New to FilePlanet?
Welcome to FilePlanet!
My name is Dave 'Fargo' Kosak, and when I drew a pencil-sketch of this site way back in 1999, I had a plan to support gamers with a fast, reliable, and community-focused download site. These days we crank out over 10 million gaming downloads a month, so I must be doing something right.
But how do you use this site? How do you get all this good stuff? And how do you get the most out of it? Let me tell you how it works!
How do I start downloading files?
First, you'll need to create an account with the site. A FilePlanet account is FREE -- it'll only take a few minutes and you can start downloading!
1. Create an account with FilePlanet
If you've already got an account through GameSpy or IGN or the Vault or Planet networks of websites, you probably already have an account with us. Use your name and password and you're good to go!
Next, surf for something good. Our newest and hottest files are listed on the front page, but you can also plumb the depths of our catalog of Over 700,000 files by searching or browsing our directories. Find something good?
2. Hit the download button
You'll get a list of mirrors that you can download the file from. The ones at the top of the list are for subscribers only, because they rock (more on that, later). If you scroll down, you'll get a list of public servers, available to everyone.
3. Choose a mirror to start downloading
Before FilePlanet, getting files used to be a real pain: Either the server would be full, or you would be halfway through a download and you'd get kicked off, or all sorts of problems. FilePlanet solved all of these problems with what we call the Download Manager -- if you don't already have it installed, at this point, you'll be prompted to get it:
4. Install the FilePlanet Download Manager
Go ahead and click "run." Check it out! The Download Manager tracks all of your downloads for you, and even lets you stop and resume them if your computer crashes. Life is good! If you're using a public server, the Download Manager will wait in line for you until a spot on the public server opens up, and then your download will begin.
5. Enjoy your file!
Once it's finished, the file will be located on your computer wherever you saved it. Or, you can click the "play" button on the Download Manager to run the file, wherever it is.
Tutorial
What kind of stuff do you have on FilePlanet?
FilePlanet users can upload their own files, so we've got a bit of everything. But the majority of people depend on FilePlanet for:
Game Demos: Try out the latest titles, usually before they're in stores
Patches: Always keep your games up to date, especially if you'll be playing online
Modifications: Download user-created maps, new game modes, or even total conversions of your favorite games.
Movies and Trailers; Feast on High-def footage of upcoming games and films.
Exclusive Beta-Tests: Our most popular feature! Your chance to play hit games before anyone else can see them.
There's more - Explore the site to see!
How do I get into those sweet FilePlanet Beta Exclusives?
FilePlanet partners with game developers and publishers all the time in order to run beta tests of new games, especially multiplayer titles and MMOGs.
Getting in on the action is easy: Just subscribe to FilePlanet. FilePlanet subscribers are the first to get into beta tests and similar programs. Space is usually limited, so you'll have to keep your eyes on the site to make sure you sign up right away.
Recent beta tests at FilePlanet included Battlefield 2142, Supreme Commander, ArchLord, Dungeons & Dragons Online, Heroes of Might & Magic V, Battle for Middle Earth II, and others...
What's the difference between a free account and a paid subscription?
I'm glad you asked! Anyone can use our public servers, but you'll have to fight with the crowds, particularly during high-profile releases. You can avoid the lines and get faster service by subscribing.
As a subscriber you'll be able to access our private servers, which never require waiting. You'll be able to slurp down files as fast as your bandwidth allows! Plus, you can queue up and download multiple files simultaneously.
Most importantly, you'll have access to FilePlanet subscriber exclusives, including beta-tests of upcoming games that nobody else has access to yet.
Check out our subscription page for details on all you get when you subscribe.
You post indie games too, right?
We do -- in fact, we're big fans. Indie games are where the real innovation in the gaming industry happens.
Read FilePlanet's Commitment to Indie Games.
If you're a small developer and you've got a shareware product, we can help you reach a big audience with our front-page Indie spotlight. We won't post just anybody, but we're always looking for quality titles from small developers. Contact Us to apply!
Why do I usually have to wait before downloading from a public server?
When we were building the site, the biggest problem with public file servers was that they filled up (or crashed!) during peak hours. Often you had to sit there and click the same link over and over, hoping to squeeze into the server as soon as a spot opened up.
We thought that was crap.
So we built the FilePlanet Download Manager, which keeps your place in line. All you have to do is select which file you want, and your Download Manager will wait in line for you until a space in the server opens up. All FilePlanet public servers are first-come first-served.
Wait times rise during peak hours or whenever a really hot demo or beta is released, but most of the time you only have to wait a few minutes to get into a server.
Remember, subscribers can skip the lines entirely. They're cool like that.
What if I want to submit my own file?
Anyone can upload files to FilePlanet -- Click here to start uploading. You'll get a URL that you can start passing to your friends.
If you're a publisher or game developer and you want to make sure your official product is represented on FilePlanet, you can contact us at [email protected] to ensure that your content is uploaded by our crack team.
