1. Remember to patch your game to the newest version.
You can find the patches on:
OWS: http://www.owsupport.com/?sect=patches
OWN http://original-war.net/articles.php?a=the_latest_patch&lang=en-gb
2. Enter the multiplayer lobby. You should be able to see the chat, player list and list of the hosted servers.
A screen from 07.03.15 r. - _OWP_* means ingame player.


Joining a game
If you see a visible game server, you may enter it. The "host" would set up the game rules and the game will be started after every player mark himself as "ready". If you don't see any player or game server - just wait for them.

Hosting a game
To host a game, that would be visible on a server list your ISP must be providing an external IP address (which is not filtered by a ISP services). If you're sure, that your IP is external but you can't make a visible game server (e.g. you were able to "host" matches in other older games) you should enable access for 27963 UDP port in your system and router firewalls.

If you don't have an external IP (or you just can't host a game) and you don't want to wait for a "host" (or you just want to host your own game on your own rules) you should use a VPN program like Evolve, Tunngle or Hamachi.

We're recommending using Evolve. It's fast, user-friendly and useful application, providing multiple of services.
1. Friend system - add your mates to the list, so you would know if they're online.
2. Groups system - join a thematic group to find more people on the service. Official OW players group: Register & autojoin the group[www.evolvehq.com], group site[www.evolvehq.com].
3. Party & matchmaking system: Create or join a party, invite interested mates, wait untill their IP's are signed and play: ONE of you (from the party) is creating a match in game and others are joining it. The game would be visible on the games list - if not join the game using host's Evolve IP.

Being in a same party is required for hosting or joining a match.
Groups are only for chatting/finding other players.
Disable annoying chat sounds in the program's preferences.

For game balance, the community has developed some rules. This makes the matches short and balanced, so you would be able to end them (1-2 hours of playing)
List of a multiplayer game rules[original-war.net].

You could play a ranked matches. FAME!
OW clanbase multiplayer ranking[original-war.net]
Register on the original-war.net to make an game account (the site and forum accounts are not the same!). Now, ingame you should see the ranked match tab (3 stars) - set up the game for a ranked match, log in and play (every player must be logged in!).

Original War players often gather themselves in Clans. They are simply for making your games more easier. Also, you could register your clan on a Clanbase, so your clan will be able to gather points.

1. Game "frozen" during a match, it's lagging, so I can't move.
- Someone minimalized the OW to the desktop. You just can't minimalize the game.

2. Connection Lost
- It's the most common issue. OW is a old game, which is not suited for multiplayer. You must be patient. There's a rumor, that Evolve increases game stability.