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Worms Armageddon/Worms World Party Online FAQ v. 0.4 by Arc'engal (aka Edge AoM)
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IMPORTANT This is an FAQ in progress. At present the issue of patches and how to
work Wormnet is getting ridiculously popular on various message boards and indeed
on Wormnet itself. Therefore I'm publishing the "how to work Wormnet" part of this
FAQ early. The rest of the FAQ, including the various game types on Wormnet, will
be published later. There may references to sections which don't exist. They do
exist, they just aren't in this version.
**********************************************************************************


Ok, let's get the copyright stuff out of the way first.

This FAQ is an unofficial FAQ. The Author is not endorsed by Team17, Microprose,
Windows, Microsoft, Trymedia or any other company involved in the production of
Worms games. The author is writing this of his own free will and is not being
paid for his work.

This FAQ is copyrighted to Martin Thomas McGowan aka Arc'engal and should not
be acredited to anyone else. This document should not be copied, directly or
indirectly, to another guide without first, express permission and second, suitable
credit given to the author. So don't you dare put this on your webpage with this
first bit edited out. I will find you out, little man.

Only Gamefaqs may display this FAQ at present. The author reserves the right to
allow other sites permission to display this FAQ.

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1. Introduction
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Welcome. So you've got a nice CD-ROM of Worms, and you're fed up playing against
the computer? That's fair enough. The computer isn't the brightest of opponents to
play against; it can only use about 10 weapons! If you want the real challenge of
Worms, whether it be Armageddon or World Party, then you've gotta get online. That
way, you can play against human beings, and take part in some of the neat
speciality games that keep coming up!

What, you thought Worms was all about pointing and shooting? Don't be daft! In
some game types, pointing and shooting is illegal! Well, a straight point and
shoot is anyway, you have to fire over-the-shoulder shots...you don't have a clue
what I'm talking about, do you? In that case, I advise you to get straight to part
4, where I take you through all of the oddities of online play.

First though, before you take on the world, you'll need to hone your skills in
private.

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2. Worms General Skills
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Lets talk about the computer. In front of you is a processing chip that can
calculate exact angles and velocities to ALWAYS hit you...play the computer on
difficulty 5 and you'll see what I mean! But yet, the computer isn't a tough nut
to crack, because you can always guess what it's about to do. If you're on the
other side of the map, underneath several layers of land, the computer won't hit
you (unless it can air-strike).

The computer's main fault is that it is not capable of using advancing movement
methods. In other words, it can walk and occasionally jump; that's it. Human
players have the intelligence to use far more advanced movement methods. They can
use the ninja rope. They can use the jetpack. They are capable of using low
gravity. They can use ALL of them at once. Therefore human opponents are going
to be far more deadly than a CPU opponent could ever dream of being. If CPU's
could dream that is.

This means that just because you can own the computer (if you don't know what that
means, you'll soon learn in section 4) 2 on 17 with all teams at Grade 5 (and it
CAN be done!) then that's still no guarantee you'll do well online. Therefore you
need to get some skills before you venture onto Wormnet.

I'm not going to give you targets or anything because, basically, the odds are
very few people will care. Worms is a game, and it should be treated like a game
rather than a sport. If you own (section 4) everyone on WN, you're a great
player but unless you are having fun, you're wasting your time. If that makes
sense.

That is, however, no excuse for being a pathetic player in the games of your
choice. As you'll see in section 5, there are a variety of game types online,
meaning there is something for everyone. Not being able to use a ninja rope is
NO EXCUSE! If you can't use the rope very well, then try to get better with
the bazooka and grenade weapons. This will allow you to play in BnG's instead
of ropers.

If you suck with the Bazooka and Grenade, then get some practise on the rifle
range and get ready for some Team 17s.

If you suck at all of the above, don't feel bad. When you first start playing
Worms you will suck. It's a fact of life. Since you have no experience, you
will suck. Just try stuff. When you find something you are OK at, stick with
it, and practise it. Eventually you'll find your niche.

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3. How to get onto Wormnet, and how to use it
==================================================================================

----------------
Part 1: Patching
----------------

This section of the FAQ will guide through the in's and out's of patching Worms
Armageddon. Please note that installing the wrong patches will create absolute havoc
on your game so please read this section very carefully.

*IF YOU HAVE THE TRYMEDIA VERSION OF WORMS ARMAGEDDON YOU DO NOT NEED THESE PATCHES
TO PLAY. HOWEVER, YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PLAY IN PATCHED GAMES AS A RESULT. THIS IS
A BIT MESSED, BUT YOUR BEST BET IS TO FIND A CHEAPO COPY OF THE STANDARD WA IF YOU
WISH TO PLAY PATCHED PEOPLE*


---------------
The Beta2 Patch
---------------

This is available for download from the Team17 website. This will update your game to
version 3.0.5.0 regardless of what version you have already, so you do not need the
"update" patch, even if you only have version 1.0.

This is also the patch which will allow you to play Worms Armageddon on a PC running
Windows 2000/ME or Windows XP. If you run Worms Armageddon on either of these O.S.
without patching, you'll simply be told it's not NT compatible...which doesn't make
sense since you aren't running NT, but I digress.

To download the patch, copy and paste the link below into your browser:

***********************************************************************

ftp://ftp.team17.com/pub/t17/patches/pc/WA_Update-3.0.5.0_Beta_2.exe

***********************************************************************

Once the download is complete, run the installer and install the patch as you would
any other software.

----------
Pre-beta 3
----------

Pre-beta 3 is a second patch for Worms Armageddon. It does the same as beta 2, only
this version seems to crash far less than Beta2. The catch is this patch is
unofficial, and the beta 3 patch actually hasn't been officially released yet. If you
intend to minimise Worms Armageddon a lot (e.g. to check up on Trillian or other such
programs) then I seriously recommend using pre-beta 3, as crash rate upon minimising
is just above nil.

This installation is different from the Beta2 patch. Firstly, download this zip file
by putting the address into your browser:

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http://www.eifclan.com/files/wa.zip

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This will download a zip file to your computer. Place this on your desktop at present.

Now, go to your Worms Armageddon folder, normally c:/team17/wormsarmageddon , and go
to the WA.EXE file (which should have the game logo as it's icon). Right click on this
file and rename it WA-OLD.EXE.

Now, go to the zip-file you just downloaded and extract the file, using Winzip, Winrar
or any other such program. If you do not have a zip-extractor then go to
http://www.winzip.com and download a trial version. That will be sufficient for this
job. Extract the file to the Worms Armageddon folder (C:/team17/worms armageddon).

Once you've done all of this, you should have two icons with the game logo on it. One
should be called WA-OLD.EXE and the other one should be called WA.EXE. WA.EXE is now
pre-beta 3 enabled. Enjoy. Note that any shortcuts you have to this file need not
be changed; they are still pointed towards WA.EXE so you do not need to change their
target.

-----------------------------
Part 2: Connecting to Wormnet
-----------------------------

To connect to Wormnet you need to have the following.

- A connection to the Internet by a dial-up or broadband modem.
- A genuine copy of Worms Armageddon

Got them? Good. Read on.

After establishing your connection to the internet, boot up Worms.

From your main Worms Armageddon screen, you can access Wormnet by clicking on the bottom
left hand square, with the Worms on PC's graphic. This will take you to the Network Game
screen. Select "Internet Game" by clicking the image at the top right.

You'll now be offered to choose a server. Note that you'll only be given one choice of
server. Choose it anyhow by double clicking it.

If you have done this correctly, you'll now see a screen asking you to login. Double
click this option.

You get to type in a name of your choice. The password is irrelevant as this feature
was disabled years ago; only your name matters. Type in your choice of name and random
characters as the password.

Seconds later, you should hear a little brass solo and you'll see Wormnet on the screen.
Welcome to our home.


-------------------
Ammendum: Your name
-------------------

Even though you can log in with any name, with no need to register, it goes without saying
that your name is important. People on the Internet can't see you, and you don't get an
Avatar on Wormnet. Therefore your name is the only thing that reflects your personality.
Some names are more effective than others of course; calling yourself gothicsadist2002
might get you some strange looks, but it's a good name if it reflects who you are.

My name, Arc'engal, is a standardised one that I use everywhere (except Gamefaqs, since you
can't freely change your profile name and karma is non-transferable). It's a pun on
archangel, as if you hadn't guessed, made to sound like a name from a certain video game
series. If you have a standardised name, use it. More than likely, no-one else will have
thought of it, and it will remain your unique identifier. Calling yourself after your
initials is also a fairly common practise. Just ask TJH (my clan leader) or MPH (who's
one of the top 50 players on Wormnet).

Note that Wormnet does not allow spaces. If you wish to use a space in your name, it is
the standard practise to use a lower case x, for example: INCREDIBLExHULK.

x's are also used if you ever join a clan (section 4 for those who have lived in a dustbin
long enough not to know what a clan is), because it is normal clan practise to add a "tag"
to your name to show your clan alliegence. For example, if you belonged to the Imperial
Command clan, like me, you would add xICx. Be warned though: using tags when you aren't a
member of that clan is not going to win you any friends. Don't even give yourself a tag
with random  letters because you want to make it look like you're part of a clan. There
are so many you've probably added yourself to a clan, regardless of randomness.

Also, note that people's first indication of your playing skill is your name. Here's a tip.
Don't call yourself "Jim" or any similar "first-name-screenname". This just shows lack of
imagination and, probably, lack of playing skills. Something more imaginative will show
you in a better light.

You can use special characters in your name on Wormnet, but to do so you require a certain
program. It's one of Annelid's, and it's located here:

***********************************************************

***********************************************************

Finally, stick with the name you choose. Changing your name every time you go on Wormnet
means people won't remember you (and they might not remember you anyhow but even more so
with rapid name changing!).


----------------------------
Part 3: Connecting to a game
----------------------------

From the main Wormnet screen, go to "Anything Goes" by double clicking on it. Anything goes
is located in the top part of the screen, along with "Party Time" and "Ropers Heaven". You
can go to Party Time or Ropers Heaven if you wish, but there are always more people in
Anything Goes.

Now you should see a screen comprising of 3 windows: the huge main one, which is the chat
window, and the two smaller ones, which show the games available and the people online.
There is also a small bar underneath the chat window. That's where you type in what you
want to say to Wormers worldwide.

If you want to connect to someone else's game, it's easy to do. Look at the screen with
the games on it and double click on a game to join it. Pay attention to the name; if it
says "Shoppa" or "Roper" or something, you're going into a specialised game. If it says
"no n00bs" and you are new to Worms, please don't go in, as the host only wants people
who know what they are doing.

Also, if you have installed the beta patch as instructed earlier in this tutorial, the
game you select must have a beta sign before it (looks like a B). This indicates that
the host is also patched. If you aren't patched and you join a patched game, you will crash.
If you are patched and you join an unpatched game, you will crash also.

Once you double click on the game, you'll be shown a screen which says something along the
lines of:

---------------------------
        40

*Connecting To host*

game:shoppa hosted by TJH
IP Address: 192.118.888.192
---------------------------

The 40 at the top is a timer. If it reaches zero the connection fails. Note that if the timer
goes past 30 you might as well click "cancel" because either that person's computer has
seriously bad lag or they can't host properly.

If your CD drive activates, that's a good sign because it means a connection has been made.
After a short download of team names and such like, you'll be taken to the game set-up
screen.

The second you are on this screen, it's a good idea to type "hi" or some other form of greeting
into the chat window. This lets the host see that you are patched. How? you ask. If you are
patched, your message will look like this:

Arc'engal> Hi

If you are unpatched, it will look like this:

Arc'engal>  Hi

One space, patched. Two spaces, unpatched.

After you've said hi, you need to enter a team into the game. Your teams are displayed above
the chat window. Click on the one you want to use. If you have a team that is not called
x-up, x being a number, then use it, as it will show you to not be a total newbie (who
can't even be bothered to create a team). Unfortunately Worms is a bit tempermental as of late,
and will crash if you try to create a new team. If you have access to a 95/98 system, create a
team on there and transfer your team files by floppy to the ME/XP system.

Once you've said hi and entered your team, continue to talk but keep an eye on the top left
hand side of the screen, where the players names are shown. Beside each players name is a
small graphic of a bulb. If  TWO or more are lit (or the host's is if you're the only one who
joined the game) then click on the large lightbulb icon just below the players names. This
indicates you are ready to play. If the host makes any changes, all bulbs go out. Just click
on the bulb again to re-indicate you are ready.

A word of warning. Although a Wormnet game can support 7 players (only 6 teams though) there is
an unwritten rule that the maximum for most games is 4. If you are the 5th or 6th person in, say
hi as normal and enter your team. The likelihood is one of the other players will be unpatched,
will be booted and you'll get in anyway.

Once everyone has "lit up" (clicked their bulbs) then the game will begin after a short delay.

For details on what to do once the game has started, consult Part 5 of this section.

----------------------
Part 4: Hosting a game
----------------------

If there are no games that you like the look of on Wormnet when you go on, you can host one of
your own, providing your computer is adequate. If you only meet the minimum specs for Worms,
don't even bother hosting. Your computer will barely be able to handle the game, never mind
the communication with up to 6 other PCs. Also, if you've got a 56k connection, seriously think
before hosting. Some 56k hosts are great, others are crap. If your browser is running at a
decent speed, then it's safe to assume your connection is pretty good so you should be OK to
host. Otherwise, don't. If you've got anything worse than 56k then don't even bother coming
on Wormnet to be honest. You can get 56k modems for about £20/$30 nowadays if you look in the
right places.

In addition, even if you've got a 3Ghz processor with all the trimmings, AND broadband cable,
you still won't be able to host if you have a firewall up. If you're using Windows XP, it is
likely you have one up. XP comes with a software-based firewall which is ON by default. You
can de-activate it, if you wish, but this leaves your computer open to attacks. Do you want
a ton of nasty viruses? No? Best you leave the hosting to other people. If you have faith
in your copy of Norton Antivirus or other such program, then by all means deactivate your
firewall and host! Hosting is a great experience and it allows YOU to control the game, to
set your own rules and generally have a good time.

To deactivate your firewall in XP, follow the following instructions:

-----------------------
De-activating firewalls
-----------------------

1. Open the start menu.

2. Highlight "net-work connections", then the connection you will be using to go on Wormnet.

3. Click on the "Advanced" tab, then uncheck the box marked "put up a firewall". If a prompt
comes up, click ok. Then click OK to apply the settings.

That's it.

-----------
How to host
-----------

Once in "Anything Goes", click on the "host" button located at the top right of your screen,
above the window which displays the players present.

This will open up a window which asks for a name and password. This bit is important. The
game is not asking for YOUR name and password, it is asking for the name of the GAME and the
GAME'S password. Typing in a password here means that your game will be locked to all those
who do not know the password, and if you haven't told anyone, well...how do you expect them
to get in?

Once you've done that, you'll be on a set-up screen. Here, you can decide the options for
your game. If you're playing a normal then select the scheme and you're done. If you're
playing a specialty game then you'll need both a scheme and a map.

Select your scheme in the normal fashion as you would offline, by selecting it from the pull
down menu located underneath the map. As you do this, note some of the more common options
are available immediately to you. Worm health, game time, turn time, wormselect on/off and
whether the worms are placed manually or randomly are all available without going into their
respective menus. You can alter them, as you would in the menu, here.

For things like weapon volumes and retreat times, you need to enter the menus. The weapons
menu and the main option menu have icons to the right of the common options. Click on the
respective icon to enter the menu and do as you please. If you want infinite banana bombs,
you can have infinite banana bombs. Just don't expect anyone to like it very much.

To change the map, you can either left-click on it to generate a new, random map, or you
can right click on it to enter the map editor and load a map from the pull down menu. For
more information on the map editor consult the read-me that came with your game.

Then, once everything is sorted, you'll either have players in already or they will be
arriving. You can tell someone is trying to connect by your CD drive suddenly speeding
up. 2 seconds after that happens, their name will appear at the top left hand side of
the main hosting screen.

As the host, it is your responsibility to ensure that all players are patched, and know
the rules (if any). This is where names come into play. If someone has a name that does
not look very pro, then ask them if they know the rules. If they say no, either explain
the rules or boot them by left-clicking on their name. Once you are ready, symbolise
you are ready by clicking on the lightbulb, as you would do if you were joining a game.
Once everyone has lit up, click the "Start Game" button at the bottom right hand side
of the screen. This starts the game.

-------------------
Part 5: In the game
-------------------

Once you are in the game, you play as normal. If you are playing a specialist game
type, or you are the host, press "page down" as fast you can to open up the chat
window. Traditionally, the host types the rules on the chat window in case you either
forgot them or he didn't mention them before starting the game.

Note that, while the host has power over the rules in any game, some rules like "don't
attack the host" are sometimes said as a joke. This probably doesn't need to be said,
but if a rule like this is ever brought up it is a JOKE. DO NOT take it seriously. And
yes, I have known people to take rules like this seriously. What do you mean you are
sorry you couldn't drown your worm!?

Once you know the rules (and what they mean) you can play! Just play as normal, adding
the traditional "ns" and "bl" where necessary to the chat window, and indulge in the
intelligent(?) conversation of worm's players around the globe.

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