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Understanding the difference between copying and running the game from HDD vs. the "HDD Install" mode

The purpose of this page is to clear up any confusion regarding the "HDD" mode featured in the game and the unofficial HDD method to play Outbreak.

History

When the Outbreak games first released, the games included an "HDD Install" option. If users owned an official Sony Hard Disk Drive, they could use the in-game "install" option to decrease load times. The rapid load times came with a catch, however: HDD install users could only use their disk drives in-game with other users that owned disk drives. In other words, if these users wanted to play with quicker load times, they could not join games with users loading from a DVD, and vice-versa. Of course, users with HDD installs could still play games with DVD users, but they would have to accept the slower DVD load times to do so.

Later, homebrew developers devised a method to use any hard drive with the in-game install option, removing the need for an official SONY HDD.

Eventually, homebrew developers released programs such as OPL and HDLoader. These programs do not use the in-game HDD option. Instead, they install the entire game to the hard drive. This means that users can play games without any DVD in the disk drive, and if they create games, the games will appear as "DVD" games. These programs allow DVD disk users to play with HDD users, but DVD users are often left behind due to the slower loading times.

What to use today, whether on PS2 or Emulator

Most users will start with OPL or HDL. Running the game from the HDD or virtual HDD this way is the most compatible because it allows for playing with anyone using HDL/OPL, anyone playing from the ISO on the emulator, or anyone still using DVDs on a PS2.

However, the in-game method is still an alternative. It is more restrictive because you may only use this method with other people that have used the in-game install option.

Can you use both?

Yes! As long as there is enough space on the hard drive/virtual HDD on emulator, you can use both methods. For info on how to do either method, stop by HDD Install.