Getting Started Guide

EQOA: Sandstorm - Installation Guide

1. Server Information

• EQOA: Sandstorm is currently in a Testing/Development phase.
• The current level cap is 55. All content up to level 55 is available.
• EQOA: Sandstorm will always operate one single server. There will never be a Test Server and a Live Server.

2. Installation Guide

Important Notes

Where do I get EverQuest Online Adventures? To play EQOA: Sandstorm, you must obtain a personal copy of EverQuest Online Adventures: Frontiers. You must acquire this yourself. We cannot distribute the game. A valid CD-Key is not required.

Which version should I use? The recommended Sandstorm patch method uses an .xdelta patch applied to your own EQOA ISO. Use the official install page for the current patch and instructions: https://eqoa.live/install.html

Where do I get a PS2 BIOS? You must also obtain a PS2 BIOS file. You must acquire this yourself. We cannot distribute BIOS files.

2.1 Required Downloads

• PS2 Emulator (PCSX2): https://pcsx2.net/downloads
• Official Sandstorm Install / Patch Page: https://eqoa.live/install.html
• Sandstorm xdelta Patch: Download from the official install page above
• EQOA Game ISO: Must be made from your own disc
• PS2 BIOS: Must be self-obtained

2.2 Recommended Installation Method: xdelta ISO Patch

2.2.1 Create or Obtain Your Own ISO

1. Make an ISO from your own EQOA disc.
2. Keep the ISO somewhere easy to find.
3. Do not rename or modify the original ISO until after patching.

2.2.2 Download the Sandstorm xdelta Patch

1. Go to the official Sandstorm install page:

   https://eqoa.live/install.html

2. Download the current sandstorm.xdelta patch file.
3. Save it in the same folder as your EQOA ISO if possible.

2.2.3 Patch the ISO

You need to apply the .xdelta patch to your original EQOA ISO.

Online Patcher

1. Open the online xdelta patcher linked on the official install page.
2. Select your original EQOA ISO as the source file.
3. Select sandstorm.xdelta as the patch file.
4. Apply the patch.
5. Save the newly created patched ISO.

Delta Patcher

1. Download Delta Patcher from the link on the official install page.
2. Open Delta Patcher.
3. Original file: select your EQOA ISO.
4. XDelta patch: select sandstorm.xdelta.
5. Click Patch.
6. Use the newly created patched ISO in PCSX2.

Command Line If you use xdelta3, the command format is:

xdelta3 -d -s eqoa.iso sandstorm.xdelta eqoa-sandstorm.iso

If the patcher says the checksum does not match, your ISO is the wrong version or was not dumped correctly.

2.2.4 Installing PCSX2

1. Install PCSX2.
2. When prompted for a BIOS:
   1. Place your PS2 BIOS file inside the bios folder.
   2. If the BIOS does not appear, click Refresh List and ensure the correct directory is selected.
3. Add your patched EQOA: Sandstorm ISO to PCSX2.

2.2.5 First-Time PCSX2 Setup

Network Settings

• Go to: Settings -> Network & HDD
  • Enable Ethernet
  • Ethernet Device Type: Socket
  • Ethernet Device: Auto

Memory Cards

• Go to: Settings -> Memory Card
  • Create two memory cards
  • Insert one into Slot 1 and one into Slot 2

Controllers

• Go to: Settings -> Controllers -> Controller Port 1
  • Device Type: DualShock 2
  • Use Auto-Mapping or set custom bindings

2.2.6 Launching EQOA: Sandstorm

1. Launch the patched ISO in PCSX2.
2. At the main menu, format the memory card when prompted.
3. Enter Network Setup and create a network profile:

• Add Setting -> Right Arrow
• Select SCE/Ethernet (Network Adaptor) -> Right Arrow
• OK
• Not Required -> Right Arrow
• Auto -> Right Arrow
• Auto -> Right Arrow
• Name the profile -> Right Arrow
• Confirm with X
• OK -> No -> OK -> Exit

1. Back at the main menu:
   1. Select Play
   2. Select the network profile you created
   3. Select Play

2.2.7 Account Creation

Important: Use a valid working email. This is required for account support.

1. Select Create Account.
2. Enter:
   1. Username
   2. Password
   3. Email Address
3. After creation, log in and select the Sandstorm server.

3. Alternative: PCSX2 cheat files (.pnach)

Not Recommended

This method is the older setup method. Use this only if you cannot use the recommended .xdelta ISO patch method.

The .pnach method works by enabling PCSX2 cheats and loading a cheat patch at runtime.

3.1 Alternative Downloads

• Frontiers US pnach: https://eqoa.live/eeee1fcc.pnach
• Vanilla EU / PAL pnach: https://eqoa.live/973e3177.pnach

3.2 PCSX2 Cheat File Setup

1. Download the correct .pnach file for your game version.
2. Place the .pnach file inside your PCSX2 cheats folder.
3. Launch PCSX2.
4. Open the game properties for EQOA.
5. Go to: Settings -> Game Properties -> Cheats.
6. Enable:
   1. Cheats
   2. Sandstorm DNAS/DNS Patch
7. Launch the game normally.

Welcome to EverQuest Online Adventures: Sandstorm! Please follow the Play-Nice Policy.