Kono kanji…

MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries (MTX free version) Installation and Setup

MekTek has released a FREE updated version of MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries that includes the latest MekPak, the Clan and IS packs, and a new installer/updater named MTX (you can get it here). Many thanks go to Smith & Tinker who recently acquired the rights to (some of) the MechWarrior videogames.

BASIC INSTALL INSTRUCTIONS: This will give you a good setup for online and (MWL) League play (accurate as of 5-2010).

There is a newer patch coming out soon… I am not sure if everyone will switch to it. Look for MekPak 4 from MekTek.

1. Download and install MTX.exe from MekTek (Vista/Win7 users may want to install to a directory that is not in the ‘C:\Program Files’ directory [e.x.: 'C:\Games\mektek.net\MTX\']).
2. I am no expert at using MTX, if you have connection problems you are going to have to look at MekTek’s MTX forum for the answers… That said, run MTX and click on ‘GAMES AVAILABLE’ and install MechWarrior4: Mercenaries (I believe you need to right click on the name to bring up the option). NOTE: It is very important that you don’t try and run the game or install any map packs while MTX is installing or updating the game as it will likely corrupt your install!!!
3. Once the game is installed it’s a good idea to re-start MTX and click on ‘GAMES AVAILABLE’ and right click on MechWarrior4: Mercenaries and click ‘CHECK FOR UPDATES’.
4. You may need to do step 3 more than once to get all the updates, I am no MTX expert. When the game is all intalled and updated you should close MTX (MW4 should not be running either).
5. Download and install the map packs (be careful to point the installers to the correct folder as it will likely default to the wrong folder [on WinXP the correct folder is probably: 'C:\Program Files\mektek.net\Mechwarrior Mercenaries - Mektek Mekpak\']).
5a. Download and install the BKV MapPack [mirror].
5b. Download and install the MWL MapPack 1 [mirror].
5c. Download and install the MWL MapPack 2 [mirror].
5d. Download and install the MWL MapPack 3 [mirror].
5e. Install any additional maps.

You can see online games in-game (thanks to MekTek) and you can also browse games using MekMatch online.

VISTA NOTES:

Vista users may do better if installed to a directory that is not in the ‘C:\Program Files’ directory (e.x.: ‘C:\Games\mektek.net\Mechwarrior Mercenaries – Mektek Mekpak’).

According to some: It is imperative that you right click each and every file you’re about to install and select “Run as Administrator”, this includes the patches as well. To install the files, don’t double click them, right click them and choose “Run as Administrator”.

You may need to set the game itself to “Run as Administrator” (I am not using Vista right now, so I can’t remember…)

VISTA PROBLEMS:

Try turning “User Account Control” off (you probably shouldn’t do this).

Also, you can set “Compatibility Mode”:

Right click icon you use to run MW4 and select properties
then click on compatibility tab
select XP compatibility mode and disable visual themes
click OK or Apply or whatever the button says

ONLINE SETUP:

To play and host online games, firewall users must open ports for DirectX 8.  Open TCP ports: 27999, 28805, 28806, 28807, and 28808. For pings to work properly, UDP port 28800 must be opened. I also have a few other ports forwarded, but I don’t know if they are required (see the Microsoft DirectX port list)…

On some routers you have to forward the above ports (you will need a static IP if this is the case) and also 2302-2400 (TCP and UDP) for DirectX to host and play (although it’s a bit more complicated than that to get 2 clients or a dedi and a client to work behind some routers).

Microsoft has published a list for Directx 7 and 8 ports here. You can see how I have my ports routed here or click on the picture above.

ONLINE CONNECTION ISSUES:

If you can not get online a last resort is to use the Hamachi (free) VPN client. There are configuration and network details at the MechWarrior leagues website.

AVAILABILITY:

This game is now available for free thanks to Smith & Tinker and Mektek.net.

Disclaimer: These patches have gone through thorough testing, but the authors assume no responsibility for any damage caused by their use. Please read all instructions and back up necessary files before running any of these patches! The author of this page assumes no responsibility for the content/files available here or through these links (or any damage that occurs from running them).