Multiplayer Getting Started Guide - Revision history

TopAce: formatting

2022-01-04T09:56:22Z

formatting

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:56, 4 January 2022
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			'''OUTDATED!'''<br>
	== '''OUTDATED!''' ==		This guide is heavily outdated to the current FSO multiplayer. This page will be updated to reflect those changes, but in the meantime please see this guide instead [https://pxo.nottheeye.com/support/setup Getting Started in FSO Multiplayer]
	This guide is heavily outdated to the current FSO multiplayer. This page will be updated to reflect those changes, but in the meantime please see this guide instead [https://pxo.nottheeye.com/support/setup Getting Started in FSO Multiplayer]


	This detailed step-by-step guide will help you set up a current installation of FreeSpace Open for online multiplayer gaming, either on FS2NetD or through a direct IP connection. The guide is aimed at those who have little to no experience with FreeSpace Open and covers everything that might be needed to get multiplayer up and running, so more experienced users may want to just read the headlines to make sure they don't forget an important step.		This detailed step-by-step guide will help you set up a current installation of FreeSpace Open for online multiplayer gaming, either on FS2NetD or through a direct IP connection. The guide is aimed at those who have little to no experience with FreeSpace Open and covers everything that might be needed to get multiplayer up and running, so more experienced users may want to just read the headlines to make sure they don't forget an important step.

Wookieejedi: add newer getting started guide

2022-01-03T15:13:20Z

add newer getting started guide

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:13, 3 January 2022
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			== '''OUTDATED!''' ==
			This guide is heavily outdated to the current FSO multiplayer. This page will be updated to reflect those changes, but in the meantime please see this guide instead [https://pxo.nottheeye.com/support/setup Getting Started in FSO Multiplayer]


	This detailed step-by-step guide will help you set up a current installation of FreeSpace Open for online multiplayer gaming, either on FS2NetD or through a direct IP connection. The guide is aimed at those who have little to no experience with FreeSpace Open and covers everything that might be needed to get multiplayer up and running, so more experienced users may want to just read the headlines to make sure they don't forget an important step.		This detailed step-by-step guide will help you set up a current installation of FreeSpace Open for online multiplayer gaming, either on FS2NetD or through a direct IP connection. The guide is aimed at those who have little to no experience with FreeSpace Open and covers everything that might be needed to get multiplayer up and running, so more experienced users may want to just read the headlines to make sure they don't forget an important step.

Z64555: /* Config File Setup */ Added a quick note. Not a perfect solution, but should help a few people before they waste time

2017-02-14T08:33:44Z

Config File Setup: Added a quick note. Not a perfect solution, but should help a few people before they waste time

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:33, 14 February 2017
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	===Config File Setup===		===Config File Setup===
			{{Note\|As of at least 3.6.10, FreeSpace Open does not need much configuration from end-users, unless they are trying to experiment with making their mod compatible with multiplayer or are messing with stand-alone servers. Info on configuration file is in [[multi.cfg]].}}

	FreeSspace Open relies on a config file to tell it the location of the FS2NetD server, and depending on how you acquired the game this file may not be present. If you downloaded the game using Turey's [http://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php/topic,42854.0.html Online Installer], or used the official installers to get either [[Beyond the Red Line]] or [[Wing Commander Saga]], then you will already have a correct version of this file appropriate to your installation and can skip this step. Otherwise, proceed.		FreeSspace Open relies on a config file to tell it the location of the FS2NetD server, and depending on how you acquired the game this file may not be present. If you downloaded the game using Turey's [http://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php/topic,42854.0.html Online Installer], or used the official installers to get either [[Beyond the Red Line]] or [[Wing Commander Saga]], then you will already have a correct version of this file appropriate to your installation and can skip this step. Otherwise, proceed.

Zookeeper: Added note about "/multidata" renamed to "Broadcast Locally"

2014-03-17T12:49:36Z

Added note about "/multidata" renamed to "Broadcast Locally"

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:49, 17 March 2014
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	*'''Multidata:''' This button, found in the middle-left of the options screen, currently has no effect. Leave if '''Off''' as shown in the image to the left.		*'''Multidata:''' This button, found in the middle-left of the options screen, currently has no effect. Leave if '''Off''' as shown in the image to the left.

			{{Table371\|This has been renamed to "Broadcast Locally", which is presumably the intended original name.}}

Androgeos Exeunt: /* Getting the Validated Missions */ Whoever forgot the backup shall feel my wrath... (not)

2013-08-28T14:13:20Z

Getting the Validated Missions: Whoever forgot the backup shall feel my wrath... (not)

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:13, 28 August 2013
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	To use them properly, first download the <tt>multi-mission-pack.vp</tt> file (''link below'') and save it to a separate directory under your FreeSpace 2 installation - For the purposes of this guide, we will use the directory '''<tt><FreeSpace 2 location>/multimissions/</tt>'''. Then select that directory as a mod in the launcher (''see next section''). There is also an optional voice pack addon for those missions which, if you choose to download it, should be placed in the same directory as the mission package.		To use them properly, first download the <tt>multi-mission-pack.vp</tt> file (''link below'') and save it to a separate directory under your FreeSpace 2 installation - For the purposes of this guide, we will use the directory '''<tt><FreeSpace 2 location>/multimissions/</tt>'''. Then select that directory as a mod in the launcher (''see next section''). There is also an optional voice pack addon for those missions which, if you choose to download it, should be placed in the same directory as the mission package.

	*[http://www.fszmirror.com/files/multi-mission-pack.vp Mission package]		[http://web.archive.org/web/20090815000000/http://www.fszmirror.com/files/multi-mission-pack.vp Mission package]
	*[http://www.fszmirror.com/files/multi-voice-pack.vp Voice package]		*[http://web.archive.org/web/20081022231035/http://www.fszmirror.com/files/multi-voice-pack.vp Voice package]

	===Launcher Setup===		===Launcher Setup===
	Before being able to play online, your internet connection must be correctly configured in the launcher. To do that, follow the steps below:		Before being able to play online, your internet connection must be correctly configured in the launcher. To do that, follow the steps below:

Shade: Reverted edits by Francisco21 (Talk) to last revision by TopAce

2010-09-18T14:40:59Z

Reverted edits by Francisco21 (Talk) to last revision by TopAce

← Older revision	Revision as of 14:40, 18 September 2010
(No difference)

TopAce: seperate --> separata and Freespace --> FreeSpace

2008-12-22T16:28:50Z

seperate --> separata and Freespace --> FreeSpace

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:28, 22 December 2008
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	This detailed step-by-step guide will help you set up a current installation of ~~Freespace~~ Open for online multiplayer gaming, either on FS2NetD or through a direct IP connection. The guide is aimed at those who have little to no experience with ~~Freespace~~ Open and covers everything that might be needed to get multiplayer up and running, so more experienced users may want to just read the headlines to make sure they don't forget an important step.		This detailed step-by-step guide will help you set up a current installation of FreeSpace Open for online multiplayer gaming, either on FS2NetD or through a direct IP connection. The guide is aimed at those who have little to no experience with FreeSpace Open and covers everything that might be needed to get multiplayer up and running, so more experienced users may want to just read the headlines to make sure they don't forget an important step.

	==Pre-Game Preparation==		==Pre-Game Preparation==
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	'''Step 4:''' Two mails have now been sent to the address you provided, one containing your login information (may want to write this down) and one containing an activation link. Open the one titled '''FS2NET Registration Authorization for: ****''', then follow the link inside to activate your FS2NetD account.		'''Step 4:''' Two mails have now been sent to the address you provided, one containing your login information (may want to write this down) and one containing an activation link. Open the one titled '''FS2NET Registration Authorization for: ****''', then follow the link inside to activate your FS2NetD account.

	''Note: A pilot registered with FS2NetD can be used with all supported mods. It is not necessary to register ~~seperate~~ pilots for ~~Freespace~~, Beyond the Red Line and Wing Commander Saga, though you do have the option of doing so.''		''Note: A pilot registered with FS2NetD can be used with all supported mods. It is not necessary to register separate pilots for FreeSpace, Beyond the Red Line and Wing Commander Saga, though you do have the option of doing so.''


	===Firewall/Router Setup===		===Firewall/Router Setup===
	As ~~Freespace~~ Open uses port 7808 for multiplayer games, it is necessary to allow communication on this port to pass through your firewall and, if applicable, router unhindered. To do this, call up the control panel for your firewall/router and add an rule that opens up port 7808 to both ingoing and outgoing traffic, for both the TCP and UDP protocols. Detailed walkthroughs of how to do this for some common firewalls and routers can be found in the [[Port Forwarding]] article, so consult that if you have trouble figuring out how to do it.		As FreeSpace Open uses port 7808 for multiplayer games, it is necessary to allow communication on this port to pass through your firewall and, if applicable, router unhindered. To do this, call up the control panel for your firewall/router and add an rule that opens up port 7808 to both ingoing and outgoing traffic, for both the TCP and UDP protocols. Detailed walkthroughs of how to do this for some common firewalls and routers can be found in the [[Port Forwarding]] article, so consult that if you have trouble figuring out how to do it.

	Failure to do this will make you unable to host games, though depending on circumstances you may still be able to join games hosted by others.		Failure to do this will make you unable to host games, though depending on circumstances you may still be able to join games hosted by others.
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	===Config File Setup===		===Config File Setup===
	~~Freespace~~ Open relies on a config file to tell it the location of the FS2NetD server, and depending on how you acquired the game this file may not be present. If you downloaded the game using Turey's [http://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php/topic,42854.0.html Online Installer], or used the official installers to get either [[Beyond the Red Line]] or [[Wing Commander Saga]], then you will already have a correct version of this file appropriate to your installation and can skip this step. Otherwise, proceed.		FreeSspace Open relies on a config file to tell it the location of the FS2NetD server, and depending on how you acquired the game this file may not be present. If you downloaded the game using Turey's [http://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php/topic,42854.0.html Online Installer], or used the official installers to get either [[Beyond the Red Line]] or [[Wing Commander Saga]], then you will already have a correct version of this file appropriate to your installation and can skip this step. Otherwise, proceed.

	The file in question, called <tt>fs2open_pxo.cfg</tt>, should be located in the /data/ folder under your ~~Freespace~~ installation directory and should contain the following two lines depending on what you have installed:		The file in question, called <tt>fs2open_pxo.cfg</tt>, should be located in the /data/ folder under your FreeSpace installation directory and should contain the following two lines depending on what you have installed:

	Standard ~~Freespace~~ Open installation:		Standard FreeSpace Open installation:
	fs2netd.game-warden.com		fs2netd.game-warden.com
	12000		12000
Line 53:		Line 53:
	''Note: The current IP address of fs2netd.game-warden.com is'' <tt>64.92.160.250</tt>'', so if the first line says that instead then it will still work. However, using the URL is safer in case the IP address changes.''		''Note: The current IP address of fs2netd.game-warden.com is'' <tt>64.92.160.250</tt>'', so if the first line says that instead then it will still work. However, using the URL is safer in case the IP address changes.''

	''Note: For those using the [[MediaVP]]s with a standard ~~Freespace~~ Open installation, a version of this file containing the same two lines may also be found in /mediavps/data/.''		''Note: For those using the [[MediaVP]]s with a standard FreeSpace Open installation, a version of this file containing the same two lines may also be found in /mediavps/data/.''

	===Getting the Validated Missions===		===Getting the Validated Missions===
	As the next step before moving in-game, you should download the multiplayer mission package. This package contains extra multiplayer missions for ~~Freespace~~ 2, all of which are validated for online play over FS2NetD. This means that stats from these missions will be saved by the FS2NetD server after each game.		As the next step before moving in-game, you should download the multiplayer mission package. This package contains extra multiplayer missions for FreeSpace 2, all of which are validated for online play over FS2NetD. This means that stats from these missions will be saved by the FS2NetD server after each game.

	To use them properly, first download the <tt>multi-mission-pack.vp</tt> file (''link below'') and save it to a ~~seperate~~ directory under your ~~Freespace~~ 2 installation - For the purposes of this guide, we will use the directory '''<tt><~~Freespace~~ 2 location>/multimissions/</tt>'''. Then select that directory as a mod in the launcher (''see next section''). There is also an optional voice pack addon for those missions which, if you choose to download it, should be placed in the same directory as the mission package.		To use them properly, first download the <tt>multi-mission-pack.vp</tt> file (''link below'') and save it to a separate directory under your FreeSpace 2 installation - For the purposes of this guide, we will use the directory '''<tt><FreeSpace 2 location>/multimissions/</tt>'''. Then select that directory as a mod in the launcher (''see next section''). There is also an optional voice pack addon for those missions which, if you choose to download it, should be placed in the same directory as the mission package.

	*[http://www.fszmirror.com/files/multi-mission-pack.vp Mission package]		*[http://www.fszmirror.com/files/multi-mission-pack.vp Mission package]
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	===Launcher Setup===		===Launcher Setup===
	Before being able to play online, your internet connection must be correctly configured in the launcher. To do that, follow the steps below:		Before being able to play online, your internet connection must be correctly configured in the launcher. To do that, follow the steps below:
	[[Image:Launcher_network.JPG\|frame\|Network tab in the ~~Freespace~~ Open launcher\|left]]		[[Image:Launcher_network.JPG\|frame\|Network tab in the FreeSpace Open launcher\|left]]


	*'''Step 1:''' Start the ~~Freespace~~ Open launcher and go to the '''Network''' tab (''pictured left'').		*'''Step 1:''' Start the FreeSpace Open launcher and go to the '''Network''' tab (''pictured left'').


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	[[Image:Pilot_select_multi.JPG\|frame\|Pilot selection screen in standard ~~Freespace~~\|right]]		[[Image:Pilot_select_multi.JPG\|frame\|Pilot selection screen in standard FreeSpace\|right]]
	*'''Step 1:''' Start the game using the launcher, and you will arrive at the pilot selection screen (''pictured right'').		*'''Step 1:''' Start the game using the launcher, and you will arrive at the pilot selection screen (''pictured right'').

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	*'''Step 4:''' Type in the pilot name you used when you [[Multiplayer Getting Started Guide#FS2NetD Account Registration\|registered your FS2NetD account]], and hit enter to create the pilot. It is not a problem if this name is the same as one of your singleplayer pilots, as they are stored ~~seperately~~.		*'''Step 4:''' Type in the pilot name you used when you [[Multiplayer Getting Started Guide#FS2NetD Account Registration\|registered your FS2NetD account]], and hit enter to create the pilot. It is not a problem if this name is the same as one of your singleplayer pilots, as they are stored separately.


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	Once you have looked over the available information and decided on which game to join, simply click on the game in the server list, and then click the '''Join''' button in the bottom-right of the lobby screen (''shown to the right''), and you will enter the game. Once you are in a game, you can chat with the other participants and ask any questions you might have regarding the game you have entered. Congratulations, you are now playing a ~~Freespace~~ Open multiplayer game.		Once you have looked over the available information and decided on which game to join, simply click on the game in the server list, and then click the '''Join''' button in the bottom-right of the lobby screen (''shown to the right''), and you will enter the game. Once you are in a game, you can chat with the other participants and ask any questions you might have regarding the game you have entered. Congratulations, you are now playing a FreeSpace Open multiplayer game.

	Once the game enters briefing, it is much the same as in a regular single player mission. The main difference is that you can still chat with the other players while watching the briefing, and you will have to wait for all players to commit to the mission before the mission enters flight mode.		Once the game enters briefing, it is much the same as in a regular single player mission. The main difference is that you can still chat with the other players while watching the briefing, and you will have to wait for all players to commit to the mission before the mission enters flight mode.

	[[Category:Multiplayer]]		[[Category:Multiplayer]]

TopAce: recieve --> receive

2008-10-02T20:03:16Z

recieve --> receive

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:03, 2 October 2008
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	*'''Step 3:''' You now have 3 fields to fill out, as shown in the image to the right.<br /><br />In the '''Pilot Name''' field, write the name of the pilot you intend to use when playing on FS2NetD.<br /><br />[[Image:FS2NetD_registration.JPG\|frame\|FS2NetD registration screen\|right]]In the '''Password''' field, write a password of your choice. As always with passwords, it is a good idea to use one that is difficult to guess - If you need tips on that, here is a quick guide: [http://www.hr.mnscu.edu/faq/password.html Choosing a Good Password]. It would also be a very bad idea to reuse an existing password that is already being used for something sensitive.<br /><br />Then, in the '''Email''' field, put in a valid E-mail address. Upon completion of registration, a confirmation email will be sent to this address with a link you must follow to active your account, so ''do not'' put in a bogus address. If you do not wish to give up your usual email address, then you can use a web-based email service instead - As long as you can ~~recieve~~ the mail and follow the link, you're good to go.<br /><br />Finally, click the '''Process Registration''' button (''highlighted in image to the right'').		*'''Step 3:''' You now have 3 fields to fill out, as shown in the image to the right.<br /><br />In the '''Pilot Name''' field, write the name of the pilot you intend to use when playing on FS2NetD.<br /><br />[[Image:FS2NetD_registration.JPG\|frame\|FS2NetD registration screen\|right]]In the '''Password''' field, write a password of your choice. As always with passwords, it is a good idea to use one that is difficult to guess - If you need tips on that, here is a quick guide: [http://www.hr.mnscu.edu/faq/password.html Choosing a Good Password]. It would also be a very bad idea to reuse an existing password that is already being used for something sensitive.<br /><br />Then, in the '''Email''' field, put in a valid E-mail address. Upon completion of registration, a confirmation email will be sent to this address with a link you must follow to active your account, so ''do not'' put in a bogus address. If you do not wish to give up your usual email address, then you can use a web-based email service instead - As long as you can receive the mail and follow the link, you're good to go.<br /><br />Finally, click the '''Process Registration''' button (''highlighted in image to the right'').


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	*'''Object Update:''' These four buttons, found in the upper-right part of the options screen, determine the rate at which your machine ~~recieves~~ updates on objects in a mission. Most of the time, you will want to leave this on '''Low''' (''as shown in the image to the right''), as it can cause severe stress for a server if everyone in a game has this set to High, which in turn causes lag. So while it may seem counterintuitive, having updates set to '''Low''' does in fact make for a better multiplayer experience.<br /><br />There is one exception to this - When you are hosting a game. In this case, and in this case only, set object update to '''High'''. Just remember to set it back to '''Low''' once you are done playing host.		*'''Object Update:''' These four buttons, found in the upper-right part of the options screen, determine the rate at which your machine receives updates on objects in a mission. Most of the time, you will want to leave this on '''Low''' (''as shown in the image to the right''), as it can cause severe stress for a server if everyone in a game has this set to High, which in turn causes lag. So while it may seem counterintuitive, having updates set to '''Low''' does in fact make for a better multiplayer experience.<br /><br />There is one exception to this - When you are hosting a game. In this case, and in this case only, set object update to '''High'''. Just remember to set it back to '''Low''' once you are done playing host.

Shade: /* Config File Setup */ Added TBP info

2008-03-01T10:59:29Z

Config File Setup: Added TBP info

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:59, 1 March 2008
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	fs2netd.game-warden.com		fs2netd.game-warden.com
	12003		12003
			The Babylon Project installation:
			fs2netd.game-warden.com
			12004
	If this file is '''not''' present, or does not contain the exact lines above, then create a new text file in the /data/ folder, copy the appropriate lines to it, and save it as <tt>fs2open_pxo.cfg</tt>.		If this file is '''not''' present, or does not contain the exact lines above, then create a new text file in the /data/ folder, copy the appropriate lines to it, and save it as <tt>fs2open_pxo.cfg</tt>.

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	''Note: For those using the [[MediaVP]]s with a standard Freespace Open installation, a version of this file containing the same two lines may also be found in /mediavps/data/.''		''Note: For those using the [[MediaVP]]s with a standard Freespace Open installation, a version of this file containing the same two lines may also be found in /mediavps/data/.''


	===Getting the Validated Missions===		===Getting the Validated Missions===

Shade: Category

2007-08-28T14:37:55Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:37, 28 August 2007
Line 264:		Line 264:

	Once the game enters briefing, it is much the same as in a regular single player mission. The main difference is that you can still chat with the other players while watching the briefing, and you will have to wait for all players to commit to the mission before the mission enters flight mode.		Once the game enters briefing, it is much the same as in a regular single player mission. The main difference is that you can still chat with the other players while watching the briefing, and you will have to wait for all players to commit to the mission before the mission enters flight mode.

			[[Category:Multiplayer]]