Crossfire Launcher - Beta Version 1.0.0

License Agreement
MIT

This is a first test version for the new launcher

First Alpha Test Version

  1. Extract the archive.

  2. Copy GameLauncher.exe into your Freelancer\Exe folder.

    • Do not rename it to freelancer.exe.

SmartScreen Warning

When starting the launcher for the first time, Windows Defender SmartScreen may show a warning. This happens because the application is not code-signed yet.

Click More info → Run anyway to start the launcher.

We plan to submit the application to Microsoft later so this warning should disappear in future versions.

First Startup

On the first launch the launcher will automatically:

  • Download the required WebView runtime (in the background)

  • Store it in the Freelancer\CFLauncher folder

  • Generate hash files needed for file synchronization

This process only happens once. or after new files will be provided.

Estimated time:

  • SSD: usually under a minute

  • HDD: may take several minutes depending on the system

After Setup

Once everything is finished, you can launch:

  • Singleplayer

  • Multiplayer

The launcher UI should be fairly intuitive.

  • Version 1.0.0

    Changes since v0.9.15-beta

    • Improved launcher startup reliability and pre-launch window management.
    • Optimized WebView2 power usage with enhanced suspend/resume behavior and minimized startup handling.
    • Improved tooltip responsiveness and consistency across the application.
    • General performance, stability, and usability improvements.

    I consider this the 1.0.0 release candidate.

  • Version 0.9.14 x86

    🚀 Launcher & Interface

    • Improved launcher dialogs and overall user experience
    • Added a dedicated Help button for quicker access to information
    • Refined startup flow and interface behavior

    🐧 Linux & Proton Support

    • Improved compatibility with Linux and Proton environments
    • Added clearer setup guidance when required components are missing
    • Better handling of missing dependencies to prevent launcher issues

    ⚙️ Advanced Startup Options

    • Expanded command-line functionality for advanced users
    • Improved startup parameter handling
    • Updated command-line help and documentation

    🛠️ Stability & Polish

    • Improved error handling and user feedback
    • Various quality-of-life improvements throughout the launcher
    • General maintenance, cleanup, and stability enhancements
  • Version 0.9.13 x64

    Bugfix with existing exe2 folder preventing to start correctly.

    !!!THIS VERSION IS THE 64 BIT VERSION OF THE LAUNCHER!!!

  • Version 0.9.13 x86

    Bugfix with existing exe2 folder preventing to start correctly.

    !!!THIS VERSION IS THE 32 BIT VERSION OF THE LAUNCHER!!!

  • Version 0.9.1

    - Fixed the settings dialog

    - added preview for colors and mouse cursors

    - some minor layout adjustments to ft the preview icons

  • Version 0.9.0

  • where can I send the Portproton startup log?

    • In the ticket. Or here.

  • Short test of Version 0.9.12-beta x64 for SP (open GL graphic setting) worked perfectly well.

  • Works very well. Love the speed of file updates

  • Works perfectly fine, and I love how much faster it downloads and applies patches before starting Crossfire!
    Haven't encountered any problems yet, but will be sure to come back here if I find something, so far it is a pleasant upgrade (shame that I only found this thread after finishing the campaign once again but struggling in multiplayer because of some abhorrent lag that I haven't figured out yet)

    • Thanks!

      Also if you wish additional features feel free to let me/us know.