How to Set Up a Multiplayer World in Permafrost: A Co-op Guide

Setting Up Your Multiplayer Session

To begin your cooperative journey in Permafrost, the host must initiate the session. Because the game utilizes peer-to-peer (P2P) networking, the quality of your experience is heavily dependent on the host’s hardware. It is highly recommended that the player with the most powerful system and the most stable internet connection takes on the hosting duties to ensure a smooth experience for all participants.

While being Steam friends can make the process more seamless, it is not a strict requirement to play together. Interestingly, you can even play while set to "Invisible" status on Steam if you prefer privacy during your session.

1. The host launches the game and selects "Play" from the main menu.
2. Select "Host" to open the configuration menu.
3. Set a password if you wish to restrict access, and define the player limit (up to four players).
4. Choose to either "Create" a new world or load an existing save.
5. If creating a new world, proceed to character creation and difficulty selection.
6. Name your world clearly so that your friends can easily identify it in the server list.
7. Once the host has successfully loaded into the game world, guest players can begin their connection process.

How to Join a Friend's World

Once the host is inside the game world, guest players can jump into the action. The process for joining is straightforward, though it requires patience depending on your network visibility and server refresh rates.

• Launch the game and navigate to the "Play" menu.
• Select the "Join" option.
• Utilize the filter settings on the left to narrow down the search by region, password-protected servers, or "friends only" status.
• If you know the specific name the host assigned to the world, use the search function to locate it quickly.

If the world does not appear in the list immediately, do not panic. According to community reports, there is often a synchronization delay. Stay on the join menu and periodically click the "Refresh" button. Users have noted that it may take anywhere from 2 to 5 minutes for a server to propagate through the list.

Important Considerations for Cooperative Play

When playing Permafrost in multiplayer, keep in mind that all players will enter the world at the exact state of the host's save file. This means that quests, world progress, and environmental changes are tied to the host's save data. Ensure that the host is mindful of saving the game, as guests are joining the host’s specific instance of the world.

Tip

If you encounter persistent issues where the server list remains empty or you are unable to connect, ensure that both the host and the guests have checked their firewall settings. If the problem persists after several attempts, reach out to the developer, SpaceRocket Games, for technical support.

Troubleshooting Common Connectivity Issues

Multiplayer connectivity via P2P can sometimes be finicky. If you find yourself unable to see your friend's game, double-check that you are both filtering by the same region. Often, a simple restart of the game client can resolve hidden connection glitches.

Remember that the host's character creation and difficulty settings are set during the initial hosting phase. Once those are established, the game world is locked into those parameters for the duration of that session. If you intend to play a long-term campaign, ensure the host chooses the difficulty setting that best matches the group's collective skill level.

Can I play Permafrost multiplayer without a password?

Yes, passwords are optional. If you do not set a password, your world will be open to anyone who finds it in the server list, provided you have not limited the player count to only friends.

Does the host need to be online for guests to play?

Yes, because the game uses peer-to-peer architecture, the host acts as the server. If the host leaves or goes offline, the session will end for all guest players.