Why am I seeing this warning?
To host a match in War Machines RTA (acting as the Host and managing the game on your own PC), other players must be able to connect to your IP address.
Your router acts as a security shield (Firewall/NAT) that blocks unsolicited incoming connections. If your router’s “ports” are closed, other players will be unable to join your room, and the match cannot start.
You have two options:
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Configure Port Forwarding (Recommended): Best performance, lowest latency (ping).
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Use the Relay Host: No configuration required, but data will travel through an intermediate server (which may slightly increase ping).
1. Technical Requirements
To host a match directly, you must allow traffic on the following protocols and ports:
| Service | Port | Protocol | Description |
| WMRTS Lobby | 6121 | TCP | Handles the room, chat, and pre-game synchronization. |
| WMRTS on Spring Engine | 8452 | UDP | Handles real-time game data (unit positions, orders). |
2. How to Configure Your Router (Port Forwarding)
The procedure varies depending on your router brand (TP-Link, Netgear, ASUS, Linksys, etc.), but the logical steps are always the same:
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Access your Router: Open your web browser and type your gateway address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
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Locate “Port Forwarding” or “Virtual Server”: This is typically found under “Advanced Settings” or “WAN/Internet” menus.
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Create Two New Rules:
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Rule 1: Name: GameLobby | External/Internal Port: 6121 | Protocol: TCP | IP Address: [Your Local IP*]
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Rule 2: Name: SpringEngine | External/Internal Port: 8452 | Protocol: UDP | IP Address: [Your Local IP*]
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Save and Apply: Restart your router if prompted.
[*] How to find your Local IP: On Windows, press Win + R, type cmd, hit enter, and type ipconfig. Look for the “IPv4 Address” line (e.g., 192.168.1.15).
3. Check Windows Firewall
Sometimes the router is correctly configured, but Windows itself blocks the connection.
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Go to Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall.
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Click “Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall”.
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Ensure that both the Lobby executable and the Spring Engine executable have the checkmarks for both “Private” and “Public” networks.
4. Quick Solutions & Alternatives
UPnP (Universal Plug and Play)
Most modern routers support UPnP. If enabled in your router settings, the game will attempt to open the required ports automatically. Check your router’s “Advanced” or “Forwarding” section to ensure UPnP is set to ON.
Relay Host (The “Fail-Safe” Option)
If you cannot access your router (e.g., in universities, offices, or shared complexes) or if you prefer not to change settings:
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Return to the game screen.
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Select “Use Relay Host”.
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The game server will act as a bridge between you and the other players. This ensures the game works regardless of your network restrictions.
Still Having Trouble?
If the test still fails after opening your ports:
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Carrier-Grade NAT (CGNAT): Some Internet Service Providers (ISPs) do not provide a unique public IP to their customers. In this case, manual port forwarding will not work, and you must use the Relay Host.
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VPN: If you are using a VPN, it may block incoming connections. Try disabling it or using the Relay Host.
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Need more help? Join our official Discord channel in the #technical-support section.