Hosting a game

[Cicatriz]

Can anyone tell me how to host a game? I have tried but only me and my roomate can get in, just does a lan game, but I'm looking to have some other friends join.

 

[Adilor]

Well, what you want to do, and I could be incorrect on this, so don't quote me, is go to the Tools tab in Steam and download the TF2 Dedicated Server thingy. That should get you started.

 

[Ryael]

have your friends tried entering your computers IP address and direct connecting that way?

 

[Cicatriz]

Yeah, I tried joining his as well

Seems weird to me that you'd have to have a server to run a game

 

[Adilor]

Well, when you create a game (by clicking the Create Server option), it only creates it as a LAN game, from what I can tell. Using the dedicated server tool, though, should allow you to make games that people outside of your LAN can join.

 

[Ryael]

Have the TF2 game host type in: sv_lan 0
This opens up the server to online mode, not just LAN. If you want just LAN mode it's: sv_lan 1
Make sure the people trying to join have the correct IP address.
Make sure the host has his/her firewall open to TF2 and everyone trying to play as well (silly i know but it's a must).

If this doesn't work, let me know and I'll write out some instructions for you all to do it via Hamachi.

EDIT: I forgot to add that to connect to a specific IP in game, you have to enter in console: connect HOST.IP.HERE:27015
Find your IP [link=http://www.showmyip.com]here[/link]
Just for kicks and giggles, have the host also put in console: heartbeat
This is just to get the server running as smoothly as possible from the start.

 

[Ryael]

Sry for the multipost, hope it's not confusing. I've got some Hamachi instructions here.

For starters, Hamachi is a great Virtual LAN creator. It simulates a network over the internet, making your computer think everyone connected is on the same network, even though they are not. Anywho...

[link=http://filehippo.com/download_hamachi/]Download Hamachi Here[/link]. Go through the tutorial, its short and cuts down on confusion. Any and everyone that wants to play must have it (MAX 16 ppl with free version)
Have the host enter sv_lan 0 and heartbeat just as a fail safe in the console.
Then when you want your friends to join have them go into console and enter: connect YOURHAMACHIIP:27015
NOTE: Your hamachi IP WILL NOT be your normal IP that you think you know, it will however be found in big bold letters at the top of the program.

So, quick check:
-Is Hamachi allowed through your firewall?
-Is TF2 allowed through your firewall?
-Is TF2 fully updated?
-Is Hamachi the same version?
-Is the host IP address you are giving people your Hamachi IP?
-Is sv_lan 0 in place? <-- 0 = ZERO not the letter
-Did the host enter 'heartbeat' upon creating the server?

If this doesn't work then I'm sorry I have failed you, but I'm for now out of options and must get back to studying.
If they do work, then have fun!

 

[Cicatriz]

Thanks Ryael, big help. I'm going to try that when more people are on. If all else fails, I think I'm just gonna buy a month of a 10 person server with the achievementbox_b3 map and just let people get together and get them(Its only 10 bucks, I'll just work an extra hour to pay it off =P). I've tried joining these maps that are open to the public but they are just chaos.