ABC-Patcher: A Modern, Secure, and Open-Source Patching Solution for ServUO Shards

A Modern, Secure, and Open-Source Install-Patch-Launch Solution for ServUO Shards

Open Source • MIT Licensed • Built with .NET 8

Ero AKA Shane is a veteran Ultima Online developer and ServUO shard operator based in Canada. Passionate about modern tooling for classic games, he created ABC-Patcher to solve a 20-year-old patching problem.

For over two decades, Ultima Online shard operators have wrestled with the same frustrating ritual: manually packaging patches, uploading files via FTP, and praying players download the right version. It’s time-consuming, error-prone, and frankly, beneath the sophistication of today’s private server communities.

Enter ABC-Patcher — a complete, open-source Install-Patch-Launch system designed exclusively for ServUO shards. Built from the ground up with security, automation, and elegance in mind, ABC-Patcher transforms patching from a chore into a seamless, professional experience.

No more FTP. No more broken links. No more “Did you download the right patch?”
ABC-Patcher delivers updates securely, automatically, and with real-time feedback — for both players and operators.

The Vision: Patch Like It’s 2025

ABC-Patcher isn’t just another patcher. It’s a full ecosystem of five tightly integrated components, all sharing a single, robust core library. From secure file distribution to intelligent client launching, every piece works in harmony to create a “download, patch, play” flow that feels native and effortless.

Key Features That Matter

For Administrators

Full HTTPS patch server with certificate support
Multi-channel endpoints (client, staging, server)
Automatic manifest generation from distribution folders
Discord webhook alerts for updates, errors, and events
Powerful CLI tools for automation and syncing

For Players

Polished WPF launcher with live patch progress
Auto-detects ClassicUO, Razor, and Steam clients
Secure channel validation prevents misconnects
Built-in account switching and management
Zero configuration — just click and play

For Operators

Resolves DataPath.cfg automatically
Stops/starts Windows services during updates
Creates pre-patch backups automatically
Syncs from live server or local gold master

Under the Hood: Built to Last

At its core, ABC-Patcher is powered by a shared patch engine that handles:

Manifest validation
SHA256 integrity checks
Intelligent diff detection
Streaming downloads with progress reporting

This library is reused across the server, launcher, and CLI — ensuring consistency, reducing bugs, and simplifying maintenance.

Security First

Unlike legacy HTTP patchers, ABC-Patcher was designed with modern threats in mind:

All traffic over HTTPS
Built-in certificate generation and validation
SHA256 hashing on every file
Channel isolation prevents cross-shard leaks

Get Started in Minutes

1. Launch the Patch Server

dotnet run –project ABC-Patcher.Server

2. Build & Distribute the Launcher

dotnet publish ABC-Patcher.Launcher -c Release –self-contained true -p:PublishSingleFile=true

3. Automate with CLI

abc manifest ./dist/client –channel client –version 1.0.0 abc sync https://patches.myshard.com ./ServUO –channel server

“ABC-Patcher turned our weekly patch nightmare into a one-click process. Players love it, and I finally get my weekends back.”
— A grateful shard operator

Why ABC-Patcher Stands Alone

Traditional methods rely on manual uploads, fragile web hosts, and player discipline. ABC-Patcher replaces all of that with:

Self-hosted — no third-party dependency
Instant updates — players are always current
Professional UX — real-time progress bars
Open source — audit, fork, improve

New Features Already Included

ABC-Patcher ships with powerful capabilities that were once considered “future features” — now available today:

Self-Updating Launcher – The launcher patches itself before updating the client, ensuring zero downtime.
Pre-Built GitHub Releases – Automated single-file executables via GitHub Actions — just download and run.

These features are live in the current release. No waiting required.

Join the Future of UO Patching

ABC-Patcher is more than a tool — it’s the new standard for professional, reliable, and secure patch distribution in the Ultima Online community.

View on GitHub Download Launcher

Made for ServUO shards — Patch smarter. Play better.