Already got ZIP containing the 3DXChat launcher? If yes, you’re ready to install the game.
If you haven’t downloaded it yet, start here first:
From here on out, the installation are mostly automatic. In any case, lets go through the installation process step by step, to make sure everything is working as it should.
Step 1: extract the ZIP file
If you’ve downloaded the game from the members area, you should now have a ZIP file on your computer.
First of all, we’re going to extract this ZIP file:
- Right click the ZIP file
- Choose ‘extract all’
- Select a folder where the files should be placed
Once extracted, open that folder. If everything is ok, there will be several files there including 3DXChat.exe.
Make sure you don’t skip the extraction step! The installation will not work properly if you try to run the launcher directly from the uncompressed ZIP file.
Step 2: run the launcher
Open the folder where you just extracted the ZIP. Click on the file ‘3DXChat.exe’ to start the launcher.
From here:
- the launcher connects to the servers
- it starts downloading the full game (several GB)
- files will be unpacked in the background
This step can take a while, just let the launcher complete the full download process.
Step 3: let the installation complete
Once the download and extraction are complete, the launcher continues automatically with the installation process and eventually opens the login screen.
There’s no traditional installer with steps to click through. Everything is handled in the background.
If the launcher doesn’t move forward:
- give it more time
- avoid closing it too early
- try running it as administrator
Do not close the launcher while it’s still working.
Step 4: log in and start the game
At this point, the installation is complete and the game is ready to use. Just use your login credentials to log into the game.
After logging in:
- you’ll go through avatar creation
- choose your name and appearance
- then enter the world
Where things usually go wrong
These are some of the common issues that can pop up during the installation process:
Nothing happens when clicking 3dxchat.exe
If double-clicking 3DXChat.exe does nothing:
- make sure the ZIP file was fully extracted
- try running the file as administrator
Windows may block programs inside compressed files or restrict them without proper permissions.
The launcher appears stuck
The launcher may:
- show no progress
- seem frozen
- not respond immediately
In most cases, this means that the launcher is still downloading or unpacking files. This can take quite some time, especially on slower internet connections.
Installation errors or failed extraction
If errors appear during installation:
- check that you have enough free disk space
- avoid installing in restricted folders
- use a simple location like C:\games\3dxchat
More complex or protected directories can cause file access issues.
Antivirus issues
Some antivirus programs can interfere with the installation, especially McAfee and Norton.
This can sometimes result in:
- files being removed
- installation failing
- the launcher not starting later
A common fix is:
- temporarily disable antivirus during installation
- add the 3DXChat folder as an exception afterward
The game doesn’t load after installation
If the launcher completes but the game doesn’t fully start:
- restart the launcher
- run it as administrator
- reinstall the game if needed
In most cases, reinstalling after properly extracting the files solves the issue.
Something feels incomplete
If parts of the installation seem missing or broken:
- re-download the installer
- extract everything again
- make sure no steps were skipped
Issues here often come from interruptions earlier in the process.
Final note
You won’t need to repeat this process unless you reinstall the full game.
If you haven’t downloaded the installer yet: