Is there an easier way to set up a custom server?

[Aythadis]

It has been YEARS since I did this, and I can't seem to find any updated info on setting up a server on Windows 10. I've tried using ServerMania but I can't seem to get it to work, as most videos I find about it are for XP or Vista. I've been wanting to set up a server (Canada) so I can get a few friends to play it with me on some super fun maps that I've collected over the years, and slightly easier maps so my buddies could actually play, and even try getting some randoms to play, but can't get it set up. Any help would be appreciated!

[TMarc]

Actually setting up a basic server is relatively simple. It is much more complicated if you need a controller with plugin's and record manager etc.
Do you want a simple local server with a few maps or advanced server?

[Aythadis]

Hey thanks for a reply!

I'd like to be able to have a decent server with like 20+ maps. I don't need any fancy plugins and stuff, like leaderboards and donating like most do. I just want to be able to boot it up with some maps, change maps once in awhile, and have friends/randoms join and just have fun and race.

I should also say my friends are not local, they live on the other side of the country or in a different country all together.

[TMarc]

So you would prefer to have a server running all the time?
There are mainly 3 different ways for servers:
- directly with the game client, there is the possibility to create a configuration for an ad-hoc server. You start the server and are also automatically part of the game
- with the dedicated server (some information here: http://www.tm-forum.com/viewtopic.php?t=14203) on your local machine
Don't forget to enable port forwarding on you router and firewalls!
- rent a server (with different features, from raw windows or linux to completely configured Trackmania server

However, if you can afford it, I would recommend to switch to Maniaplanet as it is more modern and the development is going on there, and it supports Windows 10.

[Aythadis]

Yeah Maniaplanet is out of the option as none of my friends can afford to buy the other TM games. I have tried to host a server though the game directly, but no one can join (possibly because of firewall settings on the router that I have no access to because my ISP is a c*nt) but I know I've always had this issue in every game I've ever played.

[TMarc]

ah, too bad. Then another possibility would be that you ask a team which is hosting maps you guys also like, and if you can add more tracks etc.