Host a server

Be the host: How to set up your own game server ...

In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to host a simple server directly from the game. While this method is quick and easy, there are a few limitations:

• You’ll have fewer game settings to customize. []

• The person hosting the server must also be playing on it.

For a full-featured, production server, you’d want to use a dedicated server. However, this quick setup is usually enough for most situations.

Just a couple of things to note ...

• You only need to set up port forwarding if you want your server to be accessible over the internet (WAN), and it’s something only the host needs to do. []

• Disable any network adapters you’re not using, and keep only the one(s) you need for hosting your server on. See details below.

• Whenever you see a Windows Firewall prompt, be sure to allow the game (or app if you use BF2142Unlocker) to communicate through both private and public networks — this helps prevent any connection issues.

• For WAN servers, LAN players (like family at home) can join using your local IP address, while friends from other locations can join using your public IP address — as long as port forwarding is set up correctly.

• If you start the game with a mod enabled, any server you host will also be modded.

Port forwarding isn't working for me !?

If you set up port forwarding after your server is already running, you’ll need to restart the server for it to take effect.

If you’ve set up port forwarding correctly but others still can’t connect, your ISP might be using CGNAT (Carrier-Grade NAT), which blocks port forwarding. In that case, contact your ISP to see if you can opt out.

Alternatively, you can host a LAN server over a so your friends can still join and play together!

Disable any unused network adapters !

If your PC has more than one network adapter, like when you use programs such as Hamachi, VirtualBox, VMWare, or ExpressVPN, the game can sometimes choose the wrong adapter when trying to host a server.

To fix this, disable any network adapters you’re not using, and keep only the one(s) you need for hosting your server on [].

1. Go to Network and Sharing Center in your Control Panel.

1. Click Change adapter settings.

2. Right-click any adapter you want to disable and select Disable.

3. If you can’t disable an adapter, use PowerShell as an Administrator: Disable-NetAdapter -Name "Adapter Name" ^{(Re-enable later with Enable-NetAdapter -Name "Adapter Name")}

Hosting a LAN Server

A local server is a game server that shows up in your local server browser and can be accessed by anyone on your LAN network. This option is perfect for hosting a game night with family at home, or for playing with friends over the internet using a .

1

Disable any unused network adapters.

Refer to the expandable above for details on how to do so.

2

Select MULTIPLAY → LOCAL.

3

In the CREATE tab, configure your server settings and click START SERVER.

Check out the Server Settings guide for details on extra cutomization settings.

4

While the server is launching (on the loading or briefing screen), you’ll see your server’s local IP address displayed.

Hosting a Private WAN Server

A private WAN server is a game server that doesn’t show up in the online server browser, but friends can still join if they know your public IP address. This is a great option for hosting a game night with friends, without needing any virtual LAN tools.

1

Close the game if it’s running.

2

Disable any unused network adapters.

Refer to the expandable above for details on how to do so.

3

In your home router’s control panel, forward these ports to your device's local IPv4 address:

• 29900 (UDP or Both) - Login Service

• 17567 (Both) - Game Service

If you’re using BF2142Unlocker, make sure to also enable these two extra ports:

• 8085 (TCP or Both) – Unlock Service

• 18300 (TCP or Both) – Login Service

You may refer to this guide on how to perform port forwarding.

4

Visit whatismyip.com to find your public IPv4 address, and share it with your friends.

5

Log in to the game.

6

Select MULTIPLAY → LOCAL.

7

In the CREATE tab, configure your server settings and click START SERVER.

Check out the Server Settings guide for details on extra cutomization settings.

Hosting a Public WAN Server

A public server is a game server that appears in the online server browser and can be accessed by anyone on the Internet. Since your server will be visible to everyone, random players can join your game.

1

Close the game if it’s running.

2

Disable any unused network adapters.

Refer to the expandable above for details on how to do so.

3

In your home router’s control panel, forward these ports to your device’s local IP address:

• 29900 (UDP or Both) - Login Service

• 17567 (Both) - Game Service

If you’re using BF2142Unlocker, make sure to also enable these two extra ports:

• 8085 (TCP or Both) – Unlock Service

• 18300 (TCP or Both) – Login Service

You may refer to this guide on how to perform port forwarding.

4

Open File Explorer and go to C:\Users\<YOU>\Documents\Battlefield 2142\Profiles.

5

Open Global.con with a text editor.

6

Find the line starting with GlobalSettings.setDefaultUser. If its value is 0001, open the folder named 0001.

7

Inside that folder, open ServerSettings.con with a text editor.

8

Find the line GameServerSettings.setInternet 0 and change the 0 to 1. Save the file.

9

Go to whatismyip.com to find your public IPv4 address and share it with your friends.

10

Log in to the game.

11

Select MULTIPLAY → LOCAL.

12

In the CREATE tab, configure your server settings and click START SERVER.

Check out the Server Settings guide for details on extra cutomization settings.

13

Your server should now appear in the online server browser.

To check if everything is set up correctly, press Esc in-game and go to the server browser — your server should be listed there.

If port forwarding isn’t set up properly, your server will still show up in the list, but others won’t be able to join.