How to host a game
Introduction (Read first)
Direct IP
Internet Lobby
Network/LAN
Port forwarding
Firewall
VPN Tools
Hosting a game as fairly easy as the RttR-Client has a built in Server. There are three options for hosting a game:
In most cases using the Internet Lobby is the best choice. However, if the Internet Lobby is currently unreachable or you/your friends don't have/want a board account, you can always use Direct IP. When in the same Network/LAN you should go with that option.
If you are the host, you have to make sure that:
- The port you used is forwarded (Not required when using Network/LAN)
- Your firewall isn't blocking
If you are a client, you have to make sure that:
- Your firewall isn't blocking
Still problems hosting or joining a game? Feel free to ask on Discord
Event if the Internet Lobby is currently unreachable, you can always host Direct IP games. This means that you have to tell everybody who wants to join your external IP. If you have no idea how to find your IP, there are several webservices which can tell you (e.g. https://www.whatsmyip.org/)
When setting up the server, make sure that the correct Server-Port (Default 3665) is used.
When connecting to a game, make sure you entered the correct IP Address of Host and Server-Port. Both are provided by the hosting player.
The Internet Lobby allows clients to find and connect to your game fast. You also don't need to know your external IP Address. You need a valid board account at https://www.siedler25.org/ to connect to the lobby. The Username and Password are the same as your board account.
When setting up the server, make sure that the correct Server-Port (Default 3665) is used.
Select any server you want to connect to and hit the Connect button. If the game is running or full, you won't be able to join. If the server you are trying to join is password protected, you are asked to enter it.
IMPORTANT: We do not host your games. Seeing a game in the list doesn't mean you can connect at all. You need to forward a port, which is not possible for everybody! If you have problems hosting, either ask via Discord or try VPN Tools!
When you are in the same Network as your friends you can use the Network/LAN feature. This allows you to quickly host and find games in your network without needing an internet connection or a board account.
When setting up the server, make sure that the correct Server-Port (Default 3665) is used.
Select any server you want to connect to and hit the Connect button. If the game is running or full, you won't be able to join. If the server you are trying to join is password protected, you are asked to enter it.
This is what most likely prevents you from hosting a game. For more information about what Port forwarding is you may read the Wikipedia or any other website. This is not RttR specific.
You should forward Port 3665 (Default, you can use any other) TCP.
Depending on your router the actions needed in order to forward a port are different. Sadly we can not provide detailed information on "how do I forward a port" for your specific router. Luckily the internet is a good source for guides and manuals on forwarding a port using your hardware. Simply search for "Port forwarding " and I'm pretty sure you will find what you need.
I will try to collect links on most routers used here.
- Various Routers
- Fritzbox (German)
- Zyxel (Czech, turn on SIP and ALG)
- ZTE (English)
There are several webservices which can test your ports. Do the following:
- Host a game in RttR (Direct IP or Internet Lobby)
- Visit any Webservice (e.g. https://www.yougetsignal.com/tools/open-ports/)
- Enter the port you opened (Default 3665)
- Hit Check
This is what it should look like.
If you see this, your port is not open and clients wont be (likely) able to join. This can be caused by:
- You are currently not hosting a game
- You entered the wrong port when checking
- You entered the wrong port when forwarding
- You forwarded for the wrong machine
- Your Firewall is blocking
This is also something that most likely prevents you from hosting or joining a game. Depending on your firewall (either your OS or your security software) you have to allow either RttR or port 3665. You can also use any other port but have to tell every connecting client which port they should use.
Sometimes it is not possible to forward a port correctly. There are various tools for creating a virtual network, for example Hamachi, Gameranger or Zero Tier One. We can not provide such tool. Following there is a description on how to play using Zero Tier One, this is just a personal preference.
Head over to their Download Page and download the client. If you are prompted to create an account to create a network, either ignore it since there is an open network or create an account and create your own network. Creating a network is not part of this artice.
You have to launch the application if not already running. On windows for example, simply type "Zero" in the search bar. After the app is running, you should see a small icon in the task bar: 
You can join any network. For joining a network you need to right click on the task bar icon (see Step 2). In the context menu you have to select join new network:
A new window appears:
Enter either your own ID or use this: 632ea29085c7fee5
IMPORTANT: Everbody needs to be in the same network in order to play together!
You can now play using Direct IP. Everbody needs to know the hosts' adress. To find that adress, you have to right click on the Zero Tier One app icon (see Step 2) and select the corresponding network and hover over Managed Adresses:
- The provided network is a public network
- You should not share files and folders in that network
- You should not devices in that network
- You will be kicked after not connecting for 30 days (thats what Zero Tier One does)
- You can always rejoin
