Distant Worlds 2 - Latest Update (1.0.1.8)
Moderator: MOD_DW2
Distant Worlds 2 - Latest Update (1.0.1.8)
Distant Worlds 2 - Latest Update (1.0.1.8)
This build will reset the game's settings. Unfortunately this is required while we continue troubleshooting issues that are preventing some players from being able to play Distant Worlds 2. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Download link:
https://ftp.matrixgames.com/pub/Distant ... .0.1.8.zip
Latest Troubleshooting FAQ here:
https://www.matrixgames.com/forums/view ... 6&t=380844
IMPORTANT NOTE: There is now a new startup log in the /data/logs sub-folder of the Distant Worlds 2 installation.
This is also where any crash logs are located. If you are experiencing an issue, please post these logs for us along with the issue report.
IMPORTANT NOTE: There is a new GameSettingsOverride.txt in the /data sub-folder of the Distant Worlds 2 installation.
The settings here may help some players experiencing a black screen on load issue.
GENERAL NOTES: We hope that the content streaming memory fix and the improved rendering memory management could fix some of the reported crashes and help with performance dropping over time for some players.
Unfortunately we cannot duplicate the black screen, frequent crashing or unusually bad performance issues on our systems, but we are working to continue investigating them and addressing all possible causes through this and future updates.
Changes in the 1.0.1.8 Update:
- improved handling when graphics device is reset
- improved auto-detection of default screen refresh rate
- ensure file save/load dialog is shown even when hide user interface
- added new GameSettingsOverride.txt file to allow manually setting graphics adapter, resolution, windowed mode. This should be a handy way for players to set stuff directly. Comments in file explain everything. Changes as below:
- extended new GameSetting Changes as below:
- extended new GameSettingsOverride.txt file to allow forcing game to run in exclusive fullscreen mode (GraphicsForceDedicatedFullScreen)
- added startup logging for game session (data/logs/SessionLog.txt)
- reenabled Windows registry settings for requesting high performance GPU mode
- improved calculation of content streaming memory budget on systems with multiple graphics adapters
- improved memory management for rendering in various situations
Changes in the 1.0.1.6 Update:
- Fixed crash that sometimes happens when have many game controllers and other devices
- Fixed User Interface Size showing options that are invalid for the current screen resolution
- Improved handling of High DPI settings in Windows
- Added settings to ensure NVidia video cards run in high performance mode - should fix a number of crashes and performance problems
- Fixed rare crash when moving characters via dropdown list in Character screen
- Fixed rare rendering crash
- Fixed rare crash when ship design could not be found when updating render data
- Improved performance at location level when many ships and lots of running lights
- Fixed bug in Start New Game screen where could select race-specific government types when select random race
- No longer prevent construction ships from carrying out base-building when waiting for response on advisor suggestions for repairing abandoned ships or bases
- Hooked up instability and unhappiness after a government change, leader loss, etc ('Have Revolution' button)
- Construction ships no longer feel tempted to repair fighters
- Fixed bug in some game events that was causing loss of a colony
- Fixed wrong tooltip text on buttons in Character Detail screen for captured prisoners
- Further fixes to crashes after lengthy play sessions
- Further improvements to performance by making sure GPU runs at maximum performance instead of sometimes using power-saving mode
This build will reset the game's settings. Unfortunately this is required while we continue troubleshooting issues that are preventing some players from being able to play Distant Worlds 2. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Download link:
https://ftp.matrixgames.com/pub/Distant ... .0.1.8.zip
Latest Troubleshooting FAQ here:
https://www.matrixgames.com/forums/view ... 6&t=380844
IMPORTANT NOTE: There is now a new startup log in the /data/logs sub-folder of the Distant Worlds 2 installation.
This is also where any crash logs are located. If you are experiencing an issue, please post these logs for us along with the issue report.
IMPORTANT NOTE: There is a new GameSettingsOverride.txt in the /data sub-folder of the Distant Worlds 2 installation.
The settings here may help some players experiencing a black screen on load issue.
GENERAL NOTES: We hope that the content streaming memory fix and the improved rendering memory management could fix some of the reported crashes and help with performance dropping over time for some players.
Unfortunately we cannot duplicate the black screen, frequent crashing or unusually bad performance issues on our systems, but we are working to continue investigating them and addressing all possible causes through this and future updates.
Changes in the 1.0.1.8 Update:
- improved handling when graphics device is reset
- improved auto-detection of default screen refresh rate
- ensure file save/load dialog is shown even when hide user interface
- added new GameSettingsOverride.txt file to allow manually setting graphics adapter, resolution, windowed mode. This should be a handy way for players to set stuff directly. Comments in file explain everything. Changes as below:
- extended new GameSetting Changes as below:
- extended new GameSettingsOverride.txt file to allow forcing game to run in exclusive fullscreen mode (GraphicsForceDedicatedFullScreen)
- added startup logging for game session (data/logs/SessionLog.txt)
- reenabled Windows registry settings for requesting high performance GPU mode
- improved calculation of content streaming memory budget on systems with multiple graphics adapters
- improved memory management for rendering in various situations
Changes in the 1.0.1.6 Update:
- Fixed crash that sometimes happens when have many game controllers and other devices
- Fixed User Interface Size showing options that are invalid for the current screen resolution
- Improved handling of High DPI settings in Windows
- Added settings to ensure NVidia video cards run in high performance mode - should fix a number of crashes and performance problems
- Fixed rare crash when moving characters via dropdown list in Character screen
- Fixed rare rendering crash
- Fixed rare crash when ship design could not be found when updating render data
- Improved performance at location level when many ships and lots of running lights
- Fixed bug in Start New Game screen where could select race-specific government types when select random race
- No longer prevent construction ships from carrying out base-building when waiting for response on advisor suggestions for repairing abandoned ships or bases
- Hooked up instability and unhappiness after a government change, leader loss, etc ('Have Revolution' button)
- Construction ships no longer feel tempted to repair fighters
- Fixed bug in some game events that was causing loss of a colony
- Fixed wrong tooltip text on buttons in Character Detail screen for captured prisoners
- Further fixes to crashes after lengthy play sessions
- Further improvements to performance by making sure GPU runs at maximum performance instead of sometimes using power-saving mode
-
- Posts: 903
- Joined: Wed Jun 29, 2011 2:50 am
Re: Distant Worlds 2 - Update (1.0.1.6)
Thank you for keeping the patch to just the update content.
Some force you to download the whole game again.
Again...huge thank you
Some force you to download the whole game again.

Again...huge thank you
- zebanovich
- Posts: 87
- Joined: Fri Dec 07, 2018 12:46 am
Re: Distant Worlds 2 - Update (1.0.1.6)
I have it installed into C:\Program Files\Distant Worlds 2Setup has determined that you do not have distant worlds 2 installed.
Please install distant worlds 2 before running this update.
I tried putting the installer into installation directory and run it there but the result is same.
-
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- Joined: Wed Jun 29, 2011 2:50 am
Re: Distant Worlds 2 - Update (1.0.1.6)
Original install for me is; C:\Program Files (x86)\Matrix Gameszebanovich wrote: Sat Mar 12, 2022 6:15 pmI have it installed into C:\Program Files\Distant Worlds 2Setup has determined that you do not have distant worlds 2 installed.
Please install distant worlds 2 before running this update.
I tried putting the installer into installation directory and run it there but the result is same.
I am, quite, sure all Matrix games get installed to a Matrix folder...not sure how you got it to install where you did.
Re: Distant Worlds 2 - Update (1.0.1.6)
The dark background is a bit, well, dark. Maybe add a little dark grey....GP
Intel i7 4.3GHz 10th Gen,16GB Ram,Nvidia GeForce MX330
AKA General Patton
DW2-Alpha/Beta Tester
SCW Manual Lead & Beta Support Team
"Do everything you ask of those you command"....Gen. George S. Patton
AKA General Patton
DW2-Alpha/Beta Tester
SCW Manual Lead & Beta Support Team
"Do everything you ask of those you command"....Gen. George S. Patton
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Re: Distant Worlds 2 - Update (1.0.1.6)
Thanks for the patch! I was having these nasty crashes at first. Game seems pretty stable for me. 

Re: Distant Worlds 2 - Update (1.0.1.6)
Hi
I do know if this is the right place for the question, but I am trying anyway.
I just updated from 1.0.1.4 to 1.0.1.6 and got a bad surprise : whilst the 1.4 was running perfectly, the 1.6 is stuck in a black screen. The program is not crashing (around 5% to 10% of CPU usage), you can actually move the cursor over the screen but nothing beyond that.
Is there a way to work this around, or to get back to 1.4 as I did not performed a backup before upgrade
Thanks in advance.
GL38
I do know if this is the right place for the question, but I am trying anyway.
I just updated from 1.0.1.4 to 1.0.1.6 and got a bad surprise : whilst the 1.4 was running perfectly, the 1.6 is stuck in a black screen. The program is not crashing (around 5% to 10% of CPU usage), you can actually move the cursor over the screen but nothing beyond that.
Is there a way to work this around, or to get back to 1.4 as I did not performed a backup before upgrade

Thanks in advance.
GL38
Re: Distant Worlds 2 - Update (1.0.1.6)
Well, I have the GOG Version and installed 1.0.1.4 and tried to run the patch to 1.0.1.6 but it did not work. It told me I have the wrong version.eddieballgame wrote: Fri Mar 11, 2022 7:27 pm Thank you for keeping the patch to just the update content.
Some force you to download the whole game again.
Again...huge thank you
Had to download the whole new Version.
I had no problems with the first Version but there were already little fixes that I wanted to patch,
I wrote also in the GOG Forum and told them the problem,
I do not know if they read it because there is not Subforum for DW2 right now.
- zebanovich
- Posts: 87
- Joined: Fri Dec 07, 2018 12:46 am
Re: Distant Worlds 2 - Update (1.0.1.6)
rxnnxs wrote: Sun Mar 13, 2022 9:40 amWell, I have the GOG Version and installed 1.0.1.4 and tried to run the patch to 1.0.1.6 but it did not work. It told me I have the wrong version.eddieballgame wrote: Fri Mar 11, 2022 7:27 pm Thank you for keeping the patch to just the update content.
Some force you to download the whole game again.
Again...huge thank you
Had to download the whole new Version.
I had no problems with the first Version but there were already little fixes that I wanted to patch,
I wrote also in the GOG Forum and told them the problem,
I do not know if they read it because there is not Subforum for DW2 right now.
I also have GOG version and that's why it's installed into C:\Program Files\Distant worlds 2, because that's what I choose during installation.eddieballgame wrote: Sat Mar 12, 2022 8:00 pmOriginal install for me is; C:\Program Files (x86)\Matrix Gameszebanovich wrote: Sat Mar 12, 2022 6:15 pmI have it installed into C:\Program Files\Distant Worlds 2Setup has determined that you do not have distant worlds 2 installed.
Please install distant worlds 2 before running this update.
I tried putting the installer into installation directory and run it there but the result is same.
I am, quite, sure all Matrix games get installed to a Matrix folder...not sure how you got it to install where you did.
I tried to install the game into C:\Program Files (x86)\Matrix Games and running the patch installer doesn't work for same reason.
Anyway since DW2 is x64 bit program it should be installed into C:\Program Files, not C:\Program Files (x86)
This patch does not work for GOG users obviously.
- Erik Rutins
- Posts: 39650
- Joined: Tue Mar 28, 2000 4:00 pm
- Location: Vermont, USA
- Contact:
Re: Distant Worlds 2 - Latest Update (1.0.1.8)
Updated the original post to reflect the new 1.0.1.8 update.
We recommend that all users give this update a try.
We recommend that all users give this update a try.
Erik Rutins
CEO, Matrix Games LLC

For official support, please use our Help Desk: http://www.matrixgames.com/helpdesk/
Freedom is not Free.
CEO, Matrix Games LLC

For official support, please use our Help Desk: http://www.matrixgames.com/helpdesk/
Freedom is not Free.
- zebanovich
- Posts: 87
- Joined: Fri Dec 07, 2018 12:46 am
Re: Distant Worlds 2 - Latest Update (1.0.1.8)
Is there a reason why these update packages don't work for GOG installments?Erik Rutins wrote: Sun Mar 13, 2022 4:38 pm Updated the original post to reflect the new 1.0.1.8 update.
We recommend that all users give this update a try.

-
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- Joined: Wed Jun 29, 2011 2:50 am
Re: Distant Worlds 2 - Update (1.0.1.6)
I have a few GOG games &, generally, the only issue I have with patches is how long they take to get uploaded per some titles.zebanovich wrote: Sun Mar 13, 2022 12:03 pmrxnnxs wrote: Sun Mar 13, 2022 9:40 amWell, I have the GOG Version and installed 1.0.1.4 and tried to run the patch to 1.0.1.6 but it did not work. It told me I have the wrong version.eddieballgame wrote: Fri Mar 11, 2022 7:27 pm Thank you for keeping the patch to just the update content.
Some force you to download the whole game again.
Again...huge thank you
Had to download the whole new Version.
I had no problems with the first Version but there were already little fixes that I wanted to patch,
I wrote also in the GOG Forum and told them the problem,
I do not know if they read it because there is not Subforum for DW2 right now.I also have GOG version and that's why it's installed into C:\Program Files\Distant worlds 2, because that's what I choose during installation.eddieballgame wrote: Sat Mar 12, 2022 8:00 pmOriginal install for me is; C:\Program Files (x86)\Matrix Gameszebanovich wrote: Sat Mar 12, 2022 6:15 pm
I have it installed into C:\Program Files\Distant Worlds 2
I tried putting the installer into installation directory and run it there but the result is same.
I am, quite, sure all Matrix games get installed to a Matrix folder...not sure how you got it to install where you did.
I tried to install the game into C:\Program Files (x86)\Matrix Games and running the patch installer doesn't work for same reason.
Anyway since DW2 is x64 bit program it should be installed into C:\Program Files, not C:\Program Files (x86)
This patch does not work for GOG users obviously.
Personally, per Matrix & Slitherine games...I always purchase form their stores.
You get a 'drm' free install & a Steam key...thus, 2 games in one.
Hopefully this gets resolved for you.
& yes...GOG updates are separate from Matrix/Slitherine updates.
Last edited by eddieballgame on Sun Mar 13, 2022 5:51 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Distant Worlds 2 - Latest Update (1.0.1.8)
I can see that the update is now available on steam.
It is better to live your own destiny imperfectly, than to live somebody else's life with perfection.
- Erik Rutins
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Re: Distant Worlds 2 - Latest Update (1.0.1.8)
GOG has its own update system and our updates would only cause problems with GOG installations.zebanovich wrote: Sun Mar 13, 2022 5:24 pm Is there a reason why these update packages don't work for GOG installments?
Every update we've released has been released on GOG and Steam and here on our site. The installers are for customers with the version purchased from the Matrix/Slitherine store.
To update on GOG, try the Check for Updates button here:
Erik Rutins
CEO, Matrix Games LLC

For official support, please use our Help Desk: http://www.matrixgames.com/helpdesk/
Freedom is not Free.
CEO, Matrix Games LLC

For official support, please use our Help Desk: http://www.matrixgames.com/helpdesk/
Freedom is not Free.
- zebanovich
- Posts: 87
- Joined: Fri Dec 07, 2018 12:46 am
Re: Distant Worlds 2 - Latest Update (1.0.1.8)
I must admit I didn't know that because I'm new to gog, thanks, downloading update..Erik Rutins wrote: Sun Mar 13, 2022 5:34 pm
GOG has its own update system and our updates would only cause problems with GOG installations.
Every update we've released has been released on GOG and Steam and here on our site. The installers are for customers with the version purchased from the Matrix/Slitherine store.
To update on GOG, try the Check for Updates button here:
Re: Distant Worlds 2 - Update (1.0.1.6)
Updated to 1.8 with the same issue. Anyway to reverse to 1.4 ?gling38 wrote: Sun Mar 13, 2022 4:51 am Hi
I do know if this is the right place for the question, but I am trying anyway.
I just updated from 1.0.1.4 to 1.0.1.6 and got a bad surprise : whilst the 1.4 was running perfectly, the 1.6 is stuck in a black screen. The program is not crashing (around 5% to 10% of CPU usage), you can actually move the cursor over the screen but nothing beyond that.
Is there a way to work this around, or to get back to 1.4 as I did not performed a backup before upgrade![]()
Thanks in advance.
GL38
Re: Distant Worlds 2 - Latest Update (1.0.1.8)
This new patch resets my display mode in my game settings every time I exit the game now for some reason? Now I have to set my display mode in the game settings every time I load up the game. Is there a way to fix this on my end?
Last edited by Tanaka on Sun Mar 13, 2022 8:36 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Re: Distant Worlds 2 - Latest Update (1.0.1.8)
My display settings also get reset every time. I am running on Windows 11 laptop with latest patch.
Re: Distant Worlds 2 - Latest Update (1.0.1.8)
Do you have an AMD card by any chance ?jbmoore68 wrote: Sun Mar 13, 2022 7:25 pm My display settings also get reset every time. I am running on Windows 11 laptop with latest patch.
It is better to live your own destiny imperfectly, than to live somebody else's life with perfection.
Re: Distant Worlds 2 - Update (1.0.1.6)
gling38 wrote: Sun Mar 13, 2022 6:53 pmUpdated to 1.8 with the same issue. Anyway to reverse to 1.4 ?gling38 wrote: Sun Mar 13, 2022 4:51 am Hi
I do know if this is the right place for the question, but I am trying anyway.
I just updated from 1.0.1.4 to 1.0.1.6 and got a bad surprise : whilst the 1.4 was running perfectly, the 1.6 is stuck in a black screen. The program is not crashing (around 5% to 10% of CPU usage), you can actually move the cursor over the screen but nothing beyond that.
Is there a way to work this around, or to get back to 1.4 as I did not performed a backup before upgrade![]()
Thanks in advance.
GL38
Session log file content :
13-03-2022 20-32-37.102: Configuring Content Streaming
13-03-2022 20-32-37.106: Obtaining Current Adapter:
13-03-2022 20-32-37.137: Could not find adapter
13-03-2022 20-32-37.137: Using default adapter Radeon RX 560X
13-03-2022 20-32-37.137: Selecting Adapter with highest video memory
13-03-2022 20-32-37.137: Adapter selected: Radeon RX 560X
13-03-2022 20-32-37.147: Video Memory Detected: 4274950144
13-03-2022 20-32-37.147: Shared System Memory Detected: 4195502080
13-03-2022 20-32-37.147: Streaming Memory Budget set: 3489Mb
13-03-2022 20-32-37.157: Loading Base Content Bundles
13-03-2022 20-32-37.182: Loading Per-Race Content Bundles
13-03-2022 20-32-38.829: Generating new default GameSettings
13-03-2022 20-32-38.829: Selecting Default Display Settings
13-03-2022 20-32-38.837: Selecting Adapter with highest video memory
13-03-2022 20-32-38.837: Adapter selected: Radeon RX 560X
13-03-2022 20-32-38.837: Setting preferred display values in GameSettings
13-03-2022 20-32-38.837: Obtaining Current Adapter: Radeon RX 560X
13-03-2022 20-32-38.837: Adapter found: Radeon RX 560X
13-03-2022 20-32-38.887: Getting display mode with highest refresh rate below 61Hz for 1920x1080
13-03-2022 20-32-38.887: Matching Display mode found: 60Hz
13-03-2022 20-32-38.887: Default Display Settings selected
13-03-2022 20-32-38.937: Loading GameSettingsOverrides
13-03-2022 20-32-38.942: Auto-detecting resolution using Game Settings
13-03-2022 20-32-38.942: Resolution found: 1920x1080 @60Hz
13-03-2022 20-32-38.942: Obtaining Current Adapter: Radeon RX 560X
13-03-2022 20-32-38.942: Adapter found: Radeon RX 560X
13-03-2022 20-32-38.947: Setting game resolution 1920x1080
13-03-2022 20-32-38.947: Setting Display - Borderless Window
13-03-2022 20-32-38.952: Attempting to set Display to 1820x980
13-03-2022 20-32-38.957: Setting Display Values and Applying Changes
13-03-2022 20-32-38.977: Display Changes Applied
13-03-2022 20-32-38.977: Set Display Complete
13-03-2022 20-32-38.977: Attempting to set Display to 1920x1080
13-03-2022 20-32-38.987: Setting Display Values and Applying Changes
13-03-2022 20-32-38.987: Display Changes Applied
13-03-2022 20-32-38.996: Set Display Complete
13-03-2022 20-32-39.011: Setting Scaling Core: Standard
13-03-2022 20-32-39.037: Initializing Scaled Renderer
13-03-2022 20-32-39.047: Loading prelim assets
13-03-2022 20-32-39.372: Loading particle effects
13-03-2022 20-32-40.152: Loading Sound Effects
13-03-2022 20-32-45.039: Setting up Compositors and Scenes
13-03-2022 20-32-45.237: Compositors and Scenes complete
13-03-2022 20-32-45.237: Obtained Game Window ClientBounds: 1920x1080
13-03-2022 20-32-45.237: Setting up Cameras
13-03-2022 20-32-45.262: Cameras complete
13-03-2022 20-32-45.311: Generating 2D Noise
13-03-2022 20-32-45.467: Loading 3D Noise
13-03-2022 20-32-45.565: Initializing Main Renderers for all view levels
13-03-2022 20-32-45.567: Setting Up Custom Renderer
13-03-2022 20-32-45.592: Setting up Scene Composition
13-03-2022 20-32-45.593: Setting Up Custom Renderer
13-03-2022 20-32-45.595: Setting up Scene Composition
13-03-2022 20-32-45.596: Setting Up Custom Renderer
13-03-2022 20-32-45.596: Setting up Scene Composition
13-03-2022 20-32-45.596: Setting Up Custom Renderer
13-03-2022 20-32-45.596: Setting up Scene Composition
13-03-2022 20-32-45.596: Setting Up Custom Renderer
13-03-2022 20-32-45.596: Setting up Scene Composition
13-03-2022 20-32-45.603: Setting Up Custom Renderer
13-03-2022 20-32-45.603: Setting up Scene Composition
13-03-2022 20-32-45.605: Setting Up Custom Renderer
13-03-2022 20-32-45.607: Setting up Scene Composition
13-03-2022 20-32-45.614: Loading Fonts
13-03-2022 20-32-45.698: Initializing Helpers
13-03-2022 20-32-45.927: Setting Scaling Core: Standard
13-03-2022 20-32-45.947: Loading Icons
13-03-2022 20-32-45.992: Setting up UI Controls
13-03-2022 20-32-46.136: Generating Other Renderers
13-03-2022 20-32-46.136: Setting up Scene Composition
13-03-2022 20-32-46.177: Setting up Scene Composition
13-03-2022 20-32-46.187: Setting up Scene Composition
13-03-2022 20-32-46.217: Applying Map Overlays
13-03-2022 20-32-46.237: Recreating RenderTarget (Count = 0): 1920x1080
13-03-2022 20-32-46.237: Setting Scaling Core: Standard
13-03-2022 20-32-46.457: Generating Menu Scene
13-03-2022 20-32-49.357: Setting up Scene Composition
13-03-2022 20-32-49.357: Setting up Scene Composition
13-03-2022 20-32-49.521: Loading static images