[Tool] TacO - Tactical Overlay
ReActif.9251
Member ✭✭✭
TACtical Overlay (also called TacO) is a safe and legal overlay for Guild Wars 2, powered by content created by players like you. TacO only uses the official APIs provided by ArenaNet and is developed with strict ToS compliance in mind. We can also find on the English version of the official forum a sub-forum for development and all the information and explanation when handling APIs (and development via these APIs is encouraged even it is to say if it is correct for the use intended by Anet since it is Anet itself that gives us the information used).
This overlay integrates perfectly with the game interface and offers many modules. TacO's strong point is that it is graphical, i.e. it will display markers on the screen to guide you through the game (Icons and explanatory texts). In addition, it offers you to set your own markers (which you can share through XML files).
There are several versions (distributions) of the overlay knowing that on the official site, you will only have the overlay empty of content. But the creative community offers many types of markers. From the indication of success, jigsaw puzzle jigsaw puzzles, harvest optimization, assistance in setting up a strategy for the Raids, to the provision of meta timers directly on the screen.
You can find the list of distributions below knowing that we work for the most part in collaboration via subreddit where you can directly ask your questions to the creators and the developer. I am not the developer of this overlay but one of the content creators and a complete version ready for use, however, I provide you with all the information about this overlay to let players benefit from this tool without being oriented towards one version or another.
Official website : http://www.gw2taco.com
ReActif Package (EN-FR-DE) : https://www.heinze.fr/taco
Tekki's Workshop : http://tekkitsworkshop.net/index.php/gw2-taco/download
GW2info.net : http://gw2taco.gw2info.net
Subbreddit : https://www.reddit.com/r/GW2TacO
Translations : https://www.reddit.com/r/GW2TacO/comments/cd4eo5/gw2_taco_help_to_translate_with_a_maximum_of/
If you want to propose marker sites or integrate markers in a third version, you are free to do so.
Important
The software is intended to run on Windows 7 and above only, sorry for all those who play on MAC or Linux.
Here is an old video that shows quite well what TacO is actually like (There has been a lot of improvement since then)
I can't come here to inform you every time there is a new version of TacO or one of the creators uploads an update.
For some sites, you have access to RSS Feeds to be informed.
NB : This text has been translated by Deepl, if you notice any translation errors please let me know.
Comments
There's any WIP about map completion trails?
Not that I know of, but it's possible that someday someone will create it.
To help to explore a map, there is another tool called GW2PAO which has an exploration wizard that shows the places not yet found and their direction and automatically finds them (this is based on the API too) but it does not give a route to follow, it just gives the list of all the places not yet found by distance order.
I currently have this on my to do list.
just started building my own marker pack including trails. just need to get the basics totally in order.
just have to reach out to reactive if I can also use his already acquired pois
When this is complet, can you put a post on the subreddit of TacO for all can find your complexion pack ?
https://www.reddit.com/r/GW2TacO/
will do, I am staring next week with the paths. Have to optimize the routes and then create the routes.
Let's see how long it takes for it to be completed.
it is part of my complete pack. Luckily the path will be creator as soon as I have all the other basics done (icons etc)
i have very low gamma in this fullscreen windowed, how can i solve that.
In Fullscreen Windowed the gamma is set by Windows or your configuration panel of your driver.
Update for my distribution (all in one) of TacO for the episode 4.
Changes only affect « Full Version » and « External Pack » of TacO ReActif Pack.
The « Guild Missions Only » version is not concerned.
Download : https://www.heinze.fr/taco/
More details on file changes : https://www.heinze.fr/taco/doc/patchnotes.php
Complete list of available markers : https://www.heinze.fr/taco/doc/markerslist_en.php
Awesome. Thanks for updating so quickly!
Hype is the path to the dark side. Hype leads to unfulfilled expectations. Disappointment leads to anger. Anger leads to disgust. Disgust leads to "oh, new shinies! I'm back!"
I will probably improve a lot of markers, and completed but it is already usable as it is
I invite you to subscribe to the RSS feed in order to be informed when the package will be updated because I will probably not post any posts to report it.
https://www.heinze.fr/taco/rss-en.xml
FYI: The link is dead.
A new version of the GW2TacO is available ( _035.1973r _)
GW2TacO has just been updated with some new features:
Added framerate throttling so that TacO rendering is keeping pace with GW2.
TacO will still maintain a minimum 5fps framerate.
This setting can be disabled by editing TacOConfig.xml's "FrameThrottling" option. It's on by default.
The contents of TacOConfig are now alphabetically sorted to make it easier to find stuff in there.
For the ReActif Pack, I will replace the version of TacO used with the new one.
In addition there is all the maps in the game for 100% exploration assistance which is finally completed.
Edit : Website updated !
Now yes, i have create all trail for all maps in my distribution.
NB: i know this is an old message.
New version of GW2 TacO (036.2052r)
GW2 TacO has just been updated with some new features:
I tried downloading TacO and I got a prompt stating that "GW2TacO_037r.zip" is not a common download and may be dangerous?
It sounds like you have an anti-malware plug-in or app that is being overly-cautious. It's not a "common download," given the number of GW2 players and that only a fraction use TaCO.
If you want to rely on your anti-malware to decide for you, wait. Eventually, this app's status will get updated by the powers that be (for the anti-malware) and it will go on the whitelist, like millions of other shareware programs.
Alternatively, you can decide to trust the thousands of strangers who have used TaCO reliably for years.
Hype is the path to the dark side. Hype leads to unfulfilled expectations. Disappointment leads to anger. Anger leads to disgust. Disgust leads to "oh, new shinies! I'm back!"
This is just an zip file because the official version is provide in a zip, it's nothing more...
New version of GW2 TacO (037.2107r)
GW2 TacO has just been updated with some correction and improvements:
I just released the update for the prologue "Bound by Blood" with a little error of haste last night (I reversed two types of format, between external and complete) and then I corrected some last little things this lunchtime thanks to the return of the one who does the German version.
Tonight the available version 2019.9.29.1 is this time compile correctly.
Download : https://www.heinze.fr/taco/
I would like to take this opportunity to point out that the markers of the Ash Legion code on the trees for example as all these kinds of markers are available in addition to the related achievements in a section located in the Assistances menu or are referenced in quick access and even if the achievement is over and the API key hides it, will still be visible.
This time I have also optimized a little more the PNG files (which can be quite large) with optimizations in the order of µBh (micro butt hairs, it's very precise) to reach sizes that can be 30 to 50% smaller than the original file while being without loss of quality. I'm thinking about whether I'm pushing this a little further with a proprietary codec (but not free) that can reduce the sizes to 70% of the base size but good 65$ for TacO, I know I love you all but I can't afford to consider it right now. After that may seem useless but it's optimizing in terms of TacO loading speed, display that on players who already have the game in low and bad internet can count.
Here are the details of the achievements available
IMPORTANT NOTE
A complete redesign of the menus and marker operation has been done in version 2019.08.21.
These changes have resulted in POI XML files being renamed or grouped, and the marker tree structure being changed.
TacO works with XML in strict mode (I'll keep it short) even the slightest change can cause TacO to lock or no longer load markers at all.
Therefore, BEFORE UPDATING an existing version from before version 2019.08.21, you should follow the following procedure:
I am aware that this will require you to reconfigure keyboard shortcuts, window locations and sizes, API keys, etc. but this is not supposed to happen again and there were no easier automatic methods for all cases to erase traces of past markers in the configuration file and TacO is extremely sensitive to any inconsistencies.
Small feedback on the received messages, problem in corrections, etc ...
First, I apologize in advance for the incorrect English or translations totally failed, but you will understand that I am fluent in English fairly basic, I hope that the content of the suite will be at least understandable. Thank you
Markers / Trails remain visible even without being activated, one with a default icon: "Grothmar Valley: Symbols" (in the menu Assistances) and "Historian of Grothmar Valley"
The problem has been found and will be corrected in the next update.
Request players to return the Guild Missions menu with one submenu per activity type and not all at the same level.
This will be done in the next update which allows to regain a little space on the length of the menu, and I take this opportunity to improve the legibility regarding the information of the name of the map related to a bounty or trek, a small image for example? Then you will see that the indications are not aligned but clearly it is almost impossible to happen to align the texts better than that now without spending 4 days.
The "Picante" achievement is missing.
Yes, it is a very good remark and it is not a forgotten.
Currently this achievement is for many bugged and I prefer to wait for a patch to find out what will be changed before giving an indication that can be changed.
I have been told that an element of achievement "Notetaker" located in Fractals would have a page that would be reversed with another (visible especially when using the API key)
Unfortunately, we were not able to confirm which ones were reversed, and I can not verify it.
So if someone has not made this achievement yet or could see which ones were reversed (this would be 5 and 6) I'd be happy if you told me.
When is a complete exploration trail of the new map?
I will say as soon as possible but I will start its creation only after having totally removed all the worries of the markers already present.
When will the guild puzzles or challenges?
For a very long time, I hope to be able to finish one day these markers of guild missions but it has never been possible until now to find the world accepting the constraint of the creation (often it takes a little time so I can indicate each element, then a second passage for the trail, and finally a third for control) I understand quite that players doing guild missions do not necessarily want to spend an hour just defending a ReActif that seems to make voodoo incantations by making small steps to the right, and left then putting AFK 20 sec in the game. Then without talking about having to wait to find the right puzzle, or challenges.
Some players have told me they can help me by giving their time knowing that they will not be able to complete the mission (s).
PS: If you want to help me, it's really nice but as I'm not English and I master oral English even worse than write it, that's to say and because I prefer to be on a vocal during these creations to be able to give precise indications, I will see first with people in communities that I cotoye (but all is a question of time, availability and personal life)
Well I think I have done a little tour of what is in progress or returns received.
I try to make the corrections as soon as possible.
A new version of the program has been released.
I am currently working to update all the packs with this one.and need wait for translated text to CN, SP (DE and FR are already ok but not push online at this time)
And I will add the prologue fixes with.
New features also require me to study them and update the website with new info.
If you want update TacO without waiting for updated packs, just replace :
GW2TacO.exe
TacO_Language_en.xml
NEED HELP
If you know someone or if you speak other languages than English, and if you have a few minutes.
We need someone who can translate menu texts into third languages
And if you can translate into languages not yet available it would be a huge help.
For example, here are some languages that could be useful because the number of players of these nationalities is not negligible:
To do this very simply, there is a google doc that contains all the texts in English and in the other languages. Just add the translation in the corresponding box.
And if the language is missing, just write your name in a new column and translate....
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1U0qyVQZ0kdt5LZRE6Ebzuyd0wrP4BwDBIrNM-pbcD90/edit#gid=1463601084
Thank you, if it avoids going through Google Translate and having totally shameful translations (and I know a lot of English doesn't understand this mania that foreigners want to read and write in their language, I know, I know, it's a shame but nevertheless, show how good English is and want to help those whose language is not the right one... this is a joke in case Team 1 graduates come by here)
GW2 TacO ReActif with version 042.2533r of the overlay has just been released
The contents of the packs have also been updated / corrected for what should be
More details on the site directly.
Fixed formatting of translation files for Deutsch, Spanish and Chinese languages
During the compilation of the packs, duplicate lines remained in the files:
IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO UPDATE!
In case you need the latest Deutsch, Spanish and Chinese localization files, only get the localization files here:
https://heinze.fr/taco/files/Language%20Pack.zip
UPDATE OF MY PACKAGE
Added Episode 1 of Season 5 : "Whisper in the Dark"
The bug related to API keys is still present and requires to avoid using them for the moment in order not to encounter any problems.
More details to read in the news : https://www.heinze.fr/taco/?lang=en#news
Download : https://www.heinze.fr/taco/?lang=en
More details on file changes : https://www.heinze.fr/taco/doc/patchnotes.php
Complete list of available markers : https://www.heinze.fr/taco/doc/markerslist_en.php
is it possible to show only the next icons, not the distant ones appear? much remains together, if so what do I change? which line in the code do I change?
Hi everyone, i downloaded the latest version and followed the guide, but once i launch the game i can't seem to find or see the Taco menu icon. Also i can't find the place to add the API key for it. Help would be much appreciatted. Thanks in advance.
EDIT: I figured it out. Now i just need to figure out how to turn of the stuff i already completed.
Okay IDK where or how to contact the developer or anyone who is able to help help. So far Taco is amazing but I just have two issues.
1: First action key (1) keeps placing markers while gliding. I have no idea how to turn this off or if this is a bug...
2: Since the markers are placed somewhere high up in the air I have no way to remove them besides trying to glide over that place and trying to hit (-) at the exact location. Imagine the frustration if you have to do this like 20 times if you're lucky...
Any help or solution?
When TacO is running you can change the keybinds in the settings menu.
The markers are saved in "poidata.xml" which you can find in the folder the TacO executable is located in. Close TacO and either delete the file to remove all markers you have set or open the file in any text editor to remove specific markers (and then save the changes of course). Sometimes markers I removed reappear (which might be just me doing something wrong :shrug:) so restart TacO and see if you can still see the markers in-game.
Since I don't see an Anet approval here, I wonder how TACO is legal.
For it to follow camera view, it must peek gw2.exe to get that info. There is no API to give current player camera view or location so fluidly, if at all.
Peeking GW2.exe IS against the TOS.
Moral Statute Machine: John Spartan, you are fined five credits for repeated violations of the verbal morality statute.
The legal (and local) API that you are looking for is https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/API:MumbleLink
The Legend of Gnash Gnarlsson
I had missed those details. Thanks.
I had never looked at the info in MumbleLink because I assumed it was specific to a chat client.
Moral Statute Machine: John Spartan, you are fined five credits for repeated violations of the verbal morality statute.
This API was indeed originally for positional audio (by tweaking the volume and stereophonic balance) but it has so many other interesting uses.
Disclaimer: I have never tried TacO but I assume that it uses the Mumble API because I don't see how it could track positions otherwise.
The Legend of Gnash Gnarlsson
New version of GW2 TacO 044.2661r
I have updated the distribution of my packages
https://www.heinze.fr/taco/
With the latest version, how do I disable the 2 lines message that is showing at the top centre of my game screen?
Edited: It went away after I unchecked the option for "Check for updates on Startup"
Redownload TacO (official version)
This is because a patch was published after with the same number 044.2661r
If you have the update message show this is the bad 044.2661r version with the bug on Windows 7.
I don't know the technical details of how the API/TacO work very well, but what barriers are there to making it work in Mac and/or Linux? Not criticizing the work you do or complaining, just curious.
For all specific question, etc, only the dev can reply.
I can only say this thing, the overlay need Dx11 to display the interface, and the dev reply this on the blog :
For the question how it work :
He uses the MumbleLink API to retrieve the position of your character and the camera.
He will use this data to calculate the position and size of visible markers.
The rest is many many calculation to put marker at the good place, and size.
For all questions, you have to go back to your blog or the FAQ I rewrote, and if the answers aren't already there, only the developer will be able to answer with a direct message on Reddit.
But for why only Windows ?
For the question how it work :
He uses the MumbleLink API to retrieve the position of your character and the camera.
He will use this data to calculate the position and size of visible markers.
The rest is many many calculation to put marker at the good place, and size.
New version of the overlay, and packs.
I can't put all informations each time the overlay or packs are updated.
There are many news functions, and improvements !
I installed it yesterday and I love the exploration help, it's amazing. Esp. with the different colors and paths. Esp. for the mastery points.
Did Crystal Oasis and the mastery point at Glint's Legacy is imo too hard your way. One has to use the springer to jump onto a tiny ledge at a little over max. height. My springer appeared to jump 1-2 meter too short. Next is the danger when you fall down, you fall into 2-3 mobs +canon. I gave it up after 10 tries and did it that way:
also with springer - was easier, safer and faster. Got it first try. Maybe consider it.