Fixes most known crashes, stalls and network synchronization errors, as well as an abundance of interface and game rule bugs. Game help texts have been corrected and expanded upon.
New Features
Play against a random number of opponents | Greatly improved build queue management | 6th ship design slot | Unbuy function | New hotkeys | Integrated mapgen functionality | Extensive modding with plain text configuration files | (limited) Lua scripting support.
Included Mods
1.50 improved (default) | ICE | Melee | VDC | Version 1.2 mod | Various mapmods. A standard mode is available, which has no game rule changes made via config.
MOO2 Launcher
MOO2 Launcher allows for easy installation, configuration of DOSBox, and selection of mod and mapmod before launching the game.
Manual
A two-part manual (pdf and xls) is part of the documentation of this patch, containing detailed descriptions of bug fixes, interface enhancements, modding options, scripting support and notes on important game mechanics.
Compatibility
Supports the English, German, French, Spanish and Italian DOS versions of Master of Orion 2. Installing the 1.50 patch does not break your current MOO2 installation. No original files are overwritten. Original shortcuts to start an unaltered version 1.31 or 1.40 game remain intact.
1.50 installation instructions.
1.50 changelog.
1.50 pdf manual.
The English DOS version sold online is fan patch 1.40b23 from May 2006. Information about this patch can be found in Lord Brazen's 1.40 patch FAQ.
Master of Orion II: Battle at Antares, aka Master of Orion 2 and MOO2, was released in NA retail on November 22, 1996. Below table lists all official versions:
Date | Version | Release | Language | Download |
---|---|---|---|---|
22 nov 1996 | 1.1 | cd-rom (USA) | english | manual (pdf, 1295 kB) |
25 nov 1996 | 1.2 | patch | english | |
mid dec 1996 | 1.2 | cd-rom (UK) | english | |
3 mar 1997 | 1.3 | patch | english | |
mar 1997 | 1.3 | cd-rom (UK) | deutsch | handbuch (pdf, 3622 kB) |
11 apr 1997 | 1.31 | patch | english | patch (zip, 3350 kB) |
11 apr 1997 | 1.31 | patch | deutsch | patch (zip, 2342 kB) |
apr 1997 | 1.31 | cd-rom (UK) | francais | |
apr 1997 | 1.31 | cd-rom (UK) | espagnol | |
may 1997 | 1.31* | cd-rom (UK) | esp + ita | '2-in-1' |
dec 1997 | 1.31** | cd-rom (UK) | multilingual | '5-in-1' |
The spanish+italian version had a couple new but undocumented bug fixes. The multilingual edition was released under Microprose's PowerPlus brand. This final version was never released as a patch. A detailed overview of changes per version can be found in below changelog:
Version 1.1-1.31 changelog.
A Russian language version of the 1.31 patch was developed by Grig de Griz during 2006-2007. This version is an add-on to the official 1.31 version and does not replace any original game files. To play the Russian version of the game, start the file "MOO2_RUS.EXE" in DOSBox after unzipping the pack into your MOO2 folder. Available in the download section below.
Russian version 1.31 readme.
Patches:
Patch (zip) | Language | Date | Size (kB) | ≚ |
---|---|---|---|---|
1.50.16 | en, de, fr, es, it | 23 Sep 2019 | 10590 | 1560 |
1.31 | russkiy | 10 Apr 2007 | 1455 | 948 |
1.31 | deutsch | 11 Apr 1997 | 2342 | 1302 |
1.31 | english | 11 Apr 1997 | 3350 | 2305 |
The Version 1.2 mod emulates version 1.2 rules as closely as possible with current 1.50 config: Restored Ion Cannon, Plasma Cannon and Gyro Destabilizer. Also original (weaker) Guardian and Antaran ship designs. And the Creative ability at 6 picks of course! Included in the 1.50 download.
Included in the 1.50 download and the default choice in Launcher, 1.50 improved updates standard with Ship Initiative II (see below YouTube video), interactive combat stats, updated AI ship designs, removal of quirky classic behaviors, several tweaks, and an AI that can research hyper-advanced techs. Included in the 1.50 download.
about ship initiative II
The ICE mod changes many aspects of the game, aiming to create a more challenging game: Stronger AI opposition; revalued race ability costs (48 picks instead of 20); revamped tech tree; beefed up Guardian; more threatening Antarans and a grand finale when invading the Antaran home world!
Custom Race Design
In classic MOO2 races can be designed with maximum 20 picks (10 base picks and 10 negatives). In ICE there are up to 48 picks available (24 base and 24 negatives), allowing for a more precise valuation of the different traits. All attributes, including governments and special abilities have been revalued. Some are more expensive like Unification and production, but most are cheaper. The overpowered Telepathic ability has been nerfed. In ICE, Mind Control requires a Titan or Doom Star class ship instead of a Cruiser so quick tele-blitz games are no longer possible. The stock races have been redesigned to match the new picks.
Custom Race
Population Capacities
Population limits have been increased across the board. A standard medium Terran world now supports 15 instead of 12 population units and 1-pop planets are no more: Tiny radiated and tiny toxic planets have the lowest population capacity, supporting 2 population units.
Technology Tree
In ICE you need to invest 20% more research points to complete the entire tech tree. Various technologies have different places in the tree. The crucial tech Research Labs has been isolated. Fighters are available a little later in the tree. Bombs have been moved from the Power to the Physics branch and many techs in the Fields branch have moved positions.
Tech Tree
Planetary Defenses
Star Bases, Battlestations and Star Fortresses are stronger, have more space for weaponry, and more Marines onboard. All orbital platforms have a reinforced hull by design and researching Reinforced Hull technology does not increase their structure points. Satellites and Missiles Bases are fitted with torpedoes if you have them. Missile Base and Ground Batteries have slightly more space for weapons. Fighter Garrison has been upgraded and launches fighters every turn instead of every 10 turns. The Artemis System Net is also much stronger in ICE.
Ships
All ships except the Frigate have 20% more base space available in ICE. The Battle Pods bonus has been decreased from 50% to 25%, so total space stays the same (1.00*1.50 = 1.20*1.25). AI's that miss out on Battle Pods now have less disadvantage. AI's design their ships according to a few templates, which I have improved so there are better chances that they show up with something that can actually crack a nut.
Stealth Detection
A new feature in ICE is Stealth detection. In classic MOO2, you can only detect stealthy ships (Darloks) when you are Omniscient. In ICE you can detect stealthy ships with advanced scanning technologies.
Orion & Antares
The Guardian has a Class X Shield and is much harder to kill. Be prepared! EMG Merculite missiles were the quickest way to defeat the Guardian in classic MOO2 but in ICE that will no longer work.
The Antarans have a few surprises waiting for you at their home world. Compared to the original, it is really hard to win this way and requires advanced ships. I like a grand finale!
ICE-M and ICE-X
ICE-X AI has more raw power than ICE-M AI, further increasing the difficulty level. The Impossible level of ICE-X is for expert players, you'd better know what you are doing!
Both ICE-M and ICE-X are included in the 1.50 download and you can choose your preferred version in the Launcher.
ICE strategy and walkthroughs on Civfanatics.
ICE changelog.
Experimental mod for 2-player tactical combat, included in the 1.50 download. The melee map has 4 systems: Orion, 2 home systems, and a neutral system. Each player builds 30 command points worth of ships. Then both players send their fleet to the neutral system and duke it out. No retreating! The loser can now design new ships to counter his opponents ships while the winner must bring his surviving ships into the next fight supplemented with new ships (for again 30 command points total). Fight!
Melee Rules.
Included in the 1.50 download. Forum of VDC is on the Orion Nebula.
In response to a request on Reddit, I have adapted the old Defensive Anti-Blitz Mod by Jukka Mikkonen to run on 1.50. I haven't changed it much, enabled a few qol improvements and corrected a few issues with the original mod. DAB version 8 is for patch version 1.50.16 or higher.
DAB.zip v8 (111 downloads; 87 kB)
Information on this mod & download link can be found here. Needs a few parameter name corrections to run on 1.50.16+.
You are an uncreative telepath, starting in a corner of a large galaxy. Can you win within 100 turns? To play this map, download the file, rename it to SAVE10.GAM and copy it to your MOO2 folder. Then load save 10 from the universal menu and start! Works on 1.31, 1.40, 1.50 standard and 1.50 improved.
SAVE10_OC1_KRAFT.GAM (1567 downloads; 95 kB)
You play an uncreative race, starting in an isolated region of space. Can you get out, and what resistance will you meet if you do? To play this map, download the file, rename it to SAVE10.GAM and copy it to your MOO2 folder. Then load save 10 from the universal menu and start! Works on 1.31, 1.40, 1.50 standard and 1.50 improved.
SAVE10_OC2_ROCCO.GAM (1735 downloads; 204 kB)
You play as the Humans and start in a system with five good planets, but the galaxy only contains three stars! To play this map, download the file, rename it to SAVE10.GAM and copy it to your MOO2 folder. Then load save 10 from the universal menu and start! Works on 1.31, 1.40, 1.50 standard and 1.50 improved.
SAVE1_3.GAM (1660 downloads; 204 kB)
You play as the Humans and start in the corner of a galaxy that has a huge black hole in the middle. To play this map, download the file, rename it to SAVE1.GAM and copy it to your MOO2 folder. Then load the save "The Tragedy of Orion" from the universal menu and start! Works on 1.31, 1.40, 1.50 standard and 1.50 improved.
SAVE1_TRAGEDY.GAM (1057 downloads; 204 kB)
Discord MOO2 chat server
Looking to chat with other players? Looking to play with other humans? Join the MOO2 chat server on Discord! Classic, ICE and VDC mod.
Multiplayer over the Internet
Guide to setting up a multiplayer game over the internet.
Rocco on Youtube
My Youtube channel has lots of MOO2 vids.
Excellent Blitz Video 1
16 turns blitz in a small galaxy (Average tech start, classic map).
Excellent Blitz Video 2
59 turns blitz in a huge galaxy (Pre-warp tech start, classic map).
Excellent Growth Video
67 turns growth in a large galaxy (Average tech start, GM3 map).
Discussion thread here.
Civfanatics Center
Forum section for MOO2 and other Civ-related games.
Civilization Forum (Deutsch)
Forum section for Master of Orion.
The Orion Nebula
Dedicated MOO2 community forum.
lordbrazen.blogspot.com
Lord Brazen's blog. Has not been updated for a long time.
masteroforion2.blogspot.com
This blog has interesting posts on MOO2 mechanics.
The Orion Sector
Brief history about MOO by Alan Emrich.
The MOO3 Guardian
Master of Orion 2 classic tech tree.
Cybersaber's Strategy Guide
Overview for players new to online play.
Delthea's ramblings on MOO2
Overview of MOO2 race picks and technology choices.
Humbe's ramblings on MOO2
Overview of MOO2 game mechanics and strategy.
Humbe's -10 challenge
Overview of games played with custom races with -10 worth of penalties.
Kfizzle's MOO2 Guide
The moo2 how to play more effective faq (old).
MOOniac's Guide to the Galaxies
The Master of Orion II pre-FAQ from 1997.
Steffens späte Spieltipps
Elaborate overview of the game auf Deutsch.
Gamespot's GameFAQs
MOO2 section with various (old) guides and other info.
The Orion Nebula
Discussion thread about Biospheres vs Hydroponic Farm.
Nirran's page
Tools for MOO2 versions 1.31 and 1.40, including OCL_Improved and PickHack.
DOSBox
Needed to run MOO2.