Multiplayer mode

In addition to a lengthy single-player mode, Lode Runner X also provides another prominent playmode: Multiplayer.

You and up to 3 friends (or enemies!) can either battle it out in Deathmatch mode, or you can all work together in Cooperative mode to beat levels that would make any solo player beg for mercy.

How do I setup multiplayer?

To begin a multiplayer game, you can either start your own game or join an existing game. To start your own game, choose 'Host Multiplayer.' You can adjust the game settings as you see fit before you launch if you like; when you are ready to launch, click 'Launch Host.' (If the button appears orange, you have not logged in yet. Once you launch you cannot log in without disconnecting first, so if you want to have your stats saved then you should return to the menu to log in quickly.) After you launch the host, you must wait for at least one additional player to join.

To join a multiplayer, go to the 'Join Multiplayer' section from the menu. Here, you can retrieve a list of current multiplayer games all across the internet by clicking 'Update List.' Once it updates, just click a game on the list to join. If no game appears but you are sure a game is available at a certain IP address, then you can manually enter the address in the box at the bottom of the screen.

Does it matter who hosts?

Yes! Lode Runner X uses a cilent/server structure. This means that messages from one player to another must first go to the host and then to another player. Therefore, I recommend that the player with the best internet connection (especially on upstream) serves as the host. Lode Runner X doesn't use a lot of bandwidth, though, so most people should work well as hosts.

Tell me about this login feature...

One of the most fun aspects of Lode Runner X online lies in its ability to log stats on the statboard. You can keep track of your career record, compare yourself to other players, and view head-to-head rundowns of each game you've played.

In order to take advantage of this feature, however, you must have an account, and you must log into that account when you begin the game. (You can login on the main menu.) Once you are logged in, stat-tracking will become enabled.

What modes of play does Lode Runner X offer?

Lode Runner X offers more than simply running around blowing one another up. (Not that that isn't a lot of fun!) You will find several distinct game modes, such as:

Player Kills

Work to kill the other player(s) a certain number of times.

Enemy Kills

Try to obtain a certain number of enemy kills before anyone else.

Self Kills

Bizarrely, you must attempt to run out of lives.

Gold Find

Find a certain amount (or all) of the gold in a level. Other players may be inclined to stop you.

King of the Hill

Fight against the other players for control of the hill.

Flag Mode

Find the flag, then hold onto it for a certain number of minutes. When you have the flag, you cannot use bombs or dig holes. (You can, though, use ropes still.) Other players will definitely want to take the flag away from you, and enemies will ignore all other players in an attempt to savagely destroy you.

You can configure any variation of these settings. For instance, you might require one player to get 5 player kills, find 5 pieces of hold, and hold onto the flag for 2 minutes while requiring another player to get 3 player kills, 2 self kills, 20 enemy kills and one hill capture. Cool, huh?!

Additional Game Options

In addition to the settings, you will find even more options to very each game:

Starting Lives

How many lives will each player start with? Perhaps each player will only live twice?

Starting Bombs/Ropes/Gas Cans

Feel the need to handicap one player? Give them 4 gas cans and watch the balances tip in their favor.

Additional Enemies

Want to add a little chaos to your standard deathmatch? Add in a handful of enemies and watch things get even crazier.

Load Map Items / Respawn Items

Do you want to stop items from respawning, or perhaps get rid of them altogether? It's nothing but digging now!

Dark Mode

Are you afraid of the dark? Playing in dark mode prevents each player from seeing outside of a small circle around her or his player.

Turbo Mode

If you want to run at double speed, this is the setting for you. Try not to fall off of any ledges into a pit of lava, though. For extra fun, turn Turbo mode to enemies only; you will be begging them for mercy!

Infinite Ropes

If you want to be able to rope all you want, this mode will suit you well.