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Difference between revisions of "Warcraft II: Battle.net Edition"

From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
m (Updating infobox with StrategyWiki guide link)
 
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Line 1: Line 1:
 
{{Disambig|the Battle.net-compatible and GOG.com enhanced releases|the original release|[[Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness]]}}
 
{{Disambig|the Battle.net-compatible and GOG.com enhanced releases|the original release|[[Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness]]}}
 
{{Infobox game
 
{{Infobox game
−
|cover        = Warcraft II Battle.net Edition (2019) logo transparent.png
+
|cover        = Warcraft_II_Battle.net_Edition_cover.jpg
 
|developers  =  
 
|developers  =  
 
{{Infobox game/row/developer|Blizzard Entertainment}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/developer|Blizzard Entertainment}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/developer|Cyberlore Studios|Beyond the Dark Portal}}
 
|publishers  =  
 
|publishers  =  
 
|engines      =  
 
|engines      =  
Line 9: Line 10:
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|September 30, 1999}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|September 30, 1999}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|Mac OS|October 4, 1999}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|Mac OS|October 4, 1999}}
−
|taxonomy    =  
+
|taxonomy    =
−
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/series|Warcraft}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/monetization      | One-time game purchase }}
 +
{{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            | Fantasy }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/series           | Warcraft }}
 +
|official site= http://classic.battle.net/war2/
 
|steam appid  =  
 
|steam appid  =  
 
|gogcom id    = 1418669891
 
|gogcom id    = 1418669891
Line 16: Line 29:
 
|hltb        = 11030
 
|hltb        = 11030
 
|igdb        = warcraft-ii-battle-dot-net-edition
 
|igdb        = warcraft-ii-battle-dot-net-edition
−
|strategywiki = Warcraft II: Battle.net Edition
+
|lutris      = warcraft-ii-tides-of-darkness
−
|mobygames    = warcraft-ii-battle-chest_
+
|strategywiki = Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness
 +
|mobygames    = 1575
 
|wikipedia    = Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness
 
|wikipedia    = Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness
 
|winehq      = 412
 
|winehq      = 412
 
|license      = commercial
 
|license      = commercial
 +
}}
 +
 +
{{Introduction
 +
|introduction      = '''''Warcraft II: Battle.net Edition''''' is a {{Glossary:Fantasy}} {{Glossary:RTS}} game, and an updated version of ''[[Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness]]'' with its ''Beyond the Dark Portal'' expansion pack. It features updated audio compared to the original version, a Windows-native executable instead of a DOS one, and a {{Glossary:Multiplayer}} infrastructure on Battle.net which had by then already been used in ''[[Diablo]]'' and ''[[StarCraft]]''.
 +
 +
|release history  = The game received only two minor official patches after release. Several communities would keep maintaining interest in the game and custom [https://github.com/RElesgoe/Aqrit-DDraw-Hack DirectDraw] renderers.
 +
 +
|current state    = On March 28, 2019, the game was released digitally on [[Store:GOG.com|GOG.com]] with their own DirectDraw wrapper and additional features, as well as an unmodified 2.02 build for compatibility with the classic servers.
 +
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
'''General information'''
 
'''General information'''
−
{{mm}} [http://us.blizzard.com/en-us/ Developer site]
+
{{mm}} [https://github.com/WARGUS/WARGUS Wargus & Stratagus patch] - For playing on modern systems (in Wargus patch setup select Warcraft II - it's a hidden option).
−
{{mm}} [http://wow.gamepedia.com/Portal:Main Wowpedia] - A huge wiki for everything Warcraft universe related.
 
−
{{mm}} [https://launchpad.net/wargus/ Wargus & Stratagus patch] - For playing on modern systems (in Wargus patch setup select Warcraft II - it's a hidden option).
 
 
{{GOG.com links|1418669891|warcraft_ii_battlenet_edition}}
 
{{GOG.com links|1418669891|warcraft_ii_battlenet_edition}}
  
 
==Availability==
 
==Availability==
 
{{Availability|
 
{{Availability|
−
{{Availability/row| Retail | | Disc, Key | Original [[#Warcraft II: Battle.net Edition (1999, retail disc)|1999 retail disc]] release. | | Mac OS, Windows}}
+
{{Availability/row| Retail | | Disc, Key | | | Mac OS, Windows}}
−
{{Availability/row| GOG.com | warcraft_2_battlenet_edition | DRM-free | Enhanced [[#Warcraft II: Battle.net Edition (2019, GOG.com release)|2019 GOG.com]] release.<br>Includes a key to play online through Battle.net.<br>[https://www.gog.com/game/warcraft_bundle Warcraft I & II Bundle] is also available. | | Windows }}
+
{{Availability/row| Battle.net | warcraft-ii-battle-net-edition | Battle.net, account | | | Windows }}
 +
{{Availability/row| GOG.com | warcraft_2_battlenet_edition | DRM-free, key | Enhanced 2019 release.<br>Includes a key to play online through Battle.net, shown in the game's library entry.<br>{{store link|GOG.com|warcraft_bundle|Warcraft I & II Bundle}} is also available. | | Windows }}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
===Version differences===
 
===Version differences===
−
====Warcraft II: Battle.net Edition (1999, retail disc)====
+
{{ii}} The '''GOG.com version''' features two builds: the first one is the '''classic''' version without DRM and with access to the Battle.net server, and the other one is the '''enhanced''' version with GOG's custom DirectX wrapper with additional features, but without Battle.net access. It also comes bundled with [[#IPXWrapper|IPXWrapper]], which both versions can use.
−
{{ii}} Released September 30, 1999.
 
−
{{ii}} First Windows version of Warcraft II to have TCP/IP internet play through Battle.net.
 
−
{{--}} Uses disc check and CD key DRM.
 
−
{{--}} Limited to 640x480 resolution and exclusive fullscreen mode.
 
  
−
====Warcraft II: Battle.net Edition (2019, GOG.com release)====
+
==Monetization==
−
{{ii}} Released March 28, 2019.
+
{{Monetization
−
{{ii}} Includes both the classic version with Battle.net access, and a modern OS compatible enhanced version.
+
|ad-supported          =
−
{{++}} Enhanced version uses a DirectX wrapper for better graphical compatibility in modern operating systems.
+
|dlc                    =
−
{{++}} Both versions use an IPX wrapper to provide IPX/SPX support for LAN multiplayer.
+
|expansion pack        =
−
{{++}} No disc check DRM.
+
|freeware              =
−
{{++}} No CD key DRM for the enhanced version.
+
|free-to-play          =
−
{{--}} The enhanced version does not have Battle.net access, although the included classic version does.
+
|one-time game purchase = The game requires an upfront purchase to access.
−
{{--}} CD key DRM for online play through Battle.net in the classic version.
+
|sponsored              =
 +
|subscription          =
 +
}}
  
 
==Essential improvements==
 
==Essential improvements==
 
===Patches===
 
===Patches===
−
{{ii}} The most up-to-date standalone installer version for the retail release is 2.02.
+
{{ii}} The latest version for the retail release is 2.02. It is available for [http://ftp.blizzard.com/pub/war2/patches/PC/War2Patch_202.exe Windows] and [http://ftp.blizzard.com/pub/war2/patches/Mac/War2BNE%20v2.02b-Mac.hqx Mac OS (Classic)].
−
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed wikitable"
+
{{++}} It is included in both the classic and enhanced GOG.com versions.
−
|-
+
===[https://forum.war2.ru/index.php?topic=6461.0 Warcraft II Widescreen / High resolution patch]===
−
! scope="col" | Operating System
+
{{ii}} This patch allows the use of higher resolutions and fps.
−
! scope="col" | Download Link
+
{{++}} Adds widescreen and custom resolution support.
−
! scope="col" |
+
{{++}} FPS can be uncapped.
−
|-
 
−
| Windows
 
−
| [http://ftp.blizzard.com/pub/war2/patches/PC/War2Patch_202.exe Blizzard FTP Server]
 
−
|-
 
−
| Mac
 
−
| [http://ftp.blizzard.com/pub/war2/patches/Mac/War2BNE%20v2.02b-Mac.hqx Blizzard FTP Server]
 
−
|}
 
  
 
==Game data==
 
==Game data==
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===[[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
−
|discord               =  
+
|discord                   =  
−
|discord notes         =  
+
|discord notes             =  
−
|epic games store       =  
+
|epic games launcher       =  
−
|epic games store notes =  
+
|epic games launcher notes =  
−
|gog galaxy             = true
+
|gog galaxy               = true
−
|gog galaxy notes       =  
+
|gog galaxy notes         =  
−
|origin                 =  
+
|origin                   =  
−
|origin notes           =  
+
|origin notes             =  
−
|steam cloud           =  
+
|steam cloud               =  
−
|steam cloud notes     =  
+
|steam cloud notes         =  
−
|uplay                  =  
+
|ubisoft connect          =  
−
|uplay notes           =  
+
|ubisoft connect notes     =  
−
|xbox cloud             =  
+
|xbox cloud               =  
−
|xbox cloud notes       =  
+
|xbox cloud notes         =  
 
}}
 
}}
  
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|ultrawidescreen wsgf award = unsupported
 
|ultrawidescreen wsgf award = unsupported
 
|4k ultra hd wsgf award    = unsupported
 
|4k ultra hd wsgf award    = unsupported
−
|widescreen resolution      = false
+
|widescreen resolution      = limited
 
|widescreen resolution notes= The GOG.com enhanced version has {{Term|stretch}} full-screen, {{Term|pillarboxed}} full-screen, and {{Term|pixel-based}} scaling as options.
 
|widescreen resolution notes= The GOG.com enhanced version has {{Term|stretch}} full-screen, {{Term|pillarboxed}} full-screen, and {{Term|pixel-based}} scaling as options.
−
|multimonitor              = false
+
|multimonitor              = limited
 
|multimonitor notes        = The GOG.com enhanced version has {{Term|stretch}} full-screen with options that allow multi-monitor resolutions.
 
|multimonitor notes        = The GOG.com enhanced version has {{Term|stretch}} full-screen with options that allow multi-monitor resolutions.
−
|ultrawidescreen            = false
+
|ultrawidescreen            = limited
 
|ultrawidescreen notes      = The GOG.com enhanced version has {{Term|stretch}} full-screen with options that allow ultrawidescreen resolutions.
 
|ultrawidescreen notes      = The GOG.com enhanced version has {{Term|stretch}} full-screen with options that allow ultrawidescreen resolutions.
−
|4k ultra hd                = false
+
|4k ultra hd                = limited
 
|4k ultra hd notes          = The GOG.com enhanced version supports 4K resolutions.
 
|4k ultra hd notes          = The GOG.com enhanced version supports 4K resolutions.
 
|fov                        = n/a
 
|fov                        = n/a
 
|fov notes                  =  
 
|fov notes                  =  
 
|windowed                  = hackable
 
|windowed                  = hackable
−
|windowed notes            = Use [http://forum.war2.ru/index.php?topic=897.0 Window Mode for WarCraft 2]. <br> The GOG.com enhanced version supports windowed mode.
+
|windowed notes            = Use [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/2601-warcraft-ii-windowed-mode/ Windowed Mode for WarCraft 2]. <br> The GOG.com enhanced version supports windowed mode.
−
|borderless windowed        = false
+
|borderless windowed        = limited
 
|borderless windowed notes  = The GOG.com enhanced version supports borderless full-screen.
 
|borderless windowed notes  = The GOG.com enhanced version supports borderless full-screen.
−
|anisotropic                = false
+
|anisotropic                = limited
 
|anisotropic notes          = The GOG.com enhanced version supports up to 16x anisotropic filtering.
 
|anisotropic notes          = The GOG.com enhanced version supports up to 16x anisotropic filtering.
−
|antialiasing              = false
+
|antialiasing              = limited
 
|antialiasing notes        = The GOG.com enhanced version supports up to 8x MSAA.
 
|antialiasing notes        = The GOG.com enhanced version supports up to 8x MSAA.
−
|vsync                      = unknown
+
|upscaling                  = unknown
−
|vsync notes                = The GOG.com enhanced version supports vsync.
+
|upscaling tech            =
−
|60 fps                    = unknown
+
|upscaling notes            =
 +
|vsync                      = limited
 +
|vsync notes                = The GOG.com enhanced version supports v-sync.
 +
|60 fps                    = limited
 
|60 fps notes              = The GOG.com enhanced version supports greater than 60 FPS.
 
|60 fps notes              = The GOG.com enhanced version supports greater than 60 FPS.
 
|120 fps                    = unknown
 
|120 fps                    = unknown
 
|120 fps notes              =  
 
|120 fps notes              =  
−
|hdr                        = unknown
+
|hdr                        = false
 
|hdr notes                  =  
 
|hdr notes                  =  
−
|color blind                = unknown
+
|color blind                = false
 
|color blind notes          =  
 
|color blind notes          =  
 
}}
 
}}
Line 208: Line 224:
 
|separate volume notes    = Separated into music and all other game audio.
 
|separate volume notes    = Separated into music and all other game audio.
 
|surround sound          = false
 
|surround sound          = false
−
|surround sound notes    =  
+
|surround sound notes    = A system with a surround sound setup may not play audio; see [[#Issues fixed|Issues fixed]].
 
|subtitles                = true
 
|subtitles                = true
 
|subtitles notes          =  
 
|subtitles notes          =  
 
|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 = Forced.
+
|mute on focus lost notes =  
 
|eax support              =  
 
|eax support              =  
 
|eax support notes        =  
 
|eax support notes        =  
 +
|royalty free audio      = always on
 +
|royalty free audio notes =
 
}}
 
}}
  
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  |audio    = true
 
  |audio    = true
 
  |subtitles = true
 
  |subtitles = true
−
  |notes    =  
+
  |notes    = Retail and GOG.com only.
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = German
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = true
 +
|subtitles = true
 +
|notes    = Retail and GOG.com only.
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
−
  |language  = Russian
+
  |language  = Spanish
 
  |interface = true
 
  |interface = true
 
  |audio    = true
 
  |audio    = true
 
  |subtitles = true
 
  |subtitles = true
−
  |notes    = Unofficial translation by [[Company:GSC Game World|GSC Game World]].<br>[https://www.old-games.ru/forum/threads/warcraft-2-tides-of-darkness.8360/page-17#post-1514272 Download and information]
+
  |notes    = Retail only.
−
  |fan      = true
+
  |fan      =  
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
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|lan play players    = 8
 
|lan play players    = 8
 
|lan play modes      =  
 
|lan play modes      =  
−
|lan play notes      = See [[#Game_uses_IPX_for_multiplayer|Issues fixed]].
+
|lan play notes      = Uses obsolete IPX protocol; use [[#IPXWrapper|IPXWrapper]].
 
|online play          = true
 
|online play          = true
 
|online play players  = 8
 
|online play players  = 8
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|upnp = unknown
 
|upnp = unknown
 
}}
 
}}
 +
 +
===[https://www.solemnwarning.net/ipxwrapper/ IPXWrapper]===
 +
{{++}} Already included in the GOG version.
 +
{{ii}} This tool provides a workaround the obsolete IPX protocol used in multiplayer. Extract it to {{p|game}}.
  
 
==Issues fixed==
 
==Issues fixed==
−
===Game uses IPX for multiplayer===
 
−
{{--}} The retail releases use IPX for LAN multiplayer, meaning Windows Vista and higher cannot play LAN multiplayer.{{CN|date=August 2015}}
 
−
{{ii}} The Battle.net Edition added TCP/IP multiplayer via Battle.net.
 
−
{{++}} The GOG.com release comes prepackaged with a wrapper which repackages IPX traffic as UDP traffic to enable LAN multiplayer.
 
−
 
−
{{Fixbox|description=Use IPX tunneling (Windows)|ref={{CN|date=August 2015}}|fix=
 
−
# Download the latest version of [http://www.solemnwarning.net/ipxwrapper/ IPXWrapper].
 
−
# Copy and paste the files inside the ZIP file you downloaded into <code>{{P|game}}</code>
 
−
}}
 
−
 
 
===Game crashes on startup or refuses to start===
 
===Game crashes on startup or refuses to start===
 
{{ii}} An issue in the code causes the game to trigger Data Execution Prevention protections.
 
{{ii}} An issue in the code causes the game to trigger Data Execution Prevention protections.
  
 
{{Fixbox|description=Fix Data Execution Prevention setting|ref=|fix=
 
{{Fixbox|description=Fix Data Execution Prevention setting|ref=|fix=
−
Ensure Data Execution Prevention (DEP) setting is set to ''Turn on DEP for essential Windows programs and services only'' or add a DEP Exception for ''Warcraft II BNE.exe'' and ''Warcraft II BNE_dx.exe'' and reboot the system.
+
Ensure Data Execution Prevention (DEP) setting is set to ''Turn on DEP for essential Windows programs and services only'' or add a DEP Exception for {{file|Warcraft II BNE.exe}} and {{file|Warcraft II BNE_dx.exe}}, then reboot the system.
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
===No Audio In-Game===
+
===No audio in-game===
 
{{ii}} If the operating system is set to use surround sound audio, game audio may not play.
 
{{ii}} If the operating system is set to use surround sound audio, game audio may not play.
  
 
{{Fixbox|description=Change operating system audio mode to stereo|ref=|fix=
 
{{Fixbox|description=Change operating system audio mode to stereo|ref=|fix=
−
# Press ''Windows key'' + ''R'' to open a Run window, type ''mmsys.cpl'' into the run window, and click ''OK''.
+
# Press {{key|Win|R}} to open a Run window, type {{file|mmsys.cpl}} and click ''OK''.
 
# Under the ''Playback'' tab, {{key|Left Click}} your default output device, and then {{key|Left Click}} ''Configure''.
 
# Under the ''Playback'' tab, {{key|Left Click}} your default output device, and then {{key|Left Click}} ''Configure''.
 
# Choose ''Stereo'' and follow the configuration wizard instructions.
 
# Choose ''Stereo'' and follow the configuration wizard instructions.
 
}}
 
}}
 +
 +
===Graphical issues (retail, "classic" version on GOG.com)===
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Use [https://github.com/RElesgoe/Aqrit-DDraw-Hack this custom DirectDraw] renderer|ref=|fix=
 +
}}
 +
 +
{{ii}} For alternative methods, see the [[Glossary:DirectX/DirectDraw troubleshooting|DirectDraw troubleshooting]] article.
  
 
==Other information==
 
==Other information==
Line 311: Line 337:
 
===API===
 
===API===
 
{{API
 
{{API
−
|direct3d versions      = 2
+
|direct3d versions      =  
−
|direct3d notes        = GOG.com enhanced version uses/requires D3D9.
+
|direct3d notes        =  
−
|directdraw versions    =  
+
|directdraw versions    = 1
−
|directdraw notes      =  
+
|directdraw notes      = GOG.com enhanced version uses a DDraw->D3D9 wrapper
 
|opengl versions        =  
 
|opengl versions        =  
 
|opengl notes          =  
 
|opengl notes          =  
Line 331: Line 357:
 
|windows 32-bit exe    = true
 
|windows 32-bit exe    = true
 
|windows 64-bit exe    = false
 
|windows 64-bit exe    = false
 +
|windows arm app        = false
 
|windows exe notes      =  
 
|windows exe notes      =  
−
|macos 32-bit app       =  
+
|mac os x powerpc app  = unknown
−
|macos 64-bit app       =  
+
|macos intel 32-bit app =  
 +
|macos intel 64-bit app =
 +
|macos arm app          =  
 
|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 =  
 +
|mac os powerpc app    = true
 +
|mac os 68k app        = unknown
 +
|mac os executable notes=
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 350: Line 383:
 
|input            =  
 
|input            =  
 
|input notes      =  
 
|input notes      =  
−
|cutscenes        = Bink Video, Smacker Video
+
|cutscenes        = Bink Video, Smacker Video Technology
 
|cutscenes notes  =  
 
|cutscenes notes  =  
 
|multiplayer      = Battle.net Classic
 
|multiplayer      = Battle.net Classic
 
|multiplayer notes=  
 
|multiplayer notes=  
 
}}
 
}}
 +
 +
===Source ports===
 +
{{Source ports table|content=
 +
{{Source ports table/row| Wargus | url=https://stratagus.com/index.html | {{ii}} Alternative open-source engine.<br/>{{++}} Aims to improve stability and availability on other platforms such as OS X and Linux.<br/>{{++}} Compatible with the GOG.com version. | Windows, OS X, Linux }}}}
  
 
===Cover Art Gallery===
 
===Cover Art Gallery===
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==System requirements==
 
==System requirements==
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===Original retail release===
 
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|notes    = Users running older versions of Windows 10 Redstone may experience a crash on launch when running the game’s executable. Patching your operating system to the newest version (Redstone 5) should correct this issue.
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|notes    = {{ii}} Users running older versions of Windows 10 Redstone may experience a crash on launch when running the game's executable. Patching your operating system to the newest version (Redstone 5) should correct this issue.
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{ii}} The GOG.com release does not support Mac OS nor OS X.
 
{{ii}} The GOG.com release does not support Mac OS nor OS X.
  
 
{{References}}
 
{{References}}
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{{GOG.com Enhancement Project}}

Latest revision as of 23:22, 8 April 2024

This page is for the Battle.net-compatible and GOG.com enhanced releases. For the original release, see Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness.

Warcraft II: Battle.net Edition
Warcraft II: Battle.net Edition cover
Developers
Blizzard Entertainment
Beyond the Dark Portal Cyberlore Studios
Release dates
Windows September 30, 1999
Mac OS (Classic) October 4, 1999
Taxonomy
Monetization One-time game purchase
Modes Singleplayer, Multiplayer
Pacing Real-time
Perspectives Top-down view
Controls Multiple select, Point and select
Genres RTS
Themes Fantasy
Series Warcraft
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Warcraft II: Battle.net Edition on HowLongToBeat
Warcraft II: Battle.net Edition on IGDB
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Warcraft II: Battle.net Edition guide on StrategyWiki
Warcraft II: Battle.net Edition on MobyGames
Warcraft II: Battle.net Edition on Wikipedia
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Warcraft
Warcraft: Orcs & Humans 1994
Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness 1995
Warcraft Adventures: Lord of the Clans Cancelled
Warcraft II: Battle.net Edition 1999
Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos 2002
World of Warcraft 2004
Hearthstone 2014
Warcraft III: Reforged 2020

Warcraft II: Battle.net Edition is a fantasy RTS game, and an updated version of Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness with its Beyond the Dark Portal expansion pack. It features updated audio compared to the original version, a Windows-native executable instead of a DOS one, and a multiplayer infrastructure on Battle.net which had by then already been used in Diablo and StarCraft.

The game received only two minor official patches after release. Several communities would keep maintaining interest in the game and custom DirectDraw renderers.

On March 28, 2019, the game was released digitally on GOG.com with their own DirectDraw wrapper and additional features, as well as an unmodified 2.02 build for compatibility with the classic servers.

General information

Wargus & Stratagus patch - For playing on modern systems (in Wargus patch setup select Warcraft II - it's a hidden option).
GOG.com Community Discussions
GOG.com Support Page

Availability

Source DRM Notes Keys OS
Retail
Disc check (requires the CD/DVD in the drive to play)
CD key
Mac OS
Windows
Battle.net
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Windows
GOG.com
DRM-free
CD key
 Enhanced 2019 release.
Includes a key to play online through Battle.net, shown in the game's library entry.
Warcraft I & II Bundle is also available.
Windows

Version differences

The GOG.com version features two builds: the first one is the classic version without DRM and with access to the Battle.net server, and the other one is the enhanced version with GOG's custom DirectX wrapper with additional features, but without Battle.net access. It also comes bundled with IPXWrapper, which both versions can use.

Monetization

Type Notes
One-time game purchase The game requires an upfront purchase to access.

Essential improvements

Patches

The latest version for the retail release is 2.02. It is available for Windows and Mac OS (Classic).
It is included in both the classic and enhanced GOG.com versions.

Warcraft II Widescreen / High resolution patch

This patch allows the use of higher resolutions and fps.
Adds widescreen and custom resolution support.
FPS can be uncapped.

Game data

Configuration file(s) location

System Location
Windows HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Blizzard Entertainment\Warcraft II\
Mac OS (Classic)

Save game data location

System Location
Windows <path-to-game>\Save[Note 1]
Mac OS (Classic)

Save game cloud syncing

System Native Notes
GOG Galaxy

Video

GOG.com release DirectX wrapper settings menu.
GOG.com release DirectX wrapper settings menu.

Graphics feature State WSGF Notes
Widescreen resolution
 
 The GOG.com enhanced version has stretch full-screen, pillarboxed full-screen, and pixel-based scaling as options.
Multi-monitor
 
 The GOG.com enhanced version has stretch full-screen with options that allow multi-monitor resolutions.
Ultra-widescreen
 
 The GOG.com enhanced version has stretch full-screen with options that allow ultrawidescreen resolutions.
4K Ultra HD
 
 The GOG.com enhanced version supports 4K resolutions.
Field of view (FOV)
Windowed
Use Windowed Mode for WarCraft 2.
The GOG.com enhanced version supports windowed mode.
Borderless fullscreen windowed
The GOG.com enhanced version supports borderless full-screen.
Anisotropic filtering (AF)
The GOG.com enhanced version supports up to 16x anisotropic filtering.
Anti-aliasing (AA)
The GOG.com enhanced version supports up to 8x MSAA.
Vertical sync (Vsync)
The GOG.com enhanced version supports v-sync.
60 FPS
The GOG.com enhanced version supports greater than 60 FPS.
120+ FPS
High dynamic range display (HDR)

Input

In-game input settings menu.
In-game input settings menu.

Keyboard and mouse State Notes
Remapping
See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
Mouse acceleration
Mouse sensitivity
Screen edge map scroll speed can be adjusted.
Mouse input in menus
Mouse Y-axis inversion
Controller
Controller support
Controller types

Audio

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

Audio feature State Notes
Separate volume controls
Separated into music and all other game audio.
Surround sound
A system with a surround sound setup may not play audio; see Issues fixed.
Subtitles
Closed captions
Mute on focus lost
Royalty free audio

Localizations

Language UI Audio Sub Notes
English
French
Retail and GOG.com only.
German
Retail and GOG.com only.
Spanish
Retail only.

Network

Multiplayer types

Type Native Players Notes
LAN play
8 Uses obsolete IPX protocol; use IPXWrapper.
Online play
8 Via Battle.net Classic

Ports

Protocol Port(s) and/or port range(s)
TCP 6112-6119
UDP 6112-6119
Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) support status is unknown.

IPXWrapper

Already included in the GOG version.
This tool provides a workaround the obsolete IPX protocol used in multiplayer. Extract it to <path-to-game>.

Issues fixed

Game crashes on startup or refuses to start

An issue in the code causes the game to trigger Data Execution Prevention protections.
Fix Data Execution Prevention setting

Ensure Data Execution Prevention (DEP) setting is set to Turn on DEP for essential Windows programs and services only or add a DEP Exception for Warcraft II BNE.exe and Warcraft II BNE_dx.exe, then reboot the system.

No audio in-game

If the operating system is set to use surround sound audio, game audio may not play.
Change operating system audio mode to stereo
  1. Press ⊞ Win+R to open a Run window, type mmsys.cpl and click OK.
  2. Under the Playback tab, Left Click your default output device, and then Left Click Configure.
  3. Choose Stereo and follow the configuration wizard instructions.

Graphical issues (retail, "classic" version on GOG.com)

Use this custom DirectDraw renderer
For alternative methods, see the DirectDraw troubleshooting article.

Other information

In-game miscellaneous settings menu.
In-game miscellaneous settings menu.

API

Technical specs Supported Notes
DirectDraw 1 GOG.com enhanced version uses a DDraw->D3D9 wrapper
ExecutablePPC16-bit 32-bit 64-bit Notes
Windows
Mac OS (Classic)

Middleware

Middleware Notes
Audio Miles Sound System
Cutscenes Bink Video, Smacker Video Technology
Multiplayer Battle.net Classic

Source ports

Name Description
Wargus
Alternative open-source engine.
Aims to improve stability and availability on other platforms such as OS X and Linux.
Compatible with the GOG.com version.
Windows
macOS (OS X)
Linux

Cover Art Gallery

  • Original Warcraft II: Battle.Net Edition cover art.

  • GOG 2019 release art.

System requirements

Original retail release

Windows
Minimum Recommended
Operating system (OS) 95 NT
Processor (CPU) Intel Pentium-class
System memory (RAM) 16 MB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 80 MB
Video card (GPU) SVGA-compliant video card
Mac OS
Minimum
Operating system (OS) 7.6
Processor (CPU) PowerPC 601
System memory (RAM) 16 MB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 80 MB
Video card (GPU) 256 colors

GOG.com digital re-release

Windows
Minimum
Operating system (OS) 7, 8.1, 10
Processor (CPU) 1 GHz or faster
System memory (RAM) 2 GB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 1 GB
Video card (GPU) DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver
Users running older versions of Windows 10 Redstone may experience a crash on launch when running the game's executable. Patching your operating system to the newest version (Redstone 5) should correct this issue.
The GOG.com release does not support Mac OS nor OS X.


Notes

  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).

References