DungeonsOfKharadum/NETWORK_MODE_GUIDE.md

Network Mode Selection Guide

New Features

1. Network Mode Dropdown (PC Only)

On PC builds, you'll now see a dropdown in the main menu:

• ENet (PC/LAN): Traditional IP-based networking for PC players
• WebRTC (Browser/Web): Web-compatible networking using room codes

The dropdown is automatically hidden on web builds (WebRTC is auto-selected).

2. --webrtc Command Line Flag

Force WebRTC mode on PC builds:

# Start as host with WebRTC
godot --path . -- --host --webrtc

# Join with WebRTC
godot --path . -- --join --webrtc --address=ABC123

# Example with room code
godot --path . -- --join --webrtc --address=XYZ789

Usage Examples

PC to PC (Same LAN) - ENet Mode

PC 1 (Host):

1. Select "ENet (PC/LAN)" in dropdown
2. Click "Host Game"
3. Note your IP (e.g., 192.168.1.100)

PC 2 (Join):

1. Select "ENet (PC/LAN)" in dropdown
2. Enter host IP in "Server Address"
3. Click "Join Game"

PC to PC (Internet) - WebRTC Mode

PC 1 (Host):

1. Select "WebRTC (Browser/Web)" in dropdown
2. Click "Host Game"
3. Share the 6-character room code (e.g., "ABC123")

PC 2 (Join):

1. Select "WebRTC (Browser/Web)" in dropdown
2. Enter room code in "Server Address"
3. Click "Join Game"

PC to Browser - WebRTC Mode

PC (Host):

1. Select "WebRTC (Browser/Web)" in dropdown
2. Click "Host Game"
3. Share room code

Browser (Join):

1. Enter room code (WebRTC auto-detected)
2. Click "Join Game"

Browser to Browser - WebRTC Mode

Browser 1 (Host):

1. Click "Host Game"
2. Share room code

Browser 2 (Join):

1. Enter room code
2. Click "Join Game"

Command Line Examples

Test with WebRTC

# Terminal 1 - Host with WebRTC
godot --path . -- --host --webrtc

# Terminal 2 - Join with WebRTC (room code from Terminal 1)
godot --path . -- --join --webrtc --address=ABC123

Test with ENet (Default)

# Terminal 1 - Host
godot --path . -- --host

# Terminal 2 - Join
godot --path . -- --join --address=127.0.0.1

Test with Multiple Local Players

# Host with 2 local players using WebRTC
godot --path . -- --host --webrtc --players=2

# Join with 2 local players
godot --path . -- --join --webrtc --address=ABC123 --players=2

When to Use Each Mode

Use ENet When:

• Playing on same LAN (local network)
• Both players are on PC (Windows/Linux/Mac)
• You want lower latency
• You have direct network access

Use WebRTC When:

• Playing over the internet (through NATs/firewalls)
• Playing with browser users
• Playing on mobile browsers
• You want easy room code sharing (no IP addresses)

Technical Details

ENet

• Protocol: UDP
• Connection: Direct IP:Port
• Latency: Lower (direct connection)
• NAT Traversal: Requires port forwarding
• Compatibility: PC only

WebRTC

• Protocol: UDP/DTLS via WebRTC
• Connection: Room codes via signaling server
• Latency: Slightly higher (STUN/relay)
• NAT Traversal: Automatic (STUN/TURN)
• Compatibility: PC, Browser, Mobile

Your Servers

• Matchbox Signaling: ws://ruinborn.thefirstboss.com:3536
• STUN Server: stun:ruinborn.thefirstboss.com:3578

Troubleshooting

Dropdown not visible:

• This is normal on web builds (WebRTC auto-selected)

Can't connect in ENet mode:

• Check firewall (port 21212)
• Verify IP address is correct
• Try WebRTC mode instead

Can't connect in WebRTC mode:

• Verify room code matches exactly
• Check matchbox server is running
• Try ENet mode for LAN play

Room code not showing:

• Only shown in console when hosting with WebRTC
• Will be displayed in UI in future updates

Future Improvements

• Display room code in UI (not just console)
• Copy room code to clipboard button
• Lobby browser (see active rooms)
• Remember last used network mode
• Auto-detect best mode for connection