INTRODUCTION

The hardest part about joining a game is finding one. For now just check my bulletin board for people hosting games. If I am hosting a game, I'll have a big link to my info right under the title of this site's main page.

Eventually, messaging will replace the bulletin board system. You can download messaging software from any major download site. Most pilots are currently using ICQ software. Install it and publicize your ICQ number on the bulletin board or my Pilot Messaging Page.

Joining Step-By-Step

Step 1 -- You need to know if a game is current or when it is to be played and the IP address of the host. If the bulletin board is properly used by the host, this shouldn't be a problem. Look for 'Online Game Now' messages. Now open the message and copy down the IP address the host should've written there. Games I'm hosting will have a link right under the title of the main page of this site. The link will take you to my info.

Step 2 -- Now close your browser and stop (or at least minimize) your online activity. Open HardWar, click the 'Launch' button, and select the 'Connect to a network game (client)' option from the radio button menu.

Step 3 -- Go through any front screens until a box is displayed asking you for the type of connection required. Select the TCP/IP option for Internet play.

Step 4 -- A box will pop up asking for the IP address you wish to connect to. This is the host's IP address. Type in the address you wrote down from the bulletin board. Another box will pop up that I call a "Join" box. It will list the HardWar games being played at that address. Generally there will be only one. Select a game and click "OK". If no game appears in your Join box, the game is probably not online. Try again in five or so minutes. The host might not be set up yet. Be patient.

Step 5 -- Now you will either get some sort of error message or the game will load. If you get an error message try again and then wait a few minutes and try one last time.

PLAY !! -- If the game loads, enter a pilot name and click 'Join'. Check your messages to see who else is in the game. Send an open message with the "c" key to other pilots. See if Moth Hopping is enabled.

If the game is running too slowly for you to play, try to message the host and then retire your pilot and try another game or host one of your own.

If you get killed, you may rejoin the game at the Console screen. You will need to use a different pilot name to join the game and all of your previous assets will be lost. You'll restart in the standard Silver-Y. As always, feel free to e-mail me with any problems or questions.