General Crusader Multiplayer Connection Tips:

Please download and install the latest DirectX 9.0c installed, if you use Windows XP or previous versions (i.e. it is not necessary for Windows Vista, Server 2008, or Vienna).

Make sure your firewall (Windows Firewall too, if you use it) allows Stronghold Crusader and Gamespy (or IGZ) through. Check your Anti-Virus software, Anti-Spyware, and Anti-Adware quarantine lists to make sure that Gamespy, IGZ, or Stronghold Crusader have not been quarantined (McAfee in particular).

Note on connection speed:
1. Having multiple Firewall and Anti-virus programs running can slow down your machine and your internet connection as each programs monitors what happens. It is advisable to use one product at a time or disable one program while the other is running.
2. For multiplayer gaming, it is truely recommended that you have a minimum of DSL or a faster connection (Cable, Broadband, Wireless N or WiMAX connection, etc.). Computers exchange quite a lot of information about what each player is doing as you are playing. The faster the connections, the better.


If you know how to configure your router:

Ports:
2300 to 2400 UDP and TCP
47624 to 47624 UDP and TCP

Must be open in your firewall, router, and/or proxy server. More can be read from the Microsoft article.

You may also want to disable NAT for the game.


An alternative to configuring your router is to use Hamachi (download the free version) to create a virtual network that friends can join (they must install Hamachi, too).

(1) Create a virtual network. (2) Have your friends join your virtual network. In Crusader, there will be two IP's listed that are separated by a slash (/). The new one will appear along with the old one. Give your opponents the new IP and see if they can join.


Remember that there are two primary ways to play SHC online. The first is using the Multiplayer Game browser (like Gamespy or IGZ), and the second is; to schedule a game via email or Instant Messenger, have one person host a game and swap IPs that you type into the "Host" IP search box in the Multiplayer section of the game.