This guide is considered obsolete. Its contents are preserved for historical purposes.
Please refer to an updated guide with a fix:
https://steamhost.cn/steamcommunity_com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3497786584

Dynamic library "server.dll" is used for multiplayer. When you start the multiplayer session (by selecting the "Network game" menu item), a temporary directory is created in the root folder of the disk partition for handling and managing network session related data.



The multiplayer is programmed the way, that every certain period of time (a game tick) a synchronization packet is sent from the server to all clients. Clients should send a synchronized state of the game session in the return packet instantly. And we have a problem that protection of the transmitted packets from loss or damage is not provided! Therefore, if at least one package is “lost”, it will be out of sync and the game will stop for all participants.

Because of the fact above, you probably can't play via Tunngle, Hamachi or TeamViewer VPN. If you manage to start the game through it, then most likely, in 5-15 seconds (or on the next in-game day), the game will already show an error about closing the connection and will return to the main menu.

It is recommended to play only on the physical LAN-network (the most optimal solution is just directly connected 2 PCs).

Configured your network and ready to go? Ok, we need to perform several additional steps.

I) Firstly, you need to edit your "game.ini" configuration file in the game root folder.



Open it and find the string:



You should specify a full path to the "Server.dll" file here. It should be located in "Server" subdirectory in the game root folder by default. In my case the modified path looks like this:



II) Now you need to set administrator privileges for the game executable (otherwise the game cannot properly save on certain configurations). Open "Europa1400Gold_TL.exe" file properties, go to compatibility tab and set Windows XP (SP2) as compatible level and check "Run as the administrator" in the bottom.

Note: actions above should be performed on all players' PCs.

III) So you are ready for the game session startup. Launch the game via Steam and select "Launch with newer video cards" option. Host hosts the game server, clients connect to the hosted server (by Direct IP if necessary).

Game lags, low FPS, even mouse cursor is glitching.
Choose an option "Launch with newer graphics cards" when launching the game via Steam. Yes, there is a possibility of various graphical glitches occurring during the gameplay but you'll have 60 FPS and responsive mouse pointer.

I cannot save my game!
You should assign administrator privileges on certain system configurations. The solution is described in How To? (Action II).

I am playing with my friend via LAN but the game crushes every (game) day!
I recommend to play the only vanilla Steam version without mods or foreign localization. And also try to perform a direct connection between 2 PCs without routers or commutators in the middle.

"Could not start server" message appears when trying to start the game!
See How To? (Action I).

I played the network game several times and would like to share my experience.

Direct LAN play, game edition includes localization. Played about 15 years, then the game started to crash every 2-3 years. Closer to 1460 because of a complex game situation the session was ruined.

Direct LAN play, vanilla Steam version. Played 9 hours IRL in a row, up to the year 1430-1440. No crashes or out of sync!

Direct LAN play, connected 2 PCs via the router, vanilla Steam version. Out of sync periodically every 1-2 turns.

Problems with out of syncs and crashes can occur because of any complex situation from the game's point of view. The examples of complex situations are the attack on the building of your partner in a network game or an attack on his transport at an unfortunate time (when he is in prison or when the game turn must end after eleven o'clock). No solution was found for these, you should just to avoid them and create additional save files.