this source sdk is a lie

[maxwell780-maxwell]

I’ve been trying for several hours to build Source SDK 2013 following the usual setup GitHub repo + Source SDK 2013 Multiplayer + TF2 but I’m running into a major issue.

After generating the solution and building in Visual Studio, I get around 300+ errors (mostly C1083 “cannot open include file”), and the project won’t compile.

I’ve tried reinstalling and redoing the setup, but I’m still stuck.

If anyone has successfully built this recently, could you share:

• What exact setup/steps worked for you
• Any missing dependencies or configuration
• Common causes of C1083 in this project

I’d really appreciate any help this has been pretty frustrating to debug.

[maxwell780-maxwell]

alright i made it better im extremely sorry im just really pissed off but venting out anger aint going to help

[frxnkhl]

the cake is a lie

[maxwell780-maxwell]

the source sdk is a lie.

[bulkmoerls]

You are probably missing some dependencies critical for compiling the source code.

Unfortunately, since you didn't share what is causing those "No such file or directory" issues (like stdfx.h or something) Let me quote this from the Valve Developer Wiki. Assuming you are on Windows:

In terms of components, you will need:

• C++ core features (you can't untick that one).
• Latest version of "MSVC++ v143 - VS 2022 x64/x86 build tools" (don't confuse with ARM ones, no need to grab "special versions" like the Spectre mitigated).
• The latest version of the Windows 10 or 11 SDK (for Windows 10, SDK build 10.0.19041.1; for Windows 11, 10.0.26100.1)

[maxwell780-maxwell]

yeah i did installed all of the components BUT IM installing them again just to be sure so i dont waste your time (sorry if i am wasting time) and yes i did read whats required but it did not work but its been a while so im gonna try it again

[maxwell780-maxwell]

also another thing im on windows 11

[maxwell780-maxwell]

alright so as predicted it did gave me an error called Custom build for '....\game\shared\base_gcmessages.proto;....\game\shared\econ\econ_gcmessages.proto;....\gcsdk\steammessages.proto;....\game\shared\tf\tf_gcmessages.proto;....\game\shared\tf\tf_proto_def_messages.proto;spawn_helper.nut;vscript_server.nut' exited with code 9009. currently it gave me three errors which ill stop here and wait for some tips on what that error is suppose to be

[bulkmoerls]

alright so as predicted it did gave me an error called Custom build for '....\game\shared\base_gcmessages.proto;....\game\shared\econ\econ_gcmessages.proto;....\gcsdk\steammessages.proto;....\game\shared\tf\tf_gcmessages.proto;....\game\shared\tf\tf_proto_def_messages.proto;spawn_helper.nut;vscript_server.nut' exited with code 9009. currently it gave me three errors which ill stop here and wait for some tips on what that error is suppose to be

It sounds like it tries to execute a command called protoc.exe but it fails to find it so it just crashes.

[maxwell780-maxwell]

So what do I do to fix it?

[Alivebyte]

So what do I do to fix it?

Make sure you have Python installed on your machine. Also make sure your source code is not in protected folders i.e Program Files, etc.

[maxwell780-maxwell]

Alright ill see on what I can do

[maxwell780-maxwell]

alright i got Cannot open include file: 'afxwin.h': No such file or directory error which is the LAST error and listen ok I CANT GET C++ MFC for latest v143 build tools (x86 & x64) cause i installed the visual studio at Tuesday, ‎December ‎16, ‎2025, ‏‎10:48:26 PM as this was the only option i can install and this version i installed does not have C++ MFC for latest v143 build tools (x86 & x64) IVE CHECKED.... so how can i fix this??

[maxwell780-maxwell]

ok never mind i manage to fix it by myself AND it works thanks for helping out yall :D