I have tried for two days to create a co-op game. I keep getting the error message "Cannot open connection here" when I try to invite friends.

[robertc759]

Is there a step by step guide on how to create a co-op game for internet play

[Donovan]

Originally posted by robertc759:

Is there a step by step guide on how to create a co-op game for internet play

As usual, checklist time.

First: Make sure you're both running the same version of the game. This is most easily done by looking at what the initial title screen says. If you're on classic Outward it'll say something such as "Outward", "Outward The Soroboreans", or "Outward The Three Brothers", while Definitive Edition will say "Outward Definitive Edition".

You can confirm if you've got Definitive Edition or not by going into Steam, right-clicking Outward -> Properties -> DLC. If you've got at least The Three Brothers and DEFED DLC, you've got Definitive Edition.

Second: If you DO have Definitive Edition, make sure you're either launching from Steam directly (At which point it'll prompt you to pick classic or DE). The shortcut, BY DEFAULT, launches classic Outward.

You can change this by going into the properties of the shortcut and changing the URL to steam://rungameid/1758860 to force it to launch DE.

Third: Make sure the region the host opens the game on, as well as the spelling (Including capital letters) are EXACTLY the same.

Finally: Make sure you've allowed Outward's .exe through your system's firewall, antivirus, as well as tried forwarding ports as outlined at https://portforward.com/outward/.

TCP: 27015, 27036
UDP: 27015, 27031-27036

[Donovan]

As a late addition to my above information, there are a few little things that just came to mind.

First, you'll need to exit the tutorial region before you can open your game for co-op. You'll know when that's happened once you wake up in the lighthouse and end up running into an angry mob when you step outside.

Second, once that happens you'll need to open the game's menu and, if you're the one hosting the world, open it to friends where you'll select region and game name.

Third, the joining party will also open their game menu and connect to your world by using the same settings/world name. Typically invites through Steam directly don't end up working.

Finally, as some clarification before it becomes a question - Similar to some other titles, Outward is host-only progression meaning any story/quest progress that's made will ONLY count for the host. This includes rewards for quests such as the free weapon skill from Burac before leaving Cierzo, silver/items from others, etc.

The joining player will still be able to unlock/learn skills from trainers, and anything they pick up, equip, use, or leave the world with in their inventory/stash will go with them.

[robertc759]

Thank you so much. This worked!