Help

Guides

Stuck with a technical problem, or just got a question? Check out the guides below or head up to The Big LAN Tech Desk, staffed by our group of friendly volunteers!

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Connection Check

Our Support Promise

At The Big LAN we aim to provide you the best experience possible by getting everyone into the most games we can. To help us achieve that, The Big LAN team recommends a fully updated Windows 11 PC. Linux based devices, including the SteamDeck, and consoles are most welcome but may not be as supportable for our full list of games.

The Big LAN prioritises free games for our tournaments to maximise accessibility. We'll do our best to build our schedules to ensure you can game the entire day without purchasing game licenses.

Tech Desk

Games Help

Trying to join or host a specific game? Check out the guides below or head up to The Big LAN Tech Desk, staffed by our group of friendly volunteers!

(click options for more details)

What to do, what to bring

Before heading to one of our events, have a quick read of the suggestions below to make sure you have the best experience.

Buy Tickets!

While you can buy tickets at the door, buying online is quicker and easier for you and lets us make sure we've got enough seats set up on the day.

Check Accounts

Make sure you can sign into Steam, Epic, Riot, Battle.Net, Xbox, and any other services you need to launch the games you want to play. Recovering a password or guessing your username when a tournament is about to start isn't fun.

Disable VPNs

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are a great choice for improving your security online, especially when joining an open local network with strangers. However, since VPNs reroute all your traffic through their remote servers, you won't be able to connect to any game servers hosted on the LAN. When joining a local server or game like Quake 3, TrackMania, Rocket League, or Counter Strike 2, make sure your VPN is temporarily turned off.

For older games like Halo CE and Quake, you may need to disable any virtual network interfaces your VPN has created, even if the VPN is turned off. If in doubt, ask The Big LAN staff for help, just let them know you have a VPN installed.

Update Windows

For your security, it's best to ensure your Windows OS is fully updated.

Windows 10 has hit end of life so, while you are still welcome to bring a Windows 10 PC to our events, we recommend upgrading to Windows 11. If you're still running Windows 7 you can bring it to the LAN but your device will be vulnerable to malicious actors either at the LAN or (more likely) online.

Gather your peripherals

Mouse

Keyboard

Controller

Mousepad

Headphones

Microphone

Make sure you bring everything you need for the best gaming experience. If you're bringing a laptop, check that it has an Ethernet port. If not, and while we do have WiFi available, we recommend getting a basic USB to Ethernet adapter. All our end user connections are 1Gb/s.

The Big LAN does have spare mice, keyboards, and mousepads as part of our rental PCs options that we can lend you if you forget, but we do not carry spare headphones or microphones.

Sign In & Get Playing!

When you arrive we'll ask you for your name to look up your tickets (or take your payment if you don't have one yet, we can do cash or card at the door). Then scan the QR code and fill out your details, which includes checking if you have any dietary requirements for lunch and dinner.

We take sign ups for tournaments in person when the tournament is scheduled to start. We'll announce over the PA system when to come to the desk to sign up, and we'll make lots of announcements so you can't miss out. Check out the schedule on the event page or our main display at the event to see what games are coming up next.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need my PC and cables to be test and tagged?

No, our events generally don't require formal testing of your equipment, but our staff will be walking the seating rows and visually inspecting all equipment. If a specific event does require test and tag we will provide that service at no extra cost.

Can I bring a console?

Absolutely! Just remember The Big LAN cannot guarantee the same experience on a console as on a PC. For example, the console version of Rocket League cannot play LAN multiplayer, it can only play via online servers.

I don't own that game, can I still play?

Generally The Big LAN can't offer spare licenses to join games you don't own, however most of the games we play are free. We aim to build our schedules so that there is always at least one free game running in any time slot.

The schedule shows a tournament going for 3 hours, will it be that long?

Durations on our schedule are an educated guess. Actual duration depends on numerous factors like attendance, ruleset, punctuality of players, and any technical difficulties.

Games & Caching

We encourage everyone coming to an event to have already downloaded and installed all the games they want to play. If you haven't, or an update is released at the last second, or you're renting a PC, don't worry! Our cache and file server are here to help at up to gigabit speeds.

Where the linux version of a game differs we are unlikely to have it pre-cached.

Installing via Steam

Regardless of the available internet speed, a LAN in full swing has a lot of users and speeds become limited. However, The Big LAN Cache will allow you to install supported games at up to Gigabit speeds.

Simply attempt to install or download the game through Steam as you normally would at home. If the game you are downloading is being run at the event it should download at high speeds.

If we haven't cached a game you want to play, try Steam's file transfer service. Steam's file transfer service allows you to copy Steam games from nearby PCs, including the player sitting next to you!

Installing via File Server

The Big LAN File Server allows you to install various free and/or abandonware games at up to Gigabit speeds.

The Big LAN File Server is the only file server supported by The Big LAN at the event. Equipment owned by The Big LAN, including our file server, are read-only for everyone except The Big LAN admin staff.

Just head to our file server and pick the location appropriate to you to connect to the fastest available server.

Installing via Blizzard

Regardless of the available internet speed, a LAN in full swing has a lot of users and speeds become limited. However, The Big LAN Cache will allow you to install supported games at up to Gigabit speeds.

Simply attempt to install or download the game through Battle.Net as you normally would at home. If the game you are downloading is being run at the event it should download at high speeds.

Installing via Epic

Regardless of the available internet speed, a LAN in full swing has a lot of users and speeds become limited. However, The Big LAN Cache will allow you to install supported games at up to Gigabit speeds.

Simply attempt to install or download the game through Epic Games Launcher as you normally would at home. If the game you are downloading is being run at the event it should download at high speeds.

What is Caching?

Whenever anyone downloads anything connected to our network from the majority of popular game stores they are automatically cached. So after one user takes one for the team and waits the full first download time, the rest of the room can get the same files ultra fast!

All games listed on our schedule will be precached via Steam, Epic, and Battle.Net where possible. Other services including Xbox Gamepass may be cached but are not guaranteed. We recommend arriving at least an hour before your first tournament of choice to give our team ample time to help you with anything you might need. We also ask that you ensure all your games are installed and working the night before and use our cache as a backup plan.

Where a game requires a purchase to play The Big LAN generally cannot provide license keys.

The Big LAN proudly uses:

Cache

Network Help

This section is for general network or service issues. If you're at the event and need more help, head up to the Tech Desk and talk to our friendly staff.
For help joining or hosting a specfic game, check the section at the bottom of this page.

Security & Safety

The Big LAN aims to be a safe and inclusive event for everyone to attend.

Remember, if you connect to our network and access a device not owned by The Big LAN, we cannot ensure the hosted content will be safe or secure. Equipment owned by The Big LAN, including our file server, are read-only for everyone except The Big LAN admin staff.

Server Browsers

If you're playing a game with an inbuilt server browser, for example Quake 3, or a game that uses Steam's file browser, for example Counter Strike 2, you can try the following options to see if games will populate.

If The Big LAN Servers are hosting the game, you can also try The Big LAN Server Browser which provides direct links to supported servers.

  1. Make sure the game is allowed through your firewall and ensure any VPNs are disabled.

  2. Try switching TheBigLAN network to "Private" rather than "Public" by selecting "Network & Internet Settings" under the network option from the task bar, selecting TheBigLAN, and choosing "Private".

  3. Try disabling all network interfaces besides the one you are trying to use.

  4. Try connecting directly to the server via IP. The tech desk will be able to help you do this.

If in doubt, ask The Big LAN staff for help.

Steam File Sharing

Regardless of the available internet speed, a LAN in full swing has a lot of users and speeds become limited. However, The Big LAN Cache will allow you to install supported games at up to Gigabit speeds.

If we haven't cached a game you want to play, try Steam's file transfer service. Steam's file transfer service allows you to copy Steam games from nearby PCs, including the player sitting next to you!

Blocked Sites

At The Big LAN we block Twitch.com, as streaming consumes a lot of bandwidth per user.

You're welcome to use your own 4G/5G connection to stream or watch Twitch at our events. Get in touch with The Big LAN team for more information.

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Halo Infinite

Tips & Help

Joining a game

Note: Only one Halo Infinite server can be active on the one subnet. Please do not attempt to start your own when the tournament is being set up.

To join a LAN game select "CUSTOM GAME" on the main menu, then "CREATE MATCH" (not the server browser)

Help

In the resulting custom game menu select "SERVER" and then pick the bottom option. If no servers are currently active on the LAN it will be "LOCAL AREA NETWORK" and your machine will start a dedicated server in the background. If joining a game it will instead be the name of the PC hosting. The Big LAN staff will confirm the correct PC name for you to join.

Help

Halo: Custom Edition - FFA Slayer

Tips & Help

FoV Modifier

When installing the game a mod is offered to give a Field of View (FoV) controller. Installing this file as per the instructions below may cause errors with certain graphics card drivers. If a “HAC error” occurs when booting the game delete the additional dll added to the controls folder.

Joining a LAN server

If you are running the game but can’t see the servers, ensure the game is allowed through your local firewall. If that doesn’t work, ensure all Network Interfaces are disabled except the one you are using. Failing that select the “Join via IP” option and ask The Big LAN staff for the address.

Halo Master Chief Collection

Tips & Help

Switching to LAN
  1. Select "Options and Career" in the bottom left corner
  2. Select "Settings" at the bottom of the menu
  3. Select " Network" on the top row of menu options
  4. Press the arrow next to "Xbox Live" to change it to "LAN"
  5. Press back at the bottom left of the screen
  6. When prompted press "Save Settings"
  7. On the main menu press the button at the top right of the screen next to your name and rank
  8. From the menu that appears on the right of the screen select the player you need to join and pick "join".
Checking Installs
  1. Select "Options and Career" in the bottom left corner
  2. Select "Settings" at the bottom of the menu
  3. Select "Gameplay" on the top row of menu options
  4. Select the options below each game for the components you need
  5. Press accept in the bottom left of the screen
  6. The download will start and appear at the top of the main menu. If the download is running slowly ask The Big LAN team for help.

Please note only Halo Reach multiplayer is installed by default.

Quake 3 Arena

Tips & Help

If you're at the event you can download a complete, ready to run copy of Quake 3 Arena from our file server.

If you're using the steam version of Quake 3 Arena you'll need to install the v1.32e patch to join our server. You can download it from moddb here or ask the tech team to help you on the day. If you already have 1.32e installed you're good to go! Just boot the game, press the ~ key, and check your version in the bottom right of the resulting window.

Counter Strike 2

Tips & Help

Joining a CS2 LAN game
  1. On the top menu select 'Play'
  2. Select the image of a globe with a mouse pointer (next to 'Practice').
  3. A new window will open. Select 'Counter Strike 2' in the top right dropdown.
  4. Select the LAN tab and then select the game you'd like to join.
No games in the LAN lobby
  1. Make sure the game is allowed through your firewall
  2. Try switching TheBigLAN network to "Private" rather than "Public" by selecting "Network & Internet Settings" under the network option from the task bar, selecting TheBigLAN, and choosing "Private".
  3. Try disabling all network interfaces besides the one you are trying to use. For example, CS2 will default to your first ethernet port for server advertisements regardless of if you are on Wi-Fi or a secondary interface.
  4. Try connecting directly to the server via IP. The tech desk will be able to help you do this.

Rocket League

No help topics available.

TrackMania 2020

No help topics available.

Overwatch

Tips & Help

Joining
  1. From the main menu click 'Play' at the top, then 'More'.
  2. Select 'Custom Games' and then 'All Games'.
  3. Use the search box to find the server and join.
Hosting

Please note you need an endorsement level of 3 or higher to host a public game of Overwatch

  1. From the main menu click 'Play' at the top, then 'More'.
  2. Select 'Custom Games' and then 'All Games'.
  3. Select '+ Create' then 'Settings'.
  4. Select 'Presets' and then choose '8 Player FFA Deathmatch' from the list.
  5. Go back and select 'Maps', select 'None' at the top to deselect all maps, then select 'Chateau Gillard'.
  6. Once everyone has joined, start the game!

Fistful of Frags

Tips & Help

Joining a Fistful of Frags LAN game

The Fistful of Frags server browser is unreliable. The best option is to join via The Big LAN Server Browser

  1. Click the link to The Big LAN Server Browser.
  2. A list of servers will appear, under which is a list of games they are currently hosting.
  3. Click the joining link next to the game you would like to join. It will be in the format steam://IP Address:Port
  4. Steam should automatically open Fistful of Frags and connect you to the game.

Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition

Tips & Help

Joining a LAN game
  1. Select "Multiplayer" on the main menu
  2. Select "Join Custom Game" at the top right of the menu
  3. Select the "Server" drop down on the top right and select the bottom option, "LAN"
  4. Select the game from the list and then click "Join Lobby"
No games in the LAN lobby
  1. Make sure the game is allowed through your firewall
  2. Try switching TheBigLAN network to "Private" rather than "Public" by selecting "Network & Internet Settings" under the network option from the task bar, selecting TheBigLAN, and choosing "Private".
  3. Try connecting directly to the server via a Steam invite from another player. The tech desk will be able to help you do this.

Marvel Rivals

Joining a game
  1. Select 'PLAY' in the top menu and select 'CHANGE MODE' on the bottom right.
  2. Make sure 'RIVALS' is selected in the top left, then select 'CUSTOM GAME'
  3. Find the game by using the search option at the top of the server browser. Note names are case sensitive.
  4. Select the game, hit join, and enter the password given to you by the host.
Hosting a game
  1. Select 'PLAY' in the top menu and select 'CHANGE MODE' on the bottom right.
  2. Make sure 'RIVALS' is selected in the top left, then select 'CUSTOM GAME'.
  3. Select 'create' in the bottom left.
  4. Select the map image in the bottom right, then hit 'ARCADE' in the top left. Finally, select a Conquest map.
  5. Select 'ROOM SETTINGS' and select the 'LOCK ROOM' tick box. Set a password.

Call of Duty

Tips & Help

Hosting a private lobby
  1. Select 'All Games' from the top menu and then select 'Black Ops 7'.
  2. Select 'Multiplayer' and then 'Lobby' from the top menu.
  3. Select 'Find Match' in the bottom left of the screen and select 'Private Match'..
  4. Wait for the button in the bottom left to finish loading. It will contain a 5 character long code. Share this to everyone joining your game.
Joining a private lobby
  1. Select 'All Games' from the top menu and then select 'Black Ops 7'.
  2. Select 'Multiplayer' and then 'Lobby' from the top menu.
  3. Select 'Find Match' in the bottom left of the screen and select 'Private Match'.
  4. Get the 5 character lobby code from your host and enter it to join.
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