Getting Started

Install REM Freelancer and join the server in under five minutes.

System Requirements

ComponentMinimumRecommended
OSWindows 7 (64-bit)Windows 10/11 (64-bit)
CPUAny dual-core 2 GHzAny modern CPU
RAM2 GB4 GB
GPUDirectX 9 capableAny dedicated GPU
Storage~2 GB freeSSD recommended
NetworkBroadbandLow-latency connection
Freelancerv1.0 (original or backup)Any legitimate copy
Freelancer required. You need a working Freelancer 1.0 installation. Original CDs, digital backups and community-provided copies all work. REM does not include the base game.

Installation

  1. Download the REM Launcher
    dwn.rem-freelancer.moe/REM-Setup.exe – The launcher is a self-contained installer (~50 MB).
  2. Run the installer
    Double-click REM-Setup.exe. If Windows SmartScreen warns you, click "More info" → "Run anyway". The installer is safe.
  3. Point the launcher to your Freelancer installation
    On first launch, the REM Launcher asks for your Freelancer installation path. Browse to the folder that contains Freelancer.exe (usually C:\Program Files\Microsoft Games\Freelancer\).
  4. Let the launcher update
    The launcher automatically downloads the latest REM mod files. This may take a few minutes depending on your connection. Progress is shown in the launcher UI.
  5. Connect your Discord account
    REM uses Discord for authentication. Click "Login with Discord" in the launcher and authorise the REM application. This creates your player account.
  6. Launch the game
    Click "Play" in the launcher. Freelancer starts with the REM mod active.

Using the Launcher

The REM Launcher keeps the mod up-to-date and manages your account.

FunctionDescription
Auto-UpdateChecks for mod updates every time you open the launcher. Updates install automatically.
Discord LoginLinks your REM character to your Discord account. Required for multiplayer.
News FeedShows the latest REM patch notes and announcements.
Server StatusDisplays current player count on the REM server.

Connecting to the Server

REM runs its own listserver at gun.rem-freelancer.moe. This replaces the old GameSpy infrastructure. Your Freelancer client is already configured by the launcher – no manual steps required.

If you want to connect manually (e.g. for a dedicated server), edit Freelancer\EXE\freelancer.ini:

; freelancer.ini – section [Net]
[Net]
max_players = 200

; section [ListServer]
[ListServer]
hostname = gun.rem-freelancer.moe
Live server status and player counts are available at gun.rem-freelancer.moe.

First Steps In-Game

Character Creation

Unlike vanilla Freelancer, REM features a full character creation screen. You can customise your pilot's appearance, choose a starting faction alignment and select an initial ship class. These choices affect your starting reputation and available missions.

Choosing a Play Style

RoleStarting ShipFocus
Freelancer Light Fighter All-rounder – missions, trade, PvP. Best starting choice.
Trader Small Freighter Buy low, sell high. Earn credits running trade routes across Sirius.
Pirate Fighter Intercept traders, demand ransom, control jump points.
Military Heavy Fighter Faction missions, patrol duty, bounty hunting.

First Missions

  1. Dock at a station and open the Job Board from the base menu.
  2. Accept a Level 1–3 mission (patrol / destroy). These pay 10 000 – 50 000 credits.
  3. Complete missions to increase your reputation with local factions.
  4. Spend credits on better weapons and shields at the Equipment Dealer.
  5. Once you can handle it, take higher-level missions for bigger payouts.

High-Value Mission Locations

The following bases offer missions paying up to 265 000 credits per run:

BaseSystemNote
Station JavaTau-23High-risk, high-reward border system
Planet MaltaOmicron AlphaCorsair space – bring good shields
Tripoli ShipyardOmicron GammaCapital ship missions available
Freeport 9Omicron ThetaNeutral ground
Battleship HoodDublinBretonia military escort missions

Troubleshooting

ProblemSolution
Launcher says "missing Freelancer.exe" Click Browse and navigate to your Freelancer installation folder manually.
Game crashes on launch Run as Administrator. Make sure Freelancer is installed in a folder you have write access to (not Program Files on some setups).
Can't see any servers in the server list Check that freelancer.ini has hostname = gun.rem-freelancer.moe in [ListServer]. The launcher sets this automatically.
High ping / lag The REM server is hosted in Europe. Players in other regions may experience higher latency.
Discord login not working Make sure pop-ups are not blocked in your browser. The login flow opens a browser window.
Stuck ship that can't move Type /stuck in chat. This moves your ship vertically upward to free it.
Still stuck? Join the REM Discord and ask in #support. The community and staff are happy to help.