View source for View Starter Guide Here

=== Starter Guide ===
[[File:THFcustomfiles.png|190px|right]]
Connecting to THF is no different than connecting to any other EverQuest emulator server.  In order to connect, you will need a copy of the EverQuest Titanium, Secrets of Faydwer(SoF), or Seeds of Destruction(SoD) client.  If you plan to play on other EMU servers, it is recommended that you use separate folders for the THF server, as there are THF specific files to be downloaded.  These specific files contain custom content developed by the THF staff and are updated on a regular basis.

You will also need to create a free login server account on http://www.eqemulator.org to have access to the THF server.

Once you have the '''client''' downloaded, and have created your '''login server''' account, you will need to edit the ''eqhost.txt'' file in the game directory to point to the correct login server, and also tell the game to bypass the '''EQ''' patcher.

'''''NOTE:''''' '''NEVER''' run the EQ patcher to play an EQ EMU server.  The patcher will begin to update files and will then not allow you to play on an emulator server.  For this reason, it is recommended that you have at least two EQ directories to play from if you still play on a Live(SOE) server.

'''Editing ''eqhost.txt'':''' Find the ''eqhost.txt'' file in your emulator directory.  Open it with Notepad, and change what is listed there to reflect:  '''Host=login.eqemulator.net:5998''' .  Save the file and close Notepad.

'''Bypassing the EverQuest Patcher:''' Find the shortcut to run EverQuest, ''right click'' it, and then click ''Properties''.  We will then change the information listed next to 'Target' to reflect:  '''C:\EQEMUDIR\eqgame.exe patchme''' where EQEMUDIR is the directory of your Titanium, SoF, or SoD install.  The ''patchme'' extension on the shortcut tells the game to bypass the EverQuest patcher.

'''Download the THF custom files:'''  Go to http://www.thehiddenforest.org/portal.php and follow the links on the left under ''Attachments'' to download the custom files fit for your client (SoF, SoD, Titanium).  You will need to download the most recent '''spells_us.zip''', '''dbstr_us.zip''', and '''thfobj.zip'''.Extract these zip files into your THF emulator directory, and overwrite/replace any files it warns you about.

'''Play the Game!'''  You are now completely ready to play The Hidden Forest!  Double-click your shortcut and enter the game like usual.  At server select, find '''''The Hidden Forest''''' and click Play!