> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://fyoncle.gitbook.io/elysium-days-wiki/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://fyoncle.gitbook.io/elysium-days-wiki/guides/playing-multiplayer.md).

# Playing Multiplayer

{% hint style="info" %}
Before starting, I am **NOT** sponsored by any hosting that I have listed here as options, they are my personal opinion according to my researches, I haven't personally tried them. For more alternatives please see this [video](https://youtu.be/gNMBYhEuDv8) by CygnusMC.
{% endhint %}

### <i class="fa-server" style="color:$primary;">:server:</i>  1. Buying a Server Hosting

With this method, you will have to choose a hosting and buy a server with a decent amount of specs. Here is some options:

* [**Exaroton**](https://exaroton.com): If you're only using it at times and not so often, Exaroton provides the best value in this case since it uses credits instead of monthly payment that only gets consumed when you use the server. Server also goes offline when no one is playing, and automatically launches again when someone tries to connect.
* [**Modrinth**](https://modrinth.com/servers): If you have a friend group that is very active and using the server a lot, then Modrinth definitely provides better value per month.

**✅ Pros**

* You will have an easy to use interface to control your server.
* Your server will be 24/7 (unless stated otherwise in the hosting's website.)

**❌ Cons**

* Can get too expensive for a small friend group in the long-run.
* You will have to rely on the hosting, it is good practice to locally take backups of the server frequently.

***

### <i class="fa-tv" style="color:$primary;">:tv:</i>  2. Self Hosting a Server

If you prefer to host a server on your own computer, check out [this tutorial](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sg91I4vg7ew) for step-by-step instructions. You will need to refer to the [Server Installation](/elysium-days-wiki/how-to-install/server-installation.md) on the wiki for the modpack files.

{% hint style="warning" %}
If you're in the CGNAT pool, then you can’t port forward to use this method to play with people that is not connected to your network. Though you can use [Method 3](#id-3.-using-self-hosting--zerotier) to work around this.
{% endhint %}

**✅ Pros**

* You don't have to pay for a hosting.
* You will store your files locally.

**❌ Cons**

* You will have to port forward.
  * As mentioned above [Method 3](#id-3.-using-self-hosting--zerotier) can work around this.
* Your server will be shut down if your PC is closed.
* If you can't leave your PC always open, then this solution won't provide a 24/7 server.
  * You can buy a Virtual Private Server (VPS) to work around this though.

***

### <i class="fa-computer" style="color:$primary;">:computer:</i>  3. Using Self Hosting + ZeroTier

First create a Fabric server with [this tutorial](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sg91I4vg7ew) and use [Server Installation](/elysium-days-wiki/how-to-install/server-installation.md) for installing Elysium Days on it. Then you will have to install [ZeroTier](https://www.zerotier.com/) and create a network. Then copy the network ID and give it to your friend, they will right click the system tray icon of ZeroTier and join your network.

After your friend joins your network, you will copy your ZT-IP and put it in server.properties, and send it to your friend with adding :25565 in the end of the IP <sup><mark style="color:$info;">(This depends on what port you set in the server.properties, by default it is 25565)<mark style="color:$info;"></sup> The final result should look something like `??.???.???.???:25565`

**✅ Pros**

* You don't have to pay for a hosting.
* You will store your files locally.
* Works even if you're in the CGNAT Pool.
* No need to open ports on your router that risks security.
* No one except the people in your ZeroTier network will be able to join, making it even safer.
* Unlike e4mc and Cloudflared the IP is always the same.

**❌ Cons**

* Needs you to install the ZeroTier app, which is extra effort to set it up and not plug-and-play.
* Closing your PC also closes the server, this solution won't provide a 24/7 server.
  * You can buy a Virtual Private Server (VPS) to work around this though.

***

### <i class="fa-cloudflare" style="color:$primary;">:cloudflare:</i>  4. Using the [Cloudflared](https://modrinth.com/mod/cloudflared) Mod <mark style="color:$info;">(Built-in Elysium Days)</mark>

This method allows you to host a server without port forwarding. Simply:

1. Open the **ESC menu** in Minecraft.
2. Click **"Open to LAN"** to start the server.
3. A Cloudflare Tunnel IP will be displayed in the chat, share this address with your friends by clicking on it to copy and sending it to them. The IP looks something like:\
   `cloudflared://very-very-long-example-with-random-words.com`

**✅ Pros**

* Safer than the Essential Mod.
* Has very minimal lag.
* No need for server specific configuration making it easier to use.
* No port forwarding required.

**❌ Cons**

* The IP changes every time the host leaves.
* Server shuts down when the host leaves the world, meaning it's not 24/7.
* Requires everyone to have an original Minecraft account.
  * Can be avoided by installing [LAN Server Properties](https://www.curseforge.com/minecraft/mc-mods/lan-server-properties) alongside it and setting it to `Offline Mode + UUID Fix`.