Setting up multiplayer

From PSP2i Wiki

Instructions can be found below on how to connect online to other players through PPSSPP. Instructions on how to connect online on PSP and PS Vita will not be provided due to issues with cross play, and most of the community plays on PPSSPP.

Internet-Multi Mode is now defunct, as the online servers for the game were taken offline by SEGA on 2015-09-29. However, it is still possible to play online through peer-to-peer connectivity, through adhoc servers or gaming VPNs. This means that multiplayer games must be arranged in advance, for example through the PSP2i Community Discord.

Before playing multiplayer, it is highly recommended to clear both episodes of Story Mode, as without clearing the story, you will not have access to missions or adequate shop items.

If having any issues, it is recommended to try using PPSSPP version 1.10.3 first. Download links to this version may be found on the installation page. If more assistance is required, please ask at the PSP2i Community Discord for help.

Solo multi mode

If playing multi mode alone, no extra setup is required, and can be done without connecting to any outside sources. The below is also applicable if playing multi mode on PPSSPP on the same system, or physically with multiple PSPs or PS Vitas, although someone will have to form party and then join it.

PSP / PS Vita

If playing on hardware, make sure that the WLAN switch or internet connectivity is turned on. You will be able to tell if this is the case in the main menu at the bottom, as there is a small banner that signifies the current status of the WLAN switch.

With this active, go to Multi Mode, choose Form Party, then Begin Party Play, and multi mode will start.

PPSSPP

  1. In PPSSPP, choose Settings on the home screen → Networking.
  2. Change your settings on the page to the following:
Enable networking/WLAN: On
Enable built-in PRO ad hoc server: On
Change PRO ad hoc server IP address: localhost

You are now all set up to play multi mode alone!

  1. In-game, go to Multi Mode, choose Form Party, then Begin Party Play, and multi mode will start.

PPSSPP multiplayer on the same network

If playing multi mode together on the same network, no extra setup is required, and can be done without connecting to any outside sources.

All platforms

  1. On the machine that will be hosting, find out its local IP address.
    1. Windows PC: Open cmd.exe and type ipconfig. This will bring up some information, the IPv4 address that starts 192.168 or 10.0 will be the local IP address. For example: 192.168.1.15
    2. Android: This may differ from device to device, but the usual way to find this out is to go to SettingsAbout deviceStatus. On this screen, the IP listed under local IP address is the device's local IP address.
    3. Steam Deck: In desktop mode, click on the system tray network icon in the bottom right corner of the screen. Then, click on the active connection, click on details, and the address under IPv4 Address is your local IP address.
  2. In PPSSPP on all systems, choose Settings on the home screen → Networking.
  3. Change your settings on the page to the following:
Enable networking/WLAN: On
Enable built-in PRO ad hoc server: On

You are now fully setup to play multiplayer with other players! When going to play with other players, follow the below steps:

  1. Decide who will host the game.
  2. In PPSSPP networking settings, all players must set Change PRO ad hoc server IP address to the local IP address of the host.
  3. Restart PPSSPP to make sure the settings change.
  4. In-game, go to Multi Mode and form/join party as necessary, and you should all be good to go!

PPSSPP multiplayer over the internet

ZeroTier One

  • Pros: Easy and fast installation, works for everybody
  • Cons: Requires a very small set up
Windows PC
Android
Steam Deck

AdhocServer

  • Pros: Requires no installations, extremely quick set up, works on every system
  • Cons: Requires a UPnP enabled router, does not work on mobile data, does not work for most people
All platforms