Here is a thread for Frequently Asked Questions about the Aspyr-published Civ4 and Warlords products for Mac OS X. For completeness, it also includes questions about running Windows versions of the Civ4 software range on Mac hardware using Apple's Bootcamp, or using virtualization software such as Parallels Desktop or VMWare Fusion.

I'll start it off with the questions I've seen most often. If I've missed a question (or got the answer wrong) then feel free to add it, and the answer, as a post in this thread, and I'll put a link to it here. I'm optimistically reserving a second post as a continuation of the index.

The format for each FAQ post should be:

Product: (Civ4, Warlords or Both)

Platform: (OS X, Windows, Parallels, Fusion ...)

Question: ....

Answer: ....

If you have an unanswered question that you think others would also like answered then post it here as well. If it gets a definitive answer I'll consolidate it into a single post in the above format.

Index

Post #3: What are the current versions of Civ4 and Warlords for Mac OS X?

Post #4: OS X: How can I change display settings to switch between Windowed and Full Screen modes or to change window size or to choose the screen to use?

Post #5: OS X: Can I change other settings that are controlled by the CivilizationIV.ini file?

Post #6: OS X: Can I use mods that have been developed for the Windows version of the software?

Post #7: OS X: When I select Check for Updates in Warlords version 2.00 it says there is a new version, 2.08, and downloads a patch file. What should I do with this file?

Post #8: OS X: Can I play other users in Multiplayer mode?

Post #13: Windows: Can I run Civ4/Warlords/BtS... for Windows on a new Mac?

Post #21: Cross platform DirectIP: What versions of Civ IV Warlords should both platforms be running in order to play multiplayer?


Post #23: Boot Camp Vs. parallels for the Windows version of Civ4?

Post #33: Why is there almost NO mods for mac? oh and is there anyplace there are more mods?

Post #35 G4 PB, Penryn MB, or G4 tower. What is the groups recommedation on the best gaming experience for Civ4?

Post #41 When will Beyond the Sword for Mac OS X be released ?

[Reserved for index extension]

Product: Both

Platform: OS X

Question:
What are the current versions of Civ4 and Warlords for Mac OS X?

Answer:
Civilization IV with the Rev C patch is at version 1.74 (52473). This is the same as the current PC version 1.74.
Warlords with the Rev C patch is at version 2.13 (63968). This is the same as the current PC version 2.13.
There is no Mac version of Beyond the Sword.

The main version number corresponds with the Firaxis version number for the PC version. The numbers in brackets are Aspyr build numbers.

Product: Both

Platform: OS X

Question:
How can I change display settings to switch between Windowed and Full Screen modes, or to change window size, or to choose the screen to use?

Answer:
A. Hold the Command (Apple) key down while launching Civ4 or Warlords to display a dialog box where you can set up the display configuration.

... or ...

B. While the game software is running, at the main menu select Advanced, or in the game hit Escape. Then, select Options from the next menu, and click the Graphics tab. You can change resolution and switch Full Screen mode on or off in this panel. You can't use it to change screens on a multi-screen Mac.

Product: Both

Platform: OS X

Question:
Can I change other settings that are controlled by the CivilizationIV.ini file?

Answer:
Yes. This file is in ~/Documents/Civilization IV/, or ~/Documents/Civilization IV Warlords/, and there are lots of settings you can adjust by editing it using TextEdit or another plain text editor.

Product: Both

Platform: OS X

Question:
Can I use mods that have been developed for the Windows version of the software?

Answer:
Maybe. There are several reasons why a mod may not work on the Mac version.

1. If a mod has been developed using the Windows Software Development Kit (SDK) to create a custom version of the game core DLL then it will not work as expected with the Mac version. There is currently no work around for this. We have to wait for Aspyr to create an SDK for the Mac version, and then recompile the mods to run in OS X.

2. Some mods contain incorrectly formatted XML text files, which Windows will still read but OS X doesn't. It is usually possible to edit these files to make them work on the Mac. Search this forum for people who have already done this, or post a request for assistance if your favorite mod hasn't been converted.

3. Some mods include Python code, and this may rely on the Windows Registry to find specific folders on the host computer. This code can be modified to work on the Mac.

Product: Both

Platform: OS X

Question:
When I select Check for Updates it says there is a new version and downloads a patch file. What should I do with this file?

Answer:
You can't use it. It is a Windows patch file, and will not work for the Mac version. You will have to use Aspyr's update for the Mac product, to vanilla v.1.74 or Warlords v.2.13. You can find links for these in the sticky threads at the top of this forum list, or you can subscribe to Inside Mac Games to get a more direct notification.

Product: Both

Platform: OS X

Question:
Can I play other users in Multiplayer mode?

Answer:
Yes. You should be able to play Mac or Windows users by setting up a "Direct IP" connection to the computer that starts the game. You can also play by email, or use the Hotseat mode.

To play Windows players you must use the same versions on both platforms. The latest versions of Civ4 and Warlords include GameSpy compatibility for cross-platform play via the GameSpy servers.

You can use GameRanger to connect to other Mac users, or you can use Direct IP if you know the host computer's real IP address. For GameRanger, the host system may need to have port mapping set up to allow port #2056 through its firewall or Internet router.

Warlords with the Rev B patch is at version 2.08 (25430). This is is the same as the current PC version.
.

Not quite true, Warlords 2.13 came out about the same time BtS came out.

Narmox.

Since that post was made on December 17th of 2006, it was true at the time.

@narmox: Thanks for raising it. I've updated several of the posts above to reflect the current status.

Awesome, glad I could help :)

Nar

Product: Civ4 for Windows (any version or module, include Warlords, Beyond the Sword, Gold, Chronicles, etc.)

Platform: Windows XP or Vista, via OS X and Boot Camp

Question: Can I run [fill the blank] on a new Mac?

Answer: Yes!

You will need [fill in the blank], a recent Windows install disc (post XP service pack 2 or later), and Boot Camp (http://www.apple.com/macosx/bootcamp/) (free). Please reference the Apple resources for installing Boot Camp, and the Microsoft instructions that came with your XP or Vista disc for installing Windows.

As an added bonus (should you have both versions of Civ4), you will find that the performance of Civ4 for Windows under Boot Camp out-performs Civ4 for Macintosh under OS X on the same machine. Please resist the temptation to tease us about that.

Yes, this true for the “low end” Macs. This advise also holds for all models of the Intel based Macs, even the first generation ones.

Hmm ... so, am I correct in assuming that Warlords release 2.13 is for the Windows version of the application and *not* the Macintosh version?

Gatekeeper

I think that's what the first answer in this thread says!

greetings. when you say that you must play windows users with "the same version" does that mean you must be in bootcamp+xp+"same pc version of civ 4"? or can you run a mac version that is the same version number as the pc one? thanks in advance.

The Mac player(s) and the Windows player(s) must all have software at the same versions.

Currently, most Windows players will have updated their Civ4 to version 1.73 and their Warlords to version 2.13. There is no Mac OS X software compatible with these versions, so, if you want to play against Windows players using a Mac, then you have only one option - Bootcamp and the same Windows software as them.

Currently, most Windows players will have updated their Civ4 to version 1.73 and their Warlords to version 2.13. There is no Mac OS X software compatible with these versions....

I think we can expect patches from Aspyr to bring Vanilla and Warlords up to the current PC versions.

The question is when and whether other bugs will be fixed.

My paragraph began with 'Currently'. I have posted elsewhere that Aspyr have stated they are working on the patches for the latest versions, but they only started on that at the end of July.

I think that's what the first answer in this thread says!

My apologies, Alan. I'll take my leave of this thread, and, perhaps, the rest of CivFanatics as well.

Gatekeeper

Using a "Direct IP" connection between a Mac and Windows machine what versions of Civ IV Warlords should both platforms be running in order to play multiplayer?


Thank you
Rosy a Civ IV Newbie

Version 2.08. I think you can use any Mac patch for Direct IP.

[Updated] 2.13 is now also available for Mac OS X. Both Mac and PC must be using the same version number.

OK - I've got parallels on my mac, but not boot camp. I'm new to this whole mac thing as it is.

I need parallels for work, so is boot camp out?

In other words do I need to load windows after boot camp?

I don't really know how it works.

Is there anyway to run the windows Civ IV on parallels?

Thanks,

Reif

Hello, welcome to CFC and to the Mac :wavey:

You don't install Bootcamp as a standalone application, it is a partitioner that provides a space for Windows on your system, a wizard to run the Windows installer, and a set of drivers that you install into Windows once it is in place.

Note that Apple's Bootcamp beta has expired, and is no longer available as a download from their site. The full version is part of Leopard, the new OS version that's hitting the streets as I type this.

You can install Windows in a Bootcamp partition as above, and then tell Parallels use that same Windows installation instead of a virtual disk image. You should be able to find the information on how to do from Parallels.

There have been a few reports that Civ4 runs OK in Parallels, but others have said it is not playable. I haven't tried it. I suspect your results may depend on your hardware, Parallels can only reduce the effective graphics performance of your machine due to the software translations it has to perform to get DirectX to play through OpenGL.

Hope this helps.

Note that Apple's Bootcamp beta has expired, and is no longer available as a download from their site. The full version is part of Leopard, the new OS version that's hitting the streets as I type this.

Hmmm . . . so is there no way to get Boot Camp as a stand alone now?

Sounds like even if I can get it, I would have to reinstall Windows? <shudder>

Thanks,

Reif

No. There's no legal way to get or use Bootcamp now without buying Leopard.

Yes, if you use BootCamp you will have to reinstall Windows - and it must be XP SP2 or Vista. I've generally found that to be a relatively painless process, at least with XP. Remember that Apple supplies all the drivers you need, so there's no worry about trying to match up hardware and OS.

The standalone was only a beta, and it is no longer legal to use it. Apart from any issues of conscience that may raise, if you are relying on it for work-related functions, your employer might have a point of view about you using bootleg beta software to support their business.

No. There's no legal way to get or use Bootcamp now without buying Leopard.

Yes, if you use BootCamp you will have to reinstall Windows - and it must be XP SP2 or Vista. I've generally found that to be a relatively painless process, at least with XP. Remember that Apple supplies all the drivers you need, so there's no worry about trying to match up hardware and OS.

The standalone was only a beta, and it is no longer legal to use it. Apart from any issues of conscience that may raise, if you are relying on it for work-related functions, your employer might have a point of view about you using bootleg beta software to support their business.

OK, so, bottom-lining it, it sounds like there is no way, absent a bootlegged copy of Boot Camp, that I can use this computer (it's only about six months old, but pre-Leopard) to play Civ IV in Windows.

True?

Thanks for the responses.

Reif

There are links to the Apple Bootcamp beta still in existence in places like Download.com, so I guess it's not difficult to get hold of if you are prepared to use it.

But what's wrong with buying Leopard? It's a pretty neat upgrade, and you'll get a full release Bootcamp installer with it.

, that I can use this computer (it's only about six months old, but pre-Leopard

Reif

I was visiting the applesite recently and there was a link to get leopard for a small fee for pre-leopard macs, you should try and find out if you are entitled to the 10$ upgrade :)

I am currently moving my production system to another mac, so I will boldly try out bootcamp, xp and Bts in the nearer future on this macbook.
I suppose I´ll be back posting lots of noobish questions by then.

Cheers oLO(rd) :)

The cheap update to Leopard only applied to Macs that were bought within a month or so of the release of Leopard. I very much doubt if a six month old Mac would qualify.

The cheap update to Leopard only applied to Macs that were bought within a month or so of the release of Leopard. I very much doubt if a six month old Mac would qualify.
Thanks for checking though, it simply came to my mind when reading about it.
whilst u are here :D are there osx-compatible mods out yet that contain Bts elements (buildings, airdrop?)
Cheers olo(rd)

I'm always here :)

I've no idea what BtS-like mods exist. However, I'll hazard a guess:

Mod-makers are almost exclusively Windows users, and therefore have access to the real BtS. So I can't see any motivation for them to spend time reinventing BtS features now. But I guess such mods *might* have been created before BtS was released. You should be able to find out in the Creation and Customization forums.

Product: Warlords

Platform: Mac G5 Tiger OS X

Question: Why is there almost NO mods for mac? oh and is there anyplace there are more mods?

There are a lot of mods for Civ4 and Warlords. Check out the Creation and Customization forums. They are almost universally created by Windows players because there are far fewer Civ4 players on Mac than on Windows. In addition, the tools for graphics modding are almost non-existent on the Mac, and there is no SDK for the Mac versions.

In theory, mods should not be platform-specific. In a perfect world there would be the same number of mods for Mac as for Windows, and you wouldn't have to ask your question. In practice, every mod has to be tested with the Mac versions of Civ4 because they are often incompatible. The incompatibilities are typically:

- Text encoding errors in the XML files, usually by foreign language translators

- Use of Python calls that are not handled by the Mac - Windows registry calls, or v2.4 calls

- Use of the SDK to create a custom CvGameCoreDLL.dll file that alters game rules. The CvGameCoreDLL code is integrated into the Mac versions, so they simply don't work with a custom dll.

We don't know how many of the mods that have been created are compatible with the Mac, because not many of them have been tested [b]and reported here[b]. That probably comes back to the fact that there are not many Mac Civ4 players. The compatible ones we do know about are reported in the other thread, where you posted about a mod that you have tested.

Long time Mac user and Civ II player. Currently, I have a G4 PB which I hope to upgrage to one of the upcoming Penryn PBs. I do not have Windows installed on my PB or on the G4 tower. What is the groups recommedation on the best gaming experience for Civ4?
1. Suck it up and play in under OSX (10.5.2 should come on my new laptop)
2. Or bite the bullet and install XP. Alan H mentioned that using parallels slows things down. Does this mean that you would have to reboot using XP each time you wanted to run Civ4?
Sorry for the noob questions! I use XP @ work, but have no experience in using it in conjunction with the Mac OS.
Thanks in advance.

whats [fill the blank?]

@Roooney67

Welcome :wavey:

1. You can't install Windows on a G4, so if you want to play Civ4 before you get your Mac Book you'll have to use the Mac version.

2. If you wait for your Penryn Mac Book then you will have three options: run the Mac version, or run the Windows version, in BootCamp or in a virtual machine. (Note it will NOT be a PowerBook - Apple dropped the 'Power' names when they dropped the PowerPC CPUs). Which option you choose depends on your objectives.

- The Mac version may or may not run at all on a yet-to-be-released Mac Book. I've no idea what the specs of a Penryn MB will be, or what graphics hardware it will include. Just about every new Apple graphics hardware release has broken Civ4 in some way. So that option's a complete lottery at this point.

- As far as I can tell, Parallels isn't slow, Parallels has been benchmarked as being as fast or faster than Bootcamp when running WinXP. I just see some graphics problems in Civ4 - missing faces, flashes of the full map at start-up ... I get away with running in a Parallels virtual machine because I don't actually *play* Civ4, I just try to support people who play GOTMs. If I did play it, I'd probably get annoyed by the graphics limitations under Parallels.

- BootCamp is the safest bet, as you will be running the original Civ4 software on a high performance Windows PC under your choice of XP or Vista. The bad news is that while you are doing so you don't have access to Mac OS X.

@MotezumaMan: What was your question again?

If you are comfortable with putting XP on your machine, I would just do that and then buy Civ4 vanilla and BTS. I really like BTS a lot, it added some features that make the modern era more interesting so you still have choices to make regarding civics and such late in the game. I don't think BTS will make it to the Mac side. Also the chances of BTS running correctly with your graphics card is higher than chances of Warlords running correctly in OSX with a new machine.

I have both XP and Parallels on an iMac and Macbook Pro and I always reboot to play Civ. If I was just checking something out or something I might use Parallels, but for actually playing the game the jerkiness of the scrolling is pretty intolerable. As AlanH says the CPU runs at full speed, but the graphics are hobbled. I've got the Direct2Drive version so I don't need the DVD to play, which I really appreciate not having to keep track of.

I'm giving my first generation Macbook Pro to my sister after my vacation next week, then I'll be waiting to get a Macbook Pro when they get updated.

I'm not sure if this is the right place for this question, but if I want to run BTS on windows via bootcamp, will I also need the windows version of Civ 4 vanilla, or will the windows BTS be able to use the Civ vanilla files from the mac version if I copy them over to windows?

I'm not sure if this is the right place for this question, but if I want to run BTS on windows via bootcamp, will I also need the windows version of Civ 4 vanilla, or will the windows BTS be able to use the Civ vanilla files from the mac version if I copy them over to windows?

Sorry, I've no idea. However, in the UK it wouldn't be an issue. Beyond the Sword alone is £15, and Civ4 Complete is £18 (at play.com (http://www.play.com )). So here, at least, for only £3 more you get vanilla, Warlords and peace of mind included! (And Complete is ex stock, but BtS is on back order).

Product: Beyond the Sword

Platform: OS X

Question:
When will Beyond the Sword for Mac OS X be released?

Answer:
Probably never.

Aspyr have stated that they have no plans to produce a Mac OS X version of Beyond the Sword. High porting costs and lower than expected sales of Warlords contributed to their decision.

I speculate that the fact that the Windows version can be run in Bootcamp or Crossover, or even in Parallels/VMWare, has also influenced their view of the market.

Subsequent discussion of this topic moved to the BTS Coming? thread (http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=285858)

I hope I'm in the right thread for this question. If not I'm sure I'll hear about it ;)

I have a MacBook Pro (Intel Core Duo, 2.33 GHz, 2 GB RAM) & running a bootcamp partition. My CIV IV games all run thru Windows but I'm finding Civ IV can sometimes create a bit of havoc - examples - my computer won't shut down properly after running Civ, or when I shut down the game it keeps running in the background, etc, etc. So, I'm contemplating running Civ IV thru my Mac partition. But before I make the CIV IV Mac purchase I just wonder how the game will run on my Mac. (OS X 10.4.11). Fast, slow, buggy?

Thanks in advance.

You can play BTS through crossover games. Here (http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=270508) i explain how making it.

Hi I am trying to run civ4 warlords for windows on a bootcamp patition on my macbook pro. It wont load however coming up with an error message that reads.

Initialize Renderer failed. Check DirectX instllation, Latest Graphics Drivers and Graphics settings.
Parameters:
-width = 1024
-height = 768
-flags = 0xc
-hwnd = 0x4015e
-adaptrid = 0
-deviceid = 3
Error:Creation failed: Invalid 3D device type.

What does this mean and how can I fix it? I bought this computer because I was told with bootcamp and the specs on the computer I could run any windows game currently out there. Was I lied to?

Thanks for ideas or advice.

I bought this computer because I was told with bootcamp and the specs on the computer I could run any windows game currently out there. Was I lied to?

Thanks for ideas or advice.

No, I don't think you were lied to. I have Mac Book Pro which I bought about a year and half ago (specs are listed a few messages above) and I'm still using the Tiger OS. I can run Civ IV, Warlords & BTS on the boot camp partition. All run pretty well except for a few very minor issues. In fact, I'd say the game is more stable on boot-camped Mac than on my previous laptop - a Gateway using Windows XP. The Gateway also exceeded the min. requirements for Civ IV.

Hi I am trying to run civ4 warlords for windows on a bootcamp patition on my macbook pro. It wont load however coming up with an error message that reads.

Initialize Renderer failed. Check DirectX instllation, Latest Graphics Drivers and Graphics settings.
Parameters:
-width = 1024
-height = 768
-flags = 0xc
-hwnd = 0x4015e
-adaptrid = 0
-deviceid = 3
Error:Creation failed: Invalid 3D device type.

What does this mean and how can I fix it? I bought this computer because I was told with bootcamp and the specs on the computer I could run any windows game currently out there. Was I lied to?

Thanks for ideas or advice.
I looks as if you need to update your DirectX. Try going to Microsoft.com and searching for the latest version.