Game Types

Be aware: this game is still in Early Access and far from complete.  It has known bugs.

Solace Crafting is currently available in two version branches and three game types.

The Live branch is the stable release version of the game, and provides the bulk of information for the wiki.  The Beta branch is the active development version, with the new features and elements being tested.  For more about the Beta branch, see Beta.

The game types available include Single Player (SP), Single Player Creative (SPC) and Multiplayer (MP), and each type is at least somewhat functional in both Live and Beta branches.  For features not implemented and other differences, see Not in MP Yet.

## Single Player

Single Player (SP) currently has the most features enabled and working. Players can play using the Live or Beta branches (Beta has the most current fixes, while Live gets updated far less frequently, once testing of fixes and features in Beta is complete, but Live is the stable version).

Players in SP can create multiple characters and worlds and interchange them freely (except between Live and Beta). One character can transfer materials or facilities between different created worlds, or many characters can use the same world and its infrastructure.  A player can, for example, have a “home” world that is home to an empire, and other world saves created just to plunder for resources.  Players can conquer areas with mighty fighters, then return with beginning mages to create powerful tools and armor for the fighters to use.

## Single Player: Creative

Single Player Creative Mode (SPC) has the same features of adventure mode.  The major difference is most resource requirements are suspended, allowing a player to craft and build without needing to gather materials.  Like in SP, characters in Creative can take items from one SPC world to another, but SP characters cannot join Creative worlds, and SPC characters cannot be used in adventure worlds. Blueprints of buildings you made in Creative mode will be available in normal single player games.

Since everything is unlocked in Creative Mode, you can wear any armor without needing to unlock it. Your skills and attributes are not unlocked, so you have to level up to use spells, for example. There's hostile wildlife in Creative Mode but you are invincible, so you don't have to worry about enemies, eating, or drinking.

Creative Mode is where you find the Item Editor, which lets you design your own tools, weapons, potions, etc.

## Multiplayer: Server List

To join a pubic dedicated server MP game, select the server and then click the “Join Server” button at lower left.  Note that Multiplayer currently has a number of not yet enabled features which are otherwise available in single player.

The first text column, Server Name, describes the server, and the next column displays the current version the server is using.  (It is recommended that your local version match the server version.)  The Day Count column is game days since the server was restarted, and the next displays how many players are currently playing on the server.

The Refresh Server button at the lower left (above the “Join” button) will check the selected server and update its information if necessary.  The Refresh List button checks for new public servers.

## Multiplayer: Direct Connect, Multiplayer: Host

Direct Connect Multiplayer (“hosted multiplayer”) has one player “host” a world, and others connect to it over a LAN (local area network) or the Internet to play together.  Existing worlds on the host machine can be visited (there may be issues) and the host has access to existing characters and inventories, and can bring in starter gear or materials or a skilled character to get things rolling. When the host leaves, however, the game closes, and the other players will be disconnected (zeroed characters with nothing in inventory).

### Direct Connect

Note that Multiplayer currently has a number of not yet enabled features which are otherwise available in single player.

The dialog box to direct connect to a server opens with default values entered for the Big Kitty Games official California server, with a “Check” button to determine if the server is online.

To connect to a host, enter the Server Address in the first text box, and the Port number in the second.  Click “Check” to ping the server, or “Join” to begin connecting to the host.

### Host

Note that multiplayer is still in early beta with a number of known bugs and not yet added features.  It is recommended to backup any worlds and characters used for hosting.

The server address will be printed to the console once started.

To host a server, enter the Server Name in the first text box, and the appropriate Port number in the second.  Select whether Steam ID from players will be required, then click the “Host” button to begin.

If you need help getting started hosting a MP game see the Multiplayer Hosting Guide.

## Dedicated Multiplayer

Dedicated multiplayer requires setting up a server, and all players connecting to it start with nothing.

If you need help setting up a dedicated server, see the Dedicated Server Setup Guide.