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The following will answer the most commonly-asked questions about Spring from newcomers, especially those confused by the differences between the way Total Annihilation handles things and the way Spring handles things.

1 About Spring
2 Installation (on Windows)
3 Playing
4 Using Mods
5 Using Maps
6 Client
7 Bots
8 The Spring Forum

[edit] About Spring

Spring is an open source project. This means everyone with programming knowledge can contribute in the project. It also means this is made in free time.

Spring is currently in a Beta stage. This means it isn't done yet. Therefore, some things may be unclear or not user-friendly yet. (Like the GUI, which doesn't exist.) That said, Spring is still totally playable with many fan-made mods to choose from.

[edit] Installation (on Windows)

For installation on Linux, go here

Get The installer here: http://spring.clan-sy.com/download.php
Spring and Total Annihilation are two completely different programs. Their files are not in any way interchangeable.
As such, they should be installed to different directories. Spring is usually installed at C:\Program Files\Spring
Make sure you have the latest version of Spring. The current version is 0.76b1
Spring it self is an engine, the program that runs the content. The content itself (the buildings, units, sounds, images) are packed in mod files. There are several mods you can play with Spring. They all have different play styles. The installer is a web installer with a list of mods you can download and play.

[edit] Playing

To play a game of Spring, you must run the TASClient.exe program. Spring itself, at this time, cannot be run directly very well.
You can start TASClient through the start menu link it creates or by running TASClient.exe in the directory you installed Spring in.
It is possible to play a single player game. Of course, this requires an AI to fight against. Take a look at the Bots section of this article.

To chat with allies, type "a:" (without quotemarks) before your message
Another useful commands: "s:" (chatting only with spectators).

press F1 for seeing the heightmap (because some buildings cannot be built anywhere).
press F2 when you want to see where the builder can build the selected unit.
press F3 for seeing last action in the game.
press F4 for seeing metal map (where to build metal extractors).
press F6 to disable sounds.
press F9 to disable units health bars.
press F12 to take a screenshot with average JPG quality.

For more information Check Keyboard Key Layout: Spring Keyboard Layout Image

press left mouse button to select an unit.
press left mouse button and drag, to select multiple units.
press right mouse button to move selected units in that position where mouse is.
press left mouse button on nothing to do nothing and deselect selected units (when selected units).

[edit] Using Mods

A list of all mods can be found at: Mods
You can download most mods from Spring-Portal You should probably bookmark this page.
To install a mod ("data set") to Spring, you just simply put the ".sd7" or ".sdz" file (or files) into your "Spring\Mods\" directory.
Some mods have multiple files to them. For example, "Absolute Annihilation" currently contains the base mod file, then extra files for the given version being played and the desired 'mutator'. Place all these into the mod folder.
Once a mod has been installed, restart the Spring Client, or click on the "Refresh mod list" when hosting a game. It then will appear as an option when you start a game ("Battle Screen") in TASClient.

[edit] Using Maps

Maps can be found at Spring-Portal.
This files are also ".sd7" or ".sdz" files. They may be zipped with WinZip or WinRar, to reduce the size. In that case, unzip them before placing them in the "Maps" directory in the Spring folder.
In the Battle Screen, use the "Reload Map list" button to use the new maps.
The Client can also automatically download the required map. In the Battlescreen go to "More Maps" and select a new map from the list.

[edit] Client

The purpose of TASClient is similar to the Microsoft Zone lobby, only not as pretty. You can go there to chat, start games, download maps, and basically anything Spring related.
Private messaging is also supported through TASClient by double-clicking a person's name on the list on the right-hand side of the screen. To exit a private messaging window, right-click that person's name at the top of your screen. (next to something like "#main")
To host a game, go to "Battle Screen" and click the "Host battle" buton. A small window pops up, allowing you to chose the mod and other settings.
If you're in a battle, but have 'lost' your battle screen, you can get it back by hitting the "Battle Screen" button on the top-left of the main Client window. This is also where you host games from.

[edit] Bots

Bots are AI controlled players. There are several AI projects in development. Most of them are at a playable stage.

There are bots packed with Spring, so you should already have several AI to fight against. Installing other AIs or new versions is simple as using new mods or maps.

Unpack the downloaded file, and place the dll files in \Spring\ai\bot-libs. Note that some AIs require additional folders/files to work properly so read their install instructions carefully
Restart Spring Client if it was running.
Or use SpringSP via Spring-Portal, a small program that easily sets up a singleplayer game.

A list of AIs can be found at: AIs

Your question not answered here? Got problems? Read the Frequently Asked Questions.