Thinking about purchasing...

[[RS]Wedge]

When looking into where to purchase SH5 I noticed that I can get a retail DVD copy off of eBay at a pretty good price vs purchasing through Steam.

If I purchase the retail version should I install it through my Steam account or just keep it as a stand alone install? I was thinking it might be easier just to download it from Steam and then use the retail DVD key to activate the Steam version. This way I dont have to worry about downloading separate patches.

[0rpheus]

DON'T get the Steam version, get the retail version and install it normally - don't activate it in Steam. I wouldn't recommend eBay unless it's certified as a brand new version. You can buy a disc copy from amazon for a fiver, this is probably your best option.

Steam does not allow the exe to be patched, preventing you from using the hydrophone fix etc. Retail disc install allows this, and is a lot cheaper too.

[misha1967]

Originally Posted by [RS]Wedge

When looking into where to purchase SH5 I noticed that I can get a retail DVD copy off of eBay at a pretty good price vs purchasing through Steam.

If I purchase the retail version should I install it through my Steam account or just keep it as a stand alone install? I was thinking it might be easier just to download it from Steam and then use the retail DVD key to activate the Steam version. This way I dont have to worry about downloading separate patches.

I second what Orpheus said, and I'm one who initially bought the Steam version and then got the DVD version.

Get the retail version. Five bucks through the Amazon link at the bottom of this screen and you'll be a happy camper. I know I am. And you don't have to worry about downloading patches with that version either. It does it all itself on install and that's it, you're done.

[[RS]Wedge]

Thanks guys!

Well crap, I wish I had read this before I bought the game on steam. Oh well, I ended up buying it on amazon too.

I take it the game is easier to mod without having to go through steam? Lastly, how many patches does the game have to go through and doesn't it automatically do it when I get the game and first install it?

Regards,
Lepski


EDIT: My steam version says 1.2.0 Is that the most recent version?

[Bothersome]

Nope, it's just as easy if not easier to mod the Steam version now.

The Steam version puts the file updater on your computer that comes from Ubisoft. That file updater/loader installs the latest update (v1.2).

Moding is done the same.

The beauty part of Steam is no boxes or discs to keep track of and if you do munch your install, a "verify files" will fix the install back to stock. You just have to re-apply your mods.

The actual process would be

Un-install mods
Verify files
Re-install mods

[Ragtag]

Originally Posted by Bothersome

Nope, it's just as easy if not easier to mod the Steam version now.

The Steam version puts the file updater on your computer that comes from Ubisoft. That file updater/loader installs the latest update (v1.2).

Moding is done the same.

The beauty part of Steam is no boxes or discs to keep track of and if you do munch your install, a "verify files" will fix the install back to stock. You just have to re-apply your mods.

The actual process would be

Un-install mods
Verify files
Re-install mods

afaik, you can't use TDWs patcher (patching the sh5.exe)to fix the hydrophones and other things with the steam version. This alone is a reason for buying the retail instead of the steam version.