Playing Age of Empires II Online!
Like any real-time strategy game, Age of Empires II is best experienced online. Due to the lack of an official matchmaking service, however, several additional configurations to your game and your connection are necessary before you can play online. If you intend to play against public (anonymous) opponents, you will need, at a minimum, patch 1.0c, a multiplayer client, and an internet connection which allows AoK data traffic.The information below pertains specifically to The Conquerors Expansion, although everything besides the patch information is relevant to Age of Kings as well.Contents
Latest Patch
For obvious reasons of compatibility, all players in a game must be using the same version of AoK. This means a game where some players are using version 1.0 and other players are using version 1.0c cannot be launched. However, withVersion 1.0c
The latest patch for AoK officially released byThe Userpatch
An unofficial patch for Age of Kings, thePublic Matchmaking Clients
After Microsoft terminated support for AoK on its MSN Zone in June 2006, Ensemble Studios declared GameSpy to be the official multiplayer service provider for AoK. The cumbersome layout of GameSpy Arcade, however, alienated many players. The fragmented community then attempted several separate projects to build a better multiplayer client. Voobly (formerly IGZones), GameRanger, and Gamepark are the three clients that have emerged as a result, although Gamepark is no longer in use. Since 04/2013, multiplayer gaming is also possible via Steam, where AoK was re-released as Age of Empires II HD.Voobly
GameRanger
Steam
Alternative Matchmaking Options
If you don't want to play with strangers online and just want to battle against a few friends, there are several easier options to set up a game.IP Address
An IP address (Internet Protocol address) is a unique identifier associated with your computer. If your friends know your IP address, they can connect to the games you host. Players behind routers who have problems connecting by IP should consult the- Run Age of Empires II.
- On the main screen, click the red "Multiplayer" shield.
- Select "Internet TCP/IP Connection for DirectPlay" from the list box on the right.
- Press the "Create" button.
- Inform your friends of your IP address (If you are behind a router, AoK can only retrieve your private IP address, in the form of 192.168.x.x. To determine your useable public IP address, check
whatismyip.org^).
- Run Age of Empires II.
- On the main screen, click the red "Multiplayer" shield.
- Select "Internet TCP/IP Connection for DirectPlay" from the list box on the right.
- Press the "Show Games" button.
- Type in the host's IP address and press "OK."
- Select the game that should now appear.
LAN
A local area network (LAN) usually consists of several computers behind a router. Because LANs bypass connecting to the Internet, games typically run much faster with less latency or "lag" during the connection. There is also no need to forward any ports. A LAN is the ideal way to play AoK among a family with multiple computers.To host or join an AoK game by LAN:- Run Age of Empires II.
- On the main screen, click the red "Multiplayer" shield.
- Select "Local (LAN) TCP/IP Connection" from the list box on the right.
- Press "Create" to host a game or "Join" to join a game. Any available games should appear automatically for all computers inside the LAN.
Hamachi
Hamachi is an application that creates a- Install and run the Hamachi application.
- Make sure you are online (the power button should be green).
- Press the round button with the triangle icon to create or join a network.
- Now, set up the game as you would any other LAN game (instructions above).
Router Troubleshooting
If your computer is behind a router, you may need to configure a few additional settings before you can play online. The following information assumes you have already configured your software firewall to allow AoK data to be transferred freely.Port Forwarding
- 28800-29100 (TCP)
- 2300-2400 (TCP)
- 2300-2400 (UDP)
- 47624 (TCP)
- 28800 (UDP) as a trigger port for 2300-2400, 47624 (TCP)
- 28800 (UDP) as a trigger port for 2300-2400, 47624 (UDP)
- 47624 (TCP) as a trigger port for 2300-2400 (TCP)
- 47624 (TCP) as a trigger port for 2300-2400 (UDP)
- 6667 (TCP) as a trigger port for 28800-29100 (TCP)
- 23978 (TCP)
- 2300-2400 (UDP)
DMZ
A demilitarized zone (DMZ) allows unobstructed connections to the Internet. Placing your computer in a DMZ should guarantee a successful connection for playing AoK online. However, because hosts in the DMZ effectively bypass any security offered by the router, this option should be considered only as a last resort when all other configurations fail.^ indicates a new window will open when clicked
[This message has been edited by John the Late (edited 07-29-2015 @ 05:58 PM).]