Greetings, aspiring Pokémon Trainer! Are you ready to dive back into the captivating world of the Pokémon Vanguard fan game? Perhaps you've heard about a brand-new update that adds exciting features, new Pokémon, or a continuation of the gripping story. Whatever the reason, updating your game is a crucial step to ensure you have the best and most bug-free experience.
But how do you do it? Don't worry, this comprehensive, step-by-step guide is here to walk you through the entire process. Let's get your journey back on track!
Step 1: Get Ready for the Update - The Pre-Flight Check
Before you even think about downloading anything, let's take a moment to prepare. This is a fan-made game, and the update process is a bit different from official releases. So, let's start with a quick check-in.
First, do you have a stable internet connection? This is crucial. You'll be downloading files, and a strong connection will make the process much faster and smoother.
Next, do you know where you installed the game? Locate the folder where your current Pokémon Vanguard game files are stored. It's often in a directory like 'Downloads' or 'Documents' unless you moved it. Knowing where it is will save you a lot of time later.
Have you backed up your save file? This is the most important step to avoid losing your progress. In your game's main folder, you'll find a 'Saves' folder. Copy this entire folder to a different location on your computer, like your desktop or a separate folder, and name it something like 'Vanguard Saves Backup'. This way, if anything goes wrong during the update, you can restore your progress. Trust me, you'll thank yourself later.
Alright, you've checked your connection, located your game, and backed up your save file. You're ready to proceed!
Step 2: Find and Download the Latest Patch
Now, it's time to get your hands on the update. Pokémon Vanguard doesn't have an automatic updater, so you'll need to manually download the patch files.
Where do you find the update? The official source for updates and patches is usually the game's official Discord server or the forum thread where the game was originally released, such as on PokeCommunity. These are the most reliable places to get the latest version directly from the developers or the community managing the game.
Search for the latest version. On the Discord server or forum, look for an "Announcements" or "Downloads" channel. The latest patch will be clearly labeled with its version number, such as "Patch v1.2" or "Update 3.0".
Download the patch file. The patch is typically a compressed file, such as a
.zipor.rarfile. Download this file to a location you can easily find, like your 'Downloads' folder.
Step 3: Extract the Patch Files
Once the download is complete, you need to extract the files from the compressed archive.
You will need a file extraction program. If you don't have one, you can download a free program like WinRAR or 7-Zip. Simply Google "WinRAR download" and follow the instructions. It's a quick and essential tool for this process.
Right-click on the downloaded patch file (the
.zipor.rarfile) and select the option to "Extract Here" or "Extract to [folder name]". This will create a new folder containing the update files.
Step 4: The Core of the Update - Patching the Game
This is the most critical part of the process. You're going to merge the new patch files with your existing game files.
Open the extracted patch folder from Step 3. You'll see a collection of folders and files, such as 'Audio', 'Graphics', 'Data', and a new
.exefile for the game.Select all the files and folders inside the extracted patch folder. You can do this by pressing
Ctrl + Aon your keyboard or by manually selecting them all with your mouse.Copy the selected files. You can right-click and select "Copy" or use the keyboard shortcut
Ctrl + C.Navigate to your main Pokémon Vanguard game folder (the one you located in Step 1). This is the folder that contains your current game's files.
Paste the copied files into the main game folder. You can right-click and select "Paste" or use
Ctrl + V.A prompt will appear asking to replace files. This is exactly what you want! Click "Yes" or "Replace the files in the destination." This will overwrite the old files with the new ones from the patch.
Step 5: Finalizing the Update and Launching the Game
You're almost there! Now, let's make sure everything is in place and launch the updated game.
Move your backed-up save files back. Remember that 'Vanguard Saves Backup' folder from Step 1? Copy the 'Saves' folder from your backup and paste it into your newly updated main game folder, replacing the one that's there. This will ensure your progress is loaded.
Launch the game. Double-click the main
.exefile in your updated game folder. The game should now boot up with the new patch.Check the version number. Some fan games display the version number on the title screen. Check to see if it matches the version you just downloaded.
Enjoy the new content! Start your game and explore all the new features, story elements, and bug fixes that the update brings!
If you encounter any issues, don't panic. The troubleshooting section below can help.
Troubleshooting Common Update Problems
Missing Graphics or Sprites: This usually means the patching process wasn't done correctly. The simplest solution is to delete your main game folder and re-extract the base game and then re-patch with the new files.
Game Won't Launch: Ensure you have all the necessary runtime packages installed (like RPG Maker XP RTP). If you're using a mobile emulator like Joiplay, make sure it's updated as well.
Game Crashes After Update: This could be an issue with your save file. Try starting a new game to see if it runs. If it does, there might be a conflict with your old save. In this case, you may need to find a workaround or a clean save file from the community.
"File not found" errors: This usually means you didn't copy all the files from the patch folder, or you copied them to the wrong location. Double-check that you've copied all the contents of the patch folder directly into the main game folder.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to find the official Pokémon Vanguard Discord server?
You can usually find an invite link in the original game's download thread on forums like PokeCommunity or on the YouTube channels of content creators who play the game. A quick search for "Pokémon Vanguard Discord" on Google or a fan game wiki should also lead you to it.
How to use WinRAR to extract files?
After installing WinRAR, simply right-click the compressed file (.zip or .rar) and select "Extract Here" to unpack the contents into the current folder, or "Extract to [folder name]" to create a new folder for them.
How to back up my Pokémon Vanguard save file?
Navigate to the main game folder, find the "Saves" folder, and copy the entire folder to a safe location on your computer, such as your desktop or a cloud storage service.
How to know if the update was successful?
After launching the game, check the title screen for a version number. If it matches the version you downloaded, the update was successful. You can also try to access new content or features that were part of the update to confirm it.
How to fix a corrupted save file after updating?
First, try restoring your backup save file. If that doesn't work, you might have to find a community member with a save file from a similar point in the game and use that. Always check the official Discord or forum for troubleshooting help.
How to report a bug in the new update?
The best way to report bugs is on the official Discord server, usually in a dedicated "bug reports" or "support" channel. Be sure to provide as much detail as possible, including a screenshot or a description of the steps to reproduce the bug.
How to find previous versions of the game?
Some communities or developers archive older versions of the game on their Discord or forum for reference. You can ask in the community channels if you need to access a specific older version.
How to patch the game on an Android device using Joiplay?
The process is similar to the PC version. You'll need a file manager app to extract the patch and copy the files to the game's directory within your phone's storage. Make sure your Joiplay emulator is up-to-date to avoid compatibility issues.
How to prevent the game from crashing after an update?
Always back up your save file before updating. Ensure you have a clean, unmodded version of the game before patching, and follow the patching steps exactly. If the issue persists, a fresh installation of the base game followed by the patch is the best bet.
How to get help if I'm still having problems?
If you've followed all the steps and are still facing issues, your best resource is the Pokémon Vanguard community on Discord. The developers and other players are usually very helpful and can provide specific guidance based on your problem.
