Download Section 8 (Windows)

NoDVD for version 1.1 showed minor detection ratio and it is safe to use

The game with patch 1.1 and Seek and Destroy Map Pack has been tested on Windows 7 64-bit and Windows 10, works fine. The game supports widescreen and ultra-high resolutions up to 4k. Launch of this game on modern systems is a bit troublesome, so check our Guide and Notes

Install & play guide:

• Mount the disc image. You will need the utility for mounting disc image files, like WinCDEmu, UltraISO, Alcohol 52%/Alcohol 120% or Daemon Tools Lite
• Install the game (if autorun doesn't work - simply launch the installation from Setup.exe inside the disc)
• The install will automatically install PhysX drivers, Games for Windows Live and DirectX 9 (if you're using Windows 10 - don't forget to enable DirectPlay, read this or this guide how to do it)
• If PhysX installer doesn't work or show only blank window - install PhysX Legacy Drivers manually
• After you installed the game - install the patch version 1.1
• After that install Seek and Destroy Map Pack, it is DLC that adds 3 new maps. Before installing that DLC go to Documents/My Games and delete "Section 8" folder, if there's any
• After that install NoDVD for version 1.1 (simply copy S8.exe from the archive and put it into directory with installed game, agree to replace original file)
• NoDVD for version 1.1 should disable GFWL, you can delete GFWL now. But if the game still asks for GFWL - download Xliveless and put the files from the archive in Section 8/Binaries folder
• Open the directory with the game and find S8.exe. Right click on S8.exe - Properties - Compatibility - Set "Run this app in compatibility mode with Windows Vista" and "Run as administrator"
• Launch the game and play. If the game doesn't work in compatibility mode with Windows Vista - try to launch it in compatibility mode with Windows XP Service Pack 3

The game can be played in singleplayer, it has campaign mode "Corde's Story", also you can play any multiplayer map with bots. Online servers of the game doesn't work anymore, since GFWL closing. But it is still possible to play in multiplayer by emulating the LAN game. For more instructions and details visit this Discord server, you can also find other players there

Notes:

• Seek and Destroy Map Pack is a DLC that adds 3 new maps: Azure Basin, Devil's Backbone and Hornet's Nest. That maps can be played in multiplayer or singleplayer with bots. DLC must be installed on the game version 1.1, before installing that DLC go to Documents/My Games and delete "Section 8" folder, if there's any
• If the installation doesn't start - try to launch Setup.exe in compatibility mode with old version of Windows (98, 2000 or XP)
• If you cannot install the patch - make sure that "Section 8" folder is not read-only: right click on folder - Properties - uncheck the box "Read only"
• If the games still asks for Games for Windows Live (GFWL) even if you have installed NoDVD for version 1.1 - download Xliveless and put the files from the archive in Section 8/Binaries folder, if it didn't work - put the files in C:/Windows/SysWOW64 or C:/Windows.system32
• It is recommended to install old versions of Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable for the correct work of the game
• And you will need PhysX for the correct work of the game, download & install PhysX Legacy Drivers
• Also it is recommended to install RAD Video Tools and K-Lite Codec Pack for the correct work of in-game videos
• The game works on DirectX 9, so if you're using Windows 8, 8.1, 10 or 11 - you need to enable DirectPlay: Go to Control Panel, and select 'Programs'. Select 'Turn Windows features on and off', click on 'Legacy Components' and check the box 'DirectPlay'. Select OK, once the installation is done, restart your computer
• Probably at launch you will see the error "The app cannot be launched because physxcudart_20.dll is not found". In that case go to Section 8/Binaries, find cudart.dll, make a copy of cudart.dll, rename the copy to physxcudart_20.dll and try to run the game again. If it didn't work - just click OK and the game will run, only the in-game physics will be working in Software mode
• NoDVD is required for the launch because the game is using SecuROM DRM protection and GFWL, which doesn't work correctly on modern systems. That NoDVD "breaks" DRM protection and allows the game to work on modern systems
• If you want to play the game without use of NoDVD - you will need to install Games for Windows LIVE (for Windows 8 or later - install this version) and create local profile
• Don't forget to check PCGamingWiki page if you have troubles