Firewall and Antivirus Checks

Windows Firewall loves to block LAN games on “Public” networks.

First, check Known Issues.

The symptoms

• You can see the server list but can’t join.
• You can’t host a local lobby.
• You can’t see other players in LAN browsers.

Quick fix

1. Network Profile: Make sure your network is set to Private (if you trust the LAN) or manually allow the game.
   • Settings > Network & Internet > Ethernet > Network profile type.
   • PowerShell (Admin):

     Get-NetConnectionProfile
     Set-NetConnectionProfile -InterfaceAlias "Ethernet" -NetworkCategory Private
     

2. Allow an app:
   • Press Win + R, type firewall.cpl, press Enter.
   • Click Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall (left side).
   • Click Change settings.
   • Find your game.
   • Check both Private and Public boxes.
   • Click OK.

Third-party Antivirus

If you use Norton, McAfee, Bitdefender, etc.:

• They often override Windows settings.
• Look for “Game Mode” or temporarily pause the firewall to test.
• Remember to turn it back on.

Still stuck?

1. Check Known Issues first – if it’s listed, we already know.
2. Post in #support on Discord with this info:
   • Seat number (e.g. Row 4, Seat 12)
   • What’s broken, one sentence
   • What you already tried
   • Screenshot or error message
3. If no reply in 15 minutes, come to the organizer desk.

Important: Before asking for help, disable your VPN!