Hello Dev, are you interested in hosting your own OpenRCT2 server? Look no further, because in this article, we will guide you through the process of setting up and managing your own server. Whether you are an experienced developer or a beginner, our step-by-step guide and frequently asked questions will help you get started with ease. Let’s dive in!
What is OpenRCT2?
OpenRCT2 is a free and open-source game engine that allows players to modify and customize the popular simulation game, RollerCoaster Tycoon 2. With OpenRCT2, players can add new features, fix bugs, and create new content for the game. The game can be played in single-player mode or with multiple players on a server.
How does OpenRCT2 multiplayer work?
OpenRCT2 multiplayer is based on a client-server architecture. A server is responsible for managing the game world, while clients connect to the server to play. The server manages the game simulation and sends updates to the clients, while the clients send input to the server.
Multiple players can connect to the server at the same time, and each player can have their own park. Players can collaborate and build together, or compete against each other in challenges and scenarios.
Choosing a Server Host
What are my options for hosting an OpenRCT2 server?
There are several options for hosting an OpenRCT2 server, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the most popular options:
Option |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
Self-hosting |
Complete control over server configuration |
Requires technical knowledge and resources |
Dedicated server hosting |
High performance and reliability |
Expensive |
Cloud hosting |
Flexible and scalable |
Can be expensive for high traffic |
Shared hosting |
Low cost and easy to set up |
Performance may suffer with high traffic |
What do I need to consider when choosing a server host?
When choosing a server host, there are several factors to consider:
- Server performance: You want a server that can handle the demands of OpenRCT2 multiplayer, including multiple players and custom content.
- Server location: You want a server that is located close to where most of your players are, to reduce latency and improve performance.
- Server configuration: You want a server that allows you to configure OpenRCT2 and run custom scripts.
- Cost: You want a server that fits within your budget.
Self-hosting your OpenRCT2 server
What do I need to self-host an OpenRCT2 server?
To self-host an OpenRCT2 server, you will need:
- A dedicated computer with a fast internet connection
- The OpenRCT2 server software
- Port forwarding set up on your router
How do I set up an OpenRCT2 server on my own computer?
- Download the OpenRCT2 server software from the official website.
- Install the server software on your dedicated computer.
- Set up port forwarding on your router to allow incoming connections to your server.
- Configure the server settings according to your preferences.
- Start the server and invite your friends to join!
Are there any drawbacks to self-hosting?
Self-hosting can be a good option if you have the technical knowledge and resources to set up and maintain a server. However, there are some drawbacks:
- You are responsible for maintaining the server hardware and software.
- Your internet connection may not be fast or reliable enough to support multiple players.
- You may need to purchase a static IP address or use a dynamic DNS service to make your server accessible to players outside your local network.
Dedicated server hosting
What is dedicated server hosting?
Dedicated server hosting is a service where a hosting provider offers you a dedicated server for your OpenRCT2 server. This means that you have full control over the server configuration, and you don’t have to worry about managing the hardware or internet connection.
Where can I find a dedicated server hosting provider?
There are many hosting providers that offer dedicated server hosting for OpenRCT2. Some popular options include:
- OVH
- Hetzner
- HostGator
- Bluehost
- DigitalOcean
What are the advantages of dedicated server hosting?
Some advantages of dedicated server hosting include:
- High performance and reliability
- You don’t need to worry about maintaining the server hardware or internet connection
- You have full control over the server configuration
What are the disadvantages of dedicated server hosting?
Some disadvantages of dedicated server hosting include:
- Expensive compared to other hosting options
- You need technical knowledge to set up and manage the server
- May not be cost-effective for small servers with few players
Cloud hosting
What is cloud hosting?
Cloud hosting is a service where a hosting provider offers you a virtual server that runs in the cloud. This means that you have the flexibility to scale up or down as needed, and you only pay for what you use.
Where can I find a cloud hosting provider?
There are many hosting providers that offer cloud hosting for OpenRCT2. Some popular options include:
- AWS
- Google Cloud
- Microsoft Azure
- DigitalOcean
What are the advantages of cloud hosting?
Some advantages of cloud hosting include:
- Flexible and scalable
- You only pay for what you use
- You don’t need to worry about maintaining the server hardware or internet connection
- You have access to a wide range of server configurations and options
What are the disadvantages of cloud hosting?
Some disadvantages of cloud hosting include:
- Can be expensive for high traffic or usage
- You need technical knowledge to set up and manage the server
Shared hosting
What is shared hosting?
Shared hosting is a service where a hosting provider offers you a portion of a server to host your OpenRCT2 server. This means that you share resources with other websites or servers hosted on the same server.
Where can I find a shared hosting provider?
There are many hosting providers that offer shared hosting for OpenRCT2. Some popular options include:
- Bluehost
- HostGator
- A2 Hosting
- SiteGround
- InMotion Hosting
What are the advantages of shared hosting?
Some advantages of shared hosting include:
- Low cost and easy to set up
- You don’t need technical knowledge to set up and manage the server
What are the disadvantages of shared hosting?
Some disadvantages of shared hosting include:
- Performance may suffer with high traffic or usage
- You have limited control over the server configuration
- You may have to share resources with other websites or servers hosted on the same server
Configuring Your OpenRCT2 Server
How do I configure my OpenRCT2 server?
You can configure your OpenRCT2 server by editing the config.ini file located in the server installation folder. The config.ini file contains various settings that control the behavior of the server, such as the server name, port number, and game settings.
Here are some of the most important settings to configure:
- server-name: The name of your server.
- server-port: The port number that the server listens on.
- autosave-interval: The interval in minutes between server autosaves.
- max-players: The maximum number of players that can connect to the server at the same time.
- cheats: Whether cheats are enabled or disabled.
Can I run custom scripts on my OpenRCT2 server?
Yes, you can run custom scripts on your OpenRCT2 server to add new features or modify the game behavior. OpenRCT2 supports Lua scripting, which is a popular scripting language used in many games and applications.
To run custom scripts, you need to create a scripts folder in your server installation folder, and place your Lua scripts in that folder. You can then load the scripts from the OpenRCT2 console or the config.ini file.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players can connect to my OpenRCT2 server?
The maximum number of players that can connect to your OpenRCT2 server depends on the server configuration and the server hardware. In general, a server can support up to 50 players, but this can vary depending on the server resources and the game settings.
How do I join an existing OpenRCT2 server?
To join an existing OpenRCT2 server, you need to know the server name and the server IP address. You can then enter the server name and IP address in the OpenRCT2 multiplayer menu to connect to the server.
Can I play custom scenarios on my OpenRCT2 server?
Yes, you can play custom scenarios on your OpenRCT2 server by adding the scenario files to the OpenRCT2 scenarios folder. Players can then select the custom scenarios from the scenario menu in-game.
Can I use custom content on my OpenRCT2 server?
Yes, you can use custom content on your OpenRCT2 server by adding the content files to the OpenRCT2 objdata folder. Players can then use the custom content in their parks.
How do I update my OpenRCT2 server?
To update your OpenRCT2 server, you need to download the latest version of the server software from the official website, and replace the old server installation with the new one. You may also need to update your server configuration and scripts to match the new version.
Where can I find more information about OpenRCT2?
You can find more information about OpenRCT2 on the official website, forums, and wiki. There are also many community-made mods and tools available for OpenRCT2 on various websites and forums.
We hope this guide has been helpful in getting you started with OpenRCT2 server hosting. Happy building and playing!