---Super Mario 64 ROM---

The files we have provided as part of this megapack cannot be played on their own.
You will need an original Super Mario 64 ROM for it to work.
The .bps files we provide actually only contain the differences between the ROM hack and the original SM64.

First off, we are NOT allowed to provide an original ROM of Super Mario 64 because Nintendo owns the rights of it, which means sharing it would be illegal.
Please do not ask for it, and do not ask anyone else either. You are able to find it on Google.
Make sure to get the American version of the game, which is symbolized by a (U) in the name.

Nintendo 64 ROMs are typically .z64 file type, or sometimes a .zip containing the former. They are NEVER .exe files.

MD5 hash of the vanilla SM64 .z64 ROM:
20b854b239203baf6c961b850a4a51a2  Super Mario 64 (U) [!].z64



---Patching a BPS File---

You can use this video tutorial to patch a ROM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDNMz2SyGtY

Alternatively, use this online patcher which will do most steps for you: https://sm64romhacks.com/patcher/

1) Open FLIPS
2) Click on "Apply Patch"
3) Select your ROM hack in .bps format
4) Select your original Super Mario 64 ROM in .z64 format
5) Save!

Do NOT use a .zip file in this process.
Unzip the file if any of your files are contained in one, and use Google to figure out how to do it if you need to.



---Download Further Hacks---

If you want to play further hacks not included in this megapack (or older versions of hacks included here), you can find them in this list of hacks: 

https://sm64romhacks.com



---Emulator [Project64 / Parallel Launcher]---

You will need an emulator to actually play the hacks. There are multiple emulators you could use which all work well.
However, it is highly recommended to resort to one of the emulators which are presented here.

One of the best options is Luna's Project64.
https://sites.google.com/view/shurislibrary/luna-project64

All relevant information on setup and troubleshooting can also be accessed through that link.

Other versions of Project64 are generally not recommended for use because they either lack functions or,
if you have an older version, they have an exploit which poses a small risk to execute arbitrary code on your PC if you
tried to run a malicious ROM file. Note that Luna's Project64 does NOT have any such risk.

Furthermore, you can use Parallel Launcher. You can download and find out how to set it up by following these two links:

https://romhacking.com/howtopatch
https://parallel-launcher.ca



---StarDisplay and Romhacking.Com---

StarDisplay is a tool which can show your progress on the hacks you are playing.
You will see the amounts of stars, red coins and other collectibles in levels, and the ones you already got will be highlighted on the display. 

It is also possible for you to create a profile on the following website:

https://romhacking.com

First of all, this page provides you with a download link for StarDisplay.
It also allows you to download other ROM hacks, and allows you to leave comments and ratings for them once you created a profile,
and, it can document your progress on these hacks on the website and reward you with points by completing your hack playthroughs.