Host a server

Hosting from inside the game is quick and easy, perfect for a game night. Just keep in mind:

The in-game menu offers fewer settings, though you can change almost anything by editing the server settings.
The host has to play on the server too.

Need a proper always-on server? Set up a dedicated server instead.

Which kind of server?

Server	Who can join	Port forwarding
LAN	Anyone on your home network, or friends anywhere through a virtual LAN	Not needed
Private	Friends who know your public IP	Needed
Public	Anyone, via the online server browser	Needed

Before you start

Good to know

When Windows Firewall asks, allow the game (or BF2142Unlocker) on both private and public networks.
Only the host needs port forwarding, and only for private or public servers.
On a private or public server, players on your home network join with your local IP, while everyone else uses your public IP.
If you launch the game with a mod, your server runs that mod too.

Disable unused network adapters

If your PC has several network adapters (e.g. from Hamachi, VirtualBox, VMware or a VPN), the game may pick the wrong one. Disable the ones you don’t need:¹

Go to Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Change adapter settings.
Right-click an adapter → Disable.

Can’t disable it there? Use PowerShell (run as administrator):

Disable: Disable-NetAdapter -Name "Adapter Name"
Enable: Enable-NetAdapter -Name "Adapter Name"

(Why this works)

Set up port forwarding

In your router’s settings, forward these ports to your PC’s local IPv4 address:

29900 (UDP or both): login service
17567 (both): game service

Using BF2142Unlocker? Also forward:

8085 (TCP or both): unlock service
18300 (TCP or both): login service

New to port forwarding? This guide explains it step by step.

Players still can’t connect?

Changed port forwarding while the server was running? Restart the server.
Your ISP may use CGNAT, which blocks port forwarding. Ask them to opt you out, or play over a virtual LAN instead.

Play “LAN” over the internet

Can’t set up port forwarding? A virtual LAN is the next best thing. Apps like Hamachi, GameRanger or Radmin VPN connect you and your friends as if you were on the same network:

Everyone installs the app and joins the same network or room.
Host a LAN server and share the IP address the app gives you.

No port forwarding needed.

Hosting a LAN server

Disable unused network adapters.
Select MULTIPLAY → LOCAL.
In the CREATE tab, pick your settings and click START SERVER.
Your server’s local IP appears on the loading screen. Share it if friends can’t find the server.

Hosting a private server

Not listed in the server browser, so only friends with your public IP can join.

Close the game, disable unused network adapters and set up port forwarding.
Find your public IPv4 address at whatismyip.com and share it with your friends.
Log in to the game and select MULTIPLAY → LOCAL.
In the CREATE tab, pick your settings and click START SERVER.

Hosting a public server

Listed in the online server browser, so anyone can join.

Close the game, disable unused network adapters and set up port forwarding.
Turn on internet mode for your profile:
1. Open Documents\Battlefield 2142\Profiles\Global.con with a text editor and find GlobalSettings.setDefaultUser, e.g. 0001.
2. Open ServerSettings.con in the folder with that name (e.g. Profiles\0001).
3. Change GameServerSettings.setInternet 0 to 1 and save.
Log in to the game and select MULTIPLAY → LOCAL.
In the CREATE tab, pick your settings and click START SERVER.
Check that it worked: press Esc and open the online server browser. Your server should be listed.

Listed, but nobody can join? Your port forwarding isn’t quite right yet. See the tips.

Hosting over a VLAN or VPN? Keep both your main connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and the VLAN/VPN adapter enabled. Virtual adapters usually take priority, so your server tends to use them by default. Run ipconfig in Command Prompt to see the order. ↩