What is a Voobly? Are there any other servers?

[clop1000]

I am definitely new to multiplayer in AOE (big fan of single player though), please explain me modern state of multiplayer games?

Are there several servers out there? I mean if I click multiplayer in steam version – is it the most populated server? Or there are different version?
What is Voobly all about? Do I need install additional software?


If i don't have DLCs (African kingdoms and so on) - can i still play online, and what limitations will i get doing so)?

[woodsmanac]

http://steamcommunity.com/app/221380/discussions/0/1696040635928814455/

[Tempires]

short and limited introduction about aoe2 multipalyer


There are multiple ways to play game online:

• Steam
  
• 3rd party clients(e.g. voobly,gameranger ):

1. This is most common way to start playing multiplayer as nowdays only HD version for steam is beinging sold so it's not hard to find other new players and casual games. Steam multiplayer has most likely biggest playerbase(though there is no multiplayer player data to proof it). On Steam everyone uses HD version with expansions or without them(selectable). Anyone can play both games even if they don't own expansions. However if you do not own expansions and host has selected expansion data set them you have limited civilization pool: 3 from base game and 1 from each expansion. If you do own one or multiple expansions you can pick from all base game civs and from all civs from expansions you own.

2. 3rd party clients use original game from 2000(aok+tc) but HD version users can patch their game so they can play with original game players. It's also possible play HD expansions in original game too by downloading mod called wololoo kingdoms. Voobly is most popular and most advanced 3rd party client to play aoe2. Voobly uses player made patch which have been praised to make much better multiplayer experience with other voobly features compared to steam multiplayer.
Voobly also has older playerbase and overall level of play is higher than on steam multiplayer(all pros play on this platform and tournaments are played on voobly)

small copy paste from about voobly:

Voobly is a free online gaming network with built-in social features designed to allow you to play multiplayer games and interact with your friends online. Some of the core features for Voobly include news-feed+friend system, detailed profile interface, advanced team ladder support, multi-ladder rating system, built-in anticheat software, NAT Traversal for easy connections to players, live game streaming, and many more.

For more info about voobly you should take a look at voobly website and reddit page for setting up voobly page

[clop1000]

BTW - what are the origins of the this strange name Voobly?
I suppose it has something with sound that monk makes when trying to convert some infidels? Am I right? Or do I think in absolutely wrong direction?

[Tempires]

Originally posted by clop1000:

BTW - what are the origins of the this strange name Voobly?
I suppose it has something with sound that monk makes when trying to convert some infidels? Am I right? Or do I think in absolutely wrong direction?

as far as I know it doesn't mean anything. someone explained it couple years ago i think but i didn't manage to find that topic

[Ham]

There is a new mod on voobly called Wololo kingdoms that allows you to play the expansions and latest balance patches on voobly if you own them here.

Worth checking out if you enjoy multiplayer