I was disappointed when GameSpy shut down the Flatout 2 Lobby server, rendering online play defunct.
That was until I learned that Flatout 1.2 patch added Command Line options to specify an IP address to join. This effectively allows you to join a server provided you know the host's IP address. There is also a program to automate this (non-steam though).
Hosting a Server: Ports to Forward
The Server Host will need to ensure that the following ports are forwarded:
- 23756 (UDP)
- 23757 & 23758 (TCP & UDP)
Flatout 2 Online Launcher
If you are running the non-steam version of Flatout2, you can just use this program here: http://flatoutjoint.com/index.php?option=c...info&id=816
Using this program is straight forward. If you are playing the steam version of Flatout, read on
Steam: Hosting a Server
Find Steam.exe (usually located at "C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\Steam.exe"), create a desktop short-cut. Open properties on the newly created shortcut, and add the following parameters in the Target:
-applaunch 2990 -host -lan
Your target should read "C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\Steam.exe" -applaunch 2990 -host -lan
Click apply and then run. If all went OK, Flatout 2 should skip the intro, allow you to select a profile and then it will immediately go to the session lobby.
Steam: Joining a Server
This is a bit more involved. Your server host will need to tell you their public IP address (Server host can do this by typing "what is my IP address" into google). Alternatively, if the host is using a DNS service, you can get the IP by typing "ping your.server.hosts.url" (without the quotes) into cmd.exe (unfortunately flatout 2 only appears to work with IP addresses)
Next, find Steam.exe (usually located at "C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\Steam.exe"), create a desktop short-cut. Open properties on the newly created shortcut, and add the following parameters in the Target:
-applaunch 2990 -join=[your.server.hosts.ip] -lan
The target should look like: "C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\Steam.exe" -applaunch 2990 -join=[your.server.hosts.ip] -lan
You are now setup to play flatout 2 over the internet without gamespy
Having said all that, would anyone be interested in playing Flatout 2 on Sunday nights?