> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/SnowyMouse/chimera/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Installation

> Step-by-step guide to installing Chimera for Halo Combat Evolved PC

This guide will walk you through installing Chimera on your Halo: Combat Evolved installation.

<Warning>
  **Before you begin:** Make sure your game is updated to version 1.10 (unless you're using the trial version).
</Warning>

## Installation Steps

<Steps>
  <Step title="Update Halo to Version 1.10">
    If you're using Halo PC (not the trial), ensure your game is updated to version 1.10.

    <Tip>
      You can check your version by looking at the bottom right of the main menu screen.
    </Tip>

    Skip this step if you're using Halo Trial or Halo Custom Edition.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Back Up Your Original strings.dll">
    Navigate to your Halo game folder and locate `strings.dll`.

    **Backup method:**

    * Rename `strings.dll` to `strings-old.dll`
    * OR copy it to a safe location

    <Warning>
      **Critical:** Do NOT skip this step! You'll need the original file to uninstall Chimera or restore vanilla Halo.
    </Warning>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Download Chimera">
    Download the latest Chimera release from the official repository:

    [github.com/SnowyMouse/chimera/releases](https://github.com/SnowyMouse/chimera/releases)

    Extract the downloaded archive. You should have:

    * `strings.dll` (Chimera's main file)
    * `chimera.ini` (configuration file)
    * `fonts/` folder (optional custom fonts)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Copy Files to Game Folder">
    Copy these files to your **main game folder**:

    * `strings.dll`
    * `chimera.ini`
    * `fonts/` folder (optional)

    <Warning>
      **Important:** Files go in the **main game folder**, NOT the `controls` folder.

      Typical locations:

      * `C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Games\Halo\`
      * `C:\Program Files\Halo Custom Edition\`
    </Warning>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Optional: Create Mods Folder">
    If you want to load custom DLL mods:

    ```bash theme={null}
    mkdir mods
    ```

    Place any compatible DLL mods in this folder.

    <Note>
      HAC2 and Open Sauce are **not** compatible with Chimera due to conflicts.
    </Note>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Verify Installation">
    Launch Halo and press the tilde key (`~`) to open the console.

    Type:

    ```bash theme={null}
    chimera
    ```

    You should see Chimera version information and available commands.

    <Tip>
      If the console doesn't open, make sure `console=1` is set in `chimera.ini` under the `[halo]` section.
    </Tip>
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Directory Structure

After installation, your game folder should look like this:

```bash theme={null}
Halo/
├── strings.dll          # Chimera (replaces original)
├── strings-old.dll      # Your backup
├── chimera.ini          # Configuration file
├── fonts/               # Optional custom fonts
│   ├── hack-license.md
│   ├── interstate-license.md
│   └── [font files]
├── mods/                # Optional DLL mods folder
├── halo.exe
└── [other game files]
```

## File Locations

### Configuration Files

* `chimera.ini` - Main configuration (in game folder)
* `chimera/preferences.txt` - Command preferences (created in profiles folder)
* `chimera/maps/` - Downloaded maps (in profiles folder)

### Profiles Folder Locations

**Default locations:**

* Windows: `C:\Users\[YourName]\Documents\My Games\Halo\`
* Custom Edition: `C:\Users\[YourName]\Documents\My Games\Halo CE\`

<Info>
  You can change the profiles path in `chimera.ini` using the `path` setting under `[halo]`.
</Info>

## Backing Up Original Files

<Accordion title="Why Back Up?">
  Backing up your original `strings.dll` allows you to:

  * Easily uninstall Chimera
  * Restore vanilla Halo functionality
  * Switch between modded and vanilla versions
  * Troubleshoot installation issues
</Accordion>

**Recommended backup:**

```bash theme={null}
Halo/
├── strings.dll          # Chimera version
├── strings-old.dll      # Original backup
└── strings-chimera.dll  # Optional: Keep a Chimera copy
```

## Common Installation Issues

### Console Won't Open

**Solution:** Enable console in `chimera.ini`

```ini theme={null}
[halo]
console=1
```

### Game Crashes on Startup

<Accordion title="Possible Causes and Solutions">
  **Wrong file location:**

  * Ensure files are in the main game folder, NOT `controls/`

  **Incompatible mods:**

  * Remove HAC2, Open Sauce, or other conflicting mods
  * Try removing the `mods/` folder temporarily

  **Windows XP:**

  * Download the dedicated Windows XP release of Chimera

  **Corrupted download:**

  * Re-download Chimera from the official repository
  * Verify file integrity
</Accordion>

### Custom Fonts Not Working

**Solution:** Install DirectX 9 runtime libraries

1. Download the DirectX End-User Runtime from Microsoft:
   [microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=35](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=35)
2. Run the installer
3. Restart Halo

### Permission Denied Errors

**Solution:** Grant write permissions

<CodeGroup>
  ```powershell Windows (Administrator) theme={null}
  # Run as administrator
  icacls "C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Games\Halo" /grant Users:F
  ```

  ```bash Alternative theme={null}
  # Or install Halo outside Program Files
  # Example: C:\Games\Halo\
  ```
</CodeGroup>

<Tip>
  Installing Halo outside of `Program Files` avoids permission issues and is recommended for modding.
</Tip>

### Maps Don't Download Automatically

**Check `chimera.ini` settings:**

```ini theme={null}
[memory]
download_map_path=auto  # Or specify custom path
download_template=http://maps.halonet.net/halo/$map/$map.map
```

<Warning>
  `download_retail_maps` should remain disabled (commented out) for safety. Only enable if you know what you're doing.
</Warning>

## Uninstalling Chimera

To uninstall Chimera and restore vanilla Halo:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Delete Chimera Files">
    Remove these files from your game folder:

    * `strings.dll`
    * `chimera.ini` (optional)
    * `fonts/` folder (optional)
    * `mods/` folder (optional)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Restore Original strings.dll">
    Rename your backup:

    ```bash theme={null}
    strings-old.dll → strings.dll
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Clean Up Profile Folder (Optional)">
    Remove Chimera data from your profiles folder:

    * `chimera/` folder
    * `preferences.txt`
  </Step>
</Steps>

Your game will now run in vanilla mode.

## Verification Checklist

After installation, verify everything works:

* [ ] Console opens with `~` key
* [ ] `chimera` command shows version info
* [ ] Game launches without crashes
* [ ] FPS counter works (`chimera_show_fps true`)
* [ ] Custom fonts display correctly (if installed)

## What's Next?

Now that Chimera is installed, check out the [Quick Start Guide](/quickstart) to learn essential commands and configuration.