What can compare with a good gun in your favorite game? Only a good gun in the hands of a faithful friend who is also in the game. By combining forces, you can easily give way to hated aliens, zombies or other unpleasant opponents. This is the meaning of cooperative passage, be it games on the local network or online multiplayer.
Today we will dwell in more detail on the first method, which does not require a constant active Internet connection. In our article, readers will find not only lists of the best games on the local network, but also useful tips on the technical side of the issue.
LAN - what is it?
To begin with, it is best to deal with the theoretical minimum. The concept of a local network refers to the whole complex, which includes various system and technical means. With the help of this complex, users become owners of shared information access.
Several devices that do not have a connection to the global Internet are connected at once in a local area network.
For gaming purposes, often emulating a local network using special software. No additional equipment is required in this case. From an important technique, it is enough for the user to have an included personal computer with a working Internet connection.
How to play games on a local network? Example: Dead Island
In this chapter we will try to shed even more light on the technical side of the issue. The Dead Island project from the Polish Techland studio will help us answer the question about how the games are launched on a local network (for two or more).
First you need to install the Steam program on your computer. If it was installed earlier, and the account is tied to several games, we recommend creating a new user.
We transfer the contents of the SmartSteam program to the Steam folder (it must be downloaded in advance from the Internet). After that, "Steam" can be launched, however, its mode should be autonomous. Next, we need another third-party program that will help launch games on the local network with friends - Tunggle. It needs to be downloaded and registered.
In Tunngle you can find any game we need, in this case - Dead Island. As soon as the search loads all the results, the rooms available for connection will appear on the screen. We need only one, which is suitable for the current version of the game.
To start the game on a local network (for two or more users PCs), you just need to go into the selected room with a friend. By the way, the connection settings can be set private, and then none of the unauthorized users will be able to join the session. If the room remains open, then anyone enters it.
Once the connection is successful, you can minimize the Tunngle (do not close!) And launch the game itself. It is worth noting that the launch of Dead Island in no case should occur through the Steam-client - only through .exe and only with administrator rights. After that, you need to tweak the network connection settings in the game menu (in the Online tab).
Possible problems
Now, in order to run the game on a local network with a friend, you do not need to install a huge number of third-party programs on your computer. Tunngle has good compatibility with such popular games as Minecraft, CS, Left4Dead, etc.
However, no one can be insured against errors. In this chapter we have collected the most common problems that arise during the game through the local network.
- No servers can be detected - try to check the ports and open them if the situation requires it.
- You can not change the nickname - this can be done using the root directory of the game. We find a file called 3DMGAME .ini and open it through a standard notepad. The current nickname is displayed on the UserName line, where it can be changed. Do not forget to save when closing the file.
- The game cannot be started with Russian localization - this problem is solved by simply moving the DataRu.puk file to the place of the DataEn.pak file, and vice versa.
- The problem with the sound - we go into the Windows sound system and select the “quad-phonic” mode (or “Two speakers” as an option) in the settings.
- Incorrect operation of the game itself (brakes, hangs, glitches, etc.) - most likely, this error is caused by the video card, namely, drivers that were not updated on time. All the necessary files for downloading can be found on the official website.
- Dead Island (or another game) does not start - perhaps the problem lies in DirectX, which has not been updated for a long time.
Below we will talk about a small game top that each player should pay attention to. This list mainly includes weak games on the local network - they do not require a powerful PC with the most advanced hardware and are accessible to a wide audience of users.
The stomping land
The first RPG from our list whose events take place in an attractive open world. Players are transported to the distant past, at a time when the Earth was home to real dinosaurs. The gameplay is based on the principle of survival: users are engaged in collecting various resources that will help them maintain their health and life.
At first, the main character does not have impressive skills and does not have any special amazing strength, but as he progresses, he has a chance to gain new experience. Pumping is carried out by purchasing additional properties.
You can pass The Stomping Land not only alone, but also with friends, teaming with them in one team. Playing on a local network on a PC opens up a lot of opportunities: everything from joint food extraction and arranging an overnight stay to hunting for huge dinosaurs. By the way, if the hero dies, then everything that he managed to accumulate before that is lost forever. In this case, the player must begin his journey anew.
Majesty 2
A game made in the genre of strategy, introducing users to Ardania, the fantasy world where further events will take place. The player takes on the role of the real king, whose duties include managing a huge country.
Perhaps the main difference between Majesty 2, which immediately catches the eye of all strategy lovers, is the mechanics. The fact is that a player cannot control his own army with a single click of the mouse. In order for the subjects to be active, the king of Ardania must exert a motivational influence on them. Imagine that a dangerous killer began to wield in the country. In this case, we try to assign a high reward to his head - the brave men will receive additional motivation and can easily achieve the task.
Unreal Tournament 2004
We continue to talk about games on the local network (on two computers or more) and go to the first shooter from our list. The events of the game offer to visit the distant future and take part in the tournament event, better known as Unreal Tournament.
Users themselves choose between available game modes, after which the main battle begins. The continuation of each match depends on the allotted time, or on the premature victory of one of the parties. Each player also selects weapons for themselves.
Project zomboid
Another RPG and another game whose main goal is survival. It is possible that before launching Project Zomboid, ramshackle preview graphics may alert some users, but this is just a façade.
The game has a thoughtful to the smallest details gloomy (a little reference) atmosphere and no less exciting gameplay. The plot tells about the main character, whose family suffered terrible misfortunes. Not only did the zombie apocalypse suddenly begin, but the suddenly broken leg of the hero’s wife clearly doesn’t play into the hands. The brave men managed to hide in the house, but the urgent issue of food, medicine and other resources still needs to be addressed.
The player will have to take on the role of a getter, making constant forays into the city, which is inhabited by hordes of the living dead. In addition, the character can engage in the equipment of his shelter and enhance his protection. Project Zomboid is a very addictive game on a local network on a PC, the passage of which a player can take a considerable number of hours.
Game dev tycoon
The next game from our top is a video game creation simulator. Yes, GameDevTycoon invites users to feel like real developers. The plot affects the time of the 80s - a kind of start to the development of the gaming industry.
As you might have guessed, users should be engaged in the development of video games, improving the engine, creating history, and also thinking out other, no less significant details. This also includes the foundation of your own studio (or joining an existing one) and the selection of staff. This walkthrough of the game on the local network helps to better understand the simple consumer the whole way that a real developer has to go through.
In addition to creating a video game, users are given the opportunity to present to the world (the path and the virtual) a console of their own authorship, attend various thematic exhibitions, promote their activities and engage in other useful activities.
Overcooked
Quite an interesting and unusual game, whose cooperative mode supports only local connection. Overcooked is a real mess. Only users who manage to team up with their teammates in order to achieve one main goal will be able to complete this game.
True pleasure and full impression of Overcooked can only be obtained through team action. Players will have to cross the ice rivers, survive during kitchen earthquakes and stay alert even when real pirate ships appear out of nowhere.
The gameplay can be compared to collective cooking: one needs to chop onions, the second has to stand at the stove, and the third (the one that is best kept away from food) needs to wash the accumulated dishes. After playing Overcooked just a little bit, you can immediately understand that the gameplay was originally sharpened for multiplayer passing.
Guacamelee!
We complete this list of games on a local network (on a computer) with an unusual action platformer made in a colorful two-dimensional style. Guacamelee! is a very successful mixture of such popular projects of the past as Metroid and Castlevania. The developers added to their creation a lot of diverse and vibrant details, diluting the atmosphere with various witty references and memorable carnival masks.
Four users can play at once in the local multiplayer at once. There is more than enough content in the game, and its virtual world is therefore able to drag out for long hours of passage.
LAN and Android
In addition to computers, stationary consoles, and handheld consoles, most of the gaming market is still held by mobile devices. With each new year, smartphones amaze users more and more with their improved performance and increased power. The same applies to games that go on these devices. Their graphics are created taking into account the latest technologies, and the gameplay is no less exciting and exciting.
These and many other reasons are forcing users to devote more and more time to mobile entertainment. The Google Play platform has long and very successfully been distributing a huge number of games, most of which support not only single player, but also multiplayer. Of course, in addition to the global connection to the servers, there is also the possibility of playing on the local network on Android.
How it works?
There are several ways to use a local network. One of them, one might say the easiest, involves the use of a Bluetooth device. To do this, go to the settings of any game you like, select the "Multiplayer" mode and check the box "Play via Bluetooth". After these small manipulations, all that remains to be done is to catch a friend’s device signal on Bluetooth and start playing together already.
The following method has two options, both of which use Wi-Fi:
- The game with the help of Wi-Fi Direct.
- The game through one network "Wi-Fi."
Using "Direct" is suitable for those situations when there is no stationary Wi-Fi. After activating Direct, you need to connect to the second device of your partner.
The second case only works when two necessary devices are connected to the same router. Once this condition is met, you can safely go into the multiplayer settings of the selected game and indicate the need for a local connection. The partner data will appear in the list of available devices, clicking on which we will launch a local network game.
In the next part of the article, our readers will be able to find a list of the best games on the Android system that work through a local connection.
Badland
Our next top game on the local network opens with a pretty good project called Badland. This high-quality sidescroller is striking in its gorgeous graphics, crazy levels, gloomy atmosphere and unique musical accompaniment.
What is the gameplay? The user takes control of a small black creature resembling a ball and tries to control it in such a way as to circumvent all obstacles and successfully cope with puzzles.
Badland supports four-player multiplayer. Each participant tries to cope with a given level for a minimum amount of time. The winner is the one who managed to break ahead, leaving behind all his rivals. This is not a cooperative game, so all users take part in one tough confrontation.
RIPTIDE GP
We continue to talk about the best games through the local network on the "Android" -systems. The next project, which is worth paying attention to, is a race with a kind of futuristic transport in the form of water cars.
The game provides many dangerous and winding tracks, which will have to complete the races. Users can engage in additional pumping and modification of their vehicles. Powerful bikes allow you to perform even more breathtaking and crazy jumps. If you can’t get used to the old mode of transport, you can always replace it with a new model.
In multiplayer there are four places for a simultaneous session. Also, in addition to playing on a local network, RIPTIDE GP also has a single-player company.
Terraria
Perhaps one of the most famous games that have successfully migrated from personal computers to mobile devices. "Terraria" is a "sandbox" in which it was possible to collect everything that is so beloved by fans of this genre. There are numerous enemies, and strong bosses, and the ability to craft, and, of course, the existence of a survival system in difficult conditions.
An exciting adventure that Terraria gives is available for collective passage through a local network. A simultaneous session can include locations for up to four users.
Sky gamblers
Coming to the end of our list of the best games for Android, one can not help but mention SkyGamblers. This is another exciting toy that supports local connectivity, which offers users to take part in realistic air battles. The events in the game try to shed light on the Second World War, which means that the confrontation promises to be really exciting.
The graphics in Sky Gamblers can only be said positively - the developers have done decent work on various weather effects, damage effects, explosions and other gaming charms. Users will be able to choose a pain machine based on their own tastes and preferences.
SkyGamblers includes multiplayer mode, which allows you to use a local connection for joint games with multiple partners. Modes vary between cooperative and competitive characters.
Nba jam
And where without a good sports simulator? NBA JAM is an arcade basketball competition that came straight to us from an old 16-bit console. Unlike full-fledged simulators, this game is a very simplified version: for each team, two players fight, instead of real players, cartoon characters run around the field, the bodies of each of which are executed in the wrong proportions, and the animation of the movements occurs with the most unnatural appearance.
As for the management, it is implemented using the classic scheme, standard for such games. On the left side there is a joystick, which is responsible for the movement of the virtual hero, on the right side there are several buttons for making transfers, throws and accelerations.
NBA JAM can attract ordinary users by the fact that for its passage it is not necessary to be professional in the sports field. Her gameplay is quite welcoming to all the "beginners", and you can learn all the basic techniques in a short time.
Minecraft (Pocket Edition)
And our Minecraft is finishing our today's top games on the local area network on Android - a project that only those who have been very far from the virtual world lately have not known about. It will be about the pocket edition of the full version, which was ported to mobile devices. This version allows you to create shared rooms with support for multiplayer, using only one local connection.
You can talk about Minecraft for a long time, but the main idea embedded in the game remains practically unchanged - this is a real building paradise in which you can give free rein to all your most creative design fantasies. Especially brave players will choose another mode - survival mode. In it, small square men will have to fight for their lives every night, fighting various monsters and protecting their virtual house from them. And, of course, there is no doubt that resisting monsters is easier and more fun in the company of true friends through local multiplayer!