Update Frequency

[T͠ilde]

Every time Steam forces an update on me I have to downgrade until the person hosting our multiplayer server updates it. Is there a feature to automatically update and restart it I can let him know about?

It's not a huge deal or anything, but the frequency seems excessive.

[Chindraba]

I do not know of any feature built into the game which would do that. Unless you're in a pure Vanilla game, and really, even then, I'd recommend not upgrading to each new version anyway.
For the non-Steam players the game can be set no to update, or even check for updates, automatically. The Steam players can use the Beta feature to 'lock' their game to a specific version.
Some of the reasons not to update an active MP game are:

• Some updates have, and will, break mods
  
• Updates have made changes which, while not game breaking, can be base-breaking
  
• A few updates have introduced bugs, often followed by a quick update to fix, but the game save could get messed up in the process
  
• Some updates have made changes which cause lag spikes in "upgraded" games

Of course the reasons are also good ones for not updating even solo games as soon as an update releases. Let the release come out and get a 'test drive' for a few days. If there are no bug reports, or none which matter in your game, then allow your game to update.

Very seldom is the next stable update game changing enough to make it a 'must have now' update. It's always good to start new games on the current version, but mostly keep active games in the version you started them with, or update when there's a change you need or want. For long-running games it can be worth it sometimes to get an update so the version isn't too far behind current, but probably not critical.

One last reason not to upgrade current games, MP or not, which also applies to not updating mods if you use them, is the replay save. If a game is started with the replay save option enabled, it will be disabled for absolutely any change in game or mod versions.