Install

Get started

You need Windows 10 or later (x64), an owned Steam copy of Ultra Street Fighter IV, and the latest Microsoft Visual C++ x86 runtime (the launcher will not start with an older one and offers the download). The game is not included.

Note

Coming soon (PR #90, PR #108, PR #133)

You need Windows 10 or later (x64), an owned Steam copy of Ultra Street Fighter IV, and the latest Microsoft Visual C++ x86 runtime (the launcher will not start with an older one and offers the download). The game is not included. On a Steam Deck, follow the Steam Deck guide instead.

1. For a fresh installation, download the complete v1.3.1 ZIP and its SHA-256 checksum. Choose a release package, not GitHub's source-code download. Alternatively, setup.exe installs Ember into an empty folder with a Start menu entry and an uninstaller.
2. Extract everything into a new writable folder. Keep your old launcher installation separate; moving from the legacy launcher to Ember is a fresh install.
3. Run preflight.cmd, then Launcher.exe. Successful startup goes directly to the game. If needed, select the folder containing SSFIV.exe in launch recovery.
4. At the main menu, choose your controller and player name. Use Online play → Create room, then copy the invitation. Guests choose Join room and paste it.
5. Choose a table, join its queue or watch. Save your fighter selection and ready when seated. All participants must use the same Ember release.

No VPS account or manual port configuration is required. Iroh can use public relays when a direct connection is unavailable. Discord support is included in the package.

Controls

Action	Keyboard	Assigned XInput controller	DirectInput / arcade stick
Navigate	Arrow keys	D-pad	SF4-mapped directions
Select	Enter	A	SF4-mapped Light Punch
Back	Escape	B	SF4-mapped Light Kick
Open at safe menu states	F10	Start	SF4-mapped Start
Change fighter (in a room)	none	X	none
Table options (in a room)	none	Y	none
Chat (in a room)	none	View	none

Back returns through menus, and from Home it hides Ember. On your own table card in a room, Back leaves your seat or queue place at once. Leaving the room itself requires the explicit Leave room action. Use Play offline for native game menus. More detail: controller guide.

Note

Coming soon (PR #105)

Online → LAN play finds rooms on the same local network. Host a LAN room or select one from the list; the room transport uses direct local connections without an internet relay. See LAN setup, design and test coverage.

Settings, updates and legacy builds

Existing Ember preferences remain under %APPDATA%\sf4e. Help & About provides the version, update checking, attribution and redacted diagnostic exports. Ember updates use the renamed repository and verify the downloaded ZIP's SHA-256 before installation.

release is the current Ember branch. Legacy main preserves the previous SF4 Netplay Launcher. Its releases and archived README remain available. Legacy in-place upgrades to Ember are not supported; follow the fresh-install steps above.

Browse the branch archive for all retired development branches, preserved as tagged snapshots with their original commit history.