }}
 
{{Availability/row| GOG.com | cossacks_anthology | DRM-free | Includes [[Cossacks: European Wars]] and [[Cossacks: The Art of War|The Art of War]] expansion. | | Windows }}
 
{{Availability/row| GOG.com | cossacks_anthology | DRM-free | Includes [[Cossacks: European Wars]] and [[Cossacks: The Art of War|The Art of War]] expansion. | | Windows }}
 
{{Availability/row| Steam | 4850 | Steam | | | Windows }}
 
{{Availability/row| Steam | 4850 | Steam | | | Windows }}
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
==Essential Improvements==
+
==Monetization==
 +
{{Monetization
 +
|ad-supported          =
 +
|dlc                    =
 +
|expansion pack        = The expansion pack includes campaign missions from the two prior titles.
 +
|freeware              =
 +
|free-to-play          =
 +
|one-time game purchase = The game requires an upfront purchase to access.
 +
|sponsored              =
 +
|subscription          =
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
{{DLC|
 +
{{DLC/row| Campaign Expansion | Includes campaign missions from [[Cossacks: European Wars]] and [[Cossacks: The Art of War|The Art of War]]. '''Steam only'''. | Windows }}
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
==Essential improvements==
 +
===Patches===
 +
* The official patch for the Russian release (1.36) can be found [https://www.patches-scrolls.com/cossacks_back_to_war.php here].
 +
 
 
===Mods===
 
===Mods===
 
====[https://github.com/ereb-thanatos/cossacks-revamp-2017 Cossacks Revamp 2017 by Ereb]====
 
====[https://github.com/ereb-thanatos/cossacks-revamp-2017 Cossacks Revamp 2017 by Ereb]====
−
{{++}} Slew of fixes and revamped code from a reversed engineered version of the source code.
+
{{++}} Slew of fixes and revamped code from a reverse-engineered version of the source code.
 
{{++}} Allows for easy online multiplayer.
 
{{++}} Allows for easy online multiplayer.
−
{{++}} Windowed and Windowed Borderless modes.
+
{{++}} Supports windowed and borderless windowed modes.
  
 
==Game data==
 
==Game data==
Line 46: Line 89:
 
{{Game data/saves|Windows|{{p|game}}\*.sav}}
 
{{Game data/saves|Windows|{{p|game}}\*.sav}}
 
}}
 
}}
−
{{ii}} Profile data is stored in <code>{{p|game}}\Players</code>
+
{{ii}} Profile data is stored in {{file|{{p|game}}\Players|folder}}.
  
 
===[[Glossary:Save game cloud syncing|Save game cloud syncing]]===
 
===[[Glossary:Save game cloud syncing|Save game cloud syncing]]===
 
{{Save game cloud syncing
 
{{Save game cloud syncing
−
|gog galaxy           = false
+
|discord                  =
−
|gog galaxy notes     =  
+
|discord notes            =
−
|origin               =  
+
|epic games launcher      =
−
|origin notes         =  
+
|epic games launcher notes =
−
|steam cloud           = false
+
|gog galaxy               = false
−
|steam cloud notes     =  
+
|gog galaxy notes         =  
−
|uplay                =  
+
|origin                   =  
−
|uplay notes           =  
+
|origin notes             =  
−
|xbox cloud           =  
+
|steam cloud               = false
−
|xbox cloud notes     =  
+
|steam cloud notes         =  
 +
|ubisoft connect          =  
 +
|ubisoft connect notes     =  
 +
|xbox cloud               =  
 +
|xbox cloud notes         =  
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
==Video settings==
+
==Video==
 
{{Image|Cossacks Menu.png|Options menu}}
 
{{Image|Cossacks Menu.png|Options menu}}
−
{{Video settings
+
{{Video
 
|wsgf link                  = https://www.wsgf.org/dr/cossacks-european-wars
 
|wsgf link                  = https://www.wsgf.org/dr/cossacks-european-wars
 
|widescreen wsgf award      = gold
 
|widescreen wsgf award      = gold
Line 81: Line 128:
 
|fov notes                  =  
 
|fov notes                  =  
 
|windowed                  = hackable
 
|windowed                  = hackable
−
|windowed notes            = See [https://pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/Cossacks:_Back_to_War#Essential_Improvements Cossacks 2017 Revamp]
+
|windowed notes            = See [[#Essential Improvements|Cossacks 2017 Revamp]]
 
|borderless windowed        = hackable
 
|borderless windowed        = hackable
−
|borderless windowed notes  = See [https://pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/Cossacks:_Back_to_War#Essential_Improvements Cossacks 2017 Revamp]
+
|borderless windowed notes  = See [[#Essential Improvements|Cossacks 2017 Revamp]]
 
|anisotropic                = n/a
 
|anisotropic                = n/a
 
|anisotropic notes          =  
 
|anisotropic notes          =  
 
|antialiasing              = n/a
 
|antialiasing              = n/a
 
|antialiasing notes        =  
 
|antialiasing notes        =  
 +
|upscaling                  = unknown
 +
|upscaling tech            =
 +
|upscaling notes            =
 
|vsync                      = unknown
 
|vsync                      = unknown
 
|vsync notes                =  
 
|vsync notes                =  
Line 100: Line 150:
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
==Input settings==
+
==Input==
−
{{Input settings
+
{{Input
 
|key remap                = false
 
|key remap                = false
 
|key remap notes          =  
 
|key remap notes          =  
Line 164: Line 214:
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
==Audio settings==
+
==Audio==
−
{{Audio settings
+
{{Audio
 
|separate volume          = true
 
|separate volume          = true
 
|separate volume notes    = Music and SFX
 
|separate volume notes    = Music and SFX
Line 178: Line 228:
 
|eax support              =  
 
|eax support              =  
 
|eax support notes        =  
 
|eax support notes        =  
 +
|royalty free audio      = always on
 +
|royalty free audio notes =
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 190: Line 242:
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
−
  |language  = Spanish
+
  |language  = French
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = n/a
 +
|subtitles = n/a
 +
|notes    = Retail and Steam only.
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = German
 
  |interface = true
 
  |interface = true
 
  |audio    = n/a
 
  |audio    = n/a
 
  |subtitles = n/a
 
  |subtitles = n/a
−
  |notes    =  
+
  |notes    = Retail and Steam only.
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
}}
 
}}
Line 202: Line 262:
 
  |audio    = n/a
 
  |audio    = n/a
 
  |subtitles = n/a
 
  |subtitles = n/a
−
  |notes    =  
+
  |notes    = Retail and Steam only.
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Spanish
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = n/a
 +
|subtitles = n/a
 +
|notes    = Retail only.
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
}}
 
}}
Line 217: Line 285:
 
|lan play modes      = Versus
 
|lan play modes      = Versus
 
|lan play notes      =  
 
|lan play notes      =  
−
|online play          = true
+
|online play          = false
 
|online play players  = 6
 
|online play players  = 6
 
|online play modes    = Versus
 
|online play modes    = Versus
Line 245: Line 313:
  
 
==Issues fixed==
 
==Issues fixed==
 +
===Crash on startup/blank screen/unusable menu===
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Fix 1|fix=
 +
{{ii}} This is the unofficial yet modern fix.
 +
# Rename or remove {{file|{{p|game}}\Video|folder}} directory from the install directory.
 +
# Download [https://github.com/CnCNet/cnc-ddraw/releases latest version of cnc-ddraw by CnCNet].
 +
# Extract it into {{file|{{p|game}}|folder}}.
 +
# Set {{file|dmcr.exe}} to run as administrator.
 +
}}
 +
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Fix 2|ref=<ref>Tested by the contributor</ref>|fix=
 +
{{ii}} This is the official, yet dated fix. No longer works on Windows 8.1, 10 or above.{{cn|January 2023}} The issue is said to do with the modern graphics cards.
 +
# Rename or remove {{file|{{p|game}}\Video|folder}} directory from the install directory.
 +
# Download [http://files.gsc-game.com/cs-dd-patch/cs-dd-patch.exe cs-dd-patch.exe].
 +
# Go through the patch process. It should drop {{file|ddraw.dll}} into the game directory.
 +
# Start the game
 +
}}
 +
 
===Game running too fast/slow===
 
===Game running too fast/slow===
−
{{Fixbox|description=Running too fast|ref=<ref>[https://www.gog.com/forum/american_conquest/what_to_do_when_the_game_runs_too_fast GOG.com Forums - What to do when the game runs too fast]</ref>|fix=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Running too fast|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.gog.com/forum/american_conquest/what_to_do_when_the_game_runs_too_fast|title=GOG.com Forums - What to do when the game runs too fast|date=May 2023}}</ref>|fix=
−
{{ii}} Cossacks: Back to War features a unique engine timing system. While the games' speed is still dependant on the CPU clock, like many older titles, they offer a flexible speed setting in the options menu to enable the user to tweak the speed to his liking.  
+
{{ii}} Cossacks: Back to War features a unique engine timing system. While the game's speed is still dependant on the CPU clock, like many older titles, they offer a flexible speed setting in the options menu to enable the user to tweak the speed.  
 
{{ii}} To make the game more bearable, make sure to:
 
{{ii}} To make the game more bearable, make sure to:
 
:* Go to the game settings.
 
:* Go to the game settings.
Line 253: Line 338:
 
:* Decrease the "Game speed" by approximately 10%.  
 
:* Decrease the "Game speed" by approximately 10%.  
 
:* Save the settings and go play the game.
 
:* Save the settings and go play the game.
−
{{ii}} If the game is still fast, grab [http://cossacksworld.ucoz.co.uk/forum/38-474-1 ACClock] or [http://boredwookie.net/index.php/blog/cpugrab-net/ CPUGrab].<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20141205065614/http://mastersofthefield.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=3139 The New and Improved Way to Control Game Speed! • Mastersofthefield (retrieved)]</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20141205065559/http://mastersofthefield.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=2260 Another way to control Game Speed • Mastersofthefield (retrieved)]</ref> If the game reverts back to fast mode, press CTRL+D in-game.
+
{{ii}} If the game is still fast, grab [http://cossacksworld.ucoz.co.uk/forum/38-474-1 ACClock] or [http://boredwookie.net/index.php/blog/cpugrab-net/ CPUGrab].<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205065614/http://mastersofthefield.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=3139|title=The New and Improved Way to Control Game Speed! • Mastersofthefield (retrieved)|date=9 June 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Refurl|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205065559/http://mastersofthefield.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=2260|title=Another way to control Game Speed • Mastersofthefield (retrieved)|date=9 June 2023}}</ref> If the game reverts back to fast mode, press {{key|CTRL|D}} in-game.
−
{{ii}} Alternatively, use [https://pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/Cossacks:_Back_to_War#Essential_Improvements Cossacks Revamp 2017]
+
{{ii}} Alternatively, use [[#Essential Improvements|Cossacks Revamp 2017]]
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 277: Line 362:
 
# Check the 'Run this program in compatibility mode for:' option and select 'Windows XP (Service Pack 2)' in the drop down.
 
# Check the 'Run this program in compatibility mode for:' option and select 'Windows XP (Service Pack 2)' in the drop down.
 
}}
 
}}
 +
 
==Other information==
 
==Other information==
 
===API===
 
===API===
Line 302: Line 388:
 
|windows 32-bit exe    = true
 
|windows 32-bit exe    = true
 
|windows 64-bit exe    = false
 
|windows 64-bit exe    = false
 +
|windows arm app        = unknown
 
|windows exe notes      =  
 
|windows exe notes      =  
−
|macos 32-bit app       =  
+
|macos intel 32-bit app =  
−
|macos 64-bit app       =  
+
|macos intel 64-bit app =  
 +
|macos arm app          = unknown
 
|macos app notes        =  
 
|macos app notes        =  
 
|linux 32-bit executable=  
 
|linux 32-bit executable=  
 
|linux 64-bit executable=  
 
|linux 64-bit executable=  
 +
|linux arm app          = unknown
 
|linux executable notes =  
 
|linux executable notes =  
 
}}
 
}}
Line 331: Line 420:
 
|OSfamily = Windows
 
|OSfamily = Windows
  
−
|minOS    = XP SP3
+
|minOS    = 95, 98, NT 4.0 SP4, ME, 2000, XP
−
|minCPU  = Intel Atom N270
+
|minCPU  = Intel Pentium 233 MHz
−
|minRAM  = 512 MB
+
|minRAM  = 32 MB
−
|minGPU  = Intel GMA 950
+
|minHD    = 500 MB
−
|minHD   = 550 MB
+
|minGPU  =  
 +
|minVRAM  = 1 MB
 +
|minDX   = 7.0
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
{{References}}
 
{{References}}

Latest revision as of 00:55, 26 December 2023

Cossacks: Back to War
Cossacks: Back to War cover
Developers
GSC Game World
Publishers
cdv Software Entertainment
Release dates
Windows November 20, 2002
Taxonomy
Monetization One-time game purchase, Expansion pack
Modes Singleplayer, Multiplayer
Pacing Real-time
Perspectives Bird's-eye view, Isometric
Controls Multiple select, Point and select
Genres RTS
Themes Europe
Series Cossacks
Icon overlay.png
Cossacks: Back to War on HowLongToBeat
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Cossacks: Back to War on MobyGames
Cossacks: Back to War on Wikipedia
Icon overlay.png
Cossacks
Cossacks: European Wars 2000
Cossacks: The Art of War 2002
Cossacks: Back to War 2002
Cossacks II: Napoleonic Wars 2005
Cossacks II: Battle for Europe 2006
Cossacks 3 2016

Warnings

GameSpy online services have been shut down (see Network for solutions).

Cossacks: Back to War is a singleplayer and multiplayer bird's-eye view and isometric RTS game in the Cossacks series.

General information

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

Availability

Source DRM Notes Keys OS
Retail
Disc check (requires the CD/DVD in the drive to play)
CD key
 SecuROM 4 DRM.
Windows
GOG.com
DRM-free
 Includes Cossacks: European Wars and The Art of War expansion.
Windows
Steam
Icon overlay.png
Windows

Monetization

Type Notes
Expansion pack The expansion pack includes campaign missions from the two prior titles.
One-time game purchase The game requires an upfront purchase to access.

DLC and expansion packs

Name Notes
Campaign Expansion Includes campaign missions from Cossacks: European Wars and The Art of War. Steam only.
Windows

Essential improvements

Patches

  • The official patch for the Russian release (1.36) can be found here.

Mods

Cossacks Revamp 2017 by Ereb

Slew of fixes and revamped code from a reverse-engineered version of the source code.
Allows for easy online multiplayer.
Supports windowed and borderless windowed modes.

Game data

Configuration file(s) location

System Location
Windows <path-to-game>\[Note 1]
Steam Play (Linux) <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/4850/pfx/[Note 2]

Save game data location

System Location
Windows <path-to-game>\*.sav[Note 1]
Steam Play (Linux) <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/4850/pfx/[Note 2]
Profile data is stored in <path-to-game>\Players.

Save game cloud syncing

System Native Notes
GOG Galaxy
Steam Cloud

Video

Options menu
Options menu

Graphics feature State WSGF Notes
Widescreen resolution
 
Multi-monitor
 
Ultra-widescreen
 
4K Ultra HD
 
Field of view (FOV)
Windowed
See Cossacks 2017 Revamp
Borderless fullscreen windowed
See Cossacks 2017 Revamp
Anisotropic filtering (AF)
Anti-aliasing (AA)
Vertical sync (Vsync)
60 FPS and 120+ FPS
High dynamic range display (HDR)

Input

Keyboard and mouse State Notes
Remapping
See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
Mouse acceleration
Mouse sensitivity
Mouse input in menus
Mouse Y-axis inversion
Controller
Controller support
Controller types

Audio

Audio feature State Notes
Separate volume controls
Music and SFX
Surround sound
Subtitles
No speech
Closed captions
Mute on focus lost
Royalty free audio

Localizations

Language UI Audio Sub Notes
English
French
Retail and Steam only.
German
Retail and Steam only.
Russian
Retail and Steam only.
Spanish
Retail only.

Network

Multiplayer types

Type Native Players Notes
LAN play
6 Versus
Online play
6 Versus
GameSpy services have been shut down;[1] see GameSpy for workarounds.

Connection types

Type Native Notes
Matchmaking
Peer-to-peer
Dedicated
Self-hosting
Direct IP

Ports

Protocol Port(s) and/or port range(s)
TCP 2300-2400, 47624
UDP 2300-2400
Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) support status is unknown.

Issues fixed

Crash on startup/blank screen/unusable menu

Fix 1
This is the unofficial yet modern fix.
  1. Rename or remove <path-to-game>\Video directory from the install directory.
  2. Download latest version of cnc-ddraw by CnCNet.
  3. Extract it into <path-to-game>.
  4. Set dmcr.exe to run as administrator.
Fix 2[2]
This is the official, yet dated fix. No longer works on Windows 8.1, 10 or above.[citation needed] The issue is said to do with the modern graphics cards.
  1. Rename or remove <path-to-game>\Video directory from the install directory.
  2. Download cs-dd-patch.exe.
  3. Go through the patch process. It should drop ddraw.dll into the game directory.
  4. Start the game

Game running too fast/slow

Running too fast[3]
Cossacks: Back to War features a unique engine timing system. While the game's speed is still dependant on the CPU clock, like many older titles, they offer a flexible speed setting in the options menu to enable the user to tweak the speed.
To make the game more bearable, make sure to:
  • Go to the game settings.
  • Choose "Slow Mode"
  • Decrease the "Game speed" by approximately 10%.
  • Save the settings and go play the game.
If the game is still fast, grab ACClock or CPUGrab.[4][5] If the game reverts back to fast mode, press Ctrl+D in-game.
Alternatively, use Cossacks Revamp 2017

Multiplayer Alternative

Alternative Solution to Multiplayer[6]
Whilst Game-spy is no longer available for the game, a community made server alternative for the GSCgameworld.net server option is available.
  1. Go to cossacks-server.net
  2. Follow instructions depending on what version of the game you have
Steam Version
  1. Download internet.zip from cossacks-server.net
  2. Extract the zip file to <path-to-game>\bin
Other Version
  1. Open the file <path-to-game>\bin\internet\ggwdc.ini with a text editor. I recommend Notepad++.
  2. Comment out the ggwdserver_addr gms.2gw.net line in the file by placing a '#' hash in front of it.
  3. Underneath the line you just commented out, add the line ggwdserver_addr play.cossacks-server.net
  4. Save the edited file and launch Cossacks: Back to War, use the 'GSC-game.net Internet Game' option in the multiplayer menu and enter a username.

Crashing when changing game speed/scroll speed

Fix Crashing when changing game speed / scroll speed in multiplayer
  1. Go to <path-to-game> and find dmcr.exe
  2. Right click dmcr.exe and click Properties > Compatibility
  3. Check the 'Run this program in compatibility mode for:' option and select 'Windows XP (Service Pack 2)' in the drop down.

Other information

API

Executable 32-bit 64-bit Notes
Windows

Middleware

Middleware Notes
Multiplayer GameSpy

System requirements

Windows
Minimum
Operating system (OS) 95, 98, NT 4.0 SP4, ME, 2000, XP
Processor (CPU) Intel Pentium 233 MHz
System memory (RAM) 32 MB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 500 MB
Video card (GPU) 1 MB of VRAM
DirectX 7.0 compatible


Notes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 When running this game without elevated privileges (Run as administrator option), write operations against a location below %PROGRAMFILES%, %PROGRAMDATA%, or %WINDIR% might be redirected to %LOCALAPPDATA%\VirtualStore on Windows Vista and later (more details).
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Notes regarding Steam Play (Linux) data:

References