Frequently Asked Questions

I just want to start playing. Don't make me read anything.

Follow these steps if you are new to the game and just want to get started as quickly as possible.
  1. Request a new login account.
  2. Download the software.
  3. Install the software.
  4. Create the flag of your empire using a paint program or something.
  5. Read Keyboard and Mouse Controls.
  6. Launch the Shores of Hazeron program.
  7. Login.
  8. Set up your new character, race and empire.
  9. Press F1 at any time in the game to display these web pages.
How do I pick something up off the ground or press a button on a toolbar?

Most of the time, the mouse controls the direction you are looking. To use your character's hand instead of looking around, hold the Ctrl key down or press the Enter key. A hand cursor appears to show that you are using your hand. When you hold the Ctrl key down, the mouse returns to looking around when the Ctrl key is released. When the Enter key is pressed, the mouse does not return to looking around until you click in the scene window.

More information about this topic can be found on the Keyboard and Mouse Controls page.
How do I use my knife?

The knife has two uses. It can be used as a weapon and it can be used as a tool to skin animals. Roll the mouse wheel to select which mode the knife will be used.

When a red-tipped needle icon appears, the knife inflicts piercing damage on the target in your crosshair.

When two animal head icons appear, one with a skin and the other with a steak, the knife skins fish and animal carcasses left behind by animals that have died.

In either case, the target is the animal or carcass at the center of your crosshair and the target must be within reach of your character. Click the target to attack it or skin it.
How do I reload my rifle?
  1. Press R.
or
  1. Open the Inventory window.
  2. Drag a unit of ammo.
  3. Drop the ammo on the weapon.
How do I sell items from my personal inventory at a store?
  1. Enter a store and display the Communicator (F3).
  2. Press the Auction button to offer items for sale.
How do I buy and sell cargo without landing or entering the atmosphere?
  1. Approach a space station in orbit. Park within the trade range, visible at the helm as a rotating circle beacon.
  2. Use the Communicator (F3) to trade cargo with any cities in the solar system that have airport terminals. The station acts as a trade hub.
Why does the column of onscreen buttons at the left go crazy sometimes?

This problem occurs in Windows 7 and Windows Vista when the desktop composition manager is disabled.

Enable the desktop composition manager to fix the problem.