Frequently Asked Questions
From ZDoom Wiki
ZDoom wiki questions
What is this wiki thing for?
The wiki was created to be a repository of all information regarding editing and customization of ZDoom. For a more detailed explanation, check the ZDoom documentation project page.
How do I join the wiki?
If you only want to read the wiki, there isn't really a reason to join. If you have information to share though, or you think you can write a good explanation of any of ZDoom's features, hit the login page and create yourself a new account. As long as you don't abuse the wiki you should have a long and fruitful new purpose in life.
How do I create new pages?
First of all, read the editing guidelines.
Then make sure the wiki doesn't already contain the information you want to add.
There are two ways to add new pages to the wiki. If you want to create a new article from scratch, you should type this in your browser's address bar:
http://www.zdoom.org/wiki/index.php?title=Name_Of_New_Page
Replace the title with the subject you wish to write about. You will then be given the option to edit this new article, which you should do so.
You may also occasionally see red links in the articles on this wiki, where people have linked to a topic that doesnt exist. If you are feeling brave, you can help out by filling in these blanks - just use common sense that you are able to write a worthwhile and helpful article on the topic in question, and also that the link is not just a spelling mistake or variation on an already existing topic. In those cases, it would be more useful to fix the link in question.
General Questions
Q. What is ZDoom?
A. ZDoom is, essentially, an advanced source port for Doom. However it does not just support Doom/Doom II, it also has support for Heretic, Hexen, Strife and Chex Quest. For more information see ZDoom For Dummies or just browse the Wiki yourself.
Q. Is it free?
A. ZDoom the port itself is free to download and use. However, you need a game to be able to play with it. See the IWAD page for a full list of supported games and where to find them.
Q. When will the next version of ZDoom be out?
A. “When it's done”. Randy has a life to live beyond ZDoom believe it or not, so you should be patient. Asking on the forums will not help.
Q. Who develops ZDoom?
A. Randy is the creator and main developer of ZDoom. Graf Zahl also develops ZDoom alongside Randy using the Subversion Repository. Other community developers are welcome to submit contributions (though this does not guarantee they will be added to the main distribution), and several have offered their services in the past.
ZDoom Specific Questions
Q. How do I do X?
A. Before asking a question regarding editing or editing ZDoom, browse this Wiki and try to find your answer. If you still cannot find anything post on the forums.
Q. Will ZDoom implement true-color or OpenGL graphics?
A. Randy considers true-color graphics a low priority. However, OpenGL graphics have already been implemented in some source ports derived from ZDoom.
Q. Cajun bots are too stupid. Why?
A. Not enough effort was put into the Cajun bots to make them more versatile. Randy has no current plans to fix or improve the bot code.
- Please do not make bot-specific feature requests or bug reports on the forums. They will be immediately closed without consideration.
Q. ZDoom will not run on my system. Why?
A. There are several factors contributing to this. Here is one:
- If you are running on a laptop with an ATI Rage Mobility video card, you must lower your graphics acceleration settings in Windows.
If you have any other issue that is specific to your system, you can try asking for help in the ZDoom forums. Chances are, if you are having problems, somebody there can help you, and you may end up contributing to ZDoom's development by reporting a previously unknown bug.
Q. I found a bug in ZDoom! What should I do?
A. First of all, make sure you are using the 2.4.1 of ZDoom. If you are, head over to the bugs forum, search the forum to see if a similar bug has not been found and then post a new topic if one is needed. Remember to include what you did to find the bug and what wads you were using at the time.
Q. Will you add or will there ever be *insert feature here*?
A. Request it in the feature suggestions forum. Just because you ask for it does not mean you will get it!
Troubleshooting
Q. Sounds are clicking badly; ZDoom freezes when a lot of sounds are played. How do I fix this?
A. Once again, there are several factors contributing to this—
- Try to increase the buffer size in the sound menu to at least 100 ms.
- Do you have another application using sound in the background? If possible, try to close other applications using sound (e.g. Winamp) before playing.
- You may need to reinstall or update your sound card drivers.
- You may need to upgrade your DirectX to the latest available version.
Q. I accidently checked the box which prevents Zdoom from letting me pick my IWAD! How do I get it back?
A. You can force the dialog to appear by holding SHIFT during startup. Alternatively, you can edit the ini file this way:
- Open your zdoom-<username>.ini file with any text editor.
- Locate the line saying “
queryiwad = false” - Change the “
false” to “true”
Q. I am experiencing input lag (delayed response) when I enable VSync (vid_vsync 1) in the console. Is this a known issue?
A. There is apparently an issue with certain newer graphics cards that causes them to buffer frames, resulting in the currently-displayed frame being lagged slightly. Luckily, you can disable this option from within your display control panel.
For NVidia users: Within the NVidia control panel, locate the option “Maximum Pre-Rendered Frames” and set it to 0.
For ATI users: Locate the option “Flip Queue Size” and set it to 0.
This should make the game feel more responsive. Note that it may have unintended side-effects in other games, however. Currently, there is no way to limit this fix to ZDoom only.
See this forum thread for more information.
