# Play Sparc in 2023 on community servers
**Credit to [MeowWoofCat](https://discord.com/users/meowwoofcat) for the initial Sparc installation and run guide**

* In this document it is discussed how to get Sparc and how to play it with your PC using [SteamVR](https://store.steampowered.com/app/250820/SteamVR/)
* Additionally it is explained how to use [ALVR](https://github.com/alvr-org/) to use your Quest 2 to play wirelessly
* Join [VR Fight Nights' Discord](https://discord.gg/hgj4KpmB9t) and meet other Sparc players

# What is Sparc and how to get it
Sparc, as briefly explained by `vrsportsfan` is:

> Online VR Dodgeball between two players in a sealed racquetball court where the balls can and will ricochet off the walls.
> The physics of the ball and the colliders on the shield and/or deflecting gloves (mode dependent) make the experience unique to the individual human athlete.
> It's been archived and is free to play on custom servers only.
> There are two custom servers that run 24/7 hosted by individuals to allow anyone to connect and play.


Video: https://youtu.be/2QHB5WiptBg?t=979

You can still download Sparc free since it is `abandonware` from this link:
https://archive.org/details/Sparc

or using Torrents https://archive.org/download/Sparc/Sparc_archive.torrent

# How to play Sparc with SteamVR

## Prerequisites
* In Steam get SteamVR should you not already have it
* Get Sparc as explained above

## Prepare for launch
Sparc will be launched from the `Test` executable, so let's get a sortcut to that on our `Desktop`

* Open the directory where you have extracted Sparc
* Navigate to the `VRArena` directory
* Then the `binaries` folder
* Then the `Win64` directory.
* `Right click` on the `VRArena-Win64-Test.exe` file and
`Pin to Start`
or `Show more options`
and create a shortcut
* Cut & paste the shortcut to the `Desktop`
* In the future to launch Sparc, remember to right click the shortcut and select `Run as Administrator`

## Start the game to play on community servers
* Start SteamVR
* Launch Sparc with a right click the shortcut and select `Run as Administrator`
* Once Sparc is running press the `backtick/tilde` `~ key on your keyboard to open the console in Sparc

* Now write `connect <SERVER>` to connect to any of the available servers on [Aftersparc](https://aftersparc.com/)
e.g. `connect basic.aftersparc.com:7777` or
`connect advanced.aftersparc.com:7777`
* To change your name use `setname YOURNAMEHERE`
e.g. `setname Degen`

Here’s a helpful video by [vrsportsfan](https://www.youtube.com/@vSportsfan) demonstrating the technique listed above on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSjcAyieffA

# Quest 2 wireless play with ALVR
In this section it is explained how to use [ALVR](https://github.com/alvr-org/) to use your Quest 2 to play wirelessly

## Install ALVR

ALVR is software that enables the stream VR games from your PC to your headset via Wi-Fi.
ALVR uses technologies like `Asynchronous Timewarp` and `Fixed Foveated Rendering` for a smoother experience.
Most of the games that run on SteamVR or Oculus Software (using Revive) should work with ALVR.

### Requirements

* A supported standalone VR headset (see compatibility table [here](https://github.com/alvr-org/ALVR#alvr---air-light-vr))
* SteamVR
* High-end gaming PC
* See OS compatibility table above.
* NVIDIA GPU that supports NVENC (1000 GTX Series or higher) (or with an AMD GPU that supports AMF VCE) with the latest driver.
* Laptops with an onboard (Intel HD, AMD iGPU) and an additional dedicated GPU (NVidia GTX/RTX, AMD HD/R5/R7): you should assign the dedicated GPU or "high performance graphics adapter" to the applications ALVR, SteamVR for best performance and compatibility. (NVidia: Nvidia control panel->3d settings->application settings; AMD: similiar way)
* 802.11ac 5Ghz wireless or ethernet wired connection
* It is recommended to use 802.11ac 5Ghz for the headset and ethernet for PC
* You need to connect both the PC and the headset to same router (or use a routed connection as described [here](https://github.com/alvr-org/ALVR/wiki/ALVR-v14-and-Above))

### Basic installation

#### PC side

* Install SteamVR, launch it once then close it. This is to make sure it sets the environment correctly for ALVR
* Go to the latest release [download page](https://github.com/alvr-org/ALVR/releases/latest). In the "Assets" section at the bottom download the ALVR Installer
* Run the installer. If prompted, allow the execution in the SmartScreen popup. You need to give administrator permissions to install ALVR. For best compatibility do not change the installation directory
* Once the installation finished, launch ALVR. You are greeted with a setup wizard. Follow the setup to set the firewall rules and presets

#### Headset side

* Install `SideQuest` on the PC and enable `developer mode` on the Quest2. You can follow [this guide](https://sidequestvr.com/setup-howto).
* Connect your headset to `Sidequest`. If you have an Oculus Quest2 download the [ALVR app here](https://sidequestvr.com/app/9)

#### Usage

* Launch ALVR on your headset. While the headset screen is on, click `Trust` next to the client entry (on the PC) to start streaming
* You can change settings on the PC in the `Settings tab`. Most of the settings require to restart SteamVR to be applied. Use the apposite button on the bottom right corner

For any problem visit the [Troubleshooting page](https://github.com/alvr-org/ALVR/wiki/Troubleshooting).

## Play Sparc

* Launch ALVR on the PC and Quest2 headset
* Launch SteamVR through ALVR
* Launch Sparc as explained in the [Start the game to play on community servers](#Start-the-game-to-play-on-community-servers) section
* Enjoy wireless play with the Quest2

# Sparc modes explained

## Basic Mode
* Hand Guards On
* Aim Assist
* 3-minute Timer

## Experimental Mode
* Hand Guards On
* Aim Assist
* Long Rounds

## Advanced mode
* Hand Guards Off
* Aim Assist Low
* Timer Off
* Best 2 out of 3 Rounds
* 4 Points per Round

# Document sources

[Launch Sparc](https://aftersparc.com/) according to Aftersparc.com
[Install ALVR](https://github.com/alvr-org/ALVR/wiki/Installation-guide) according to the official ALVR guide
[Install ALVR on the Quest2 with SideQuest](https://sidequestvr.com/setup-howto) according to the official SideQuest guide

# WIP (Work in Progress)

:warning: This section is WIP

# Quest2 headset and Valve Index Controllers

:warning: **DISCLAIMER: This section involves flashing custom firmware to Steam Controller USB dongles. I assume no responsibility in the event of issues, damaged hardware, or software malfunctions. All actions described in this section are undertaken at your own risk.**

Last month a video was posted showing exactly how to pair the Knuckles with the Oculus Quest.

The benefit here is having the awesome power of a wireless HMD coupled with Lighthouse Tracking.

## Requirements
:warning: This setup requires dedicated hardware like 2 (two) `Steam controller USB dongles` with a firmware modification or 3rd party USB dongles like [VRdongles](https://vrdongles.com/)
or

This setup will use 2 (two) `Steam controller USB dongles`

## How to flash the firmware to the Steam controller USB dongles
:warning: **WARNINGS AND NOTES**
* Please Assume this change is permanent
* This will flash ALL CONNECTED dongles like `Logitech` dongles for mice or headsets, **REMOVE** any before hand that you don't want flashed
* You should be able to flash multiple dongles at once, and not need to remove old ones, but as general precaution I advise against it
* **This should be considered permanent**. In theory its not but noone has successfully flashed firmware back

### Flash the dongles
* Remove ALL SteamVR dongles, including the HMD
* Exit Steam
* Plug in your first `Steam Controller USB Dongle` to a USB
* Open a Command Prompt (cmd or power shell)
* Navigate to where SteamVR app is installed on your computer `C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\SteamVR)`
* Powershell CMD - `cd 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\SteamVR'`
* Run the Command `tools\lighthouse\bin\win32\lighthouse_watchman_update.exe -D tools\lighthouse\firmware\vr_controller\archive\htc_vrc_dongle_1461100729_2016_04_19.bin`
* Repeat these steps for the second `Steam Controller USB Dongle`
* Restart Steam, plug your dongles in, close the command prompt/powershell

## Calibrate the controllers with 2.0 Lighthouses

* Open Space Calibrator, to calibrate your Valve Index controllers with the Quest2 controllers
https://github.com/pushrax/OpenVR-SpaceCalibrator/releases

## Sources
* [Tapping YouTube video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lu7Hwn-5P-k)
* [The Mysticle YouTube video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9lR5LbSkdk)
* [SteamVR-Dongle-Flash by ykeara](https://github.com/ykeara/SteamVR-Dongle-Flash)
* [Calibrate controllers by PumkinSpice](https://github.com/PumkinSpice/MixedVR/wiki/ReadMe)
* [Original post](https://communityforums.atmeta.com/t5/Talk-VR/Valve-Knuckles-Oculus-Quest-1-amp-2/td-p/869391)
* [Original video Instructions](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9lR5LbSkdk)
* [Original Reddit Instructions](https://www.reddit.com/r/ValveIndex/comments/jjz4i5/how_to_use_oculus_quest_with_index_controllers/)

# ALVR Sound settings