Darkest Hour allows clients to connect to an HTTP server to download custom content instead of downloading it directly form the server. This provides a much faster download for the client and less stress on the server. Assuming you have a web host to host your files, it is very simple to configure your server to route clients there to download files. All downloading will take place in-game and the client will never know he was routed elsewhere.

Your Server Configuration

  1. Open your server’s DarkestHour.ini file. It is located in the Darkest Hour System Directory.
  2. Fine the line containing [IpDrv.HTTPDownload]. You can use CTRL+F to find it quicker.
  3. On the line below it, RedirectToURL=, add your web site’s Darkest Hour file directory.
    1. For example, RedirectToURL=http://mywebsite.com/dhfiles/
    2. Remember to include http://

In addition, the engine on which Darkest Hour runs has a built in compressor/decompressor, so the files that clients download can be in a compressed format, thus increasing the download speed even more. You will have to compress the files on your own if you would like to use this feature (Read the guide here).

To use compressed files, ensure that the UseCompression= property is set to True - otherwise ensure it is set to False.

Your Files Directory

Inside of your HTTP server’s designated Darkest Hour file directory, you do not have to set up a folder-tree structure. Simply put every single file in it. To clarify, this folder will contain maps, textures, sounds, etc. – Any custom content that needs to be downloaded.

http://mywebsite.com/dhfiles/DH-mapname.rom.uz2
http://mywebsite.com/dhfiles/Texturepack.utx.uz2
etc.

(.uz2 is the file extension that the files take once they are compressed)