How to see servers again in Prey (2006)

This guide will give you help on how to reenable the masterserver on Prey (2006).

Introduction

Prey's masterserver has been tied to Humanhead studio's domain since their creation... However, since they closed a long time ago, their masterserver disappeared with them as well, which is a big shame given how unique this game is.

Recently, I have been able to recreate from scratch a masterserver that works with Prey (2006). I have been able to share the info with the community. However, updating the masterserver to a new address may be a little scary for newcomers, but thankfully it is really easy.

This guide will help you to see servers again, and give you the proper tools to be able to host some for future community events.

I will give you 3 methods to achieve it, from easiest to advanced: by changing a simple CVAR, by replacing the executables, or by modifying the DNS, for advanced users.

Method 1: by changing a CVAR (easiest method)

This method is extremely simple and does not require anything other than writing one single command. Also works out of the box for Windows and Linux:

- First of all, open up the console ( CTRL + ALT + ~ )
- Then, type (or copy/paste) this command:

 seta net_master0 "prey2006masters.baseq.fr" 

Finally, restart the game to properly apply it. That's all!

Method 2: Replacing the executables

If changing the CVAR is too troublesome for you, you can also change the default, hardcoded value by the new one

To save you the trouble, I already modified them and uploaded them, so all you have to do is to replace them.

Prey 2006 - Modified Masterserver[ch0ww.fr]

Please note that the executable can be used on either the Steam or the retail release!

For those skeptical of what was modified within the binaries, here's the only modification I made. You can verify yourself using a byte-diff tool.

Linux clients will have to change the binary by hand, unfortunately.

Method 3: Manually changing the DNS

This method does not require to replace the executable, but it is not recommended as the masterserver's IP can change at any time.

To do this method, you’ll have to modify your hosts file and add this line to redirect the previous masterserver address to the newest.

First of all, ping preymasters2006.baseq.fr to know the IP address of the masterserver (at the time of this guide, it is 217.182.206.29):


Then, we will open the Hosts file. To do so, here are the steps to do (taken from this page[gist.github.com]):
1) Press the Windows key.
2) Type Notepad in the search field.
3) In the search results, right-click Notepad and select Run as administrator.
4) From Notepad, open the following file:

 c:\Windows\System32\Drivers\etc\hosts

Now, we will add the following line at the end of the file:

 217.182.206.49 preymaster.humanhead.com 

Finally, click File > Save to save your changes.

Pfew, done.

Verifying if it worked

Now that we replaced the master, we will verify if it worked.

When starting up your game, open the console. (CTRL+ALT+~). The game should attribute you a GUID, like this:


In addition to this, when you'll click on MultiPrey...

Congratulations! You can now see servers again!

Simple, isn't it? ;)

Quick information for server creators

For server creators, if you want your server to be seen on the masterserver, you simply have to add this command on your server .cfg :

seta net_master0 "prey2006masters.baseq.fr"

Now, start your server, and if it goes well, you should be able to see it on the list after a few seconds.

Conclusion

I hope this small guide will help you in planning or play games online a little easier than before. I was really happy recreating a masterserver for the past few days that I needed to share it with y'all. :)

If this guide served you well, why not making a small donation on Ko-Fi[ko-fi.com] ? You'll be able to help me maintain the masterserver or any of the BaseQ game servers you'd be able to see on Doom, Quake, Half-Life where I try to make high-quality servers for the whole community, and more! Also, you'll be awesome! ;D

Have fun!

- Update 09/01/2022 : Added a new, simplier method to change the masterserver.

[I FUCKING LOVE LEAN!!!]

you are so awesome

[printdotexe]

Amazing - thanks for this!

[Bo9da]

works very well with my game repack, thanks

[skip]

I'm able to join the event server, but not the public server. I receive the message "Data not in sync with server data"

[Hairy Pothead]

This is awesome, thanks!

[BaseQ | Ch0wW]

Actually, there's a 3rd method that does NOT involve a change of binaries or DNS. I'm modifying the tutorial at the very moment to include it.

[Broetchen]

Thanks for sharing how you changed the binary, it works just the same with the native Linux client of the game!

[ShiftyMarmot]

wow, it really does work. i mean, couldn't test it fully, since no one else was playing, but i was able to connect to a server. good job!!

[JubiQD]

Works great! Thanks a ton for making this!