It sounds like you've found the download page.
All of the Versions are fully self-contained, so unless you need an old one (for example to play one of the scenarios), just D/L the latest Version.
V2.5 PBW has some tweaks that may hinder the AI a bit, but it shouldn't be too bad.
If you wait until wednesday night, I'll have a non-PBW v2.5, and I'll include some friendlier quadrant types.
Also, for maximum challenge, choose to be a pirate or nomad, rather than a "Normal" race.
As a Pirate/Nomad, feel free to use all the tricks in the book, assuming you can afford them
As the minimum, download one Version ZIP (the latest).
Extract it to your SE4 folder; it will create a "SuicideJunkieMods" folder and a "copy of path for P&N#.#.txt" file.
Replace path.txt with the "copy of..." file, and run SE4.
Note that most savegames and saved empires are not compatible with P&N v2 due to changes to racialtraits.txt
As a quick guide to compatibility. Savegames are not compatible between different Version
numbers, but are compatible between different Version
letters. Saved empires are slightly more flexible.
Addons:
- P&N comes with all of the standard races appropriately modified to play under P&N v2.5.
If you wish to add new races, such as TDM modpack races, you also need to download AIPatcher2.exe.
To use the AI patcher:
- run the patcher, and a blue program window will appear.
- from the combo box in the top-center of the window, choose "P&Nv2"
- on the left side, there is a directory tree with a drive selector below it. Double click folders in that to browse to the location of your AIs inside the P&N modfolder.
- When you get to a valid AI, you should see the words "Found AI_General.txt" in the status box on the right.
- Click the "Patch This AI" button.
- After a second, the status box should read "completed AI_general" and "completed AI_designcreation"
- if you see "Forced to decrement a characteristic", then the AI has lost 1% in something (likely maintenance reduction), but the patch has completed.
If an error occurs, clicking Abort will restore the files to their original state. Retry will try the patch again (in case you've changed the file in the meantime), and ignore will continue on with the next file to patch.