To play with your Friends in Nightingale, you have two options: rent a dedicated server or spin up a listen server directly from your PC. In both cases, you’ll need to either select one of your existing characters or create a new one to join or host a game.
No matter which option you choose, you can bring existing characters into a friend’s realm and carry progress back to your own world using the Play Solo option.
When starting, create a new character or select one from your roster. If you’d like to use a character that was previously online, choose Download Characters from the main menu to access characters created after the Realms Rebuilt update.
Dedicated Servers
Why choose a dedicated server?
Dedicated servers are ideal for groups who want a persistent world. Because the server runs separately from your game client, your friends can continue exploring even when you log off. If you’re comfortable with port forwarding and server management, you can self-host; otherwise, renting a server through a partner is a convenient option.
How to set up a dedicated server
Since these servers persist beyond your session, you’ll need to arrange hosting, either by running the dedicated-server app on your own machine or by renting one through a partner. See the Dedicated Servers page for detailed setup instructions and hosting partners.
How to join a dedicated server
To join, select Play from the main menu, pick your character, and choose Join a Game. From there, you can connect via Steam or IP/LAN. The host shares the server’s address and port, which you can enter manually into the IP/LAN field. Alternatively, you can use the Steam option to join directly from Steam.
Listen Servers
A listen server is the simplest way to play with friends. It runs inside your game client, meaning your PC hosts the world while you play. They’re quick to set up via the Host a Game option and require no additional software or rentals. However, since the server only exists while the host is online, the game is unavailable once they log off.
How to set up a listen server
After choosing or creating a character, select Host a Game and decide whether to host via Steam or IP/LAN. If you host via Steam, your friends can join you directly through Steam. If you host via IP/LAN, you’ll need to share your IP/LAN address with them and any password you have set.
How to join a listen server
Joining works the same way as with dedicated servers: connect via Steam or enter the host’s IP/LAN address. Remember, the host must remain online for the session to continue.