How to Play Online Multiplayer with OpenSpy (2024)

A guide for playing TimeShift online multiplayer using the open source GameSpy emulator OpenSpy.

Introduction

Following the GameSpy server shutdown in 2014. TimeShift can no longer be played online natively. OpenSpy[github.com] is an open source GameSpy emulator that fully supports the multiplayer functionality of this game, and many others.

Before we get started, you need to install the 1.2 patch as the Steam version does not include it.
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=326627023
If you have an 8+ thread CPU and your game crashes at launch, you'll also need this fix.
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1869921614

Method One: Edited Executable (Recommended)

An edited executable is the easiest method of connecting to OpenSpy, and does not require alterations to your PC's network settings. I've included both a set of instructions for a manual hex edit, and a download link for a pre-edited one.

Pre-edited exe

Just drag and drop this into your game's bin directory and overwrite the exe there. This was the 1.2 patched exe posted in the linked guide in the introduction section edited by myself to use OpenSpy.

Download[drive.google.com].
Download for users with 8+ CPU threads[drive.google.com].

Manual edit instructions

The following instructions are for hex editing the TimeShift executable to connect to OpenSpy. While this may seem daunting at first, the edit you have to do is no harder than editing an ini file!

Firstly download a hex editor program. I recommend HxD[mh-nexus.de].

Next, navigate to your installation directory. Right click on the game in your library, click properties, select the 'Local Files' tab, and then click 'Browse Local Files'.
Go into the bin folder and drag 'timeshift.exe' into your hex editor.

The only edit we need to do is replacing all instances of 'gamespy.com' with 'openspy.net'. In HxD, the replace tool is accessed through the search tab.Make sure the data type is set to text-string or ASCII.

Save and exit your hex editor.

And that's it!

Method Two: Change DNS Server

An alternative method to hex editing your game executable is changing the DNS server used by your computer to one that is resolving *.gamespy.com urls to *.openspy.net.

This means that whenever a GameSpy game such as TimeShift tries to talk to a GameSpy domain, it'll talk to OpenSpy instead.

Firstly open up the network and sharing centre by right clicking on the network icon in the system tray, and selecting the option, then go into adapter settings. Select the adapter you are using to connect to the internet, right click, and view properties. scroll down to IPv4 settings and hit properties again.

Change the DNS setting to manual and set 'Preferred DNS server' to '206.189.251.107' and 'Alternate DNS server' to '8.8.8.8' (Google) or any public server of your choosing that resolves all domains.

OpenSpy's official DNS is '206.189.251.107', however this doesn't resolve other domains, stopping your access to Steam and other websites.

Save, then close the tool.


If you are unable to connect to OpenSpy with the correct DNS set, try flushing your DNS cache by opening Command Prompt, and typing in 'ipconfig /flushdns'.

Method Three: Hosts File Edit

The final method for connecting is to edit your Windows hosts file to send TimeShift's GameSpy requests to the OpenSpy servers.

This method isn't recommended as the server IPs are currently prone to change, but nonetheless, it's an option.

Open your hosts file located at

C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts

with a text editor of your choice run as administrator. I'm using Notepad++ in this example.

Paste the following on a new line:

35.232.85.72 timeshift.master.gamespy.com
35.232.85.72 timeshift.ms17.gamespy.com
35.232.85.72 timeshift.available.gamespy.com
35.184.23.87 natneg1.gamespy.com
35.184.47.26 natneg2.gamespy.com
34.66.74.46 natneg3.gamespy.com

and save.

Hosting and Joining Games

Once your game is set to connect to OpenSpy, you can just begin hosting and joining games as normal via the built-in options in game.

When hosting a game, make sure you select 'Internet' for server type.


To join, select 'join internet' from the multiplayer menu to bring up the server list.




Note that if you get a 'UI_CANT_FILL' error, you are still using GameSpy.

Remember that as TimeShift isn't yet a very popular title over the service, you won't find people playing all the time.

The easiest way to tell whether OpenSpy is working or not is by hosting an internet game, as the game needs to be able to post to the master server for you to host.

No port forwarding is required, as natneg is used.

Links, Media, and More

For matchmaking in TimeShift, I recommend my Steam Group.
https://steamcommunity.com/groups/timeshiftonline
+ Discord server[discord.gg]

Other useful links:

OpenSpy official Discord[discord.gg]
Xbox 360 Hub[discord.gg] (TimeShift Xbox 360 Xbox Live and XLink Kai)
PS3 Online & LAN[discord.gg] (TimeShift PS3 OpenSpy and XLink Kai)

2019 Gameplay Vids:

Resolve 'CD-Key In Use' Issue [GOG Users]

The GOG version unfortunately does not come with a CD-Key for the game. Only one GOG user will be able to play in any server at a time unless a cd-key is added.

Fortunately however, TimeShift's GOG version reads the key from the same location in the registry as the Steam and retail versions, and OpenSpy doesn't verify the authenticity of cd-keys, so random combinations of characters can be used.

EDIT: Kaiser_Gummi has provided a batch file[drive.google.com] that can do this for you.

Go to https://regfiles.net/registry/timeshift-registry

On the left, firstly select your Windows version.

Go to https://www.random.org/strings/ and set the options as shown, then hit get strings.

Enter the strings you got in the format XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX under 'CD key'

Lastly enter the path to your game executable.

Here's an example of what the form should look like.
Click download registry, then double click the downloaded .reg file to import the registry entry.

Can't join games on Linux

If you're unable to join games while playing on Linux, try running the game executable via Wine instead of Proton/Steam after typing this command into terminal.

sudo setcap cap_net_raw+epi /usr/bin/wine-preloader

[Ulliquel]

hey, i was wondering if i could get some advice with openspy / rpcn connectivity with an old gamespy game I am trying to enable matchmaking with. Can't seem to get the two to link up

[roofmonkey]

who still plays this?

[Wozherd$🐧]

i can't be sure this guide is still supported try in any discord about gamespy revive servers
timeshift has a server but it's russians only except maybe 2 other people around

[NolanDaneworth]

Can this be used on all gamespy games or each require specific instructions ? My game is not listed on openspy.net 'supported list' - it is SAS:Secure Tomorrow by City Interactive. It had GameSpy but i have no idea how to connect openspy on it.

[Armageddon Pops]

Nice guide, mate, but, please, tell me where can i get hosts adreses for other gamespy games?

[Mr.Bean]

yes, i hosted a server, my friend tried to join me and received the message (no response from host)

[Demon27248]

were you the person hosting about 2 hrs ago? If so I saw your game on the master server.

[Mr.Bean]

having an issue where i host a game and i get a message that says (no response from host check firewall) is there any way to fix this?

[Wozherd$🐧]

how do i know how many cpu threads i got?

[TrueEmpire]

Alright thanks. i managed to get Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter and Rome Total War to work. even though nobody plays the multiplayer