HIVE

pyf

Now, to find the other download links for the two other legacy games, we use archive.org:
https://web.archive.org/web/*/https://us.battle.net/download/getLegacy*
(note: lazy me! ... or clever, depends; opinions may vary)

We now open a new tab, we cut and paste any of the already existing download links and we change what needs to be changed (OS, language). For the record, using old 2016 previously archived versions of the downloaders will not allow to dl the full games, it will not work.

When installing any of these versions, one still needs valid and legal CD-keys. D2/LoD v1.14b requires 26-character CD-keys. TFT will require a TFT CD-key (because hey, this is not v1.32!)

pyf

The story behind the availability of these downloads may very well be a most fascinating one, full of sound and fury. My brain is litterally popping up in all directions, with outstanding theories and stuff. I am feeling like a crazy squirrel on meth.
XD

These downloads open imho very favorable perspectives for those who have been complaining in the past that no upgrade patches (nor even any full offline standalone selected versions of the game) have ever been available since v1.28. It must be made a reality, because it *can* be made a reality.

Kyrbi0

Thank you for all this. While I don't really care much for the Diablo/Starcraft stuff in the WebArchive links, the first one is exactly what I'm looking for.

I have downloaded & installed it (the TFT one), but I found that when it opened it said it was version 1.26, not 1.27. Any thoughts on why that's not working?

pyf

Out of interest, what is the name of the folder used to store the downloaded files? For the US, GB and FR versions of TFT, their names read respectively as:
- War3-1.27-Installer-enUS-TFT
- War3-1.27-Installer-enGB-TFT
- War3-1.27-Installer-frFR-TFT

I can confirm that the US version of RoC+TFT for PC installs perfectly and reads v1.27.0.52240 (which is 1.27a).

pyf

I am pointing out that the 1.27a digital version is *not* the same as the one you can get by upgrading TFT with the official 1.27a offline standalone patch by Blizzard, even though they read the same version number. There are some obvious differences, which I have (partly?) documented. I found out early without even installing the game, because the path on Blizzard's servers leads to a 1.27a2 folder. Like for example for RoC GB:
http://rogue.blizzard.com.edgesuite.net/applications/Warcraft3/1.27a2/ROC/enGB

You can check out yourself which download path is being used by the downloader while it is downloading, by browsing its tabs/options menu iirc.

Kyrbi0

Yeah it's the top one (War3-1.27-Installer-enUS-TFT)

pyf

The downloaders have been updated, that is probably why. For some reason, they have the same version (2.2.0.1285)

Mine (dlded on 20/08/2020):
- Downloader_Warcraft3_Reign_of_Chaos_enUS.exe
SHA1: B11E9799EF12771A902D7E6C9809A255C82CA445
- Downloader_Warcraft3_The_Frozen_Throne_enUS.exe
SHA1: 9A571987D7C42E8FB561FABE3CAF1612F0AA35FE

Yours should be (dlded 09/09/2020):
- Nom: Downloader_Warcraft3_Reign_of_Chaos_enUS.exe
SHA1: A1FFD9492327C0761C8FC01A42402D0FB52CDABF
- Downloader_Warcraft3_The_Frozen_Throne_enUS.exe
SHA1: 36C1DF2AC95127108806CD392969CC60970D092F

=> More stuff to keep track of, for documentation purposes. I will have to redownload the games, and scan the resulting new folders with datutil, and install RoC+TFT again. Ouch!

pyf

I wish they would update the downloader someday, so we are all given the choice to download at will selected full versions of the game, adapted so that they do not clash with 1.32.9>. Just imagine Kyrbi0: a full v1.28.5v2, or a full v1.29.2v2, or a full 1.30.4v2, or a full 1.31.1v2. That would mean no more illegal uploads, permanent availability, increased security, better reliability...

Do you understand what the ultimate goal could be, and how it could be beneficial for *everybody*? For I do not want to leave anyone behind, be they gamers or modders.

pyf

For v1.21b, I know the folders were still up on January, 2019
https://otx.alienvault.com/indicator/ip/173.223.52.40

It is an important release too, because it was the first digital version (from 2008) for WC3. Therefore, it has historical significance imho. It is also compatible with 98SE/2000, but there may be a problem when trying to install TFT on 98SE - I must have certified official clean files to confirm that.

Kyrbi0

I apologize, my computer savviness cycles between "somewhat decent" and "garbage fire"... I don't know how to check on the "SHA1" thingie, and I'm not sure how that would help me attain a legit v1.27 as you suggested it might. Halp plz? (Or direct me to someone who can?)

Of course I agree it would be fantastic for Blizzard to release installers for all the old versions of every single patch. It would also be fantastic for them to bring back the old in-game menus, or to not have updated the graphics like they did, or to not have released too early & be underfunded besides...

Keyword here is "fantastic" as in "a fantasy". The question is, *why* haven't they done so? (I legitimately don't know. I don't even know why they would or wouldn't, or if they've been asked).