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'''Frequently Asked Questions''' - Zero-K
+
'''Frequently Asked Questions'''—Zero-K
(still under construction)
 
  
 
==I'm new to Zero-K. Where should I start?==
 
==I'm new to Zero-K. Where should I start?==
First you should read the [[Newbie Guide]] and try some practice games against the AI.
+
First, you should read the [[Newbie Guide]] and try some practice games against the <abbr title="artificial intelligence">AI</abbr>. You should definitely try the tutorial, play some or all of the campaign, and/or the more detailed tutorial set available in the ''Help'' menu in the game's lobby.
Some missions are designed for new players to get to know the interface and some basic gameplay ideas (e.g. [http://zero-k.info/Missions/Detail/97 Sandbox] and [http://zero-k.info/Missions/Detail/100 2v1]). You can also access them from Zero-K lobby directly.  
 
  
 
You can also spectate some online games to see which things are significant.
 
You can also spectate some online games to see which things are significant.
  
==How can I unlock commander modules?==
+
==How can I unlock Commander modules?==
You have to visit the [http://www.zero-k.info Zero-K Homepage] and log in with your account. You can easily reach this page from the lobby through the "Home" tab. From here, scroll down until you see "You can unlock technology" and click on this link. Alternatively you can [http://zero-k.info/My/UnlockList click here] if you're logged in. Note that you do not have to unlock anything from this page; all modules are currently unlocked in-game for all players. Unlocking these just makes them available for preconfigured commanders.
+
Visit the [//www.zero-k.info Zero-K Homepage] and log in with your account. You can easily reach this page from the lobby through the "Welcome" tab. From here, you scroll down until you see "You can unlock technology" and click on this link. The link may not be there for you. That's because you do not have to unlock anything from this page; all modules are currently unlocked for all players.
 +
 
 +
You can see [//zero-k.info/My/UnlockList the list of unlocked technologies] if you're logged in. Unlocking technology during single-player campaign does not affect anything on this page.
  
 
==How do I gain rating? ==
 
==How do I gain rating? ==
You can gain rating if you're winning multiplayer games. Based on you enemies' skill you will gain/lose more or less rating.
+
You can gain rating if you're winning multiplayer games. You will gain or lose more or less rating based on the skill of your opponent(s).
  
Instead of relying on fixed rating thresholds, ranks colors are defined by your gaming skills (calculated by a specific algorithm called WHR, similar to ELO) expressed as a percentiles of the playerbase. Ranks colors can only be gained or lost after holding one's position in the new percentile for multiple games.
+
{{:Rating and Rank}}
  
Here is a list of the rank colors:
+
==How much XP do I need to reach the next level?==  
 
+
Mouse over the ''<abbr title="experience points">XP</abbr>'' bar on the home page; the XP needed is displayed in the tooltip.
{|
 
! Icon !! Color !! Theme !! Percentile
 
|-
 
|<img src="http://zero-k.info/img/ranks/0_7.png"/> <img src="http://zero-k.info/img/ranks/2_7.png"/> <img src="http://zero-k.info/img/ranks/6_7.png"/>  || Gamma ray || Singularity|| Top 1%
 
|-
 
|<img src="http://zero-k.info/img/ranks/0_6.png"/> <img src="http://zero-k.info/img/ranks/2_6.png"/> <img src="http://zero-k.info/img/ranks/6_6.png"/>  || X ray || Neutron star|| Top 5%
 
|-
 
|<img src="http://zero-k.info/img/ranks/0_5.png"/> <img src="http://zero-k.info/img/ranks/2_5.png"/> <img src="http://zero-k.info/img/ranks/6_5.png"/> || Blue white || Supergiant|| Top 10%
 
|-
 
|<img src="http://zero-k.info/img/ranks/0_4.png"/> <img src="http://zero-k.info/img/ranks/2_4.png"/> <img src="http://zero-k.info/img/ranks/6_4.png"/>  || Bright yellow || Giant|| Top 20%
 
|-
 
|<img src="http://zero-k.info/img/ranks/0_3.png"/> <img src="http://zero-k.info/img/ranks/2_3.png"/> <img src="http://zero-k.info/img/ranks/6_3.png"/>  || Orange || Subgiant|| Top 40%
 
|-
 
|<img src="http://zero-k.info/img/ranks/0_2.png"/> <img src="http://zero-k.info/img/ranks/2_2.png"/> <img src="http://zero-k.info/img/ranks/6_2.png"/>  || Red|| Red dwarf|| Top 60%
 
|-
 
|<img src="http://zero-k.info/img/ranks/0_1.png"/> <img src="http://zero-k.info/img/ranks/2_1.png"/> <img src="http://zero-k.info/img/ranks/6_1.png"/>  || Dark red|| Brown dwarf|| Top 80%
 
|-
 
|<img src="http://zero-k.info/img/ranks/0_0.png"/> <img src="http://zero-k.info/img/ranks/2_0.png"/> <img src="http://zero-k.info/img/ranks/6_0.png"/>  || Infrared|| Nebula|| Everyone
 
|}
 
 
 
The rank level itself is defined by the cumulated total time spent ingame.
 
 
 
Here is a list of the ranks, with color Infrared:
 
 
 
<img src="http://zero-k.info/img/ranks/0_0.png"/>
 
<img src="http://zero-k.info/img/ranks/1_0.png"/>
 
<img src="http://zero-k.info/img/ranks/2_0.png"/>
 
<img src="http://zero-k.info/img/ranks/3_0.png"/>
 
<img src="http://zero-k.info/img/ranks/4_0.png"/>
 
<img src="http://zero-k.info/img/ranks/5_0.png"/>
 
<img src="http://zero-k.info/img/ranks/6_0.png"/>
 
<img src="http://zero-k.info/img/ranks/7_0.png"/>
 
  
The progress bar "Level XXX" shows your rank level (i.e. dependent on total time spent ingame).
+
==How do I un-clump my units to make a decent firing line?==
 +
Read up on [[Unit Management#Micromanagement|micromanaging units]] with ''[[Help for other RTS players#Units and UI|line move]],'' an easy way to make your units form a line whenever you need them to.
  
The progress bar below it shows your position in respect to the next cosmic object (in other words, how far you are to the next color, dependent on your gaming skills).
+
==How do I remove a structure that I built?==
 +
Among the best options are:
 +
#[[Reclaim]] it. You get back some resources at the expense of time.
 +
#[[Self Destruct Command|Destroy]] it. Quick, but the explosion may damage nearby units and buildings.
 +
This works with mobile units, too.
  
==How can I reach a new rank? How are they split?==
+
==My FPS is low after some time have passed in game. What can I do?==
Rank system is based on user's level, which increases as you play in multiplayer games:
+
{{See|Performance Optimizations}}
* http://zero-k.info/img/ranks/1.png = levels 0-9
+
Try to reduce your graphics settings. To do so, go to the ''Settings'' tab in Zero-K lobby and click ''Graphics Settings''. Some work-intensive elements that you could tone down or disable are shadows, anti-aliasing, and water type. There is also the ''Lowest'' preset you can try for maximum performance. Trying higher presets can help you find the performance and graphic level that works best on your system.
* http://zero-k.info/img/ranks/2.png = levels 10-19
 
* http://zero-k.info/img/ranks/3.png = levels 20-29
 
* http://zero-k.info/img/ranks/4.png = levels 30-39
 
* http://zero-k.info/img/ranks/5.png = levels 40-49
 
* http://zero-k.info/img/ranks/6.png = levels 50-59
 
* http://zero-k.info/img/ranks/7.png = levels 60-69
 
* http://zero-k.info/img/ranks/8.png = levels 70-79
 
* http://zero-k.info/img/ranks/9.png = levels 80+
 
  
==How much XP do I need to reach the next level?==
+
If you're playing on Steam, disable the Steam Overlay, as it negatively affects performance:
Mouse over the XP bar on the home page; the XP needed is displayed in the tooltip.
+
* Right-click on Zero-K in your Steam library.
You can also calculate it yourself:
+
* Select ''Properties'' from the drop-down menu.
 +
* Untick "Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game" in ''General''.
  
XP for next level = level `'''` 80 + 20 `'''` level^2
+
==I'm on Linux and my game hangs/crashes the second time I launch it==
for instance:
+
This may be an issue with certain versions of Mono. You might be able to work around it by deleting one or both files in <code>Zero-K/games</code> directory and letting the game rebuild them.
* Level 1: 100
 
* Level 2: 240
 
* Level 3: 420
 
* Level 4: 680
 
* Level 5: 900
 
* Level 6: 1200
 
  
==My FPS is low after some time have passed ingame. What can I do?==
+
If the game is launched through Steam, you can also try setting the ''Steam Linux Runtime'' as compatibility tool for Zero-K.
Try to reduce your graphics settings. To do so, go to the Settings Tab on Zero-K Lobby and click Graphics Settings -> Run SpringSettings. Some system-intensive elements that you could tone down/disable are shadows and water type. Try a new game and probably change some settings again.
 
  
 
==I get ugly bubbles in the minimap/the whole screen flashbangs.==
 
==I get ugly bubbles in the minimap/the whole screen flashbangs.==
 
Do you get bubbles like this?
 
Do you get bubbles like this?
  
http://zero-k.info/img/clans/FAQ_bg.png
+
[[File:FAQ_bg.jpg]]
  
 
This is a bug somewhere in Lua drawing with ATI/AMD and OpenGL.
 
This is a bug somewhere in Lua drawing with ATI/AMD and OpenGL.
Disable widgets that draw via F11 menu to find the problematic widget.  
+
 
This should largely be fixed, if it still happens make a bugreport please.
+
Disable widgets that draw via {{key press|F11}} menu to find the problematic widget.
 +
 
 +
This should largely be fixed. If it still happens, [[Reporting Bugs|send a bug report]], please.
  
 
==I have some game ideas. Where can I post them?==
 
==I have some game ideas. Where can I post them?==
Visit the [http://zero-k.info/Forum Zero-K forum] and pose your ideas in one of the sections.
+
Visit the [//zero-k.info/Forum Zero-K forum] and pose your ideas in the appropriate section. You can also create a new issue on [//github.com/ZeroK-RTS/Zero-K/issues our development site].
Furthermore, you can create a new issue on our development site: https://github.com/ZeroK-RTS/Zero-K/issues
 
  
==What do all the ingame abbreviations mean?==
+
==What do all the in-game abbreviations mean?==
You can look up some abbreviations used ingame [[Abbreviations|here in this list]]. Some abbreviations unrelated to the game can be looked up on [http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Appendix:Internet_slang this page]. Another way is to ask players ingame.
+
You can look up some abbreviations and acronyms used in the game in [[Abbreviations|our list of abbreviations]]. Some abbreviations unrelated to the game can be looked up on [//en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Appendix:Internet_slang wiktionary]. Another way is to ask other players.
  
 
==How can I support the game? Donations?==
 
==How can I support the game? Donations?==
On the one hand you can [http://zero-k.info/Contributions donate some coins] so we can pay the server costs. On the other hand you can support us by simply playing the game or hosting one of our [http://zero-k.info/Wiki/Fanart web banners] on your site. Thanks a lot! :-)
+
On the one hand, you can [//zero-k.info/Contributions donate some coins] so we can pay the server costs. You can also support Zero-K through one of the [//store.steampowered.com/dlc/334920/ donation packs] available on Steam. On the other hand, you can support us by simply playing the game and spreading the word. Feel free to use our [//presskit.zero-k.info/ advertisement material] on your site. Thanks a lot! :-)
 +
 
 +
==How can I change my Username?==
 +
Follow the guide on [[Name Change|name change]].
  
 
==How do I change my password? ==
 
==How do I change my password? ==
On your home/account page, click ''Account maintenance'' and enter your new password.
+
On your [[User Page|home/account page]], click ''Account maintenance'' and enter your new password.
  
==I forgot my password / username. Help me pls!==
+
==I forgot my password/username. Help me pls!==
If you forgot your password / username please contact one of the server admins to receive your password / username. They will reset it to something and pm it to you.
+
If you forgot your password or username, please contact the server administrators. They will reset it to something and communicate it to you.
  
==My game crashes/has graphical glitches. How do I fix it? ==
+
==Steam won't log me in anymore!==
First check the [http://springrts.com/wiki/FAQ:trouble troubleshooting FAQ] on the Spring engine wiki and see if your issue is covered there. If you can't find a solution to the problem, you can file a bug report on our forum or [https://github.com/ZeroK-RTS Github development site].
+
 
 +
The Steam service and its login servers experience occasional maintenance downtime (usually on Tuesday) that can cause your Zero-K account to fail to connect. First you should [https://steamstat.us check if steam is down in your region]. If Steam services in your region are showing as OK, try the next step.
 +
 
 +
In the lobby client, go to "Settings > Lobby > Login with Steam" and make sure this and "Login automatically" are checked on. If you want to set a password and unlink your account from steam, see [[Account Management]].
 +
 
 +
==My mouse cursor in game has disappeared==
 +
This can be caused by driver updates. If it happens, this can be fixed by adding a line to a file in your Zero-K folder that will tell the game to draw the mouse cursor with an alternate method. Under the ''LuaMenu/Config folder'', look for the ''IGL_data.lua'' file and open in a text editor. Look for the section called ''game_settings''.
 +
 
 +
Adding the line <syntaxhighlight inline>HardwareCursor = 1,</syntaxhighlight> (including the comma) in the middle of this section and saving the file should have your cursor appear the next time you load Zero-K.
 +
 
 +
Hardware cursor can also be toggled in the [[Ingame Menu#Mouse Cursor|settings menu]] during a game.
 +
 
 +
==My game crashes/has graphical glitches. How do I fix it?==
 +
First, check the [//springrts.com/wiki/FAQ:trouble troubleshooting FAQ] on the Spring engine wiki and see if your issue is covered there. If you can't find a solution to the problem, you can file a bug report on our forum or [//github.com/ZeroK-RTS Github development site].
  
 
==I have a bug report!==
 
==I have a bug report!==
You can post in the [http://zero-k.info/Forum?categoryID=3 Help & Bugs subforum] or make an issue report on [https://github.com/ZeroK-RTS Github] (more technical). Please include diagnostic logs as appropriate; on the standard lobby client (Zero-K Lobby or ZKL) you can find them in Settings - look for the buttons "game diagnostic log" and "lobby diagnostic log." The former can also typically be found as infolog.txt in My Documents/My Games/Spring (Windows) or home/<username>/.spring (Linux). Be sure to [http://www.pastebin.com pastebin] your infolog/lobby diagnostic log and give the link instead of posting the whole thing on the forum or github.
+
You can post in the [//zero-k.info/Forum?categoryID=3 ''Help and Bugs'' sub-forum] or make an issue report on [//github.com/ZeroK-RTS ZeroK-RTS Github] (more technical). There is also a #support channel on [https://discord.gg/aab63Vt Discord] you can post to.
 +
 
 +
Please include diagnostic logs as appropriate. You can automatically upload the log from the game's lobby by pressing the <samp>Help</samp> button, then <samp>Report A Bug</samp>. During this step, a webpage should open with your diagnostic log. Be sure to make note of the address before closing it.
 +
 
 +
Otherwise, look for ''infolog.txt'' and ''infolog_full.txt'' in your installation folder. Use [//www.pastebin.com pastebin] to show the contents of your ''infolog'' files and give the resulting link instead of posting the whole thing on the forum or github.
  
 
==My question isn't answered here. Where can I ask my question?==
 
==My question isn't answered here. Where can I ask my question?==
As above you can visit the [http://zero-k.info/Forum forum] and ask your question in one of the listed sections.<br>
+
As above, you can visit the [//zero-k.info/Forum forum] and ask your question in one of the listed sections.
You can also ask players ingame to get help.
+
 
 +
You can also ask other players to get help.
  
  
  
 
{{Navbox manual}}
 
{{Navbox manual}}

Latest revision as of 21:15, 13 March 2024

Frequently Asked Questions—Zero-K

I'm new to Zero-K. Where should I start?[edit]

First, you should read the Newbie Guide and try some practice games against the AI. You should definitely try the tutorial, play some or all of the campaign, and/or the more detailed tutorial set available in the Help menu in the game's lobby.

You can also spectate some online games to see which things are significant.

How can I unlock Commander modules?[edit]

Visit the Zero-K Homepage and log in with your account. You can easily reach this page from the lobby through the "Welcome" tab. From here, you scroll down until you see "You can unlock technology" and click on this link. The link may not be there for you. That's because you do not have to unlock anything from this page; all modules are currently unlocked for all players.

You can see the list of unlocked technologies if you're logged in. Unlocking technology during single-player campaign does not affect anything on this page.

How do I gain rating?[edit]

You can gain rating if you're winning multiplayer games. You will gain or lose more or less rating based on the skill of your opponent(s).

Instead of relying on fixed thresholds, rating is defined by gaming skill (calculated by a specific algorithm called WHR, similar to Elo) expressed as a percentile of the player base. Rating can be gained or lost only after holding position in the new percentile for multiple games.

The color of the icon next to a player's name indicates a rating (calculated skill) range:

Examples Color Theme Percentile
Gamma ray Singularity Top 1%
X-ray Neutron star Top 5%
Blue white Supergiant Top 10%
Bright yellow Giant Top 20%
Orange Subgiant Top 40%
Red Red dwarf Top 60%
Dark red Brown dwarf Top 80%
Infrared Nebula Everyone

Level is based on the time spent playing the game. Rank is the player's level indicated by the shape of the icon. Here is the list of ranks with color Orange:

  • Single chevron: A new player gets one chevron just for joining. As the system is still trying to figure out the player's skill level, a single chevron is often drawn with color Infrared.
  • Two chevrons: At level 5, the player gains another chevron.
  • Three chevrons: Level 10 is rewarded with yet another chevron.
  • Single chevron with rocker: Level 20 is marked with a chevron and a rocker.
  • Two chevrons with rocker: Level 35 adds another chevron.
  • Star with rocker: Level 50 retains the rocker and shows a star.
  • Star with chevron and rocker: Level 75 adds a chevron.
  • Star: Level 100 and above proudly displays a big star.

How much XP do I need to reach the next level?[edit]

Mouse over the XP bar on the home page; the XP needed is displayed in the tooltip.

How do I un-clump my units to make a decent firing line?[edit]

Read up on micromanaging units with line move, an easy way to make your units form a line whenever you need them to.

How do I remove a structure that I built?[edit]

Among the best options are:

  1. Reclaim it. You get back some resources at the expense of time.
  2. Destroy it. Quick, but the explosion may damage nearby units and buildings.

This works with mobile units, too.

My FPS is low after some time have passed in game. What can I do?[edit]

Further information: Performance Optimizations

Try to reduce your graphics settings. To do so, go to the Settings tab in Zero-K lobby and click Graphics Settings. Some work-intensive elements that you could tone down or disable are shadows, anti-aliasing, and water type. There is also the Lowest preset you can try for maximum performance. Trying higher presets can help you find the performance and graphic level that works best on your system.

If you're playing on Steam, disable the Steam Overlay, as it negatively affects performance:

  • Right-click on Zero-K in your Steam library.
  • Select Properties from the drop-down menu.
  • Untick "Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game" in General.

I'm on Linux and my game hangs/crashes the second time I launch it[edit]

This may be an issue with certain versions of Mono. You might be able to work around it by deleting one or both files in Zero-K/games directory and letting the game rebuild them.

If the game is launched through Steam, you can also try setting the Steam Linux Runtime as compatibility tool for Zero-K.

I get ugly bubbles in the minimap/the whole screen flashbangs.[edit]

Do you get bubbles like this?

FAQ bg.jpg

This is a bug somewhere in Lua drawing with ATI/AMD and OpenGL.

Disable widgets that draw via F11 menu to find the problematic widget.

This should largely be fixed. If it still happens, send a bug report, please.

I have some game ideas. Where can I post them?[edit]

Visit the Zero-K forum and pose your ideas in the appropriate section. You can also create a new issue on our development site.

What do all the in-game abbreviations mean?[edit]

You can look up some abbreviations and acronyms used in the game in our list of abbreviations. Some abbreviations unrelated to the game can be looked up on wiktionary. Another way is to ask other players.

How can I support the game? Donations?[edit]

On the one hand, you can donate some coins so we can pay the server costs. You can also support Zero-K through one of the donation packs available on Steam. On the other hand, you can support us by simply playing the game and spreading the word. Feel free to use our advertisement material on your site. Thanks a lot! :-)

How can I change my Username?[edit]

Follow the guide on name change.

How do I change my password?[edit]

On your home/account page, click Account maintenance and enter your new password.

I forgot my password/username. Help me pls![edit]

If you forgot your password or username, please contact the server administrators. They will reset it to something and communicate it to you.

Steam won't log me in anymore![edit]

The Steam service and its login servers experience occasional maintenance downtime (usually on Tuesday) that can cause your Zero-K account to fail to connect. First you should check if steam is down in your region. If Steam services in your region are showing as OK, try the next step.

In the lobby client, go to "Settings > Lobby > Login with Steam" and make sure this and "Login automatically" are checked on. If you want to set a password and unlink your account from steam, see Account Management.

My mouse cursor in game has disappeared[edit]

This can be caused by driver updates. If it happens, this can be fixed by adding a line to a file in your Zero-K folder that will tell the game to draw the mouse cursor with an alternate method. Under the LuaMenu/Config folder, look for the IGL_data.lua file and open in a text editor. Look for the section called game_settings.

Adding the line HardwareCursor = 1, (including the comma) in the middle of this section and saving the file should have your cursor appear the next time you load Zero-K.

Hardware cursor can also be toggled in the settings menu during a game.

My game crashes/has graphical glitches. How do I fix it?[edit]

First, check the troubleshooting FAQ on the Spring engine wiki and see if your issue is covered there. If you can't find a solution to the problem, you can file a bug report on our forum or Github development site.

I have a bug report![edit]

You can post in the Help and Bugs sub-forum or make an issue report on ZeroK-RTS Github (more technical). There is also a #support channel on Discord you can post to.

Please include diagnostic logs as appropriate. You can automatically upload the log from the game's lobby by pressing the Help button, then Report A Bug. During this step, a webpage should open with your diagnostic log. Be sure to make note of the address before closing it.

Otherwise, look for infolog.txt and infolog_full.txt in your installation folder. Use pastebin to show the contents of your infolog files and give the resulting link instead of posting the whole thing on the forum or github.

My question isn't answered here. Where can I ask my question?[edit]

As above, you can visit the forum and ask your question in one of the listed sections.

You can also ask other players to get help.