Quick Start

Use this page when you want the shortest reliable path from download to your first launched game or PBEM turn.

Before you start

You need:

Windows 10 or newer.
At least one installed Wargame Design Studio title.
An internet connection if you plan to use WarMatch.
Access to your email app if you plan to use manual PBEM.

Install WarHQ

Download the latest installer: Download WarHQ.
Run the installer.
Open WarHQ from the Start menu or desktop shortcut.

Success looks like the WarHQ Library opening without an error dialog.

Find your games

WarHQ discovers Wargame Design Studio games from your Windows registry. If a game is installed but missing from the Library, restart WarHQ after installing or updating the game.

WarHQ Library showing discovered WDS games grouped by series.

Success looks like your WDS series in the left sidebar and game rows in the main Library view.

Open a game

Select a series in the sidebar.
Search or scroll to the title you want.
Use the launch button on the game row.

Choose your PBEM path

Goal	Use	Start here
Find opponents and exchange supported turns through the cloud	WarMatch	WarMatch tutorial
Manage local save files and email drafts yourself	PBEM Box	PBEM Box tutorial
Just launch and play installed WDS games	Library	Stay on this page

First five-minute checklist

WarHQ opens from the Start menu or desktop shortcut.
Your installed WDS titles appear in the Library.
At least one game launches from WarHQ.
WarMatch opens and signs in if you want cloud PBEM.
PBEM Box opens if you want manual PBEM file handling.

If something does not work

Problem	First thing to try
A WDS title is missing	Open that game once from its normal shortcut, close it, then restart WarHQ.
WarMatch will not connect	Confirm your internet connection, then sign out and back in.
Email drafts open in the wrong app	Check the default email app in Windows settings.
You are not sure what to send support	Include your WarHQ version, Windows version, WDS game title, and the exact step that failed.