HORIBU1: Split Windows install out of Lich:Software/Installation

2026-11-14T17:38:43Z

Split Windows install out of Lich:Software/Installation

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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.

{{blue|These instructions are for GemStone IV. DragonRealms players: see the [https://elanthipedia.play.net/Lich_script_repository#Setup_and_Installation DragonRealms Lich setup guide] on Elanthipedia.}}

* '''Already have Lich?''' See [[Lich:Software/Installation/Upgrading|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 [[Lich:Software/Installation/macOS#Windows_in_Parallels|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 [[Wizard (front end)|The Wizard]]. See [[Lich:Software/Front ends|Front ends]] to compare them.
* Permission to install software on the computer.

==Step 1: Make sure the game works without Lich==
# Install your front end. For Saga, see [[Lich:Software/Front ends#Saga|Front ends: Saga]]. For Wrayth or The Wizard, install the Simutronics launcher (not SGE) from the play.net website.
# Log in to the game once '''without''' Lich and check that it works.
# Log out and continue.

==Step 2: Run the Ruby4Lich5 installer==
# Download the [https://github.com/elanthia-online/lich-5/releases/latest/download/Ruby4Lich5.exe Ruby4Lich5.exe installer]. If your browser or antivirus asks, choose to keep the file.
# Double-click '''Ruby4Lich5.exe''' in your Downloads folder.
# Windows may show "Windows protected your PC", because the installer is not distributed through the Microsoft Store. Click '''More info''', then '''Run anyway'''.
# Keep the default options, with both '''Ruby''' and '''Lich 5''' selected. Ruby installs to <code>C:\Ruby4Lich5</code>.
# 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==
# Open the '''Lich5''' folder on your desktop and double-click '''lich.rbw'''. The Lich ''Game Entry'' window opens.
# Enter your Simutronics account name and password, then click '''Connect'''.
# Select your character and your front end, then click '''Play'''. Lich 5.20 and newer detects Saga automatically if it is installed.
# 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 [[Lich:Software/Front ends#Use_Saga_with_Lich|Use Saga with Lich]].

==Next steps==
* Install some [[Lich:Script Repository#Popular_Lich_Scripts|popular scripts]].
* Back up the <code>data</code> folder inside <code>Lich5</code> from time to time. It holds your saved logins and settings.
* Keep Lich up to date with <code>;lich5-update --update</code>. See [[Lich:Software/Installation/Upgrading|Upgrading Lich]].
* Read the [[Lich:Software#F.A.Q_and_Common_commands.|Lich FAQ]], for example on missing Wrayth inventory windows.

==Getting help==
Ask in the #scripting or #help channel of the [https://discord.gg/KF9Wr8u GemStone IV Discord]. Say which step failed and copy the exact error message.

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HORIBU1: Split Windows install out of Lich:Software/Installation