- Freelancer is a space trading and combat simulation video game developed by Digital Anvil and published by Microsoft Game Studios. It is a chronological sequel to Digital Anvil's Starlancer, a combat flight simulator released in 2000.
- Can a title in development for five years deliver the gameplay envisioned at the start of the process? While many games fail miserably in their attempt at answering this question, Freelancer restores faith in sticking with something worthwhile, despite the setbacks and critics.
- After the installation process is complete, navigate yourself to the Discovery Freelancer Mod folder and locate the 'DSLauncher.EXE' and create a desktop shortcut. 1.14 - The Discovery Mod can only be launched through this launcher. If you will launch the game via FREELANCER.EXE, you will not be able to connect to the multiplayer server.
It may be hard to believe but Freelancer has made it out of development. After over five years and who knows how many changes, it's finally released and is well worth the wait. Although there are parts of the game we might have liked to see expanded further, the overall experience is outstanding. From the control system to the ability to explore the universe, Freelancer successfully brings together a number of different gameplay components that can be difficult to combine. For those that have been waiting for the next decent space sim, your wait is over.
The Starport is a community site for all Freelancer game and freelancer multiplayer content by Microsoft Games Studio and Digital Anvil, listed as an official fansite from the game Freelancer. It contains Freelancer game modifications, help on modding, tutorials on game play and various tools. Also provides a large discussion board.
Freelancer is a space sim that takes a number of risks and manages to capitalize on them. One of the more significant risks is the control system. Based on the mouse and keyboard instead of a joystick, I had a number of initial concerns as to why this approach was chosen. Those concerns were quickly put to rest once the game got off the ground. For basic flying, the mouse does the steering and main firing while the keyboard is used for the majority of other options. In addition, it doubles up many of the commands also available using the mouse interface which allows users to select their preference. The mouse can be released from flying to interact with the interface and opens the controls up to a smooth and straightforward system. There are a number of options on the interface that can be accessed easily using this approach that a joystick wouldn't have allowed. It's surprising how well this actually works, as the your desires for a joystick-based control system will dissipate quickly once the advantages of the mouse interface are realized.
In addition to the control system, the large size of Freelancer was also a risk as most games have difficulty making the area usable and not so open ended its difficult to figure out where you are. Freelancer does a great job of different areas having unique cultures and politics so flying into a new area does keep the game from becoming stale. Even while playing through the missions, it's encouraged to go exploring to find freelance jobs with little limitation on where or how far you go.
One of the reasons the game works as well as it does is the graphics. As long as your video card and computer meet the requirements, you'll be treated to some great eye candy. Everything from ship design to explosions looks fantastic with battle damage on the ships thrown in to top it off. The audio also performs well and although not spectacular, it won't distract from the gameplay with plenty of sound effects and decent voiceovers.
For any fans of space sims, this isn't one you'll want to pass up. With a smooth control system, well designed game structure, and first-rate graphics, obvious time and effort was put into this game that will keep you occupied for some time.
Description of Freelancer Windows
Read Full ReviewFreelancer is a direct sequel to Microsoft’s mission-based space combat simulator Starlancer. However, unlike its predecessor Freelancer combines combat and trading within an open world environment. Due to the involvement of Wing Commander's creator Chris Roberts it is largely considered to be the spiritual successor to Origin Systems’ Wing Commander: Privateer.
Set 800 years after the events of Starlancer, the game revolves around the adventures of freelance pilot Edison Trent, survivor of an attack on the space station Freeport 7. Having lost the deal of a lifetime (worth a million credits) in the attack, Trent teams up with Jun'ko ‘Juni’ Zane, of the Liberty Security Force, and together they begin to investigate events connected to the attack.
While the story progresses through the completion of specific storyline missions, Trent is free to spend time exploring, trading, or even smuggling. He also has the option of taking freelance combat missions offered by the many factions that inhabit the 48 star systems within the game.
The star systems themselves are beautifully detailed. A vast range of planets await exploration, along with brightly burning stars, nebulas, treacherous asteroid fields and vast expanses of space junk (often home to hostile outcasts).
One striking feature of Freelancer is the way it is controlled. A joystick is not required as the game is keyboard and mouse driven. Keys control the forward movement of the ship while moving the mouse with the left button held down allows the ship to change direction. At the same time the targeting crosshair is dragged across the screen by the movement of the mouse and the right mouse button is then used to fire the ship’s guns. This works surprisingly well making it an instantly accessible game.
Review By Richard
Patches, mods and much more can be found here: http://www.moddb.com/games/freelancer
External links
How to play Freelancer Windows
- Download the ISO Version. Extract and mount Freelancer.iso
- Run SETUP.EXE from the mounted image and do a full install of the game to the default directory e.g C:Program Files (x86) > Microsoft Games Freelancer
- The Freelancer.iso contains various cracks, patches and enhancements. Navigate to the Crack & Tools > FreelancerTools folder.
- Extract Freelancer.exe from the Crack.rar to the EXE folder in the install directory e.g. C:Program Files (x86) > Microsoft Games FreelancerEXE. Overwrite the existing file when prompted
- The remaining patches etc. are optional – follow the instructions within the archive files to install them. A useful guide to further patches and enhancements can be found here
- If using Windows 7 or above then DirectPlay will need to be enabled. To do this open Control Panel and navigate to Programs and Features > ‘Turn Windows features on or off’. Expand ‘Legacy Components’ and ensure the box next to ‘DirectPlay’ is ticked
It should be noted that using alt-tab to switch between applications can cause the game to crash when attempting to save – otherwise the game should work without any issues.
Captures and Snapshots
Screenshots from MobyGames.com
Comments and reviews
wynnde2019-10-060 point
long shot, but does the multiplayer aspect of this game still function?
Armoredmp2019-10-030 point
cant play this game please help
Thunderf00t2019-09-120 point
I can't get freelancer to run ... help plz
Baggerton2019-08-150 point
I've installed as per instructions and enabled Direct Play. Click on icon - do you want this to make changes - yes- nothing happens after that. Please help I love this game!
Gees2019-07-171 point
Excellent game!
Freelancer Game Download Reddit
cinder2019-05-23-2 points
can anyone help, I've done what was instructed but now the game has a framerate of 1 frame per 10 seconds, interdicted by a black screen for 2 seconds.. i have a dedicated gaming pc from 2012, also i have the tech savvy'ness of a 3 year old
ThePlagueDoctor2019-05-23-4 points
This game could definitely use a bit of a revamp. But please absolutely NO paid DLC or any of that kind of bull crap.
Micropoint2019-04-264 points
Crossfire mod 2.0 the best in my opinion. :)
https://swat-portal.com/forum/lexicon/
https://www.moddb.com/mods/crossfire
StoneY2019-04-230 point
Loved this game, was my 3rd and probably my most beloved online game. Graphics were out of this world for the time, as was the physics. Ahh Microsoft why did thou close thy gaming studio's, and servers? I miss Combat Flight Simulator one and 2, and Freelancer. Yay for abandonware!
Professor Peregine2019-04-150 point
My virus program found a trojan in FREELA_1.exe called Eldorado, so be cautious.
Thumper6062019-04-092 points
Runs on Windows 10 64bit:
Install with Administrator rights, install patch for ver 1.0, right click on freelancer exe, set admin rights and windows xp compatibility (service pack 2)
RSC2019-03-260 point
https://robertsspaceindustries.com/ this is the guy that made starlancer and freelancer
tank201019552019-03-110 point
loved this game right up till a friend of mine sat on my disc, only wish is for the server to be faster than 56k dial-up!.
x1L2019-01-181 point
I am getting nothing trying to run it.
XellsiOr2019-01-110 point
hey,are other languages available?
for example German?
Wonkavicious2018-12-08-1 point
when i press new game i get no video clip and start with 10 mil or something.. any way to rectify that?
recondaddy2018-11-1714 points
year 2018 and still no game like this ..!!
Guy22018-08-250 point
Anyone have a video guide on how to install this game? i am struggling
Heros5k2018-08-211 point
My game worked before, uninstalled it and reinstalled it again. Now it crashes after the intro.
Heros5k2018-08-210 point
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My Freelancer Crashes upon starting the .exe, can anyone help me?
Also, the install instructions are very poor.
Heros5k2018-08-21-8 points
Is there any difference between the ISO and the Installer?
Jman2018-08-051 point
Man it has been years since I have played this game. I can't wait till it finishes downloading!
Nahadoth2018-07-230 point
I've been telling my wife about this game recently and over the years. I am so happy to have finally found it. I hope to get her into as well. It kind of reminds me a preamble to Eve Online, but this game is not about mining. :P
LawnGnome2018-06-090 point
This Link Allows you to play the game and overwrite the No CD .exe file given with this download on any version of windows.
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/3086255/ms15-097-description-of-the-security-update-for-the-
graphics-component
To do this, type the following commands at an elevated command prompt. You should press Enter after
you type each command.
To disable the driver's service, type the following command:
sc config secdrv start= disabled
To set the driver's service to manual, type the following command:
sc config secdrv start= demand
To enable the driver's service (and to set it to automatic), type the following command:
sc config secdrv start=auto
To manually start the driver's service, type the following command:
sc start secdrv
To manually stop the driver's service, type the following command:
sc stop secdrv
Here is another good explanation of required steps.
http://www.tertullian.org/rpearse/freelancer_windows7.htm
LawnGnome2018-06-093 points
Very rich Easter egg content. Love the smuggling and missions fighting the rouge factions. many advanced weapons to be found on abandoned spacecraft, hidden worm holes for fast travel. No matter the age, the immersive setting of this game is unmatched.
Araconus2018-04-261 point
Freelancer is one of my all time favorite games. I have played the original version from beginning to end many times varying how I played the free build up time and how I played the after game. Some of the mods have been great for changing even the campaign making it more challenging and spicing it up with different ships. After all these years, I still keep coming back to play the campaign about once a year. I hope I can get it to run on my latest platform.
Pogrom2018-03-314 points
Downloaded, followed Read Me instructions to install no cd exe and patches. Working as intended with Windows 10 OS. Pure nostalgia. Amazing game for it time. Had a hiccup with first mission where I lost mouse and keyboard control, but restarted game and all is well.
guy2018-03-210 point
downloded it dont works at all.. compability problems with WIN 10..
windsley2018-03-071 point
march 07 2018
dowloaded and works, thank you
Jefferson2018-01-262 points
Thanks for this upload , it works perfect !!
The hardest part was installing deamon tools lite , that took over 1.5 hours .
But now i play one of the finest games with much joy .
Aardvark2017-12-060 point
@ Ryan P
I Googled that problem, and found a 'fix'. It's a bit complex. But try reading this link.
http://shadowoffear.net/portal/?p=394
Ryan P2017-12-050 point
Thanks for the quick response. Unfortunately it didn't. DirectPlay was already active on my PC. I'm tempted to resurrect my old desktop that I used to play this game years ago. Not likely to work after all this time, but maybe it will. My other option is to buy a 3D capable video card.
Aardvark2017-12-05-1 point
If Freelancer can't start, fx. in Win10, then go to Control Panel, find Programs and Functions, click 'Turn Windows functions On or Off'.
Find Legacy Components, and enable 'DirectPlay'.
Hope this will work for you :)
Freelancer Game Download Free
Ryan P2017-12-05-1 point
Can't get it to run on Win 10. 'Freelancer did not detect a 3D capable video card in your system'
I didn't have a 3D card on my old computer which was 7-8 years older than this one.
dust2017-12-05-5 points
how do you get it to work on windows 10
Mixis Spittlelick2017-12-020 point
https://discoverygc.com NEW Remade new systems and online play pvp/pve. also get the retexture mod .. looks GREAT !!
Karl2017-11-291 point
Been looking for this forever. Such a great surprise!
Aardvark2017-11-15-2 points
I got it to work on Win10.
If anyone has that problem, just comment here.
Aardvark2017-11-10-1 point
Its one of the best Space trader sims, despite its shortcomings.
BUT, can't get this version to work on Win10, and I have used the crack etc.
Kyle P2017-11-101 point
Let the good old days roll again! I remember this game with a passion! I hope it works on Windows10!
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Share your gamer memories, help others to run the game or comment anything you'd like. If you have trouble to run Freelancer (Windows), read the abandonware guide first!
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