The easiest way to play Mindustry with friends is to use its built-in multiplayer menu. On the same Wi-Fi network or hotspot, one player starts a game and chooses Host Multiplayer Game from the pause menu; everyone else opens Play > Join Game. If the host does not appear, add the host device’s local IP address manually. Friends on different networks need port forwarding, a public server, or a dedicated server. All clients must run the same Mindustry version, regardless of whether they use PC, Steam, Android, or another supported platform.
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Choose the right multiplayer method
Your network arrangement determines how much setup is required. Use local hosting for a quick session, direct IP hosting when local discovery fails, and a dedicated server when the group needs an always-available world.
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| Method | Best for | Setup | Persistence | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Same Wi-Fi or personal hotspot | A few friends in the same location | Host Multiplayer Game, then Join Game | Ends when the host closes the game | Public or restricted Wi-Fi may block discovery |
| Local server by IP | Friends on the same network who cannot see the host | Enter the host’s internal IP through Add Server | Ends when the host closes the game | Only reachable from that local network |
| Direct connection across networks | A small group whose host can configure a router | Forward port 6567 for TCP and UDP, allow the firewall, and share the reachable address | Ends when the host closes the game | Some routers or internet providers do not permit inbound connections |
| Public server | Players who cannot configure port forwarding | Join a listed public or community server | Depends on the server operator | Server rules, availability, and privacy vary |
| Dedicated server | Persistent worlds, larger groups, or an absent host | Java, the server release, firewall access, and server administration | Can remain online while the host client is closed | Requires separate hardware or cloud infrastructure and ongoing administration |
Check these requirements before anyone joins
- Match the game version. Mindustry is cross-platform when every device runs the same version. A PC player can play with a mobile player, but a version mismatch can prevent the connection.
- Decide whether the session is local or remote. Devices on one Wi-Fi network or hotspot use local discovery. Players in different homes need a reachable public address, a public server, or dedicated hosting.
- Choose one host. The host’s device runs the game session and uses its own resources. Closing that client ends a normal host-client session.
- Keep the game updated consistently. Have everyone check the version shown by their installation before troubleshooting networking.
- Prefer a personal hotspot over public Wi-Fi when possible. Hotels, schools, workplaces, and other managed networks may isolate devices even when they display the same Wi-Fi name.
Prepare the group before starting
Agree on the network plan and who will host before inviting everyone. A local host should use the device with the strongest, most stable connection and enough battery or power for the whole session. Because the host runs the game and networking process at the same time, graphics, memory, CPU load, and battery use are all concentrated on that device. A laptop or desktop connected to power is generally more practical for a long session than a phone that is already low on charge.
Ask every player to open Mindustry once and confirm the installed version before the host starts. Updating only one device can create a mismatch that looks like a networking failure. If a player recently changed from Wi-Fi to cellular data, reconnect to the agreed network before trying to join. For remote play, decide whether the host is willing to expose a router port; if not, select a public or dedicated server from the beginning instead of spending time on a setup the network cannot support.
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Keep the host’s local and public addresses distinct in your notes. The private address is used by devices on the same Wi-Fi or hotspot. The public address is used by friends connecting from outside that network after forwarding is configured. Reusing a saved address after the host changes networks is a common reason a previously working session stops connecting.
Host a game on the same Wi-Fi network
Start the local session
- Launch Mindustry on the device that will host.
- Start the map or game mode you want to play.
- Open the pause menu during the game.
- Select Host Multiplayer Game. Mindustry advertises the hosted game to devices on the same Wi-Fi or local network.
Join from another device
- Open Mindustry on each friend’s device.
- Select Play > Join Game.
- Wait for the host’s session to appear in the server list.
- Select the session and connect. The joining device can be on a different platform, provided its Mindustry version matches the host’s.
Local hosting is the fastest option because it does not require router configuration or a separate server. It is designed for a small group and consumes CPU, memory, battery, and network resources on the host device.
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The host can leave the game paused while friends connect, but the session remains tied to that client. If the host quits to the title screen, closes Mindustry, loses the network, or runs out of power, the built-in session is no longer available. Save or record the map choice and any settings before starting if the group expects to repeat the session.
If the local server does not appear
Try a personal hotspot
Public Wi-Fi can prevent devices from discovering one another. Have the host create a personal mobile hotspot, connect every player to that hotspot, and repeat the Host Multiplayer Game and Join Game steps. A hotspot does not guarantee a connection in every situation, but it avoids many restrictions imposed by public access points.
Add the host by internal IP
Discovery and direct addressing are separate. If the game is running but missing from the list, find the host device’s internal IP address in its network settings. On the joining device, open Play > Join Game > Add Server, enter that local address, and save or connect to it.
The address must be the host’s private address on the same Wi-Fi or hotspot, not the router’s public internet address. If the host changes networks, its internal address may change, so an old saved entry can stop working.
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Check local isolation and firewalls
- Confirm that every device is connected to the same Wi-Fi name or hotspot.
- Disconnect any device that silently switched to mobile data or another access point.
- When the operating system asks whether Mindustry may communicate on the network, allow access for the current private or trusted network profile.
- Temporarily test without restrictive VPN, security, or parental-control settings, then restore them and create an appropriate exception if they caused the block.
- Restart the host session after changing network permissions so the advertisement is sent again.
Do not test a private address from a friend’s house and conclude that the server is broken. Private addresses are meaningful only inside the host’s local network. Conversely, do not ask a local friend to use the public address unless you are specifically testing router behavior; local IP entry is simpler and avoids unnecessary routing.
Play with friends on different networks
A normal local host is not automatically reachable from the public internet. The official Mindustry guidance identifies port forwarding as the usual way to let people connect by IP from elsewhere.
Configure the host network
- Start the game on the intended host device and note its local address.
- In the host router’s port-forwarding or virtual-server settings, forward Mindustry’s documented server port, 6567, for both TCP and UDP to that host device.
- Allow the same port through the host computer’s firewall. A rule for only TCP or only UDP is incomplete.
- Start Host Multiplayer Game after the forwarding and firewall rules are active.
- Determine the host network’s current public address using the router or another trusted network-information screen.
Give friends the reachable address
Friends choose Play > Join Game > Add Server and enter the address supplied by the host. They should not use the host’s private Wi-Fi address when connecting from another home; that address exists only inside the host’s local network.
Public addresses and router interfaces differ by provider and equipment. Some internet services place customers behind carrier-level sharing or block unsolicited inbound traffic, and some routers offer no usable forwarding control. Do not assume that a particular provider will support this arrangement. If the connection cannot be reached after the port and firewall settings are correct, use a public server or dedicated hosting instead.
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- Share the address only with people who should join.
- Use any in-game password or access controls available in the selected server configuration.
- Remove the forwarding rule when you no longer need remote access.
- Keep the host and game installation updated before exposing a service to the internet.
Port forwarding is a network setting, not a Mindustry account feature. The router must send incoming traffic to the same machine that is running the host session. If that machine receives a new private address, the forwarding rule can silently point at the wrong device. Reserving the host’s local address in the router, where supported, reduces that particular failure, but router menus vary, so follow the equipment’s own instructions.
Use a public or community server
A public server avoids configuring the host’s home router. The player who wants to join opens Play > Join Game and selects an available public or community server. This approach is useful when friends live on different networks, the host’s provider blocks inbound connections, or nobody wants to leave a personal computer running.
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Public servers are controlled by their operators. Availability, map rotation, moderation, privacy, and persistence can differ, so agree on a server before starting a group session. A public listing is also not the same as a private invitation: other players may be able to join unless the server provides access controls.
For a private group, check the server name and rules together, then have everyone join the same listing rather than assuming similarly named servers are identical. If the server disappears, the operator may have stopped or restarted it; that does not necessarily indicate a problem with any player’s installation.
Run a dedicated Mindustry server
A dedicated server is a separate Mindustry server process rather than a game session hosted inside one player’s client. It can continue running when the original host closes the game and is better suited to a persistent world or a larger group.
Understand the trade-off
| Characteristic | Built-in host | Dedicated server |
|---|---|---|
| Where the game runs | Inside one player’s client | In a separate server process |
| Availability | Stops when the host exits | Can remain online independently |
| Setup effort | One in-game command | Java, server files, port access, firewall rules, and administration |
| Resource use | Competes with the host’s game, graphics, and other tasks | Uses a separately allocated computer or cloud instance |
| Typical use | A few friends for an occasional session | Persistent play, scheduled access, or a larger community |
Install and start the server
- Install a compatible Java runtime on the machine that will run the server.
- Download the current Mindustry server release from the official server documentation or release source.
- Run the server JAR and wait for its console to become ready.
- Use the server console’s documented host command to load the map you want to play. The exact command and available map names depend on the server release, so use the syntax that accompanies that release rather than copying a command from an older version.
- Configure the machine’s firewall and network forwarding for port 6567 TCP and UDP when players will connect from outside its local network.
- Give players the server’s reachable address. They can add it through Play > Join Game > Add Server.
The server guide lists cloud infrastructure such as Amazon AWS, Linode, and DigitalOcean as examples of places where a dedicated process can run. A cloud virtual machine is optional; a spare computer with a reachable network can also serve the role. Managed Mindustry server hosting is another practical choice when you want persistence without maintaining Java, firewall, updates, and uptime yourself.
Costs, equipment, and administration
There is no required physical Mindustry edition, special router, gaming PC, headset, or controller for multiplayer. Local hosting normally uses devices the group already owns. A dedicated setup may add the cost of a spare computer, cloud-VM usage, or managed hosting, but the amount depends on the provider and the resources selected; the game instructions do not prescribe a fixed price.
Cloud or managed hosting trades hands-on maintenance for a recurring service relationship. A self-hosted machine gives you direct control but leaves you responsible for operating-system updates, Java compatibility, firewall rules, backups, uptime, and the server address. Choose based on persistence and administrative time rather than buying networking accessories that do not solve the underlying reachability problem.
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Plan for administration
- Keep the server software and Java runtime maintained.
- Decide who receives administrative privileges and who can change maps or settings.
- Monitor the machine’s available memory, storage, and network connection as the player count grows.
- Arrange backups or map copies if the world matters to your group.
- Tell players when the server will restart or be offline for maintenance.
Document the server address, port, version, and start procedure for your group. When updating, update the server and clients in a coordinated way; a server that remains on an older release can reject clients that updated early.
Cross-platform multiplayer explained
Mindustry supports cross-platform multiplayer when all participating devices run the same game version. A Steam player and a mobile player can therefore join the same session under that version requirement. The Steam listing also describes online co-op, private sessions, public dedicated servers, and community servers.
Platform differences do not override network rules. A mobile and PC player on the same hotspot still need local discovery or the host’s internal IP; two players in different homes still need a reachable public address, a public server, or a dedicated server. When a cross-platform connection fails, verify the version before changing router settings.
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Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Troubleshoot by symptom
“My friend cannot see the host.”
- Confirm both devices are on the same Wi-Fi or personal hotspot if this is intended to be a local session.
- Retry with the host’s internal IP through Add Server.
- Check the operating system’s network permission for Mindustry.
- Move off public Wi-Fi, which may isolate connected devices.
“Add Server says it cannot connect.”
- For local play, make sure the address is the host’s current private IP.
- For remote play, make sure friends received the host’s current public address instead.
- Verify that port 6567 is forwarded to the correct machine for both TCP and UDP.
- Check the firewall on the host or dedicated-server machine.
- If the provider or router does not permit inbound traffic, stop troubleshooting the same rule and switch to a public or dedicated server.
“One platform joins, another does not.”
- Compare the exact Mindustry version on every device.
- Update the out-of-date installation, then restart the game and reconnect.
- Ensure the server itself is compatible with the client version when using dedicated hosting.
“The game worked, then disappeared.”
- A built-in host session ends when the host closes the game or loses its network.
- A local IP may have changed after reconnecting to Wi-Fi or restarting the router.
- A public server may be offline or have changed its listing.
- A dedicated server may have stopped, restarted, or lost its firewall or forwarding configuration.
“Everyone is connected, but the session is unstable.”
- Check whether the host is on a congested public network or a weak hotspot.
- Move the host closer to the access point or use a more reliable connection.
- Close demanding applications on the host so the game has adequate CPU, memory, and battery headroom.
- For a recurring group, move the world to a dedicated machine or managed server instead of relying on a busy personal device.
Which option should your group use?
- Playing in one room: use a Wi-Fi or personal-hotspot host. It has the least setup and is appropriate for a few friends.
- On one network but discovery is unreliable: host locally and connect with the host’s internal IP.
- In different homes for a one-off session: try direct hosting only if the host can forward port 6567 for TCP and UDP and accept the security and availability trade-offs.
- Unable to change the router: choose a public server.
- Want the world online without the host: use a dedicated server, either on hardware you control, a cloud virtual machine, or managed Mindustry server hosting.
The essential sequence is simple: match versions, choose a network method, host or select a server, and use Join Game. Escalate from local discovery to manual IP entry, then to public or dedicated hosting only when the network distance or persistence requirement makes it necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can PC and mobile players play Mindustry together?
Yes. Mindustry is fully cross-platform when every device runs the same game version. Network distance still matters: use local discovery or an internal IP on one Wi-Fi network, and a public address, public server, or dedicated server between homes.
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How do I join a Mindustry game by IP?
Open Play > Join Game > Add Server and enter the address. Use the host’s internal IP on the same Wi-Fi or hotspot. From another network, use the host’s reachable public address only after port 6567 has been forwarded for both TCP and UDP and the firewall allows it.
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Why can’t I see my friend’s Mindustry server?
First confirm that everyone is on the same Wi-Fi or personal hotspot and running the same version. Public Wi-Fi may isolate devices, so try a personal hotspot. If the session is running but absent from the list, add the host’s current internal IP manually.
What port does a Mindustry dedicated server use?
The documented server port is 6567 for both TCP and UDP. Forward both protocols to the server machine and allow them through its firewall when players connect from outside the local network.
Does the host have to keep Mindustry open?
For the built-in Host Multiplayer Game option, yes. That session runs inside the host client and ends when the client closes or loses its connection. A dedicated server runs separately and can remain available while the host plays elsewhere or is offline.
Do I need to buy special hardware to play multiplayer?
No particular physical purchase is required. Local play uses existing devices. Dedicated play may use a spare computer, cloud virtual machine, or managed hosting, with costs and administration determined by the option you choose.
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What should I do if port forwarding does not work?
Check the forwarding target, both TCP and UDP, the host firewall, and the current public address. Some routers and internet providers block inbound connections or provide no usable forwarding control. In that case, use a public server or dedicated hosting instead.
The Bottom Line
For a quick session, host on the same Wi-Fi or personal hotspot and join through Play > Join Game. If discovery fails, enter the host’s internal IP with Add Server. Friends in other homes need port 6567 forwarded for TCP and UDP, or they can use a public or dedicated server. Keep every client on the same Mindustry version; that is the requirement that makes cross-platform play work.
Quick Recap
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