HumanitZ Multiplayer Guide: Joining and Hosting Servers
HumanitZ's multiplayer supports both peer-to-peer co-op sessions and fully dedicated servers. While co-op is simpler to start, dedicated servers offer persistent worlds, larger player caps, and proper admin tools. This guide walks through finding the right server in the browser, using direct connect for private communities, and understanding what the server listing filters mean.
👥 Player Cap
HumanitZ dedicated servers support up to 40 players by default. This can be adjusted in GameServerSettings.ini via MaxPlayers, though hardware requirements scale steeply above 20.
🌐 Server Visibility
Servers set to bPublicServer=true appear in the global server browser. Private servers (password-protected or whitelist-only) should use bPublicServer=false and share the IP directly.
Using the In-Game Server Browser
- Launch HumanitZ and click Play → Multiplayer → Browse Servers
- Use the filter panel on the left to narrow results:
| Filter | Purpose | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Search by server name substring | Search your community name |
| Max Ping | Hide servers above a latency threshold | Set to 80ms for smooth play |
| Dedicated Only | Hides player-hosted P2P lobbies | Enable for stable 24/7 servers |
| Not Full | Hides servers at player cap | Enable if you frequently get "server full" errors |
| Has Players | Shows only populated servers | Good for finding active communities |
| Password | Filter in/out password-protected servers | Disable to see only open servers |
Direct Connect (Exact IP)
If your server doesn't appear in the browser (private, recently started, or behind a firewall that blocks the query port):
- In the server browser, click Direct Connect at the bottom of the screen
- Enter the server's public IP and game port:
203.0.113.42:7777 - Enter the server password if prompted
- Click Connect
Required Ports for Joining
If you are the server operator, ensure these ports are open and forwarded:
| Port | Protocol | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 7777 | UDP/TCP | Main game connection port |
| 27015 | UDP | Steam query port (server browser listing) |
Understanding Ping and Server Location
HumanitZ's game netcode is moderately latency-sensitive — vehicle physics in particular becomes unreliable above 150ms. Use this as a guide:
- <50ms: Excellent — smooth combat and vehicle interaction
- 50–100ms: Good — minor rubber-banding on fast vehicles
- 100–150ms: Playable — noticeable desync in crowded areas
- >150ms: Poor — vehicle physics and combat feel unreliable
Troubleshooting: Can't Connect to a Server
- Server not in browser: Ensure the server's query port (27015 UDP) is open. Servers that just started may take 2–3 minutes to appear in the Steam master list
- Connection timed out: The game port (7777 UDP/TCP) is blocked — check the server's firewall rules
- Version mismatch error: Your game client and the server are on different versions — update HumanitZ via Steam and ask the server operator to update their binary
- "Server is full": Wait for a slot to open, or contact the server admin about a reserved slot if you're a regular community member
- Password prompt appears for a non-password server: The server recently added a password — contact the community Discord for the current password
Playing with Friends (Co-op Session)
For a quick session without a dedicated server:
- One player clicks Play → Host → Co-op
- Set visibility to Friends Only or Invite Only
- Friends join via Steam → Friends → Join Game or the in-game invite
- Progress is saved on the host's machine — the world only runs while the host is online
Dedicated vs. Co-op: Co-op sessions tie the world's uptime to the host's session. If the host disconnects, all players are kicked. A dedicated server runs 24/7 and any player can join or leave without affecting the others. For a community, a dedicated server is always the better long-term choice.
Professional Hosting
Ready to stop being the host? Get your dedicated HumanitZ server with Supercraft — always online, low latency, and ready for your community day one.