Join the Action
Joint Operations, Delta Force Xtreme and Delta Force Xtreme 2 rely on NovaWorld for online play.
NovaWorld no longer allows account creation, so it's impossible for new players to play online.
Players with accounts cannot even log in to Delta Force Xtreme or Delta Force Xtreme 2 any
longer as NovaWorld responds with an error saying The database you are attempting to
use is currently not available. (Code NWNODB01)
. This effectively prevents online play for
affected games, especially for new players.
When you use the NovaHQ heartbeat, your game bypasses NovaWorld and seamlessly connects to NovaHQ instead over secure HTTPS. The only setup required is copying a file from the downloaded package into your game directory. No account is required to play online and the DLL is compatible with Steam and nearly all mods. The DLL also prevents many game related crashes while playing and hosting.
Play or Host
Download the game direct from NovaLogic or get it on Steam.
- Click the download button below.
- Extract the zip file anywhere on your pc.
- Copy
dinput8.dllandNHQHeartbeat.iniinto your game folder. Overwrite if asked. - Start the game and click Multiplayer or Novaworld.
There are no special requirements for hosting a server.
- The
ServerKeyin the ini identifies your server. If you don't enter one, a new one is generated automatically on first launch. - Running more than one server? Give each its own
ServerKey. Servers that share a key, such as two copies of one ini, show here as one server and their stats merge. - Have a NovaWorld account for Joint Operations? Set
BypassNWU=0and leaveHeartbeat=1. Your server stays on NovaWorld and shows up on NovaHQ too, allowing cross-play. - DFX and DFX2 can also play over LAN. Back up
localres.pff, then runlanmode/MOD_Install.batfrom the zip.
Program Files (x86) folder.
Under a standard Windows installation, this folder is protected. The game was created to write to its installation directory, which can cause issues. It's recommended to use a folder like
D:\Games\Joint Operations instead.
You do not need to run the game as an administrator or use any compatibility mode if you have it installed in the recommended folder.
Settings
Adjustable NHQHeartbeat.ini settings. The defaults will work for most people. Open the file in a text editor to make changes.
| Setting | Default | What It Does |
|---|---|---|
LobbyHost |
nw10.novalobby.net | The lobby your game connects to. |
UseHTTPS |
1 | Connects to the lobby over HTTPS. |
BypassNWU |
1 | Skips the NovaWorld login. You need it if you have no NovaWorld account. |
Heartbeat |
1 | Lists your server in the lobby while you host. |
RequireAuth |
0 | Only players signed in to lobby can join your server. Guests cannot. |
ServerStats |
1 | Sends your round stats to this site. |
ServerKey |
Automatically generated | Identifies your server and its stats. |
SaveStats |
0 | Save round end stats to a NHQStats folder in your game directory. |
SendRate |
64 | Raises your server's network update rate from the game's 10Hz to 32, 64 or 125. |
NetworkFixes |
1 | Helps players recover faster from lag spikes and lost packets. |
MultiInstance |
0 | Lets you run more than one copy of the game. Does not work with Steam. |
AntiSysDump |
1 | Prevents several known game crashes, especially those while hosting. |
ReserveSlots |
1 | Prevents a crash when a player joins a mission full of AI. Some AI may not spawn. |
AiDismemberment |
0 | Lets AI lose limbs in multiplayer, which can crash a full server. |
CacheFix |
1 | Clears the game's lobby cache each time the game starts. |
Supported Games
The DLL has been tested with the game versions below. Patched or cracked copies are not supported.
| Game | Version | Copy |
|---|---|---|
| Joint Operations: Typhoon Rising | 1.6.9.2, 1.7.1.9 | Retail |
| Joint Operations: Typhoon Rising with Escalation | 1.7.5.7 | Retail |
| Joint Operations: Combined Arms Gold | 1.7.5.7 | Retail, NovaLogic Digital, Steam |
| Delta Force: Xtreme | 1.6.9.3, 1.7.1.9 | Retail, NovaLogic Digital, GOG, Steam |
| Delta Force: Xtreme 2 | 1.7.5.7 | Retail, NovaLogic Digital, Steam |