Lich:Software/Installation/Windows

Lich:Software/Installation/Windows is a third party script and is not maintained by Simutronics. Simutronics is not responsible for the accuracy of the information presented on this page, nor is it liable for issues stemming from the use of the application on players' personal devices.

This guide installs Lich on Windows 11 or 10 using the Ruby4Lich5 installer, which sets up Ruby, Lich and the gems Lich needs in one step. Allow about 15 minutes.

These instructions are for GemStone IV. DragonRealms players: see the DragonRealms Lich setup guide on Elanthipedia.

• Already have Lich? See Upgrading Lich instead.
• Coming from Lich 4? Lich 5 cannot use a Lich 4 install. Back up your Lich 4 folder, uninstall any existing Ruby from Settings → Apps, then follow this guide as a new install.
• Running Windows in Parallels on a Mac? Follow this guide inside Windows, then read Windows in Parallels.

What you need

• A Simutronics account.
• A front end that works without Lich. On Windows you can use Saga (the current official front end, in beta), Wrayth, or The Wizard. See Front ends to compare them.
• Permission to install software on the computer.

Step 1: Make sure the game works without Lich

1. Install your front end. For Saga, see Front ends: Saga. For Wrayth or The Wizard, install the Simutronics launcher (not SGE) from the play.net website.
2. Log in to the game once without Lich and check that it works.
3. Log out and continue.

Step 2: Run the Ruby4Lich5 installer

1. Download the Ruby4Lich5.exe installer. If your browser or antivirus asks, choose to keep the file.
2. Double-click Ruby4Lich5.exe in your Downloads folder.
3. Windows may show "Windows protected your PC", because the installer is not distributed through the Microsoft Store. Click More info, then Run anyway.
4. Keep the default options, with both Ruby and Lich 5 selected. Ruby installs to C:\Ruby4Lich5.
5. Wait for the installer to finish. It can take several minutes, especially on a computer without an SSD.

When it is done, there is a Lich5 folder on your desktop.

Step 3: Start Lich and log in

1. Open the Lich5 folder on your desktop and double-click lich.rbw. The Lich Game Entry window opens.
2. Enter your Simutronics account name and password, then click Connect.
3. Select your character and your front end, then click Play. Lich 5.20 and newer detects Saga automatically if it is installed.
4. Your front end opens with Lich running. The first time, Lich downloads its map files; wait for the download to finish before you start scripts.

Saga can also start Lich itself, from Saga's own login screen. See Use Saga with Lich.

Next steps

• Install some popular scripts.
• Back up the data folder inside Lich5 from time to time. It holds your saved logins and settings.
• Keep Lich up to date with ;lich5-update --update. See Upgrading Lich.
• Read the Lich FAQ, for example on missing Wrayth inventory windows.

Getting help

Ask in the #scripting or #help channel of the GemStone IV Discord. Say which step failed and copy the exact error message.