Host a Server

This is not how you play Elemental Fracture

Self-hosted servers are not compatible with Elemental Fracture. Elemental Fracture now runs its own dedicated, matchmade servers tied to the account system, and the client you install from the launcher connects only to those. A server you host yourself is a separate, standalone setup: it needs its own separate installation of the game files, it does not use your Elemental Fracture account, and you cannot reach it through the launcher’s Play button. This page is kept only as a reference for people who want to run a private, custom server for themselves and their friends.

To play Elemental Fracture normally, just use the launcher and press Play; see the quick-start guide. The rest of this page is legacy reference for standalone hosting.

Clients and servers

The standalone game is split into two components:

Client: the graphics and menus. Each player needs their own copy.
Server: runs headless (no graphics) and hosts the match.

To host, the server has to be reachable by the players who want to join, using its IP address and port (the default Spellbreak port is 7777).

Both can be downloaded using the itch.io website which hosts the client files in the spellbreak-community-version-client-windows, and the server files as spellbreak-community-version-server-windows zip files.

Reaching your server

Same network: players on your LAN can use your local IP. Run ipconfig in a command prompt to find it, then share your-local-ip:7777.
Over the internet: players need your public IP, and you’ll likely have to set up port forwarding on your router for port 7777 (UDP, or TCP/UDP).

Warning

Port forwarding opens your network to external connections. Forward only the port you need, keep your system up to date, and proceed carefully when changing router or firewall settings.

Running the server

Download the server files and extract them to a folder of your choice.
Install the Unreal Engine 4 Prerequisites if you haven’t already (UE4PrereqSetup_x64.exe, or x86 on 32-bit Windows).
Start the server by running one of the included batch files, such as Start_a_Solos_server.bat. A terminal window opens and scrolls text; some “Warning” lines are normal.
If a Windows Security alert appears, allow access on both private and public networks.
Once the scrolling text settles (this can take a minute or two), players can join with your ip:port.

Troubleshooting

If players can’t connect or hang on “connecting,” re-check your port forwarding and confirm the port is open (for example with canyouseeme.org on port 7777 while the server runs).
Check your firewall settings.
Remember that this standalone setup is entirely separate from Elemental Fracture’s official servers and account system.