The Tool Desk
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What patch 1.15.2 changed
The patch notes for version 1.15.2, dated January 16, 2008, state: “StarCraft and StarCraft: BroodWar no longer require the CD while playing the game.” The notes are reproduced by Liquipedia’s StarCraft patch history; this is an archived reproduction, not a Blizzard-hosted copy of the 1.15.2 notes.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty | $11.48 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Starcraft Gold - Includes Expansion Pack (PC CD) | Buy on Amazon | |
| 3 |
|
Starcraft II: Legacy of the Void - Standard Edition | $42.94 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
StarCraft: Brood War Expansion (Boxed) | $3.59 | Buy on Amazon |
The change concerns playing from an existing installation without leaving the disc in the drive. The archived instructions use files on the original discs and differ by operating system and game.
Historical file instructions in the archived notes
These steps describe the patch-era method for an existing game folder. They are not instructions to obtain files from unofficial sources, and the archived page does not establish compatibility with every modern operating system or installation.
#1 Best Overall
- Fast-paced, hard-hitting, tightly balanced competitive real-time strategy gameplay that recaptures and improves on the original game
- Three completely distinct races: Protoss, Terran, and Zerg
- Units and gameplay mechanics distinguish each race
- 3D-graphics engine with support for visual effects and massive unit and army sizes
- Full multiplayer support, with competitive features and matchmaking utilities available through Battle.net
| Game | Platform | File and action |
|---|---|---|
| StarCraft | Windows | Copy INSTALL.EXE from the StarCraft CD into the StarCraft folder and rename it StarCraft.mpq. |
| Brood War | Windows | Copy INSTALL.EXE from the Brood War CD into the game folder and rename it BroodWar.mpq. |
| StarCraft | Mac | Copy StarCraft Archive from the StarCraft CD into the game folder. |
| Brood War | Mac | Copy Brood War Archive from the Brood War CD into the game folder. |
The Windows directions also say to make file extensions visible in Explorer before renaming. The source is the archived patch-history page; it does not confirm that these disc-based steps are needed—or work—in a current digital installation.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to install StarCraft without a CD today
For a new digital installation, use Blizzard’s current guidance rather than the 2008 file-copy procedure. Blizzard Support says StarCraft and Brood War content are free to download and require neither a DVD nor an activation code. It directs players to the Battle.net desktop application and says a Blizzard account is required to log in. See Blizzard Support: StarCraft Installation and Patching.
Rank #2
- Build new units
- construct Lurkers, Medics, Valkyries, Corsairs, Dark Archons and more
- Explore new worlds
- storm frozen wastes, scour arid deserts and navigate the twilight worlds of the Dark Templar
- Command new missions
- Install or open the Battle.net desktop application.
- Log in with a Blizzard account.
- Use the application to install StarCraft and Brood War.
Blizzard’s current support article establishes this digital installation route; it does not say that the historical 1.15.2 disc-file procedure applies to modern installations.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- This is a standalone product. It does not require any other version of StarCraft II to play
- Internet Connection Required
- Battle.net registration and Battle.net Desktop Application required
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
