MSFS2002 Multiplayer How To:

Sharing the virtual skies with other pilots is on of the really great experiences that modern flight simulation programs can provide. These fly-ins can be anything from simple informal gatherings to formal flight plans where proper procedures and protocols will be followed. No matter how it's done, it's always a challenge and a chance to expand both your knowledge and experience. Here's how to do it in MSFS2002.

System Requirements

If your PC runs MSFS smoothly at average frame rates of 20 or better you've got enough power to handle multiplayer. A broadband connection is useful for hosting however we have had good results hosting up to 6 players with a 56K host. A 28.8K modem is adequate to join a hosted session. In general, low latency is more important then raw bandwidth.

Joining a Multiplayer Session Using MSFS

1.) Connect to the internet in the usual way for your system.

2.) Launch MSFS

3.) Select "Multiplayer" from the MSFS setup screen.

4.) Select "Open Multiplayer Session."

5.) On the Multiplayer Connect screen enter your name or handle in the Player Name box and enter the host IP number in the IP Address box. Please note that this number needs to be entered with no spaces and with the dot separators included. Highlight TCP/IP from the Protocol list and click on "Search." If the IP host address is correct and the host server is running the session will appear in the Sessions box. Highlight it and click on "Join." If you wish to take part as an observer then select that check box before joining the session.

6.) The Multiplayer screen will return once the connection is established. At that point you can setup your flight and join the other players in the session.

Hosting a Multiplayer Session Using MSFS

Complete steps 1 through 4 above.

5.) On the Multiplayer Connect screen enter your name or handle in the Player Name box and click on "Host."

6.) Same as above.

Joining a Multiplayer Session Using MP-Lite

Please note!
Before joining an MP-Lite/MSFS session you will need to submit the following items to the owner of the server in use.

ID Number - This is a six digit number, no letters no spaces.

Password - This is also another 6 digit number with no letters or spaces.

User Name - This is the name that will be used for the aircraft labels and in the chat window

To join a session follow these steps:

1.) Launch MSFS

2.) Select "Multiplayer" from the MSFS setup screen.

3.) Select "Open Multiplayer Session."

4.) Make sure that TCP/IP protocol is selected, set 16 for both observers and players, then click the "Host" button. You do not need to change any other settings.

5.) Launch the MP-Lite client software

6.) In the locate host box enter 127.0.0.1 or "localhost" without the quote marks

7.) In the connection screen enter the user name, ID number and password exactly as submitted to the server owner.

8.) Once you see the green light indicating a good connection proceed normally with MSFS.

Multiplayer Hints

Once you've established a connection you can go anywhere in the world you like however, to join with other players you must place yourself at the same airport or location.

Before you connect to a session go to the target airport and taxi your airplane to the ramp or a parking area. If you do not do so you'll suddenly pop into existence on the end of the active runway. This has a tendency to upset pilots on final and is best avoided. Once you've located your plane out of the way you can bring up the menu by pressing the "Alt" key and then selecting "Multiplayer" from the "Flights" menu.

Pressing the "Enter" key at any time after connecting will bring up a chat window to allow you to communicate with other players. Pressing enter again will close the chat window. If you have a fast connection you can also use programs like Roger Wilco for live voice comm. with other players.

There is a bug in the multiplayer chat system that causes the messages to scroll to the top of the list every time you send a new message. Downloading and installing the Chat Scroll program found under the MSFS2002 section of Utilities on this site will take care of that problem nicely.