Why LocalGen is worth your attention
Local Generals.io (LocalGen) is more than a nostalgia project. It is a local-first strategy sandbox where players can jump into offline matches immediately, bot authors can test ideas seriously, and contributors can help shape the next generation of the project.
The upstream README keeps the promise grounded and practical:
- Play generals.io-style matches completely offline
- Launch ready-to-run built-in bots without extra setup
- Battle friends over the same LAN when local multiplayer beats waiting for an online server
That same README also makes it clear that ideas, bug reports, and pull requests are genuinely welcome.
Version lines that matter
The README and release guidance make the branch split clear:
master/v6.x- the active development branch
- the home of the Qt6 rewrite
- where architecture, UI, tooling, and bot interfaces are being modernized
v5.x- the long-term maintenance line
- the home of older playable releases
- still important if you need the historical EGE-era workflow or legacy downloads
The upstream README explicitly warns that the
masterbranch is still in progress. If you want a smoother first experience, start with the releases page rather than assuming the newest branch is a drop-in end-user build.
Toolchain snapshot
- Project name: LocalGen-new
- Current development line:
master/v6.x - Current version target:
6.0.0 - Primary language: C++17
- Frameworks and tools: Qt6, CMake, SVG assets, GitHub Actions
- License: GPL-3.0
File formats worth knowing
The associated-files guide introduces several formats that show up across gameplay, tooling, and future Qt-era configuration work:
| File | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
.lg | v5 map file | Legacy map format that still expects paired configuration files. |
.lgmp | v6 map file | The modern map format; designed to stand on its own without a paired ini file. |
.lgr | Replay file | A standard replay format with roughly the same information density as generals.io replays. |
.lgra | Advanced replay file | Stores the normal replay plus richer per-turn information such as queued moves. |
settings.lgsts | v5 settings | Legacy hidden settings file. |
config.lgs6 | v6 config | The Qt-era configuration file, expected to move toward a structured format such as JSON. |
Why the Qt rewrite matters
Across the README and contribution docs, version 6 is framed as a structural transition toward:
- Qt-based UI modernization
- cleaner architecture and maintainability
- better platform reach for Windows, macOS, and Linux workflows
- a more open bot ecosystem, including future-friendly external bot integration
Capabilities already visible across the project
- random and authored maps
- replay support
- map creation workflows
- multiple generations of built-in bots
- a standalone bot simulator
- contribution docs for bots, workflows, and community standards
Where to go next
- Visit the downloads page to get into your first match faster
- Browse releases to compare stable builds and previews
- Open the docs section when you want the project rules, file formats, and contribution habits in one place
- Read the disclaimer before redistributing or presenting the project publicly