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Launching with Additional Arguments

Eric Robinson edited this page Aug 25, 2024 · 1 revision

This guide explains how to use additional arguments when running DevilutionX, providing extra configurability for your gameplay experience.


How to Use Arguments

Windows

To apply these settings when starting the game on Windows, you have a few options:

Using a Batch File

  1. Create a Text File: In your DevilutionX folder, create a new text file.
  2. Enter Commands: Open the file in a text editor and enter the name of the DevilutionX executable followed by the desired arguments. For example:

devilutionx.exe --data-dir "C:\DevilutionX" --save-dir "C:\DevilutionX\Saves"

  1. Save the File: Save the file and then rename its extension from .txt to .bat.
  2. Run the Script: Double-click the .bat file to start the game with the specified arguments.

Using a Shortcut

  1. Right-click on the DevilutionX executable and select "Create Shortcut."
  2. Right-click on the shortcut and select "Properties."
  3. Under the "Shortcut" tab, in the "Target" field, add the desired arguments and paths after the path to the executable. For example:

C:\DevilutionX\devilutionx.exe -n -f --diablo

  1. Use the shortcut to start the game.

Linux

You can similarly integrate command-line arguments into a bash file.

Example:

DXPath="/mnt/SDCARD/DevilutionX"
savedir="$DXPath/saves"
configdir="$DXPath/config"
mkdir -p "$savedir"
mkdir -p "$configdir"
$DXPath/devilutionx --data-dir "$DXPath" --save-dir "$savedir" --config-dir "$configdir"

Help and Version

-h, --help

Displays a help screen that briefly explains the available arguments and then terminates.

--version

Displays the game version and then terminates.


Config Path and Files

--data-dir <path>

Specifies the folder path where the game will search for data files (diabdat.mpq, hellfire.mpq, etc.). This argument is used for both Diablo and Hellfire. Ensure that all necessary .mpq files are in the specified directory.

--save-dir <path>

Specifies the folder where game saves will be stored. May require administrator permissions to save in certain directories.

--config-dir <path>

Specifies the folder where the diablo.ini configuration file will be searched for or created if it doesn't exist. May require administrator permissions to write to certain directories.


Game Options

-n

Skips all intro videos.

-f

Displays the FPS counter in the upper-left corner of the screen.

-x

Runs the game in windowed mode.

--verbose

Enables verbose logging.

--record <#>

Records a demo file.

--demo <#>

Plays a demo file.

--timedemo

Disables all frame limiting during demo playback.


Game Selection

--spawn

Forces the game to run in Diablo: Spawn mode, even if diabdat.mpq is present. This mode allows exploration of only the cathedral level with the warrior, featuring all the original limitations of Diablo: Spawn.

--diablo

Forces the game to run in Diablo mode, even if Hellfire data files are present.

--hellfire

Forces the game to run in Hellfire mode.


Hellfire Specific Options

--nestart

Uses an alternative palette for Hellfire's nest tileset, similar to the command.txt option in the original expansion.