Necesse Multiplayer: Host or Join a Dedicated Server

Necesse lets you play with friends through peer-to-peer hosting or by running a dedicated server. To host a dedicated server, download the server files from Steam or use the in-game option; to join one, select “Join” in the main menu and enter the server’s IP address and port. This guide covers both methods, including setup steps, port forwarding, and common troubleshooting.

Background: How Necesse Multiplayer Works

Necesse is a top-down sandbox survival game with a multiplayer mode that supports up to 32 players per world. The game offers two hosting methods:

• Peer-to-peer (P2P) – One player hosts the world from their game client. This is the simplest option for small groups, but the host’s computer must remain online and the world is tied to their game session.
• Dedicated server – A separate program runs the world independently of any player’s game client. This allows 24/7 uptime, better performance for larger groups, and easier administration via console commands.

Dedicated servers are recommended for persistent worlds, public communities, or when the host wants to play without carrying the server load.

How to Host a Dedicated Server

There are two ways to set up a dedicated server for Necesse:

Method 1: Using the In-Game Option

1. Launch Necesse from Steam.
2. In the main menu, click Multiplayer.
3. Select Host Dedicated Server.
4. Configure the world settings (world name, seed, difficulty, etc.).
5. Set the server password (optional).
6. Click Start Server. The server will run in the background while you can also play in the same world.

This method is easiest for players who want to run a server from the same machine they play on, but it ties the server to that game instance.

Method 2: Using the Standalone Server Files

1. In Steam, go to your Library and filter by Tools.
2. Find Necesse – Dedicated Server and install it.
3. Navigate to the installation folder (usually steamapps/common/Necesse – Dedicated Server).
4. Run NecesseServer.exe (Windows) or NecesseServer (Linux/Mac).
5. Follow the prompts to create a new world or load an existing one.
6. Once the server starts, you’ll see console output with the port (default 14159).

The standalone server runs without needing the game client, so it can run on a separate machine or a VPS.

How to Join a Dedicated Server

Joining is straightforward:

1. Launch Necesse.
2. Click Multiplayer in the main menu.
3. Select Join.
4. Enter the server’s IP address and port (e.g., 192.168.1.10:14159).
5. If the server has a password, enter it when prompted.
6. Click Join.

If the server is on the same local network, you can use the host’s local IP (e.g., 192.168.x.x). For a server on the internet, you’ll need the public IP address and proper port forwarding.

Port Forwarding and Network Setup

For players outside your local network to join, you must forward the server port on your router. The default port is 14159 (UDP and TCP).

1. Find your router’s local IP (often 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
2. Log into the router’s admin panel.
3. Locate the Port Forwarding section (sometimes under “Advanced” or “NAT”).
4. Create a new rule: forward both TCP and UDP port 14159 to the server machine’s local IP address.
5. Save the rule and restart the router if needed.

If your ISP uses Carrier-Grade NAT (CGNAT), port forwarding won’t work. In that case, consider using a VPN like Hamachi or Radmin VPN, or rent a server from a hosting provider.

Common Problems and Fixes

• Cannot connect to server – Check that the server is running, the IP/port are correct, and that the firewall allows traffic on port 14159.
• Server not showing in LAN list – Ensure all players are on the same network and that the game’s firewall rule is set to allow private networks.
• High latency or lag – The host’s upload speed is often the bottleneck. Reduce the number of players or lower the world’s tick rate (if available).
• Server crashes on startup – Verify that the server files are up to date and that the system meets the minimum requirements (Java 8 or later is required).
• Password not accepted – Make sure the password is entered exactly as set, without spaces.

Dedicated Server vs. Peer-to-Peer

Choosing between the two depends on your needs:

• P2P – Best for 2-4 friends, quick setup, no extra files. Downside: host must be online, and performance degrades with distance.
• Dedicated – Better for larger groups, persistent worlds, and mods. Requires more setup and a machine that stays on.

Dedicated servers also allow you to run console commands (e.g., give, teleport) without being in-game, which is useful for admin tasks.

Costs and Hosting Options

You can run a dedicated server on your own PC at no cost, aside from electricity and internet bandwidth. For 24/7 hosting, you might consider a VPS or a game server provider. Prices vary widely, but a small VPS with 2 GB RAM is usually sufficient for a handful of players. If you choose a provider, look for one that offers Necesse-specific support and a control panel for easy management.

Safety and Security Considerations

When hosting a public server, take basic precautions:

• Set a strong password to prevent unauthorized access.
• Keep the server software updated to avoid known exploits.
• Do not share your public IP address unnecessarily; use a password-protected server.
• Be cautious with mods – only install from trusted sources.

Also, ensure that your firewall is configured correctly to allow only the necessary port.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I host a dedicated server on the same PC I play on?

Yes, you can run the standalone server and the game client on the same machine. However, this will consume more RAM and CPU, which may affect performance. The in-game “Host Dedicated Server” option is a simpler alternative that automatically runs the server in the background.

What is the default port for Necesse dedicated servers?

The default port is 14159 (both TCP and UDP). You can change it in the server config file, but players must know the new port to connect.

Do I need to port forward if I’m using a VPN?

No. If all players are connected to the same VPN network (e.g., Hamachi), they can join using the host’s VPN IP address without port forwarding. This is a good workaround for CGNAT or restrictive routers.

Can I transfer my single-player world to a dedicated server?

Yes. The world files are stored in the game’s save folder. You can copy the .world file to the server’s save directory. Make sure to rename it to match the server’s world name, or load it via the server console.

How many players can join a dedicated server?

Necesse supports up to 32 players per server. However, performance depends on the server’s hardware and internet connection. For a smooth experience, 8-10 players is a reasonable target on a typical home connection.

Why can’t my friend join even though I forwarded the port?

Check that the server is listening on the correct IP (0.0.0.0) and that the firewall on the server machine allows inbound connections. Also, verify that your public IP hasn’t changed – you can use a service like WhatIsMyIP to confirm. If you’re behind CGNAT, port forwarding won’t work.

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