Getting Started Guide

This great game is still working fine in 2020, including online adver and coop! There are a few steps needed to get it working, especially since Ubisoft shut down the online log-in and cd key portion of the game.

(Note: This page has been modified from an article that originally appeared on the r/ravenshield subreddit, here: [//www.reddit.com/r/ravenshield/comments/89fojo/guide_to_setting_up_and_playing_r6_3_raven_shield/ https://www.reddit.com/r/ravenshield/comments/89fojo/guide_to_setting_up_and_playing_r6_3_raven_shield/])

Step 1: Get the game
Your old CD version of the game will still work, but you can also purchase it cheap on Steam or Uplay. Other cough sources of the game will work as well. We recommend a Steam purchase - let your dollars tell Ubisoft that there's still a market for tactical shooters!

If you have the Steam or UPlay version, you are already patched up to the latest version, 1.6. So you can ignore the 1.6 patches below this. But if you are using the retail CD version, you will need to patch your game from 1.0 to 1.6. Depending on the language version of your game, you will need a different patch. The most common language versions are the UK and US:

1.6 US Patch

1.6 UK Patch

If neither works, you can also find your language version with a quick google search.

Step 2: Tweaks
There are a few extra steps that will help the game run smoothly on your computer. The first is to find the ravenshield.exe file in System folder, right click on it and choose properties, and check "Run as administrator" and "Run in compatibility mode for Windows XP SP3".

Other tweaks that may help you include using a no-cd exe or a cd mini-image (the cd copy-protect software does not work properly on later versions of Windows such as 8 and 10), or in Task Manager setting the core affinity of the game to a single core.

At this point, you are now good to go for single-player! Read on to learn more about multiplayer and mods.

Step 3: Get the multiplayer patch
Since Ubisoft shut down the online portion of the game, a group of community members have maintained the server list. To use this server list and bypass the now-dead online log-in system, you will need the OpenRVS patch, created by community member Twi.

You have two options: a manual install, or an automated patcher created and maintained by the AllR6 community.

Manual OpenRVS patch - Just copy and paste the included files into your Ravenshield > System folder.

AllR6 automatic installer including OpenRVS - This automatic patch also includes additional sound files used on ALLR6 servers, for your convenience.

You can view the OpenRVS readme here.

Step 4: Optional tweaks
At this point, you are now good to go to play online. However, some players continue to encounter occasional lag or slow downloads, and have found the following to be helpful:

OPTIONAL STEP: In your Options menu settings, try changing your internet connection speed to T3.

OPTIONAL STEP: Some players find that the AllR6 optimization patch can reduce some stuttering, especially on more complicated maps. If you have stuttering when you play online, try this: AllR6 Optimization Patch.

OPTIONAL STEP: If you continue to experience lag, some players find that the R6GameService patcher (normally for server operators) has reduced lag for multiplayer clients. If you are experiencing periodic lagging, try this: R6GameService patch by Chriswak.

OPTIONAL STEP: The AllR6 servers have extensive custom maps, which can take a long time to download. The administrators have made an optional map pack available; if you install this pack, your connection time to their servers will be greatly reduced. AllR6 Multiplayer Map Pack. Also, make sure you have T3 set in game options!

Read on for more info about mods, servers, and more.

How to: Run a multiplayer server
To run either a LAN or an internet server, you will need to set up the OpenRVS patch according to the server instructions in the OpenRVS readme.

You will also need to patch your R6GameService.dll file, in your system folder. Without patching this, the file will continually lag your server as it tries to repeatedly contact the now-dead Ubisoft server system.

R6GameService patch by Chriswak

If you are on LAN, your server should appear in the server list. If you are online, you will need to provide your friends with your IP address to join.

If your server is a permanent one, and you would like to have your server appear in the in-game server list, contact Tony at rvsgaming.org to have it added.

How to: Use mods
For multiplayer, server owners install mods on their server, and they will be sent automatically to any client who joins.

For singleplayer, there are many options for mods. The one thing to keep in mind is IF YOU INSTALL A MOD THAT CHANGES STOCK GAME FILES, YOU MAY NOT BE ABLE TO JOIN MULTIPLAYER!

See a non-exhaustive list of quality mods here: Released Mods

How to: Get involved!
The Raven Shield community continues to grow, including new people who haven't played before as well as old players returning to the game! There are a couple of Discord servers that are active and are good places to coordinate games or ask for help.

AllR6 Discord - This is the most active Rainbow Six 3 community. It features primarily online coop players and tech support. AllR6 Discord. This Discord also supports other tactical games.

Team RAINBOW Discord - This community is centered around modding discussion and tactical gaming, and is the home base of several upcoming major mods. If you want to get into modding, get support with mods, suggest features, or just learn a bit about programming and technical stuff in general, this is the place to chat with developers. Team RAINBOW Discord.

Freedom Discord - This is a Discord server for the Freedom server, the most popular player vs player server currently running. It is used primarily to coordinate online games and find people to play against. Freedom Discord.

If you would like to try making custom maps for the game, the map editor UnrealEd is included in your system folder! There are an excellent set of tutorials here: Rvsmaps tutorials hosted by SMC.

If you want to start modding, Twi has created the unofficial Software Development Kit, as well as made many tools and tutorials available here: Modding resources on ModDB.

If you have knowledge of the game, including strategies, modding ability, or useful links, add them to the Wiki!