We're recreating Habitat, the world's first MMO, using modern technology. We'd love it if you joined us!
We maintain a demo server running the latest Neohabitat code and you can connect to it at any time. There's often a few members of the regular crew hanging out there, so come say hey!
Please note: Neohabitat is currently in alpha, so there will likely be some instability. If you see anything weird, please tell us about it in our Slack.
With all that out of the way, here's how to get started:
To connect to the Neohabitat server, you'll need to install a C64 emulator and download the necessary client software. We strongly recommend using Vice:
Windows
Download the latest Windows Vice emulator from the above link then make the following configuration changes:
-
Go to Settings –> RS232 Settings:
- Set RS232 Device 1 to the following: 52.87.109.252:1986
-
Go to Settings –> Cart I/O Settings –> RS232 Userport settings:
- Enable RS232 Userport and Userport Device RS232 Device 1
- Set Userport baud rate to the following: 1200
OS X
Download the Neohabitat DMG then drag the Neohabitat application to the Applications folder.
If you're running OS X, you can skip this step.
The Neohabitat client software can be downloaded here:
Major thanks to Gary Lake-Schaal who developed our custom loader and built the original Habitat client from the original 1985 source!
Windows
Insert the Habitat-Boot.d64 into Drive 8 via File->Attach Disk Image->Unit #8. After insertion, run the following BASIC command:
LOAD"*",8,1
You'll see the following messages:
SEARCHING FOR *
LOADING
READY.
After these messages conclude, run the following BASIC command:
RUN
In a few moments, you'll be brought to the Neohabitat splash screen:
At this point, press Enter then enter your username:
Press enter again, then wait until the Habitat client loads and asks you to insert your imagery disk:
At this point, insert the Habitat-B.d64 disk into Drive 8 via File->Attach Disk Image->Unit #8 then press Enter.
If all goes well, you'll materialize in downtown Populopolis:
OS X
The OS X application bundles all Habitat disks, so simply launch the Neohabitat application you dragged to Applications.
Please Note: OS X may inform you that this app comes from an unknown developer upon first launch. If this happens, open System Preferences and click Security & Privacy. From the following pane, click Open Anyway to launch the Neohabitat application.
In a few moments, you'll be brought to the Neohabitat splash screen:
At this point, press Enter then enter your username:
Press enter again, then wait until the Habitat client loads and asks you to insert your imagery disk:
This disk is stored within your VICE Fliplist, so simply press ⌘-n to load up the next disk, then press Enter.
If all goes well, you'll materialize in downtown Populopolis:
Welcome to Neohabitat! There's a whole lot you can do here and thousands of exotic places to visit.
To learn about all the things you can do, read the official Habitat manual from 1988.
You'll also need to hook up a joystick, whether it's physical or virtual. To set one up, open the Settings menu then select Joystick. Habitat expects a joystick in port #1.
If you're having trouble getting Neohabitat working, don't worry, we're here to help! Come join our Slack and join our #troubleshooting room.
If you'd like to contribute to Habitat, there are plenty of great opportunities! Come check our our extensive developer documentation:
On behalf of the entire Neohabitat Project, we hope that you have a great time, and we'll see you in-world!