[How2] Basic Installation Guide [MacOS - Apple M1]

[WanderingAries]

***Last updated 01/20/2024***

Before I start ANYTHING, I need to thank @cheeseninja for the crucial direction on this as the VM based solution wasn't going so well performance wise.

 

Tested on a Base Model Mac Mini M1 with all Game GFX settings to ULTRA! Not smooth as butter that way, but turning down to what a sane person would isn't a bad thing. As always, please start your Own thread in the troubleshooting section for actual issues, but don't forget to check the existing guides first as most of the answers should be there already.

 

Prep Step / Install Rosetta if not already

Spoiler

 

• Rosetta 2 (or newer) will need to be installed if not already, Type the following into the Terminal and Press the "Enter" key to install it manually.

  • softwareupdate --install-rosetta

  • Otherwise it will install when you run the Launcher
    1. 
    2. 
  • If you accidentally interrupt the process of installing Rosetta 2, then you will get an error
    1. 
    2. Click the Close button and reopen the Launcher to start over
• When trying to copy/paste while in the Launcher's settings, use the standard Windows key combos, not the MacOS translated key combos
  • IE: To copy you have to use Control+C not Command+C

 

• •  

 

Step 1: Install Homecoming Launcher

 

Spoiler

***While the following should be accurate, see the Intel Guide for a more current breakdown of steps until I get around to doing a clean rewrite of all the guides***

 

I'll try to keep this up to date, but make sure to check Manga's Island Rum website for the most current file.

 

1. Download the Homecoming Launcher for Big Sur from the website above
   • 
   • 
2. Unpack the Installer (double click)
   • 
3. Launch the Installer
   • 
4. You'll get a popup "Can't be opened because it's from an unidentified developer"
   • 
5. Click the "Ok" button
6. Launch the System Preferences app from the Dock (bottom of screen) or the Apple Menu (top left corner)
   • 
7. Open the "Security & Privacy" app
   • 
8. Make sure you're in the "General" tab
   • 
9. Click the "Open Anyway" button under the "Allow apps downloaded from" section
   • 
10. A popup will ask if you're "Are you sure you want to open" the file
    • 
11. Click Open
12. The Mac Client Installer will then launch
    • 
13. Click "Continue" to proceed
14. The "Standard Install" section will display
    • Unless you have a different drive/partition you wish to install this to, then leave it to the default [DRIVE NAME] setting
    • 
15. Click "Install"
16. A popup will ask for the account password
    • 
17. Enter the password and Click the "Install Software" button
18. Once complete, you should get the "Installation Complete" message
    • 
19. Click the "Close" button
20. A popup will ask if you wish to keep or dispose of the installer
    • 
21. Unless you have a reason to keep the file, then Click the "Move to Trash" button to continue

 

Step 2: Permissions

Spoiler

While at this point you should be able to simply open the HC Launcher right now, we found that many people would get some common errors, so it's best to just set the permissions beforehand and avoid the headache.

 

1. Go back to "System Preferences" -> "Security & Privacy", but make sure you're in the "Privacy" tab this time
   • 
2. Click the padlock in the corner to unlock the window
3. Enter the user password and click the Unlock button
   • 
4. Make sure you're in the "Accessibility" section
   • 
5. You'll need to manually add the app to the list if this is your first time launching it, Click on the "+" sign to open the finder
6. When the finder opens, Make sure you're in the Applications folder
   • 
7. Locate the "Launch CoH.app" from the list and Click the  "Open" button
8. The app has now been added to the list and  should also have a checkmark automatically placed
   • 

 

Step 3: First Launch

Spoiler

The M1 platform introduced a few quirks that relate to the software you had to install and how it interacts with the OS. It may Look like it didn't work, but short of a 3rd party app or configuration issue causing trouble, it should be setup at this point to run the game. Get used to looking to the upper left of the screen from this point on.

 

1. Double click the launcher to open it
   • 
2. A popup may ask for approval to access "Removable Volume"
   • 
3. Click the Ok button
4. Upon First launch, you will get the EULA in the upper left corner
   • 
5. Click the "Accept" button to continue
6. Note: The following behavior will occur every time you open the launcher from here on unless the device has not been shutdown/restarted
7. When first running the Launcher, it likes to hide itself off the edge of the upper right part of the screen
   • 
8. Click and Drag the launcher to the middle of the screen so that you can better interact with it
   • 
9. Complete the Game installation process by Clicking the download arrow next to each Game Type you wish to have
   • 
   • Note: Occasionally you will get an error when trying to download/update the game. Just click the button to try again

 

Step 4: Launching the Game

Spoiler

Another quirk that will likely confuse most people as it certainly took some brainstorming to understand happens next. What appears to happen is that the Wine app and the M1 platform aren't quite stay on the same page when it comes to how to handle the game's window dimensions. So by default, the user will end up with almost nothing accompanied by the game audio.

 

1. Click the "Play" button to launch an instance of the game
   • 
2. After you Click the "Play" button Wine will launch, but the player may not have noticed anything happening because all they will see is this in the upper left corner
   • 
3. Instinctively, you'll want to Grab the corner of the window or Press the Green "Maximize" button to expand it only to find a completely blank window
   • 
4. This will further frustrate you because the window will then shrink back down as it started while teasing you with the initial game music
5. Have no fear, there's a simple trick that will get you back in business and playing in a heartbeat!
6. Using the keyboard combo "Command + Enter", you will be able to toggle the game between a normal (and visible) Full Screen and the scary minimized size it started in
   • 
   • Note: You should only have to do this ONCE unless you need to toggle to the desktop for some reason (MIds, Browser, etc). Otherwise, the game will remember which of the two settings was chosen even after restarting the Mac.

 

Step 4: Post Install Migration

Spoiler

If you have any old installations of the game, then you can follow my guide to manually copying/moving your user files to the new launcher. Pay attention to the section covering MacOS.

 

 

 

About the Launcher

Spoiler

See the Windows Guide below for how to do things like Sign-In, Adjust Settings, and generally Interact with the launcher

 

 

 Creating Shortcuts

Spoiler

If you're like me and don't want to bother opening the Applications folder Every time you play, then why not make a shortcut or two on the desktop. I generally make one for the Launcher and one for the Game's folder so that I can easily tinker with things.

 

Note: If you accidentally Copy instead of Move, then you will have to delete the original Alias files in the Applications folder 

 

1. The Applications folder now contains both the Launch CoH.app (the new launcher) and the coh folder that now houses the new game files
   • 
2. Right click on the Launch CoH.app and Choose "Make Alias"
   • 
3. A new shortcut will be created (I labeled mine "New Launcher")
   • 
4. Move the shortcut to your desktop for easy access to the game launcher
   • 

 

Possible Errors

Spoiler

Here's a list of known errors and how to address them.

 

• You opened the launcher for the first time and got these windows layered on top of each other because you may have chosen a different volume to install onto.
  1. Click the Ok button on the "Removable Volume" popup
     • 
  2. Click the "Open System Preferences" button and follow the guide above
     • 
• You opened the launcher for the first time and got these windows because you forgot to do the permissions first.
  1. Close all the windows, make sure all of the Wine related apps are closed (check the Dock!) and go back to the Permissions section above
     • 

 

As much of a headache as all the testing was, trying to figure out Why it wasn't doing this or that, it's great to see that, with the help of those more used to these things, we finally have a streamlined solution to getting you up and running on modern hardware once again!

 

 

Edited January 20 by WanderingAries
Minor Updates

[WanderingAries]

A few things to know:

 

• My SIP is Disabled
  • I only mention this because IDK if/how it may impact the situation, but per the requirements of another app, I've disabled the SIP feature on the Mac. You can look up what it's for, but I'm comfortable with it that way because I fully understand the risks. The same is actually true of my MBP for that matter, for the same reason.
• Rosetta 2
  • There's no clean way to remove Rosetta once it's there, but there is no harm in it remaining installed as it was created BY APPLE for the purpose of compatibility
• Screen Resolution Settings
  • DO NOT TOUCH THEM OR BAD THINGS MIGHT HAPPEN
  • Seriously though, leave it at whatever it started as because there is no way to "window" the game (as of this edit) and all of my testing resulted in nothing but trouble
• File Migration Caution
  • I've found that while I can safely drag/drop the user created files into the Applications/CoH folder without issue. When I try to do the same with the do the same with say the Launcher/Settings/Live folder (that contains the txt files for settings), then I'll get a corrupt installation (and have to reinstall the launcher/game). If I instead copy just the txt files to the Launcher/Settings/Live folder, then everything is fine.

 

The icons I use:

Spoiler

Note: I grabbed these from a Google Images search, so IDK for sure where they came from (Usage Rights Caution)

• Launcher Alias on Desktop
  • 
• Applications/coh folder Alias on Desktop
  • 

 

Other things that may help:

Spoiler

• Now I don't know how to Change this if it were to become a problem, but others have asked for Path Verification in the past, so here's what mine says
  • 
• I've observed that if the game has EVER been "installed and launched before" using the HC Launcher, deleted, and reinstalled, then the game somehow retains information like the last toggle status (Command+Enter) and even the GFX settings. This seems to hold true every time I've tested. This must mean that there are files that I've not identified yet on the Mac's storage besides the backup copy of my user created content as the txt files do not contain this information and neither does the Island Rum launcher (also currently installed, but happens anyway). I'd love to know what files are created behind the scenes so that I can "investigate"!
• When you get this message, what it does is add an entry for the launcher in this location. I'm not sure the reason nor the affect of it being there, but if you don't see it there, then maybe try adding it using the "+" like in the steps above.
  • 
  • 

 

Edited March 9, 2021 by WanderingAries

[GM Tock]

This is a rewritten guide, prior comments from the initial version have been moved.

 

[Voltak]

 I am stuck 

I am getting as far as seeing the wine64 preloaded and that's it, nothing more 

 

[Voltak]

And then here 

( part 2 of 3 ).  

[WanderingAries]

@Voltak

Ok, so I see a few things we need to review here as well as some starting questions:

• I've sent a msg to the Mods to trim your personal info from your screenshot for your privacy (and I'll do the same from any images I'll post below). It's not a strike or anything against you, just trying to make sure anything sensitive isn't revealed
• I see that you're on Big Sur, but can you confirm you're on the M1 platform for me. Use the "About this Mac" from the Apple menu and crop like so
  • 
  • 
• I can see that you're attempting to install Island Rum, not the HC Launcher (covered by this guide), so the steps are NOT going to match. If you wish to proceed with IR, which I can confirm Will work, then please create a new thread and we can work out of it (tag me so I can find it please). I've not done a guide on it because the HC Launcher is basically the "current path" of the game.
  • 
  • If you wish to cleanup from where you've started, then delete the above items and let me know if you need help after reading the following
• The part that was missed was the file you downloaded (IR instead of HC Launcher). In the first few steps I've intentionally shown the image and filename as they are different from the others (Smart thinking on @Manga's part).
  • 
• Notice the difference between the two installations (I've customized the folder icons, so normally they'd look generic). Island Rum creates what's shown in Blue (Note: I've changed the name of the coh folder in order to run both and had to modify that installation). Homecoming Launcher is in Red (custom icon).
  • 
• I'm not sure how you triggered the "cityofheroes.exe" message above, but remember to launch the corresponding app (IR vs Launch CoH), not the files inside the coh folder directly. See above for making Alias/Shortcuts on the Desktop for quick play.

 

A couple of side notes

• I've never used that ClamXAV, but remember that you may have to add the coh folder and respective launcher to the whitelist of the application
• Unlike MacKeeper, which is absolutely Adware/bad, I have mixed feelings over CleanMyMac. Yes, it'll do automated cleaning, but if set a certain way (unsure of its defaults), it can cause more harm than good. I've net to find a need for it myself, but I know I've tried it in the past. I Would recommend the MacsFanControl (controls your fans better) app as well as the CoconutBattery app for those with MacBooks. I'm not tied to the companies (nor HC for that matter), but I do encouraging people to pay the optional little bit to support of those devs as the tools are very useful.

Edited March 10, 2021 by WanderingAries

[Voltak]

I am certainly on a MacBook Pro 13 inch , M1 Chip , 16 GB , 1 TB 

I did launch the IR 

THen, as I said, nothing would go beyond seeing the wine64 preloaded and that's it, nothing more 

I will try to to create a new thread under IR 

I went to IR because it's what I saw as the option available for me to use 


 

[WanderingAries]

7 minutes ago, Voltak said:

I am certainly on a MacBook Pro 13 inch , M1 Chip , 16 GB , 1 TB 

I did launch the IR 

THen, as I said, nothing would go beyond seeing the wine64 preloaded and that's it, nothing more 

I will try to to create a new thread under IR 

I went to IR because it's what I saw as the option available for me to use 


 

Understood, I'll keep an eye out and review what I have for those steps.

[Voltak]

2 minutes ago, WanderingAries said:

Understood, I'll keep an eye out and review what I have for those steps.

I made the new thread 

[WanderingAries]

@Voltak

Ok, let's start here since you're switching launchers:

1. Delete any/all of the outlined files/folders shown
   • 
2. Just in case, move anything you've downloaded so far for this whole process to the trash as well
3. Goto the top of this page and start the process, ignore the Rosetta as you've gone well past that.

Edited March 12, 2021 by WanderingAries

[Voltak]

GOod , let me try that 

[WanderingAries]

50 minutes ago, Voltak said:

GOod , let me try that 

Let me know how it goes

[Voltak]

On 2/21/2021 at 12:59 AM, WanderingAries said:

Updated: 03-11-2021 @ 7:46p EST

Before I start ANYTHING, I need to thank @cheeseninja for the crucial direction on this as the VM based solution wasn't going so well performance wise.

 

Tested on my Base Model Mac Mini M1 with all Game GFX settings to ULTRA! Not smooth as butter that way, but turning down to what a sane person would isn't a bad thing. 😛

  Reveal hidden contents

 

 

Notes:

• Rosetta 2 will need to be installed if not already, Type the following into the Terminal and Press the "Enter" key to install it manually

  • 
    softwareupdate --install-rosetta

  • Otherwise it will install when you run the Launcher
    1. 
    2. 
  • If you accidentally interrupt the process of installing Rosetta 2, then you will get an error
    1. 
    2. Click the Close button and reopen the Launcher to start over
• When trying to copy/paste while in the Launcher's settings, use the standard Windows key combos, not the MacOS translated key combos
  • IE: To copy you have to use Control+C not Command+C

 

Step 1: Install Homecoming Launcher

 

  Hide contents

I'll try to keep this up to date, but make sure to check Manga's Island Rum website for the most current file

 

1. Download the Homecoming Launcher for Big Sur from the website above
   • 
   • 
2. Unpack the Installer (double click)
   • 
3. Launch the Installer
   • 
4. You'll get a popup "Can't be opened because it's from an unidentified developer"
   • 
5. Click the "Ok" button
6. Launch the System Preferences app from the Dock (bottom of screen) or the Apple Menu (top left corner)
   • 
7. Open the "Security & Privacy" app
   • 
8. Make sure you're in the "General" tab
   • 
9. Click the "Open Anyway" button under the "Allow apps downloaded from" section
   • 
10. A popup will ask if you're "Are you sure you want to open" the file
    • 
11. Click Open
12. The Mac Client Installer will then launch
    • 
13. Click "Continue" to proceed
14. The "Standard Install" section will display
    • Unless you have a different drive/partition you wish to install this to, then leave it to the default [DRIVE NAME] setting
    • 
15. Click "Install"
16. A popup will ask for the account password
    • 
17. Enter the password and Click the "Install Software" button
18. Once complete, you should get the "Installation Complete" message
    • 
19. Click the "Close" button
20. A popup will ask if you wish to keep or dispose of the installer
    • 
21. Unless you have a reason to keep the file, then Click the "Move to Trash" button to continue

 

Step 2: Permissions

  Hide contents

While at this point you should be able to simply open the HC Launcher right now, we found that many people would get some common errors, so it's best to just set the permissions beforehand and avoid the headache.

 

1. Go back to "System Preferences" -> "Security & Privacy", but make sure you're in the "Privacy" tab this time
   • 
2. Click the padlock in the corner to unlock the window
3. Enter the user password and click the Unlock button
   • 
4. Make sure you're in the "Accessibility" section
   • 
5. You'll need to manually add the app to the list if this is your first time launching it, Click on the "+" sign to open the finder
6. When the finder opens, Make sure you're in the Applications folder
   • 
7. Locate the "Launch CoH.app" from the list and Click the  "Open" button
8. The app has now been added to the list and  should also have a checkmark automatically placed
   • 

 

 

 

 

ON your STEP 2. Example , you have Island Rum as one of the items on the list to grant accessibility 

I never have that since GM Manga gave me the other link 

I only see this below 

 

[WanderingAries]

4 minutes ago, Voltak said:

ON your STEP 2. Example , you have Island Rum as one of the items on the list to grant accessibility 

I never have that since GM Manga gave me the other link 

I only see this below 

Correct, which is why the guide Only references the HC Launcher (focus of this guide). 

[Voltak]

Look here are YOUR screen shot , then after I will post MY screen shot 

 

 

 

[Voltak]

Do you see the difference 

I have only one of two items that you show in your shot 

[Voltak]

Stay tune for more,  I have a surprise for you look at this , still no CoH launcher like the one you have in your screen shot 

UNTIL .....
Wait for it  

[WanderingAries]

4 minutes ago, Voltak said:

Do you see the difference 

I have only one of two items that you show in your shot 

You never got that Finder glitch fixed yet did you. 😞

Click on the "show all" on the upper right of the window and that should show your apps

Edited March 12, 2021 by WanderingAries

[WanderingAries]

Also, you can drag the apps folder to the right half of the dock to make it easy to get to

[Voltak]

Until I go to my Launchpad 

When I go to my Launchpad 

Then and only then do you see the COH launcher 

[WanderingAries]

1 minute ago, Voltak said:

Until I go to my Launchpad 

When I go to my Launchpad 

Then and only then do you see the COH launcher 

K, what happens if you drag that to the dock?

[Voltak]

3 minutes ago, WanderingAries said:

Also, you can drag the apps folder to the right half of the dock to make it easy to get to

I fixed it now 

cIicked on show all apps 
It appears now 

[WanderingAries]

FYI, there are actually 2+ application folder, but finder puts them visually in one place when working correctly in Big Sur

[Voltak]

See ?

[WanderingAries]

Yup, now if you go ahead and make your shortcuts (on desktop) now, then the rest is easy. Again, I make one for the coh folder too for things like game mods to be easy to deal with