View Full Version : MP FAQ v2.1 - 2009
Introduction
Welcome to the Single Player MP Forum. :)
This is where we take our off line characters and get them together for some heavy monster mashing action. Single player doesn't have to mean "alone". We MP and PvP through LAN or TCP/IP and it is an important part of the SP experience.
Our MP experience is totally different and separate from Battlenet. We do not accept characters/items that have come into contact with Open Bnet, so make sure that you read the Accepted Gameplay Rules (http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showpost.php?p=6590403&postcount=9) before MPing because it has some essential information on what is acceptable on the SPF and gives you essential information on the mods which use and accept. Forum rules require that you declare any mods that you use before you participate in MP, Trade, and Giveaways in the Single Player Forum. Your characters and items are considered modded if they have had any interaction with modded items or characters through trade, MP, or giveaways, even if you do not use the mod yourself.
The SPF Rules and FAQ (http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=670054) also has some handy hints too. The MP sub forum has many threads depending on if you are lookng for hardcore (HC) or softcore (SC) action, if you are modded or unmodded and even if you are looking to play an older version or even a varient such as Median.
Please be sure to post in the correct thread or if you start your own thread, please make sure you are clear about what you are hosting.
Who should read this?
You! You are in the MP forum. :D
Been around longer than Baal himself? Are you sure you are still a ‘good’ MP’er?
Newer members really should have a read before you start MPing; it might stop you making a faux pas. That’s French for making a merc of yourself.
The majority of this is a quick-reference bullet point style (•) with additional information asterixed below (*). A few things are mentioned more than once. It's because they're important.
Please comment or PM the Moderators if you feel something should be added/changed or clarified.
Useful links and terms
General
diii.net Forum Rules (http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/faq.php?faq=rules)
Single Player FAQ (http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=670054)
Technical Problems Thread (http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=749996)
Hamachi FAQ (http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=692939)
There is a HELP thread for mods, muling and D2 variants Stickied in the main SPF
The Search Function is your friend (http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/search.php) and so are these Googling tips (http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showpost.php?p=6514921&postcount=14).
Guides
MP Groups Guide (http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=572065) by Ed from Russia
If you are putting an MP team together, you really should read this.
Ultimate PvP Guide (http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=507437) (for SPF) - By Sint Nikolaas
New to ear-cutting? Not after reading this.
Updated PvP Guide (http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=749882) by Colony. Takes Sint's Guide and updates it wholesale.
Low Level Duelling Item Guide (http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=552978) by jakotaco
Very interesting information for LLD.
Build Guides post from the SPF FAQ (http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showpost.php?p=6590394&postcount=4)
Guide to Single Pass, Untwinked HC play v2 (http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=660255) by HC Gunther and Guide to Untwinked, Single-pass, early game Magic Finding (http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=620901) by jiansonz
Two great guides for maximizing low level MFing.
Running Two Copies of D2 on one Computer (http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=435822) by Orphan
The SPF tends to use the modified gfx.dll (http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=659145) but this is a good alternative if you need to go on a rescue mission!
D2 Variants
These are variants of D2 with different gameplay. MP and trading withing these varients are allowed but they may not interact with 'normal, out of the box' D2.
Median - download (http://modsbylaz.planetdiablo.gamespy.com/) - support (http://modsbylaz.14.forumer.com/index.php) Probably the best known mod. Incredibly work by Laz.
Hell Unleashed - download and game info (http://arimyth.planetdiablo.gamespy.com/hell.htm) Hell just IS .... This is TOUGH.
Eastern Sun - download and information (http://homepage3.nifty.com/miyoshino/es/es3top.htm)
Abbreviations
RWM – Rune word mod – enables online runewords
RRM – Red rune mod – turns runes red
Vanilla – Unmodded
SC – softcore
HC – hardcore
MP – multi-player
PvM – player versus monsters
PvP – player versus player
Twinked – using gear other than found usually applies to new characters having Angelic/Deaths/Twitchthroe etc ready to use
Ng – new game
Merc and moron mean the same thing in the SPF!
D2 Terms and Abbreviations (http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=538888)
Before posting or joining a game
Please post a profile in the MP/trader profile thread before MP/trading. It can be found in the SPTF Rules. This is so we all know what mods etc we are using.
Posting a game
In the MP Forum - in the correct thread or via PM if the game is invite-only
Your version and mods installed – EG 1.12a RWM/RRM or 1.11b Vanilla
The game type – Softcore or Hardcore (SC/HC)
Difficulty level and starting Act
Pace - is it twinked, untwinked, full clears, a rush or running one area repeatedly - this is very important for SP MP because we tend to play the game rather than rush through the game.
The host character type; try and get a complimentary group together
Your IP address but remember guests can read see this, so you may prefer to PM your IP around
If PvP; level and manners – most other comments here will relate to questing
Try and update the thread information where possible. This is a good way to get new people in if you are hosting for a long time (EG all-day Baals)
*NOTES
*NOTES
Your IP addresses does NOT begin 192.xxx, use www.whatismyip.org (http://www.whatismyip.org) to get your external address
Bear in mind you will probably have to open port 4000. If you don’t know how to do this then try www.portforward.com (http://www.portforward.com/).
If that doesn’t work you can resort to hosting via www.hamachi.cc (http://www.hamachi.cc/) however only other Hamachi users can connect.
Blizzard’s technical support (http://www.blizzard.com/support/?id=msi0445p) may be able to help you
Use the advanced search button (http://forums.diabloii.net/search.php) - others may have had a similar problem
Try to keep technical stuff out of the MP thread, PM someone who needs help.
Joining a game
If you use hacked items/drop mods/maphack etc, don’t join
Read the post. Twice. If you’re new to MP read it three times and make sure you understand about the mod situation – RWM/RRM characters should not enter Vanilla games
Check the time stamp. “Act I” posted four hours ago, is likely to be inaccurate
Join with an appropriate levelled/equipped character. Check your gear in ATMA before joining.
INTRODUCE YOURSELF. No apology for the capitals. “<Thyiad” is sufficient. That should be the very first thing you type. Everytime
If you enter and are at a very different level, leave. Return with another character if you like, but don’t stay if you won’t be able to MP with the party. Also a very high level character will ruin the experience gained for lower characters and not everyone wants to rush
If you have a weak character; let the others know and ask if they are ok with it. Just because there is Pally there, doesn’t mean they can handle Baal P8 solo because everyone else is 15 levels lower with negative resists
You aren’t likely to get a party invite until the host has finished tele’ing/everyone recognizes you/your intro has been checked on the forum; just wait for a minute
Let the host invite all party members
The Host
“The host is the one that was, the one that is and the one that shall be”. (Forgive the mis-quote, I couldn’t resist.)
The host rules. The host is right. Obey the host. If they want to do full clears and spend 20 minutes looking for the last quill rat and you want to rush through, guess who loses? Yes, you.
“The host is the one that was, the one that is and the one that shall be”. (Forgive the mis-quote, I couldn’t resist.)
The host rules. The host is right. Obey the host. If they want to do full clears and spend 20 minutes looking for the last quill rat and you want to rush through, guess who loses? Yes, you.
Hosts:
Ensure that whoever joins has the right mods/gear/character/level and isn’t banned from MP/trade
Invite players to party
Set the pace
Get first choice on everything – many will waive this but it is their decision
Decide on drop allocation/rotation – host gets all, most in need or rotation – make it clear to begin with, don’t wait until the Windforce drops. If you choose rotation and someone gets ‘your’ grailer, tough. Congratulate them.
Decides who gets first pick of the shrines
Keep order and be a referee
Ensures there are breaks – particularly for stat distribution when questingWith courteous and sensible play, a lot of the above shouldn’t be necessary: do you have to be told a level eight char should get preference over a level 20 character for an experience shrine?
Playtime!
MP is about cooperation and teamwork. If you want to play with yourself don’t join an MP game*
If you are not having fun, leave or close the game down; the second most honest thing I have heard in MP is “I am playing like a prat, I’ll catch you tomorrow” (after four very rapid deaths) +1 respect
Follow the pace set by the host
Be aware of the type of game: if it’s a Baal run don’t go and MF Memphisto
Be courteous at all times including in your characters’ names
Lose the bad language unless you know everyone really well
Drops/monsters do not have sexual preferences – you will offend people and come across as immature
Not everyone is a 70wmp typist so no need to correct every typo but no need to use “w8 m8 I no @ wp” either
Drops are first choice to the host, remember
Try to leave some potions for others
Grab gold. It’s shared in MP, so snarfle away
There is a whole Trade Forum (http://forums.diabloii.net/forumdisplay.php?f=100) for trading “Anyone got a 5os bezerker axe” is fine, if you have an ISO then post a trade thread
If you see something drop which the host/others miss, tell them. If the host doesn’t want it, the Necromancer is likely to be quite happy about an AoKL dropping.
If you need to go afk/town for potions/get a cat off a sideboard – let everyone know
Plan ahead, if someone is off to town for potions, go with them and repair your weapon. Party trips to town mean more killing time. Make sure everyone is ready before leaving town. If you have trouble with the vendors due to lag, ask if someone else will buy pots and drop them on the ground for you.
Found some cursed Frenzytaurs? TP’d out? Warn your fellow MP’ers that portal is hot hot hot
Similarly, don’t go rushing though a portal. Waiting for ‘clear’ can save the whole group from a rescue mission (amusing anecdote five dead MP’ers plus one more on fast user switching as rescuer)
Always be useful: EG Carvers are fire immune, don’t bother chucking fireballs at them. This applies to all immunes unless you are a light sorceress with Infinity and the monster isn’t on this list (http://forums.diabloii.net/showthread.php?p=4842341&highlight#post4842341) as still immune. Use static/telekinesis instead
Be aware of your fellow MP’ers. If you have a cursing Necro, change the Reapers for something else. Two Barbarians? surely not? (http://www.chrisclarke.co.uk/gallery/v/D2+Misc/Barbsabound.jpg.html) use highest BO. Two pallys; use different auras. If the group is slaughtering Conversion is uneccessary and often annoying as the group have wait for the monster to become hostile again
*NOTES
There are lots of ways to demonstrate co-operative play:
If you have a decent ping, offer to teleport once in a while
In Act II if there are enough of you to do it safely, split up in teams to do the Magots/Vipers and Arcane Sanctuary
If you know someone has a rubbish connection and you see them just standing there while a monster hacks at them, take some hits for them and protect them until they are out of lag (then recommend a new ISP)
If you are a high life character, take a hit for someone who isn’t.
Barbarians/CtA’ers, use BO. Particularly if someone is teleporting for you
If you can cast Enchant, do so
If a quest requires a party member to be in a certain area make sure everyone is there before completing it. If someone just dropped connection, wait for them otherwise the host might just decide new game so they can get the quest and you don’t want to have to find the Summoner again, do you?
If someone dies, go and help them. Yes, all of you if necessary
Watch your party’s health bar; if you see one dropping sharply go and investigate
Offer gold to someone who can’t afford to resurrect their moron; particularly sorceresses with Insight mercs
Suspicious Minds
If you are banned/using questionable items or mods then stay out of MP
If you think someone isn’t legit, squelch them*, tell the host you have an issue and if they don’t leave, you should. Then PM a Mod. Don’t post “Cabbage is a haxo0r thread” on the forum.
If you are the host, ask the party under suspicion to leave until it is straightened out
If you are asked to leave, by all means ask why, but then do so graciously
Hosts’ last resort is close the game down and PM a new IP address; post an update in the MP thread
If you have been instructed by a Mod not to MP/Trade then don’t – they will find out, you will regret it*That is the only time the squelch button should be used. If you want to chat, use messenger
Drops
MP is for fun and experience, drops shouldn’t be your main motivator
Hosts’ choice first – yes, I’ll probably repeat that again later
If drops are split, as most in need, it is as defined by the host
‘Round robin’ – everyone takes a turn at first choice is easiest in runs
Don’t grab and ID in a corner while everyone else battles on
If it could be useful, ask if anyone wants what you are about to sell for gold to resurrect your moron – EG 4os Monarch
Some players will refuse all drops; it is still nice to offer though
A Special Mention for the ‘Grabee’
M is hosting, N, O and P are his co-questers. A Zod drops, P grabs it and leaves. What happens next?
If the host had not specifically stated drop rules, this could be a misunderstanding – don’t over react
If the host had specified drop rules – don’t over react - they could just be trying to ensure it isn't lost if the game crashes - if they come back no harm done
It is up to M have a discussion with P in-game and/or via a PM on the forum NOT via a “P thief stole my Zod omg!!” thread
There is no way to force P to give up the item BUT
This is a Community; knowledge, trust and respect go a long way here – the most honest thing I have heard in MP is “Here, this Vex dropped” +10 respect
Think about how you want people to think about you before you become a ‘grabee’
Questing Specifics
Can be pleasure or a pain if you are in an MP game with the wrong style, don’t be afraid to leave it isn’t for you – the host will understand
Most new games are players 8 straight through, hit Andy at around level 17 – it’s a culture shock if you aren’t used to it. Follow the pace and routine set by the host - keep together with the group unless a split has been specifically agreed.
The host should offer a break to allow for considered stat point distribution
If you can fast user switch, most hosts will be happy to have a rush through Act III even if they quest everywhere else; make the offer to the groupRun Specifics
Host should declare the drop situation if anyone new enters
If someone is teleporting, they won’t be reading the messages. Wait until they have finished
If you are going to sit out a run, let everyone know so they don’t wait for you
Sort out your gear/potions while someone tele’s down or while the drops are being examined, not in the middle of Baal’s Minions unless you absolutely can’t avoid it
Turning up only for the Minions or just the Baal drop is really quite rude; MP or don’t, pick one
Even if underpowered, do something even if it is acting as a decoy or using static
Rushes
It’s likely to be free in the SPF so try and be nice if it takes five attemps to find the Summoner *embarrassed cough*
In LoD only quests you need are:
Act 1 - Andy
Act 2 - Maggot, Viper, Summoner, Duriel
Act 3 - Council, Memphy
Act 4 - Diablo
Act 5 - Ancients*, Baal
*You need to be 20, 40, 60 (N, NM, Hell) to do the Ancients UNLESS someone else above that level gets the quest at the same time or you play Classic SP. Then you can convert the character to LOD in Act III Hell.
If you need to be near the kill to get the quest, it is often easier to die and don’t press escape. You get the quest and no one has to worry about keeping you alive
Give your rusher a Tomb of Town Portal or two; it’s a nice gesture
PvP
Be a suitable level
Know the rules and stick to them
Trash talk is not the same as outright insulting behaviour
Don’t lose!
OK, I need help with this one
Game down
Mutual congratulation/commiseration about drops/deaths
Host, thank the players for coming
Players, thank the host for hosting
Don't spend 20 minutes saying good bye particularly if the host wants to go to bed/dinner/on a date
Host post game down in the MP/PvP thread
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