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 "Total Annihilation"

From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
m (→‎Audio settings: updated template usage)
 
(66 intermediate revisions by 19 users not shown)
Line 4: Line 4:
 
{{Infobox game/row/developer|Cavedog Entertainment}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/developer|Cavedog Entertainment}}
 
|publishers  =  
 
|publishers  =  
−
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|GT Interactive}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|GT Interactive|1997-1999}}
−
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Wargaming.net}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Infogrames|1999-2003}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Atari|2003-2013}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Wargaming|2013-present}}
 
|engines      =  
 
|engines      =  
 
|release dates=  
 
|release dates=  
−
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|September 30, 1997}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|September 27, 1997}}
−
{{Infobox game/row/date|Mac OS|1997}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/date|Mac OS|September 17, 1999}}
−
{{Infobox game/row/date|OS X|April 23, 2013|ref=<ref>[https://www.gog.com/news/april_mac_game_update_22_new_additions Mac Game Update: 22 New Additions ● GOG.com]</ref>}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/date|OS X|April 23, 2013|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.gog.com/news/april_mac_game_update_22_new_additions|title=Mac Game Update: 22 New Additions ● GOG.com|date=9 June 2023}}</ref>}}
 +
|reception    =
 +
{{Infobox game/row/reception|Metacritic|total-annihilation|86}}
 +
|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      | Top-down view }}
 +
{{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            | Sci-fi }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/series            | Total Annihilation }}
 +
|official site= https://web.archive.org/web/20001110151900fw_/http://www.cavedog.com/totala/
 
|steam appid  = 298030
 
|steam appid  = 298030
 
|gogcom id    = 1207658880
 
|gogcom id    = 1207658880
 +
|hltb        = 10539
 +
|igdb        = total-annihilation
 +
|lutris      = total-annihilation
 
|strategywiki = Total Annihilation
 
|strategywiki = Total Annihilation
 +
|mobygames    = 904
 
|wikipedia    = Total Annihilation
 
|wikipedia    = Total Annihilation
 
|winehq      = 155
 
|winehq      = 155
 
|license      = commercial
 
|license      = commercial
 
}}
 
}}
−
{{Series|Total Annihilation}}
 
  
−
'''Key points'''
+
{{Introduction
−
{{++}} Modding tools are available
+
|introduction      =
−
{{++}} Small but dedicated community
+
 
 +
|release history  =
 +
 
 +
|current state    =
 +
}}
  
 
'''General information'''
 
'''General information'''
−
{{mm}} [http://totalannihilation.wikia.com/wiki/Main_Page Total Annihilation Wiki] - A wiki for everything Total Annihilation.
+
{{mm}} [https://totalannihilation.fandom.com/wiki/Main_Page Total Annihilation Wiki] - A wiki for everything Total Annihilation.
−
{{mm}} [http://www.tauniverse.com/ Total Annihilation Universe] - A huge fan site for the entire Total Annihilation series.
+
{{mm}} [https://www.tauniverse.com/ Total Annihilation Universe] - A huge fan site for the entire Total Annihilation series.
 
{{GOG.com links|1207658880|total_annihilation_series|for game series}}
 
{{GOG.com links|1207658880|total_annihilation_series|for game series}}
 
{{mm}} [https://steamcommunity.com/app/298030/discussions/ Steam Community Discussions]
 
{{mm}} [https://steamcommunity.com/app/298030/discussions/ Steam Community Discussions]
Line 32: Line 57:
 
==Availability==
 
==Availability==
 
{{Availability|
 
{{Availability|
−
{{Availability/row| Retail | | unknown | | | Windows, Mac OS }}
+
{{Availability/row| Retail | | disc | | | Windows, Mac OS }}
−
{{Availability/row| GamersGate | DD-TOTALA | DRM-free | Total Annihilation: Commander Pack | | Windows }}
+
{{Availability/row| GOG.com | total_anihilation_commander_pack | DRM-free | Commander Pack | | Windows, OS X }}
−
{{Availability/row| GOG.com | total_anihilation_commander_pack | DRM-free | Total Annihilation: Commander Pack | | Windows, OS X }}
+
{{Availability/row| Humble | total-annihilation | Steam | Commander Pack | | Windows }}
−
{{Availability/row| Steam | 298030 | Steam | Total Annihilation: Commander Pack | | Windows }}
+
{{Availability/row| Steam | 298030 | Steam | Commander Pack (despite expansion content not mentioned on store page) | | Windows }}
 +
{{Availability/row| ZOOM | total-annihilation-commander-pack | DRM-free | Commander Pack | | Windows }}
 +
}}
 +
{{ii}} A free demo version is available from [https://archive.org/details/TotalAnnihilation_201405 Archive.org].
 +
 
 +
===Version differences===
 +
{{ii}} The '''Commander Pack''' includes the base game with both The Core Contingency and Battle Tactics expansions.
 +
 
 +
==Monetization==
 +
{{Monetization
 +
|ad-supported          =
 +
|dlc                    =
 +
|expansion pack        = The expansion packs include new units, maps, missions and terrain types.
 +
|freeware              =
 +
|free-to-play          =
 +
|one-time game purchase = The game requires an upfront purchase to access.
 +
|sponsored              =
 +
|subscription          =
 
}}
 
}}
−
{{ii}} Total Annihilation: Commander Pack includes both The Core Contingency and Battle Tactics expansions.
 
  
 
{{DLC|
 
{{DLC|
−
{{DLC/row| The Core Contingency | | Windows, Mac OS, OS X }}
+
{{DLC/row| The Core Contingency | Includes a map editor. | Windows, Mac OS, OS X }}
 
{{DLC/row| Battle Tactics |  | Windows, Mac OS, OS X }}
 
{{DLC/row| Battle Tactics |  | Windows, Mac OS, OS X }}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
==Essential improvements==
 
==Essential improvements==
−
===Patches===
+
===Official downloads===
−
[http://files.tauniverse.com/files/ta/official-files/ official patches]
+
{{mm}} All of the official content for the game (v3.1 patch, units, utilities, etc.) can be found on the [https://files.tauniverse.com/files/ta/official-files/ TA Universe file repository].
  
 
===Skip intro videos===
 
===Skip intro videos===
 
{{Fixbox|description=Delete/rename video files|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
 
{{Fixbox|description=Delete/rename video files|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
−
# Go to <code>{{p|game}}\Data\</code>
+
# Go to {{file|{{p|game}}\Data\|folder}}
−
# Delete or rename <code>1.ZRB</code> and <code>2.zrb</code>.
+
# Delete or rename {{file|1.ZRB}} and {{file|2.zrb}}.
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
===Official downloads===
+
===Unofficial v3.9.02 beta patch===
−
All of the official content for the game (patches, units, utilities, etc.) can be found [http://files.tauniverse.com/files/ta/official-files/ here].
+
{{mm}} [https://www.tauniverse.com/forum/showthread.php?t=43735 Main information thread and links]
 +
{{mm}} [https://github.com/gammata/TA-Unofficial-Patch-Install Updated distribution for modern systems and variants adapted for mods] ([https://www.tauniverse.com/forum/showthread.php?t=46765 information/feedback thread])
  
−
===Unofficial patch===
+
{{++}} Includes the megamap feature (including zooming in and out akin to [[Supreme Commander]]), replay support, bug fixes, interface tweaks, engine-level improvements and other tweaks.
−
Unofficial patches made by TA community [http://patch.tauniverse.com/ta-patch-resources/TA_Patch_Resources.exe TA Patch Resources v1.0] and [http://patch.tauniverse.com/ta-patch/TA_Patch_3902.exe TA Patch v3.9.02 Beta].<ref>[http://www.tauniverse.com/forum/showthread.php?t=43735 Total Annihilation v3.9.02 Beta Patch - Total Annihilation Universe]</ref> This patch has been know to cause a crash at startup, notes on the cause and how to fix it can be found [http://www.tauniverse.com/forum/showthread.php?p=718283#post718283 here].
 
  
 
==Game data==
 
==Game data==
Line 79: Line 120:
 
===[[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|Total Annihilation Video.png|In-game graphics settings.}}
 
{{Image|Total Annihilation Video.png|In-game graphics settings.}}
−
{{Video settings
+
{{Video
−
|wsgf link                  = http://www.wsgf.org/dr/total-annihilation
+
|wsgf link                  = https://www.wsgf.org/dr/total-annihilation
 
|widescreen wsgf award      = gold
 
|widescreen wsgf award      = gold
 
|multimonitor wsgf award    = incomplete
 
|multimonitor wsgf award    = incomplete
Line 100: Line 145:
 
|4k ultra hd wsgf award    = incomplete
 
|4k ultra hd wsgf award    = incomplete
 
|widescreen resolution      = true
 
|widescreen resolution      = true
−
|widescreen resolution notes= For custom/unlisted resolutions see [[#Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]].
+
|widescreen resolution notes= For custom/unlisted resolutions, run the game with the <code>-screenwidth XXXX -screenhight XXXX</code> [[Glossary:Command line arguments|command line arguments]].
 
|multimonitor              = false
 
|multimonitor              = false
 
|multimonitor notes        =  
 
|multimonitor notes        =  
Line 117: Line 162:
 
|antialiasing              = false
 
|antialiasing              = false
 
|antialiasing notes        =  
 
|antialiasing notes        =  
 +
|upscaling                  = unknown
 +
|upscaling tech            =
 +
|upscaling notes            =
 
|vsync                      = false
 
|vsync                      = false
 
|vsync notes                =  
 
|vsync notes                =  
Line 127: Line 175:
 
|color blind                = unknown
 
|color blind                = unknown
 
|color blind notes          =  
 
|color blind notes          =  
−
}}
 
−
 
−
===[[Glossary:Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]]===
 
−
{{Fixbox|description=Set custom resolution|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
 
−
# Add the [[Glossary:Command line arguments|parameter]]s <code>-screenwidth XXXX -screenhight XXXX</code>
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 142: Line 185:
 
# Download and install [http://patch.tauniverse.com/ta-patch-resources/TA_Patch_Resources.exe TA Patch Resources v1.0]
 
# Download and install [http://patch.tauniverse.com/ta-patch-resources/TA_Patch_Resources.exe TA Patch Resources v1.0]
 
# Download and install [http://patch.tauniverse.com/ta-patch/TA_Patch_3902.exe TA Patch v3.9.02 Beta]
 
# Download and install [http://patch.tauniverse.com/ta-patch/TA_Patch_3902.exe TA Patch v3.9.02 Beta]
−
{{ii}} Use <code>Total Annihilation.exe</code> instead of <code>TotalA.exe</code>
+
{{ii}} Use {{file|Total Annihilation.exe}} instead of {{file|TotalA.exe}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
==Input settings==
+
==Input==
−
{{Input settings
+
{{Input
 
|key remap                = false
 
|key remap                = false
 
|key remap notes          =  
 
|key remap notes          =  
Line 209: Line 252:
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
==Audio settings==
+
==Audio==
 
{{Image|Total Annihilation Audio.png|In-game audio settings.}}
 
{{Image|Total Annihilation Audio.png|In-game audio settings.}}
 
{{Image|Total Annihilation Music.png|In-game music settings.}}
 
{{Image|Total Annihilation Music.png|In-game music settings.}}
−
{{Audio settings
+
{{Audio
 
|separate volume          = true
 
|separate volume          = true
 
|separate volume notes    =  
 
|separate volume notes    =  
Line 221: Line 264:
 
|closed captions          = false
 
|closed captions          = false
 
|closed captions notes    =  
 
|closed captions notes    =  
−
|mute on focus lost      = true
+
|mute on focus lost      = always on
 
|mute on focus lost notes =  
 
|mute on focus lost notes =  
 
|eax support              =  
 
|eax support              =  
 
|eax support notes        =  
 
|eax support notes        =  
 +
|red book cd audio        = true
 +
|red book cd audio notes  =
 +
|royalty free audio      = always on
 +
|royalty free audio notes =
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 241: Line 288:
 
  |audio    = true
 
  |audio    = true
 
  |subtitles = false
 
  |subtitles = false
−
  |notes    =  
+
  |notes    = Retail only.
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = German
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = true
 +
|subtitles = false
 +
|notes    = Retail only.
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Italian
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = true
 +
|subtitles = false
 +
|notes    = Retail only.
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
}}
 
}}
Line 247: Line 310:
  
 
==Network==
 
==Network==
 +
{{ii}} Multiplayer support requires [[DirectPlay]].
 
{{Network/Multiplayer
 
{{Network/Multiplayer
 
|local play          =  
 
|local play          =  
Line 253: Line 317:
 
|local play notes    =  
 
|local play notes    =  
 
|lan play            = true
 
|lan play            = true
−
|lan play players    =  
+
|lan play players    = 10
 
|lan play modes      =  
 
|lan play modes      =  
 
|lan play notes      =  
 
|lan play notes      =  
−
|online play          = false
+
|online play          = hackable
−
|online play players  =  
+
|online play players  = 10
 
|online play modes    =  
 
|online play modes    =  
−
|online play notes    = servers were down
+
|online play notes    = Official servers are offline; [https://www.taforever.com/ Total Annihilation Forever] is a community replacement.
 
|asynchronous        =  
 
|asynchronous        =  
 
|asynchronous notes  =  
 
|asynchronous notes  =  
 
}}{{Network/Connections
 
}}{{Network/Connections
−
|matchmaking        =  
+
|matchmaking        = false
 
|matchmaking notes  =  
 
|matchmaking notes  =  
−
|p2p                =  
+
|p2p                = true
 
|p2p notes          =  
 
|p2p notes          =  
−
|dedicated          =  
+
|dedicated          = false
 
|dedicated notes    =  
 
|dedicated notes    =  
−
|self-hosting      =  
+
|self-hosting      = true
 
|self-hosting notes =  
 
|self-hosting notes =  
−
|direct ip          =  
+
|direct ip          = true
 
|direct ip notes    =  
 
|direct ip notes    =  
 
}}{{Network/Ports
 
}}{{Network/Ports
Line 279: Line 343:
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
{{Fixbox|description=Hosting/Discovering game lobbys on a LAN network|ref=<ref>[https://www.gog.com/forum/total_annihilation_series/lan_play/post20 Lan play, page 2 - Forum - GOG.com]</ref>|fix=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Hosting/discovering game lobbies on a LAN network|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.gog.com/forum/total_annihilation_series/lan_play/post20|title=Lan play, page 2 - Forum - GOG.com|date=May 2023}}</ref>|fix=
−
# Download ipxwrapper-0.5.0 from http://www.solemnwarning.net/ipxwrapper/  
+
# Download [https://www.solemnwarning.net/ipxwrapper/ IPXWrapper] and extract it to {{p|game}}
−
# Unzip the ipxwrapper files into the total annihilation folder (example: "C:\CAVEDOG\TOTALA")
+
# For 32-bit OS, run the file {{file|directplay-win32.reg}} as administrator.<br /> For 64-bit OS, run the file {{file|directplay-win64.reg}} as administrator.
−
# If you have a 32 bit OS, run the file "directplay-win32.reg" as administrator.<br /> or <br/> If you have a 64 bit OS, run the file "directplay-win64.reg" as administrator.
 
 
# Pick "IPX Connection for DirectPlay" and leave the search address blank.
 
# Pick "IPX Connection for DirectPlay" and leave the search address blank.
  
Line 289: Line 352:
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
==Other information==
+
==Issues fixed==
−
===Middleware===
+
===Game does not recognize installed version of [[DirectX]]===
−
{{Middleware
+
{{Fixbox|description=Run the game in [[Windows Compatibility Mode|compatibility mode]] for Windows XP SP2 or SP3|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Plok|date=2022-12-05}}</ref>|fix=
−
|physics          =  
+
}}
−
|physics notes    =  
+
 
−
|audio            =  
+
{{Fixbox|description=Install the updated version of the [[#Unofficial v3.9.02 beta patch|unofficial 3.9.02 beta patch]]|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Plok|date=2022-12-05}}</ref>|fix=
−
|audio notes      =  
 
−
|interface        =  
 
−
|interface notes  =
 
−
|input            =  
 
−
|input notes      =
 
−
|cutscenes        = Smacker
 
−
|cutscenes notes  =  
 
−
|multiplayer      = DirectPlay
 
−
|multiplayer notes=  
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 309: Line 363:
 
===API===
 
===API===
 
{{API
 
{{API
−
|direct3d versions      =  
+
|direct3d versions      = 5.0
 
|direct3d notes        =  
 
|direct3d notes        =  
 
|directdraw versions    =  
 
|directdraw versions    =  
Line 329: Line 383:
 
|shader model versions  =  
 
|shader model versions  =  
 
|shader model notes    =  
 
|shader model notes    =  
−
|64-bit executable     = false
+
|windows 32-bit exe    = true
−
|64-bit executable notes=  
+
|windows 64-bit exe    = false
 +
|windows arm app        = false
 +
|windows exe notes     =
 +
|mac os x powerpc app  = unknown
 +
|macos intel 32-bit app = true
 +
|macos intel 64-bit app = false
 +
|macos arm app          = unknown
 +
|macos app notes        = <ref>{{Refsnip|url=https://www.gog.com/game/total_anihilation_commander_pack|title=Total Annihilation: Commander Pack on GOG.com|date=2020-01-14|snippet=Mac notice: The game is 32-bit only and will not work on macOS 10.15 and up.}}</ref>
 +
|linux 32-bit executable=
 +
|linux 64-bit executable=
 +
|linux arm app          = unknown
 +
|linux executable notes =
 +
|mac os powerpc app    = unknown
 +
|mac os 68k app        = unknown
 +
|mac os executable notes=
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===Middleware===
 +
{{Middleware
 +
|physics          =
 +
|physics notes    =
 +
|audio            =
 +
|audio notes      =
 +
|interface        =
 +
|interface notes  =
 +
|input            =
 +
|input notes      =
 +
|cutscenes        = Smacker Video Technology
 +
|cutscenes notes  =
 +
|multiplayer      = MPlayer.com, HEAT, Kali
 +
|multiplayer notes=  
 
}}
 
}}
 +
 +
==Modifications==
 +
===[https://taesc.tauniverse.com/ Total Annihilation: Escalation]===
 +
{{ii}} Also known as TA:ESC, it is a complete mod for both skirmish and multiplayer settings.
 +
{{++}} Active development.
 +
{{++}} Includes bugfixes for the remaining issues in the game, improved AI, quality-of-life improvements such as extended menus and tweaked interface
 +
{{++}} Adds new units with balance changes for the existing ones, as well as enhanced visuals such as new textures, enhanced FX and proper widescreen support.
 +
{{--}} Incompatible with other 3rd party mods.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://taesc.tauniverse.com/?p=faq|title=TA:ESC FAQ|date=May 2023}}</ref>
 +
{{--}} Singleplayer campaign is disabled.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.tauniverse.com/forum/showthread.php?s=cc710d8a7252b0e8645be058c44c115a&t=46638|title= Single Player For This Mod?|date=May 2023}}</ref>
 +
{{--}} Minimum supported resolution of 1024x768. Widescreen is supported if the height is 768 pixels and above.
  
 
==System requirements==
 
==System requirements==
Line 340: Line 434:
 
|minCPU  = Intel Pentium 100 MHz
 
|minCPU  = Intel Pentium 100 MHz
 
|minRAM  = 16 MB
 
|minRAM  = 16 MB
−
|minHD    = 1.1 GB
+
|minHD    = 35 MB
 
|minGPU  = VGA 256 colour or better
 
|minGPU  = VGA 256 colour or better
 +
|minDX    = 5.0
 +
|minaudio = Sound Blaster compatible
 +
|minother = 4X CD-ROM
  
−
|recOS    = 98, 2000, ME, XP
+
|recOS    =  
−
|recCPU  = Intel Pentium 166 MHz
+
|recCPU  = Intel Pentium 133 MHz
−
|recRAM  = 48 MB
+
|recRAM  = 24 MB
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
{{References}}
 
{{References}}
 +
{{GOG.com Enhancement Project}}

Latest revision as of 23:49, 8 April 2024

Total Annihilation
Total Annihilation cover
Developers
Cavedog Entertainment
Publishers
1997-1999 GT Interactive
1999-2003 Infogrames
2003-2013 Atari
2013-present Wargaming
Release dates
Windows September 27, 1997
Mac OS (Classic) September 17, 1999
macOS (OS X) April 23, 2013[1]
Reception
Metacritic 86
Taxonomy
Monetization One-time game purchase, Expansion pack
Modes Singleplayer, Multiplayer
Pacing Real-time
Perspectives Top-down view
Controls Multiple select, Point and select
Genres RTS
Themes Sci-fi
Series Total Annihilation
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Total Annihilation on HowLongToBeat
Total Annihilation on IGDB
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Total Annihilation guide on StrategyWiki
Total Annihilation on MobyGames
Total Annihilation on Wikipedia
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Total Annihilation
Total Annihilation 1997
Total Annihilation: Kingdoms 1999

Warnings

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

Total Annihilation is a singleplayer and multiplayer top-down view RTS game in the Total Annihilation series.

General information

Total Annihilation Wiki - A wiki for everything Total Annihilation.
Total Annihilation Universe - A huge fan site for the entire Total Annihilation series.
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)
Windows
Mac OS
GOG.com
DRM-free
 Commander Pack
Windows
macOS (OS X)
Humble Store
Icon overlay.png
 Commander Pack
Windows
Steam
Icon overlay.png
 Commander Pack (despite expansion content not mentioned on store page)
Windows
ZOOM Platform
DRM-free
 Commander Pack
Windows
A free demo version is available from Archive.org.

Version differences

The Commander Pack includes the base game with both The Core Contingency and Battle Tactics expansions.

Monetization

Type Notes
Expansion pack The expansion packs include new units, maps, missions and terrain types.
One-time game purchase The game requires an upfront purchase to access.

DLC and expansion packs

Name Notes
The Core Contingency Includes a map editor.
Windows
Mac OS
macOS (OS X)
Battle Tactics
Windows
Mac OS
macOS (OS X)

Essential improvements

Official downloads

All of the official content for the game (v3.1 patch, units, utilities, etc.) can be found on the TA Universe file repository.

Skip intro videos

Delete/rename video files[citation needed]
  1. Go to <path-to-game>\Data\
  2. Delete or rename 1.ZRB and 2.zrb.

Unofficial v3.9.02 beta patch

Main information thread and links
Updated distribution for modern systems and variants adapted for mods (information/feedback thread)
Includes the megamap feature (including zooming in and out akin to Supreme Commander), replay support, bug fixes, interface tweaks, engine-level improvements and other tweaks.

Game data

In-game interface settings.
In-game interface settings.

Configuration file(s) location

System Location
Windows HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Cavedog Entertainment\Total Annihilation\
Mac OS (Classic)
macOS (OS X)
Steam Play (Linux) <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/298030/pfx/[Note 1]

Save game data location

System Location
Windows <path-to-game>\SAVEGAME\[Note 2]
Mac OS (Classic)
macOS (OS X)
Steam Play (Linux) <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/298030/pfx/[Note 1]

Save game cloud syncing

System Native Notes
GOG Galaxy
Steam Cloud

Video

In-game graphics settings.
In-game graphics settings.

Graphics feature State WSGF Notes
Widescreen resolution
 
 For custom/unlisted resolutions, run the game with the -screenwidth XXXX -screenhight XXXX command line arguments.
Multi-monitor
 
Ultra-widescreen
 
4K Ultra HD
 
Field of view (FOV)
Windowed
See Windowed.
Borderless fullscreen windowed
See Windowed.
Anisotropic filtering (AF)
See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
Anti-aliasing (AA)
See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
Vertical sync (Vsync)
See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
60 FPS and 120+ FPS

Windowed

Windowed without Unofficial patch[citation needed]
  1. Add -d to the end of the shortcut target
This will mute all sound effects, regardless of Sound settings.
Windowed with Unofficial patch[citation needed]
  1. Download and install TA Patch Resources v1.0
  2. Download and install TA Patch v3.9.02 Beta
Use Total Annihilation.exe instead of TotalA.exe

Input

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

Audio

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

Audio feature State Notes
Separate volume controls
Surround sound
Subtitles
Closed captions
Mute on focus lost
Royalty free audio
Red Book CD audio
On Windows, CD music might not play correctly; see the troubleshooting guide for solutions.

Localizations

Language UI Audio Sub Notes
English
French
Retail only.
German
Retail only.
Italian
Retail only.

Network

Multiplayer support requires DirectPlay.

Multiplayer types

Type Native Players Notes
LAN play
10
Online play
10 Official servers are offline; Total Annihilation Forever is a community replacement.

Connection types

Type Native Notes
Matchmaking
Peer-to-peer
Dedicated
Self-hosting
Direct IP
Hosting/discovering game lobbies on a LAN network[2]
  1. Download IPXWrapper and extract it to <path-to-game>
  2. For 32-bit OS, run the file directplay-win32.reg as administrator.
    For 64-bit OS, run the file directplay-win64.reg as administrator.
  3. Pick "IPX Connection for DirectPlay" and leave the search address blank.

Notes

This fix may not be necessary for versions of Windows older than XP

Issues fixed

Game does not recognize installed version of DirectX

Run the game in compatibility mode for Windows XP SP2 or SP3[3]
Install the updated version of the unofficial 3.9.02 beta patch[4]

Other information

API

Technical specs Supported Notes
Direct3D 5
ExecutablePPC16-bit 32-bit 64-bit Notes
Windows
macOS (OS X)
[5]
Mac OS (Classic)

Middleware

Middleware Notes
Cutscenes Smacker Video Technology
Multiplayer MPlayer.com, HEAT, Kali

Modifications

Total Annihilation: Escalation

Also known as TA:ESC, it is a complete mod for both skirmish and multiplayer settings.
Active development.
Includes bugfixes for the remaining issues in the game, improved AI, quality-of-life improvements such as extended menus and tweaked interface
Adds new units with balance changes for the existing ones, as well as enhanced visuals such as new textures, enhanced FX and proper widescreen support.
Incompatible with other 3rd party mods.[6]
Singleplayer campaign is disabled.[7]
Minimum supported resolution of 1024x768. Widescreen is supported if the height is 768 pixels and above.

System requirements

Windows
Minimum Recommended
Operating system (OS) 95
Processor (CPU) Intel Pentium 100 MHz Intel Pentium 133 MHz
System memory (RAM) 16 MB 24 MB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 35 MB
Video card (GPU) VGA 256 colour or better
DirectX 5.0 compatible
Sound (audio device) Sound Blaster compatible
Other 4X CD-ROM


Notes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Notes regarding Steam Play (Linux) data:
  2. ↑ 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).

References

  1. ↑ Mac Game Update: 22 New Additions ● GOG.com - last accessed on 9 June 2023
  2. ↑ Lan play, page 2 - Forum - GOG.com - last accessed on May 2023
  3. ↑ Verified by User:Plok on 2022-12-05
  4. ↑ Verified by User:Plok on 2022-12-05
  5. ↑ Total Annihilation: Commander Pack on GOG.com - last accessed on 2020-01-14
    "Mac notice: The game is 32-bit only and will not work on macOS 10.15 and up."
  6. ↑ TA:ESC FAQ - last accessed on May 2023
  7. ↑ Single Player For This Mod? - last accessed on May 2023