Xenia Netplay Not Showing Up? Here’s How to Fix it
For many fans of Xbox 360 emulation, Xenia is a powerful and reliable open-source emulator. It’s particularly appreciated for its Netplay feature, which allows users to experience multiplayer games over the internet. However, some users encounter a frustrating issue: Netplay options or sessions simply don’t show up. If you’re struggling with Xenia Netplay not showing up, this guide will walk you through the verified methods to resolve the issue with clarity and detail.
TL;DR
If Xenia Netplay isn’t showing up, it could be due to outdated builds, missing configurations, network settings, or firewall interference. Ensure you’re using the correct Canary build, and that you’ve set up the Netplay settings correctly in your settings.toml file. Also, make sure UPnP is enabled on your router or manually port forward. This guide will take you step by step through each required fix.
1. Use the Correct Xenia Canary Build
The official master build of Xenia does not support Netplay. To access Netplay features, you must use one of the unofficial Xenia Canary builds that includes Netplay support. These builds are maintained by the community and offer experimental features not found in the primary branch.
- Go to the official Xenia Canary GitHub page.
- Download the latest Canary build that includes the Netplay feature.
- Extract the files to a folder with admin permissions (avoid Program Files).
After ensuring you have the right build, double-check that the application is not being blocked by your antivirus or firewall. These can often silently restrict network features.
2. Update or Create the settings.toml Configuration File
To enable Netplay, Xenia relies heavily on the settings.toml file located in the same folder as the Xenia executable. This configuration file includes various parameters required for enabling Netplay.
If the file doesn’t exist or missing key sections, Netplay won’t show up as an option. Here’s how to fix that:
- Navigate to the folder containing xenia_canary.exe.
- Open or create a file named settings.toml.
- Add or verify that these lines are present:
[netplay] enable = true nickname = "YourName" host = true
You can adjust host to false if you’re joining a game instead. Save the file and relaunch Xenia. You should now see the Netplay option accessible from the UI when starting a game that supports it.
3. Verify Port Forwarding or UPnP Settings
Netplay requires specific networking settings to communicate with other players. This usually involves either enabling UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) on your router or manually forwarding the correct port used by Xenia.
Default Netplay port: 10000 (UDP)
- Access your router settings (usually via typing 192.168.1.1 into a browser).
- If UPnP is available, enable it. This automatically allows Xenia through the router firewall.
- If not, search for “Port Forwarding” and forward UDP port 10000 to your local machine’s IP.
Make sure your Windows Firewall or any third-party firewall/antivirus on your PC isn’t blocking Xenia or its ports. You can usually create an exception for xenia_canary.exe in your antivirus and firewall settings.
4. Confirm Compatibility and Multiplayer Support
Not all Xbox 360 games support Netplay through Xenia. In fact, some games with local multiplayer or non-network-based multiplayer features may not be compatible.
Use this checklist to confirm compatibility:
- Check the Xenia compatibility list online or in the community.
- Only test Netplay with known working titles like Halo 3, Modern Warfare 2, or Castle Crashers.
- Make sure all players have matching game builds and compatible save files if necessary.
Mismatched game versions between players can result in failure to create or join sessions.
5. Remember Netplay Is Still Experimental
Xenia Netplay is an experimental feature, and as such, isn’t guaranteed to be stable with every game or even functional in every scenario. While many users enjoy smooth gameplay sessions, bugs and connectivity issues still exist.
If your Netplay option is configured correctly but still not showing up or functioning as expected, it may be a temporary bug or incompatibility introduced in that Canary build. Consider these steps:
- Try reverting to a previous Canary build that’s been confirmed working by the community.
- Join the official Xenia Discord server and ask if others are experiencing similar issues.
- Keep an eye on Github for new releases and bug reports.
6. Use Command Line for Debugging
If you’re still having issues and the Netplay doesn’t show, using the Windows Command Prompt for launching Xenia can provide debugging information that isn’t visible in the GUI.
- Hold Shift and Right-Click the folder where xenia_canary.exe is located, and choose “Open command window here.”
- Run the emulator with the command below:
xenia_canary.exe --patch-netplay=true --enable-logging
This may reveal useful logs indicating why the Netplay feature is not appearing or failing. Check the generated log files after closing the session for any errors or network issues.
7. Join or Host with the Correct Steps
Even with everything set up properly, users sometimes miss a critical step in either hosting or joining a session.
To host a Netplay game:
- Ensure host = true is set in settings.toml.
- Start your game through the Xenia GUI or drag-and-drop the ISO/XEX onto the executable.
To join a session:
- Set host = false and assign host_address = “IP_ADDRESS” under the [netplay] section.
- Replace IP_ADDRESS with the host’s public IP address.
Make sure all users have their firewalls configured to allow traffic, and that no VPN or DNS software is interfering.
Conclusion
Xenia Netplay adds a whole new layer to the emulation experience, but it takes a bit of effort to configure correctly. If you’re not seeing the Netplay option or sessions aren’t showing up, it’s likely a configuration, compatibility, or network issue. By ensuring you’re using the correct build, setting up your configuration file properly, and adjusting concise network settings, you can often resolve the issue effectively.
Like many open-source projects, Xenia is a work in progress. Don’t get discouraged by occasional bugs; instead, stay updated and connected with the community to benefit from the latest fixes and improvements. With a bit of troubleshooting, you’ll be ready to relive Xbox 360 multiplayer classics in no time.
