IONCROSS Freelancer: Total War is a new multi-player game.

To play ICTW you must first download and install the ICTW Loader application. 

The ICTW Loader is required to play this game.  It checks your Freelancer installation, downloads the ICTW game files and updates and starts Freelancer to give you access to the ICTW Freelancer server.  Starting the ICTW Loader is the only way to play ICTW.

The loader can be downloaded here (version 2.0c, updated March 17, 2006).  Read this entire page before attempting to install it.  You have been warned.  If you receive any runtime errors or the software cannot load properly, the first thing to try is updating your VB runtime libraries.  You can download the libraries installer here.  If you are upgrading your loader version, uninstalling the old version is not required - simply install the new version over top the old one.

You need a clean install of Freelancer to play ICTW (do NOT install Microsoft's official patch).

Most ICTW players have multiple installs of Freelancer running now - one folder for playing ICTW using the Loader and the another for playing Freelancer on standard and modified servers. 

To run two copies of Freelancer (and keep your existing copy the way it is), simply rename your current Freelancer program folder by using My Computer or Windows Explorer.  The folder name is usually  C:\Program files\Microsoft Games\Freelancer, so change this to Freelancer00 for example.

Now use the CD-ROM to install FL again.  Once the clean version is installed, rename the new version  (usually C:\Program files\Microsoft Games\Freelancer) to TotalWar.  Now rename your original Freelancer00 folder back to Freelancer.

Once you have a fresh version of Freelancer installed and you have entered the game once to ensure the EULA has been executed, install and run the ICTW Loader (double click the ICTW icon on your desktop).  The Loader will request a folder location for the file Freelancer.exe.  If you have followed the isntructions above this will created a new installation from the CD-ROM this will usually be in the folder C:\Program files\Microsoft Games\TotalWar.

The Loader will now check your file versions to verify that you HAVE installed a fresh copy of FL.  Some versions of Freelancer may cause the ICTW Loader to mistakenly report that you do not have a clean version.  If you receive a warning message, click continue - if you are certain that you have a clean install.

Once the Freelancer files are checked, the Loader will download the latest version of ICTW.  Once this is completed, you have ICTW installed and you can now enter the game.

Type in your character name and press CONNECT. 

This character name must be the character name you use when playing ICTW.  

Be sure to follow the name restrictions outlined in the Terms Of Service agreement when picking your character name.

The latest News screen will appear and the ICTW loader will automatically download any additional updates to your installed ICTW game files and verify your ICTW files.

When the update is completed the  Loading message will change to OK.

Click OK and the Loader will start Freelancer.  The easiest way to select the IONCROSS Total War server is to Select MULTIPLAYER then LAN where it will be displayed as the only available server.  You may also choose MULTIPLAYER - INTERNET and find the IONCROSS Total War server in your server list.  Now join the server as you would normally. 

Ensure the character name you use in Freelancer is exactly the same as the name you typed into the ICTW Loader or you will not be able to play the game.

Welcome to IONCROSS Freelancer: Total War!>>>