GTA2 network help

GTA2 requires port 47624 TCP/UDP and 2300-2400 TCP/UDP to be open.

If your router has UPnP enabled then you might be able to use Elypter's Fast Forward to automatically forward your ports.

GTA2 is usually too slow against people on other continents. North Americans can only play with North Americans. Europeans can only play with Europeans. Australians can only play with Australians and Kiwis.

Why can't I join? Why is the network window empty? Why is the join button disabled?

This is because at least one of the computers trying to play (it could be your PC, the host's or both) does not have the required network ports open.  If other players can join the host's games, then it's your PC that doesn't have the correct ports open.

How can I forward network ports?

Your router will have an admin page. This is where you can forward the ports. Every router is different, so you must find the make and model of your one. It's usually written on a label, stuck to the bottom of the router.

Find your router on this page and follow its instructions: Port forwarding instructions for GTA2. Do not download their software. If your exact router isn't there, choose a similar one and try to figure it out from there.

You need to forward some ports from your PC to your router. This is really technical and could take a while but it's good to learn since it can help you with many games and you usually only need to do it once.

Changing router settings can disconnect you from the internet, so make sure you have permission and it helps if you know something about computers and networks.

For hosting and joining, you need to forward these ports to the internal IP address of the PC running GTA2:

Port 47624 UDP and TCP
Port range 2300-2400 UDP and TCP

GTA2 uses the first open ports in the 2300-2400 range. If your router doesn't support forwarding port ranges then you can force GTA2 to use a certain port in the 2300-2400 range with a program called DXport. That program does not open ports, it simply forces GTA2 to use specific ports by blocking all the other ports.

Why does GTA2 stop responding when I try to join a game?

If everyone has all ports open then this can be caused by Universal Plug and Play (UPnP). This is a technology that tries to automatically forward ports but it's very common for it to fail and cause problems. Try to disable it on your router, there's usually a checkbox next to UPnP. You can disable UPnP in Windows with this simple program but that won't clear the existing rules on your router, so you might need to reset it.

Why is the game so slow?  Why does GTA2 lag?

GTA2 has simple network code that delays the game until everyone receives all the packets. This is great for accuracy but it means the game will slow down if there is even a single network delay.

You really need a ping to your opponents of under 100ms for fast gameplay. That eliminates playing against people on other continents.

Obvious ways to speed up GTA2 multiplayer

• Get low latency broadband.
• Close all apps that could possibly use bandwidth.
• Kick your work mates/friends/relatives off your LAN or tell them not to download.
• Get a router that supports QoS and give GTA2 priority.
• Avoid using wireless and make sure no one is leeching your bandwidth.
• Close instant messenger software or at least set away mode since GTA2 will disconnect if it’s interrupted.
• Play against people on the same continent or country as you. The closer the better.
• Play late at night or at whatever time both of your ISPs have the least traffic.

How do I chat during the game?

Push F10 to chat in GTA2. Typing is displayed in realtime and it disappears when you push enter, so give your opponent time to read. If you are using the default keys then you won’t be able to change weapons with Z and X while the chat bar is up, just push enter to close it.