Episode 1: Prerequisites & Software

Operating System: Windows 10 (1903+) or Windows 11.

Visual Studio 2022 (Community): <Update>: Now links directly to old versions website, Pick 2022 version.

• Crucial: During installation, you must select the "Desktop development with C++" workload.

  To enable it, select Custom in the type of installation and pick Desktop development with C++ as workload
   
  
   
  If you are running a Windows 10 Creator/Anniversary Edition, you additional have to install one Windows 10 SDK via Indiviual components out of the ones available
   
  
   
  You can also install it from command line with the command:

   

  vs_community.exe /q /norestart /InstallSelectableItems NativeLanguageSupport_Group

   

  or if you have enterprise version with:

   

  vs_enterprise.exe /q /norestart /InstallSelectableItems NativeLanguageSupport_Group

MySQL Server 8.0:

1. Download the Windows MSI Installer.
2. Scroll down to the bottom and click on "No thanks, just take me to the downloads!"
3. When the installation is almost done, make sure "Launch the MySQL Instance Configuration Wizard" is checked, then click "Finish".
4. When the MySQL Instance Configuration Wizard launches, most default options are fine, but remember the username and password you use (root // whatever). You will need them to log into your chosen database management tool (below) in order to import SQL files later.
5. To test if MySQL is set up correctly, hit CTRL+ALT+DEL on your keyboard, enter the Task Manager, and select the "Services" tab. In the list of services you should see "MySQL" with a status of "Running".
6. https://bugs.mysql.com/bug.php?id=76476
   Please read the Suggested Bug Fix, as this works....or you will be in a loop of "wait for the DB to start?!?"

Database management tools

Choose one of these

• mysql cli ( comes with MySQL installation, fastest and recommended )
• SQLYog Community Edition
• MySQL Workbench (already installed if you chose to install full MySQL package)
• DBeaver (Multi-platform Database Management Tool)

Test your tool

Try connecting to your MySQL instance that you installed above. Depending on the program, you may be looking for "Connect to Host" or "New Connection" or "Session Manager".
 
Create a new connection/session. The Hostname/IP address of "127.0.0.1" or "localhost" is fine if you installed MySQL on the same computer that you installed SQLYog. Simply fill in your root // whatever password and you should now be able to connect to your database

CMake (3.24+): 

1. Download and install the Latest Release -windows-x86_64.msi file, NEVER the RC (Release Candidate) versions.
2. Select "Microsoft Visual Studio 2022" do not select Win32 platform
3. Note: If used different MySQL server e.g Wampserver with included MySQL or any other software, then is needed to point cmake to that directory (the same way how it was done for BOOST). Add an environment variable to "System" variable named "MYSQL_ROOT" and as value your MySQL installation directory, e.g "c:/wamp/bin/mysql/mysql5.7.19". Important is to use "/", not "\" when pointing to directory. (use bundled mysql servers on your own risk, not supported)

OpenSSL 3.x:

Download the 64bit version.

Use OpenSSL 3

Find the 64bit version by finding the latest Win64 OpenSSL that is NOT the "Light" version.
- Example: Win64 OpenSSL v3.5.4

Boost (1.83.0+): <Update>: Now links directly to 1.83.0, The version needed with the visual studio 2022.

Depending on your boost version, you require newer CMake version.
For example: boost 1.80 requires CMake 3.24.2 (with 3.24.1 it will display warnings).

1. Download the prebuilt Windows Binary for Visual Studio 2022 (or higher)
   Here the links for minimum version:
   • 64bit: https://archives.boost.io/release/1.83.0/binaries/boost_1_83_0-msvc-14.3-64.exe

If you prefer a higher Boost version check here: https://archives.boost.io/release/
Not all version are currently supported by TrinityCore (minimum is 1.78)
To find the correct version we will explain on example: boost_1_80_0-msvc-14.3-64.exe:
1_83_0 = Version 1.83
-msvc-14.3 = Toolset v143 for Visual Studio 2022 (https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/cpp/porting/binary-compat-2015-2017?view=msvc-170)
-64 = 64bit

4. Install the package to the default location (usually C:\local\boost_1_XX_0\ .)
5. Add an environment variable to "System" variable named "BOOST_ROOT" and as value your Boost installation directory, e.g "C:/local/boost_1_83_0". Important is to use "/", not "\" when pointing to directory.
   (Make sure that it does not have a trailing slash (end of path). If you still get problems, add the same variable in the "USER" variables section too, like shown in the image below.)
    
   
    
   Notice that this image shows the version number 1.72.0 - use your actual version number in your settings.

MySQL development files

These files are shipped with MySQL Server, search for them at program files directory, MySQL\MySQL Server 8.X\lib and MySQL\MySQL Server 8.X\include.

(Optional)

1. If you use different PCs to compile/run Trinity, install one of the following packages on your Server-PC to avoid missing dependencies (depending on your Visual Studio Version and your Server-PC Operating System)
   • Microsoft Visual C++ 2022 Redistributable Package
     
     
     
     
     
   • NOTE: Whatever you do you CAN'T run TrinityCore on Windows XP or Windows Server 2003 or Windows Vista or Windows 7.
2. TortoiseGit
   • This instruction supports Git Extensions only, but TortoiseGit is another viable option if you're comfortable with the process.
     
     
     

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     📜 Credits & Attribution

     • Original Source: All core technical logic, installation steps, and wiki structure are credited to the TrinityCore Team and their dedicated contributors. You can find the original, live documentation at TrinityCore.info.

     • Reformatting & Adaptation: This guide has been meticulously reformatted, expanded with 2026-specific software updates, and structured into "Episodes" specifically for the EmuDevs.gg community format.

     • Purpose: The goal of this adaptation is to provide a seamless, "fail-proof" experience for EmuDevs users by integrating FAQ troubleshooting and pre-configuration steps directly into the main walkthrough.

     Disclaimer: This is a third-party resource. For the most up-to-date source code changes or to contribute to the engine itself, please visit the official TrinityCore GitHub.