Getting the game up to date

[scubasteve1233]

I am downloading the game for the first time after buying it like 5 years ago. I bought it on pcgames.com or something like that. I think it downoads with version 1.2. What is the order of patches that I need to make the game optimal. Is the expansion critical, or can I have fun for a week or two without it? What are the patches for the game without the expansion, and if I so do choose to get the expansion, what is the order of operations for that?
Thank you!

 

[Kovax]

The Vicky2 wiki should have a list of the expansions in order (google, or the equivalent, "Vicky2 wiki"). As far as official patches go, you'll only need those for the final expansion that you install. The base game should be "playable", at least with the patches for it, but the expansions really liven it up and fix a series of issues (while creating a few new ones). the final pair of expansions are Heir to the Throne and then Divine Wind.

If you bought one of the "collections", it may include some of the expansions, so you can just install it "as is", and add any further expansions from there, then patch that last expansion. Unfortunately, Divine Wind is not available separately, so in my case, I've got to re-buy HTTT along with DW if I want the final complete version (Paradoxically, those expansions are NOT included in the "Complete" version).

 

[Jorlaan]

The Vicky2 wiki should have a list of the expansions in order (google, or the equivalent, "Vicky2 wiki"). As far as official patches go, you'll only need those for the final expansion that you install. The base game should be "playable", at least with the patches for it, but the expansions really liven it up and fix a series of issues (while creating a few new ones). the final pair of expansions are Heir to the Throne and then Divine Wind.

If you bought one of the "collections", it may include some of the expansions, so you can just install it "as is", and add any further expansions from there, then patch that last expansion. Unfortunately, Divine Wind is not available separately, so in my case, I've got to re-buy HTTT along with DW if I want the final complete version (Paradoxically, those expansions are NOT included in the "Complete" version).

Umm...Heir to the Throne and Divine Wind are the last expansions for Europa Universalis III, not Victoria 2
The Vic 2 expansions are A House Divided and Heart of Darkness. If you bought the game from somewhere other than an online store like PDX Store or Steam you're unfortunately very likely going to have to re-buy it to get the expansions, they do not work with non PDX Store or Steam versions.
I HIGHLY recommend buying this through Steam while it's on sale and just getting the pack, you'll get the fully functional game. This game without both expansions is sadly lackiing, the second one in particular makes naval warfare so much better and also greatly improves colonization, which is a huge focus for the game.
I know it sucks having to re-buy it but it is totally worth it, this is the best Paradox game by far. I've bought it twice myself so I could get the expansions.

 

[Kovax]

Sorry, my stupidity in mixing up the expansions for two different Paradox games. As said, the wiki should have the details, but Jorlaan seems to have it right.

I've got the base Vicky2 on disc, and the expansions require Steam activation, even if you get them elsewhere, or at least did the last time I checked. Unfortunately, Steam is not a viable option for me, so no expansions unless something has changed since.

 

[Aardvark Bellay]

I am downloading the game for the first time after buying it like 5 years ago. I bought it on pcgames.com or something like that. I think it downoads with version 1.2. What is the order of patches that I need to make the game optimal. Is the expansion critical, or can I have fun for a week or two without it? What are the patches for the game without the expansion, and if I so do choose to get the expansion, what is the order of operations for that?
Thank you!

Version and checksum can be seen in the main menu bottom left.
There are two expansions.

Assuming it's the non-Steam variant, the base game goes up to patch 1.4 if i recall correctly, AHD to 2.4 or such and HoD to current and very likely last 3.04.
Not sure if you have to install earlier patches first or just the last for the base game.

edit (taken off the Wiki):

Patches: Each release of Victoria 2 has patches specific to that release, with the last official patch for the "vanilla" game being 1.3 (there was a 1.4 beta patch), while the latest patch for A House Divided is 2.31. (note: the original Victoria 2 game is referred to as the "vanilla" version). Patches to the game improve stability, gameplay, and add new features to the game based on user input from the forums. As a result, it is absolutely essential to apply patches—these represent a more complete and "finished" version of the game.

http://www.victoria2wiki.com/Beginner's_guide

For the base game without expansions, only the last should be fine, but i'm not sure.

The expansions (and their patches) are pretty essential and i would as well recommend
to get the Victoria Collection on sale on Steam. For non-Steam you would have to try your luck on Amazon.

 

[RELee]

The last time I looked, months ago now, Amazon still had non-Steam copies of the expansions; but I agree that the best way to go now is just buy it all on Steam so you don't have to knock yourself out installing the expansions in order and then patch 3.03 and finally patch 3.04.

Anytime I have to reinstall V2, if memory serves it goes a little something like this:

1. V2 base install
2. A House Divided
3. Heart of Darkness
4. All the DLCs that I've collected
   
5. Patch 3.03
6. Patch 3.04
7. Finally, because it's me, I update the music files with some of my own downloads along with the V1 music. The music invariably stops playing forcing me to restart, but it's a minor thing.

Steam would make your life easier in this case, but it all has to be steam. No mixing and matching.

 

[DesNibelungen]

It's senseless to play this without the expansions. They add so much more to the game. Get them.

 

[Kovax]

Amazon still shows disc copies of Heart of Darkness available. House Divided is only available as a download.