I like to play all my games hud free. If you want to know how to play Descent and Descent 2 with the hud disabled, just follow this Guide:

Step 1: Get Descent and Descent 2
Step 2: Get D2X-XL
Step 3: Install both Descent games. Copy the files into one directory (I chose D2X-XL). Now install D2X-XL into that directory. Download the high-resolution texture packs and high quality audio packs. Put them in the appropriate directories.
Step 4: Start up D2X-XL

When the game begins, press F3 until the hud is gone. Ah, beautiful.


You must use the most up to date patched versions of both games. I was using the CD versions and needed to patch the game files before it would work.

When you start D2X-XL, it will tell you if any essential game files are missing.


FYI: Dxx-Rebirth is another source port of Descent. It does NOT give players an option to turn off the hud.

Vanilla D1/2, Rebirth, and XL all give you the ability to turn off the HUD. Try the +/= key.

Check your information before making claims please.

I go to great lengths to disable the hud in as many games as possible, so it's not something I'm unsure about. It cannot be removed with the -/= keys, F3, or Alt+F7 (which cycles hud formats). It's simply not possible to disable the hud in Rebirth as evidenced on the Rebirth forum. In fact, the person who made Rebirth blatantly states that it's not possible and that he doesn't think it's important and has no intention of adding an option to disable the hud.

Perhaps you thought I meant the cockpit view. That's not the HUD. I'm referring to all the green text that tells the player his score, ammo count, shields, energy, etc. That information cannot be disabled any the normal D1/D2 or Rebirth. Only D2X-XL lets you turn it off.

i prefer the hud when i play. thanks for the post though, maybe one day i'll try it out.