GTA2 network help

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 wombats.

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?

First you need to find out the brand and model number of your router/ADSL modem. Follow the network cable from your computer until you get to a small box with flashing lights. Read the writing on the device, it should say a brand name and model number. Visit portforward.com and find your model in this list . Click on the model and follow the instructions (it's technical and could disconnect you from the internet, so make sure you have permission and it helps if you know something about computers and networks).

The majority of people can't even connect to a GTA2 game since unlike modern games, GTA2 requires everyone to open network ports. Unfortunately most computers have their ports blocked by firewalls/anti virus software and routers/ADSL modems/NAT devices. If you don't know anything about networks and aren't able to follow technical instructions then chances are you won't be able to get it working.

For hosting and joining, you need to forward these ports to the internal IP address of the PC running GTA1/GTA2:

47624 UDP and TCP
Port range 2300-2400 UDP and TCP - GTA2 uses a few random ports in that range but you have to forward the whole lot since you don't know which ones it will use. 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 directplay games to use specific ports.

It's best if you can open those network ports but if you just can't figure it out, you don't have permission or your router sucks then you can use Hamachi to create a virtual private network with your opponents. It helps GTA2 multiplayer work on some networks without port forwarding but it's not perfect and it still won't get past application firewalls. If you use Hamachi, you will only be able to play against people who have Hamachi installed (the majority of GTA2 players don't use Hamachi) and are in the same Hamachi network as you. Hamachi is not compatible with Windows 98. If Hamachi game doesn't work then you need to manually run GTA2 Manager and paste the hosts Hamachi IP (it starts with 5) into protocol connection and join without GH.

If it still doesn't work then don't be afraid to give up. GTA2 were not designed to be played online by mere mortals.

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.