Port Forwarding Help

[Tommy G.]

So I've been trying to play this game online with friends for some time now with no success. We always get the game not found error. I've read up on multiplayer issues and see that it's important to forward ports, so I opened the manual for my Arris TG860 Router and forwarded the ports on my virtual server as they instructed.

Still no luck. Same error.

So now I'm hoping someone can help me with this. If anyone has set this thing up proper, and wouldn't mind walking me through the steps, I obviously need some help setting things up. I'd REALLY appreciate it. Alternatively, would it be easier to utilize a virtual network with Hamachi, Tungle or GameRanger? Anyone have success with any of those?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[sounds like a wooosh]

First, just to be sure - there is currently a bug that is announced to be fixed in the 1.10 patch. It hinders Mac and Linux clients to play multiplayer with Windows machines and with the metaserver.

Then there are three ways to play a multiplayer game. Maybe you already know it ;)
http://ckiiwiki.com/Multiplayer

I would say that a program like Hamachi is not complicated – and probably at least easier than setting up a Router… You just must know that you then trust the company and the ones you let into your network.

Good luck!

[Tommy G.]

I think we're all running Windows, but thanks for the info. I'll read the Wiki to see if I can learn anything new.

[Supplican]

Aside from the host player having to forward ports in his router, all players must punch holes in all their firewalls for that same port range. Not doing so will result in the Game Not Found error.

[Tommy G.]

Well I know I've done so, but I can't be sure about those I've attempted to play with. I guess I just need to try with someone who has played successfully, and who has opened their ports. If it works, then I know what I'm doing. If it doesn't, then I can conclude I messed up. So far, I've only ever attempted with others who have never tried.

[Tommy G.]

I figured it out. Non-matching DLC. So the ports must have been fine. Gotta make sure you don't have game-changing DLC conflicts.

[Thundercomet]

Well, it's good that you figured it out, but AFAIK DLC doesn't make a difference as to who can play with you or not.
If, say, the host has the Republics, and none of the people joining do, then they still can play the game, and in fact play republics in that server.
This is in my experience, anyways, as I went through the whole process of port forwarding myself. This also doesn't mean you're wrong, though, as I don't know for sure.

[Tommy G.]

Cool! That's good to know. I was told to disable the DLC by an acquaintance, and we were able to connect, so I never thought anything of it. Anyway, the port forwarding obviously works, because I've hosted on multiple occassions. We'll be sure to try out the DLC thing at this Friday's game. Thanks!