> ## 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.

# Quickstart

> Get up and running with Chimera in 5 minutes

This guide will get you from zero to a fully configured Chimera installation in just a few minutes.

## Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have:

* Halo: Combat Evolved PC (version 1.10) or Halo Custom Edition
* Administrator access to install files (if Halo is in Program Files)
* A backup of important files (we'll guide you through this)

<Note>
  This guide assumes you have Halo PC or Custom Edition already installed. If not, install it first before continuing.
</Note>

## Quick Setup

<Steps>
  <Step title="Download Chimera">
    Go to the [Chimera releases page](https://github.com/SnowyMouse/chimera/releases) and download the latest release. You need:

    * `strings.dll` - The main Chimera mod file
    * `chimera.ini` - Configuration file
    * `fonts/` folder - Font files for custom text rendering

    <Tip>
      Download the latest release, not pre-releases, for the most stable experience.
    </Tip>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Back up your original strings.dll">
    Navigate to your Halo installation folder and rename the existing `strings.dll` to `strings-old.dll`:

    ```bash theme={null}
    # Example path:
    C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Games\Halo\strings.dll
    # Rename to:
    C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Games\Halo\strings-old.dll
    ```

    <Warning>
      Do NOT skip this step! You need the original file to uninstall Chimera later.
    </Warning>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Copy Chimera files">
    Copy the downloaded files to your Halo installation folder:

    * `strings.dll` → Halo main folder
    * `chimera.ini` → Halo main folder
    * `fonts/` → Halo main folder

    Your folder structure should look like:

    ```
    C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Games\Halo\
    ├── halo.exe
    ├── strings.dll          ← Chimera
    ├── strings-old.dll      ← Your backup
    ├── chimera.ini
    └── fonts/
        ├── ...font files...
    ```

    <Warning>
      Install to the **main game folder**, NOT the `controls` subfolder!
    </Warning>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Launch Halo">
    Start Halo normally. Chimera loads automatically - you don't need to do anything special.

    To verify Chimera is working:

    1. Press the tilde key (`~`) to open the console
    2. Type `chimera` and press Enter
    3. You should see Chimera version information
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure essentials">
    Try these essential commands to get the best experience:

    ```bash theme={null}
    # Open console with ~ (tilde) key, then type:
    chimera_block_all_bullshit        # Disables annoying UI elements
    chimera_fov 90v                   # Set FOV to 90 degrees (vertical)
    chimera_show_fps true             # Display FPS counter
    chimera_widescreen_fix 1          # Fix HUD for widescreen
    ```

    <Accordion title="What does block_all_bullshit do?">
      This convenient command runs multiple commands at once:

      * `chimera_block_gametype_indicator 1` - Removes gametype indicator
      * `chimera_block_gametype_rules 1` - Skips gametype rules screen
      * `chimera_block_hold_f1 1` - Removes "Hold F1" message
      * `chimera_block_loading_screen 1` - Removes loading screen flash
      * `chimera_block_mouse_acceleration 1` - Disables mouse acceleration
    </Accordion>
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Configure chimera.ini" icon="gear" href="/configuration/ini-settings">
    Customize Chimera's behavior through the configuration file
  </Card>

  <Card title="Explore Commands" icon="terminal" href="/commands/overview">
    Learn about all available Chimera commands
  </Card>

  <Card title="Enable Features" icon="sparkles" href="/features/overview">
    Discover Chimera's extensive feature set
  </Card>

  <Card title="Troubleshooting" icon="wrench" href="/troubleshooting">
    Having issues? Check the troubleshooting guide
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Essential Configuration

### Optimal Defaults

For the best out-of-the-box experience, enable optimal defaults in `chimera.ini`:

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

This automatically enables:

* `chimera_af true` - Anisotropic filtering
* `chimera_aim_assist true` - Controller aim assist
* `chimera_block_loading_screen true` - No loading screen flash
* `chimera_block_mouse_acceleration true` - Raw mouse input
* `chimera_diagonals 0.75` - Better analog stick diagonals
* `chimera_fov auto` - Automatic FOV scaling
* `chimera_throttle_fps 300` - Cap FPS to 300
* `chimera_uncap_cinematic true` - Unlock 30 FPS cap in cutscenes
* `chimera_model_detail true` - Force highest LOD models

### Video Settings

For better visuals, add to `chimera.ini`:

```ini theme={null}
[video_mode]
enabled=1
width=1920
height=1080
refresh_rate=144
vsync=0
windowed=0
af=16
```

### Console Access

Enable the console for easy command access:

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

## Common First Commands

Once installed, open the console (`~` key) and try these:

<CodeGroup>
  ```bash Visual theme={null}
  chimera_fov 90v                    # Field of view
  chimera_widescreen_fix 1           # Widescreen HUD
  chimera_show_fps true              # FPS counter
  chimera_af true                    # Anisotropic filtering
  ```

  ```bash Input theme={null}
  chimera_block_mouse_acceleration true    # Raw mouse input
  chimera_mouse_sensitivity 2 1            # Custom sensitivity
  chimera_deadzones 0.15                   # Controller deadzone
  chimera_diagonals 0.75                   # Analog stick diagonals
  ```

  ```bash Performance theme={null}
  chimera_throttle_fps 144           # Cap FPS
  chimera_uncap_cinematic true       # Unlock cutscene FPS
  chimera_model_detail true          # Force max detail
  ```

  ```bash Quality of Life theme={null}
  chimera_block_all_bullshit         # Disable annoyances
  chimera_block_letterbox true       # No letterbox in cutscenes
  chimera_devmode true               # Enable dev commands
  ```
</CodeGroup>

## Verify Installation

To confirm everything is working correctly:

<Accordion title="Check Chimera is loaded">
  1. Open console with `~` key
  2. Type `chimera` and press Enter
  3. You should see version information and build date
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Test interpolation">
  1. Start a game (any map)
  2. You should immediately notice smoother movement beyond 30 FPS
  3. The difference is most noticeable on objects and vehicles
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Verify commands work">
  1. Type `chimera_show_fps true` in console
  2. You should see an FPS counter appear in the top-right
  3. Try `chimera_fov 90v` - your FOV should change immediately
</Accordion>

## Quick Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Chimera doesn't load">
    * Verify files are in the **main** Halo folder, not `controls`
    * Make sure you replaced the correct `strings.dll`
    * Check file permissions if Halo is in Program Files
    * Try running Halo as administrator
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Console doesn't open">
    * Enable it in chimera.ini: `console=1` under `[halo]`
    * Restart Halo after changing chimera.ini
    * Try the default key: tilde (`~`) or backtick (\`)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Commands don't persist">
    * Commands entered in console only last until you quit
    * Add persistent commands to chimera.ini or use hotkeys
    * Alternatively, create an init.txt file and load it with `exec=path\to\init.txt`
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Fonts don't work">
    * Install DirectX 9 runtime: [https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=35](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=35)
    * Verify the `fonts` folder is in your Halo directory
    * Check folder permissions
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

<Info>
  Need more help? Check the [FAQ](/faq) or [Troubleshooting](/troubleshooting) pages for detailed solutions.
</Info>

## What's Next?

Now that Chimera is installed:

1. **Customize your experience** - Edit `chimera.ini` to configure video, controller, and chat settings
2. **Learn the commands** - Browse the [command reference](/commands/overview) to unlock Chimera's full potential
3. **Try Lua scripting** - Create custom scripts for automation and extended features
4. **Join the community** - Visit the [GitHub repository](https://github.com/SnowyMouse/chimera) for updates and support

<Card title="Ready to dive deeper?" icon="book" href="/features/overview">
  Explore all of Chimera's features →
</Card>