How to play ROTK: install H1Z1 for free

ROTK is free to play using the copy of Z1 Battle Royale you own on Steam. Installation takes about three minutes.

Only download the launcher from rotk.app/play or the official GitHub.

System requirements

Windows 10 or 11: the launcher is only available for Windows.
Z1 Battle Royale in your Steam library. ROTK never downloads or distributes H1Z1.
A Steam account: it is the only way to sign in, with no email or password to create.

Create your ROTK account. On rotk.app, sign in with Steam. The account is created on your first sign-in.
Generate your game key. Avatar in the top right, account settings, then "Generate key". The 32-character key is only shown once: copy it. Generating a new one cancels the old one.
Install the launcher. It finds your Z1 Battle Royale on its own and suggests a folder, usually C:\Games\ROTK. Click "Install", paste your key, sign in. To update the game, restart the launcher and click "Play".

Setting	Recommendation
Interior Lighting	Turn off (MaszuKa's advice, August 1, 2026)
Ambient Occlusion	Turn off (MaszuKa's advice, August 1, 2026)
PS3 weapon stance	`V` key, can be changed in "ROTK Bindings"
Console	`N` key by default
Item stacks	`Ctrl` for a whole stack, `Shift` to choose the amount
Commands	`/help` lists the commands, `/reportbug` reports a bug
Region	Chosen automatically based on ping, can be changed in the settings

Source code	Open, auditable and can be compiled yourself (GitHub)
License	GNU GPL v3.0 or later
Separate copy	Never modifies your official Steam installation
Security	File verification (SHA-256), key encrypted by Windows (DPAPI)
Anti-cheat	Mandatory and closed-source, reviewed by two trusted members (Teufeurs and Dano)
Versions mentioned	V6 (voice chat, 30/07), 0.7.0 (asset packs, 01/08), 1.4.1 (PS3 crouch), 2.0.10, 2.0.14, 2.0.20 (September 2026)

If you run into a problem: help channels on the official Discord or a support ticket on rotk.app.

Categories:Guides