https://github.com/dvurechensky/freelancer.reverse.runtime
I'm building a runtime layer on top of Freelancer (2003), rebuilding and overriding system DLLs to safely explore, extend, and document the behavior of the original engine.
https://github.com/dvurechensky/freelancer.reverse.runtime
dvurechensky dvurechenskypro freelancer-2003 reverse-engineering runtimes
Last synced: about 2 months ago
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I'm building a runtime layer on top of Freelancer (2003), rebuilding and overriding system DLLs to safely explore, extend, and document the behavior of the original engine.
- Host: GitHub
- URL: https://github.com/dvurechensky/freelancer.reverse.runtime
- Owner: Dvurechensky
- License: mit
- Created: 2026-04-08T21:52:22.000Z (3 months ago)
- Default Branch: main
- Last Pushed: 2026-04-17T03:50:53.000Z (2 months ago)
- Last Synced: 2026-04-17T05:35:51.082Z (2 months ago)
- Topics: dvurechensky, dvurechenskypro, freelancer-2003, reverse-engineering, runtimes
- Language: C
- Homepage: https://dvurechensky.github.io/Freelancer.Reverse.Runtime/
- Size: 1.28 MB
- Stars: 0
- Watchers: 0
- Forks: 0
- Open Issues: 0
-
Metadata Files:
- Readme: README.md
- License: LICENSE.md
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README
# Freelancer.Reverse.Runtime
### I am building a **runtime layer on top of Freelancer (2003)**
---
> [!CAUTION]
> This project is not just about reversing individual functions.
> I am gradually building a **custom managed runtime layer on top of the original Freelancer engine**.
---
About the Project 🎇
`Freelancer (2003)` is an `American` `space` `trading` and `combat` `simulation` game developed by `Digital Anvil` and published by Microsoft Game Studios on `March 4, 2003`.
> [!CAUTION]
> My modification of `Freelancer (2003)` — [Lizerium](https://lizup.ru) | [Lizerium - sources](https://github.com/Lizerium)
The goal of this project is not just to analyze original binaries, but to **gradually reconstruct, document, and safely extend the behavior of the game and server using compatible proxy DLLs, runtime components, and reverse engineering**.
Instead of chaotic memory patching, I follow a more controlled approach:
I build **compatible system modules** that can:
- replace original DLLs
- act as observation points for engine behavior
- be extended with custom logic
- evolve into a clean and controlled C++ layer
> [!IMPORTANT]
> Over the past 20+ years, many plugin libraries have been created to extend the game, but they relied on direct memory manipulation.
> My goal is to move away from that approach and build a **reliable, controlled system based on source code**.
---
## Project Idea
The idea is **not to break the original engine**, but to **build an engineering layer around it** that allows:
- understanding how Freelancer actually works internally
- reconstructing DLL system contracts
- safely injecting new functionality
- documenting the architecture of the legacy engine
- transforming the “black box” binaries into a **controlled C++ system**
Essentially, this is a path toward **partial reconstruction of Freelancer’s runtime architecture**.
> [!NOTE]
> I am not trying to “rewrite the game from scratch”.
> I am building a **compatible behavior layer** that integrates with the original binaries.
---
## Current Progress
The project has already moved beyond the idea stage into a **working state**.
### Completed
#### `dacom.dll`
- [x] created a working proxy module [`dacom.dll`](libs/game/dacom)
- [x] implemented loading of the original DLL via `dacom_addon.dll`
- [x] reconstructed and proxied core exports
- [x] added logging of function parameters
- [x] confirmed real participation in:
- [x] CRC / string hashing
- [x] string comparison
- [x] internal telemetry / logging layer
- [x] system initialization
##### 👍 Verified
- module loads successfully in the game
- exported functions are called correctly
- proxy implementation does not break startup
- logging confirms real runtime usage of `dacom.dll`
- not compatible with legacy plugins relying on memory hacks
> [!IMPORTANT]
> `dacom.dll` is no longer just a reverse-engineered assumption.
> It is a **verified runtime component**, tested in a real game environment.
---
## Project Approach
> [!TIP]
> Core idea:
>
> **Externally — full compatibility.
> Internally — fully controlled custom code.**
---
## Current Direction
The project is currently evolving towards:
- reconstructing other system DLLs
- building a unified runtime infrastructure
- creating reusable proxy components
- forming a structured reverse-engineering documentation base
> [!WARNING]
> This is an experimental engineering project.
> Some parts of the architecture are still being validated through runtime tracing.
---
## Current Components
### Reverse / Proxy Modules
- [`dacom`](libs/game/dacom) — working proxy module for a system DLL involved in CRC, string utilities, and telemetry
### Existing DLL Hooks
- [`custom`](libs/custom) — a collection of hooks for Freelancer modifications (written by me or others and rebuilt by me), intended for future integration into `Reverse / Proxy Modules`
---
## Vision
The long-term goal is to transform Freelancer’s closed runtime into a **documented, researchable, and partially controllable C++ system**, enabling developers to work with it as an engineering architecture rather than a “black box”.
---
## Note
This project is developed for research purposes and does not distribute original game assets or binaries.