View source for Getting Started/The First Start

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After you have [[../Installing Live for Speed|installed]] your copy of LFS, it is time to run it for the first time.

Start Live for Speed by double-clicking the LFS shortcut on your desktop / start menu or in your LFS installation folder (the default is {{folder|C:|LFS}}).

== Intro ==

[[Image:Intro screen.jpg|thumb|none|LFS intro screen]]

LFS will preload a [[Tracks|track]] at the start, which will be indicated by various loading texts at the bottom left of the screen.

Once the track is loaded, you will see a Live for Speed logo in the middle of the screen slowly fading in. When the logo fades out after a while, an in-game intro will be shown with [[Formula BMW FB02|Formula BMW]] cars racing around the [[Blackwood]] track.

To skip the intro, press {{key press|Space}} or {{key press|Esc}}.

== Welcome to Live for Speed ==

[[Image:Firsten.jpg|thumb|none|Welcome to Live for Speed]]

Right after the intro you will be presented the welcome screen. You will be asked to enter your driver name and the number plate you want to use, choose the units for speed and pressure and choose if you want to sit on the right or the left side when driving.

On the right side of the screen you will see your virtual representation driver model. You can switch the model by clicking on the arrows below the driver. You can choose your own helmet design by clicking on {{button|Scavier_PRO|light}} (name of the skin in use). How to create an own skin is explained in the [[Skin Tutorial|skinning tutorial]].

When you have adjusted everything to your likings, click {{button|next|green}} to proceed.

== Agreement ==

[[image:First start agreement.jpg|thumb|none|Live for Speed agremeent]]

You must agree to the agreement presented on the screen. Click {{button|agree|green}} to proceed.

The full text of the agreement can also be expanded below:

<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="max-width: 600px; overflow: auto;">
<div style="font-weight:bold;line-height:1.6;">Agreement</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
'''Welcome to Live for Speed!'''

In order to use this software, you must agree to the following :

- Live for Speed is in continual development. Features may be added, updated or removed at any time. Some functional but incomplete features may be included in order to enhance the variety and content of the simulator.

- This software comes with no warranties of any kind.

- You install and use this software at your own risk. The developers of Live for Speed can not accept any responsibility for personal injury or damage to your computer system that may arise during the use of the software.

- The DEMO content is given to all people to use, free of charge. The LOCKED content is for appropriately licensed users only. You must not make any attempt to gain access to the locked content, or help anyone else to do so, other than by purchasing a license and using the in-game unlocking screen.

Thank you.
</div></div>

== Garage ==

[[image:First start XF GTI.jpg|thumb|none|XF GTI in garage]]

If you accept with the agreement, on the next screen you will see your first car, the [[XF GTI]] (or XFG for short).

You can change the colour of the car using the coloured buttons on the left side. Below the coloured button you can switch the driver in the car on and off and remove the body so that only the driver and the tyres remain visible. Using the arrow keys you can rotate the car. On the right side you can change the car setup which affects the handling.

When you are finished you may click {{button|next|green}} to continue. You will be able to change these things in garage later at any time.

== Controls ==

{{further|Options/Controls|Options - Controls}}

[[image:First2en.jpg|thumb|none|Setting up your controls]]

Now you can configure the controls. By default the controls are set up for mouse steering. If you want to keep it like that you can click on {{button|next|green}}. As the feeling for the car is very important in Live for Speed, a force feedback wheel is the controller of choice and if one is available we recommend to configure it now – the effort will pay off!

If you own a steering wheel or a controller, click {{Button|wheel / joystick|light}} at the top. Let's start with the steering. First click on {{Button|Axes / FF|light}} and then on {{Button|Steer|light}}. When you turn your wheel, one of the yellow & blue bars on the left side should move. Now click on the axis button to the left of the bar to assign the steering to the correct axis. Now follow the same procedure for throttle and brakes. If throttle or brakes should move into the wrong direction you can click on the {{Button|invert}} to correct this.

You will find additional information about the various settings in [[Options/Controls|Options - Controls]]. When everything is set up properly you can continue by clicking on {{button|Next|green}}. You do not have to fear that anything is not set up correctly as you can change everything later on without any problems.

[[Image:HowToAssignAxis Ani.gif|frame|none|Setting up controller axes in Live for Speed (animated)]]

== 5 tips ==

[[image:First start 5 tips.jpg|thumb|none|5 tips]]

* Press {{key press|Esc}} in the setup screen or in-game to bring up a list of options
* Press {{key press|T}} to type a message on a multiplayer host
* Use of a force feedback steering wheel is recommended
* Release the throttle when changing gear to avoid overheating the clutch
* Use your brakes in good time when you are approaching a corner...

When you have read the 5 tips, press {{button|OK|green}} and you will see the main menu. There you can select the [[Game Modes|game mode]] you want to play or go to the [[Options|options]] to change most settings. In order to use all features of Live for Speed you will first need to [[../Unlocking|unlock the game]] using your license. You may do this now or first take a quick spin.

To start a session you click {{button|Single player}} and {{button|GO|green}}. Once you are on track, you can continue with learning the [[../Beginner Driving Tutorial|driving basics]].

<div style="display: flex; justify-content: space-between; font-size: 120%; margin: 2rem 0">
  <div>[[../Installing Live for Speed|← Installing Live for Speed]]</div>
  <div>[[../Beginner Driving Tutorial|Beginner Driving Tutorial →]]</div>
</div>

[[Category:Getting started with LFS]]