Bella Factionum, as of Phase 2.0, is a Multiplayer Game, therefore it is important to understand how to host a Server in order to play it.

1 - Initial Setup

The most important aspect of Bella Factionum is its Custom Content - the Factions, Maps and Scenarios you came up with.

If you wish to play Multiplayer with your Custom Content, then you must share it with all the people you want to play with. Most importantly, the Server must have this Custom Content as well. If you're hosting the server on your own device, then you don't need to do anything.

Otherwise, you will have to transfer the Custom Content to the correct location on your Server machine. 

In the Main Menu, there is a "Help" Button which shows in which path Custom Data is stored.

If you want to play on the same network, you will need to find your Computer's IP Address, using a tool such as ipconfig. Otherwise, you will have to Port Forward. The process of Port Forwarding depends on your Router and Internet Service Provider, so refer to them for instructions. The port of Bella Factionum is 4399, and you should open TCP AND UDP. 

Alternatively, you could try a service like Hamachi or Radmin VPN or any other Tunneling Service. Be careful about security.

2 - Starting the Server

Once you have forwarded your port, or know your IP Address, then starting the Server is pretty simple, but depends on the OS.

2.1 - Starting on Windows

The Dedicated Server has two builds, and one ends with ".exe", while another ends with ".console.exe" - it's the second one we're interested in.

Using command prompt or Powershell (and making sure you're in the same directory as the Dedicated Server executable), run the ".console.exe" from the Command Line. E.g. if your Server's name is "Phase 2.0 - Windows Dedicated Server.console.exe", then you just have to enter:

./"Phase 2.0 - Windows Dedicated Server.console.exe"

Then you will start getting status messages.

2.2 - Starting on macOS

It's actually much simpler on macOS - the Dedicated Server ZIP comes with a ".command" file - run that, and your Dedicated Server will start.

2.3 - Starting on Linux

I will admit, I never tested it on Linux. However, the ZIP comes with a ".sh" file, and it's likely you have to run that to start the Dedicated Server. Otherwise, it will be similar to Windows, where, in the same folder, using shell, you launch the Application from the Command Line.

3 - Connecting to a Server

Once you know the IP Address of the Server to Connect to, go to Multiplayer from the Bella Factionum Main Menu, add the Server with your desired name and IP Address, and connect!

You won't be able to connect to a Game that is in progress, and you will get into very many errors if you try to connect to a Server running a different version of Bella Factionum.

Then you just enjoy yourself!

4 - Managing the Server

The Server is pretty much self-reliant - it will reset itself once a Game ends (or if all Human Players disconnect), and will do the heavy lifting.

However, you may notice a bunch of errors (usually colored red). Usually (unless the game crashes for the Server or anybody connecting - in that case do let me know, I will try to fix it ASAP), they can be safely ignored.

I think that's about all that needs to be known! Have fun! I know I will!