How Online Multiplayer Works in Aleph One

Aleph One supports online multiplayer for up to 8 players per match, in both competitive and co-op modes. All games are peer-to-peer: they run over a LAN by default, or over the Internet if the host is configured correctly. To find opponents, you use Aleph One's global matchmaking lobby, and an optional lhowon.org account adds play-history tracking and monthly leaderboards. This applies to the Marathon trilogy (Marathon, Marathon 2, and Marathon Infinity) as supported natively by the engine.

What the multiplayer model actually is

Aleph One does not run dedicated servers. Every match is peer-to-peer, meaning one player hosts and the other players connect directly to that host. Two consequences follow from this:

• The host's network setup determines whether Internet play works. A LAN match needs no special configuration because peers can reach each other directly. An Internet match only works "if the host is configured properly" — the host has to make their machine reachable from outside their local network.
• Player count is capped at 8. The engine supports up to 8 players in multiplayer matches or co-op play.

If you only ever play on a LAN, you can skip most of the troubleshooting below.

Finding and joining a game

1. Open Aleph One's global matchmaking lobby. This is where players gather, and it includes chat so you can coordinate before a match starts.
2. Look for an open game or ask in chat whether anyone is hosting.
3. Join the match. If the host is reachable, you connect directly to them.

The lobby is the discovery layer; the actual game traffic goes peer-to-peer between you and the host, not through the lobby.

Hosting a game others can reach

Hosting on a LAN is straightforward. Hosting over the Internet is where most people get stuck, because the host must be reachable from the public Internet.

• Confirm you are hosting on the correct network interface and that your firewall allows the game's traffic through.
• If you are behind a router, the host machine generally needs to be reachable from outside — this is the "configured properly" condition the project refers to.
• Test with one other player before organizing a full 8-player session, so you find reachability problems while they are still cheap to fix.

The site links a "How to join or host games online" resource for the specifics; follow that rather than guessing at port numbers.

Which game do people actually play online?

Most multiplayer online matches are played with Marathon Infinity. If your goal is to find public games, install Infinity rather than assuming the original Marathon or Marathon 2 will have active opponents. Marathon 2 is noted for its single-player campaign and updated graphics from the XBLA remake, so it is a common choice for solo play rather than online play.

Optional account: what you get

Signing up for a lhowon.org account is optional, not required to play. If you do register, you can:

• Track your play history.
• Compete for a spot on the monthly leaderboards.

If you just want to play a few matches, skip it. If you want a record of your games or you are chasing leaderboard placement, it is worth creating.

Common sticking points

Quick decision guide

• Playing with people in the same building: host on the LAN, no extra configuration needed.
• Playing with remote friends: one player hosts, that host must be reachable over the Internet, and everyone joins through the lobby.
• Wanting to meet strangers: use the global matchmaking lobby and expect most activity in Marathon Infinity.
• Wanting stats and rankings: register the optional lhowon.org account.