1. Download Options
GnollHack's modern Windows version has the following download options:
- Steam — Recommended download option.
- MSIX installer — You can try this if the Steam version doesn't work for you.
1.1. Steam
1.1.1. Auto-Update Can't Be Disabled
You can't disable auto-update in Steam, but if your saved games become invalid, you can revert to a compatible version of GnollHack as follows:
- Contact the GnollHack Dev Team and ask that the previous game version will be made available. They will give you a code.
- Go to GnollHack Properties in Steam.
- Go to the Game Versions & Betas tab.
- Enter the code to Private Versions and click Check Code.
- The requested game version should become available for choosing.
1.1.2. Steam Platform Features
- Revert to Old Version — You can revert to an old version using the Game Versions & Betas tab in the GnollHack properties in Steam (see above).
1.1.3. Troubleshooting
Click 🛠️ Troubleshooting Modern Windows Version (Steam) 🛠️ for troubleshooting information.
1.2. MSIX Installer
- The MSIX package has the .msix extension.
- Install the game using these instructions: Installing MSIX Packages on Windows 10 and 11
- You need admin rights to do so.
- The icon of GnollHack installed using the MSIX package will have a blue background.
- The MSIX version of the game doesn't have auto-update. You update it manually by installing a newer version.
2. Dedicated GPU Used by Default
If your computer has both an integrated and a dedicated GPU, GnollHack draws the game on the dedicated (high-performance) GPU by itself, as long as GPU Acceleration is on in GnollHack's settings, which it is by default. You don't need to change anything in Windows.
With GPU Acceleration off, GnollHack uses the GPU Windows chooses for it, usually the integrated one.
3. Choosing the GPU in Windows
You can still choose the GPU for GnollHack in Windows Settings → System → Display → Graphics:
- Power Saving — GnollHack uses the integrated GPU, which saves battery.
- High Performance — GnollHack uses the dedicated GPU, also with GPU Acceleration off.
3.1. Steam Version
Add the desktop app C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\GnollHack\GnollHackM.exe there and choose its GPU Preference.
3.2. MSIX Version
Add GnollHack (Microsoft Store App) there and choose its GPU Preference.
4. Recommended GnollHack Graphics Settings
- GPU Acceleration: On
- Map FPS: 60
- Screen Resolution: Recommended (Default) — Maximum Resolution @ Maximum Refresh Rate
- Screen Scale: Default
- Platform Render Loop: On
4.1. Notes
- Screen resolution and refresh rate can only be adjusted in the full-screen mode.
5. Game Controllers
You can play the modern Windows version with an Xbox controller or another XInput-compatible controller. Connect the controller and press any button, and the game switches to controller mode. The controls are the same as on the Steam Deck; see Steam Deck Controls.
- Up to four controllers can be connected, and they can be plugged in while the game is running. The last controller you use is the active one.
- Only XInput controllers are supported. PlayStation and Nintendo controllers may work if Steam presents them as XInput controllers, but this has not been tested.
- There is no on-screen keyboard, so type text, such as a wish or a name, on a keyboard.