How to Host and Join Co-Op Games in Permafrost: A Complete Guide

Understanding Permafrost Co-Op Mechanics

Permafrost (developed by SpaceRocket Games) is designed with a peer-to-peer multiplayer architecture. Unlike traditional dedicated servers that run independently in a data center, this game relies on the host's machine to power the session. Because of this, the quality of the multiplayer experience is directly tied to the host's hardware performance and network stability.

When planning to play with friends, it is highly recommended that the player with the most robust system and the most stable internet connection acts as the host. While you can technically play while set to "Invisible" on Steam, keeping your status as "Online" or "Friends" can sometimes make the initial connection process smoother within the game's lobby system.

How to Host Your Own World

Hosting a game in Permafrost is a straightforward process, but paying attention to the initial setup is crucial for a smooth experience. Follow these steps to ensure your friends can find and join your session without unnecessary frustration.

1. Launch the Game: Ensure the host is the first one in the game.
2. Initiate Hosting: From the main menu, click on "Play" and then select the "Host" option.
3. Configure Settings: On the left panel, you can set a password to keep your game private and define the maximum number of players (supporting up to four).
4. World Setup: Choose between creating a "New" world or loading an existing save file. Remember that all progress is tied to the host's save state.
5. Finalize Character: Once the world is named, the host must create their character and load into the game world first before guests can connect.

Joining a Friend's Game

If you are the guest, your goal is to locate the host's specific world within the server browser. Because the game relies on P2P networking, the server list may not update instantaneously.

Tip

Patience is Key: If you do not see your friend's lobby immediately, do not panic. It is normal for the list to take anywhere from 2 to 5 minutes to fully populate. Use the "Refresh" button periodically rather than repeatedly clicking it, as this can sometimes cause the UI to hang.

When joining, you can narrow down your search using the filters on the left side of the screen. You can filter by:

• Password: Check this if the host has set a private lobby.
• Friends Only: This is the most efficient way to filter out public lobbies.
• Region: Ensure you and the host are looking at the same regional server list to avoid high latency.

Troubleshooting Common Connection Issues

Based on community reports, the most common issue players face is the "invisible" server—where the host has created the world, but the guest cannot see it in the list.

• Verify World Name: Ensure the host has provided the exact name of the world to the guests.
• Check Region Settings: Both the host and the guest must have their regional filters aligned.
• Restart Steam/Game: If the lobby fails to appear after 5 minutes, both parties should restart the game client.
• Check Firewall/Antivirus: Ensure your local firewall is not blocking the game's attempt to broadcast the P2P session.

If you find yourself stuck in a loop where nothing works, it is advised to reach out to SpaceRocket Games through their official support channels. While third-party server hosting sites may appear in search results for various games, Permafrost currently functions via the native P2P system outlined in the game menu, not through external server rental services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play on a dedicated server?

Currently, Permafrost uses a peer-to-peer (P2P) co-op system. There is no native support for dedicated servers managed by third-party hosting providers as of the current build.

What happens if the host leaves the game?

Since the game world is hosted on the host's machine, the session will end if the host disconnects. Always ensure the host saves the game before exiting.

Does the guest need to save their progress?

In Permafrost, the world state is saved by the host. Guests join the host's progress stage, meaning the host is responsible for maintaining the world's save file.