===== NFS Underground Port Forwarding - Easy Guide =====
# 🎮 NFS Underground Port Forwarding - Easy Guide

⏱️ **How long does it take?**  \\
- If you know a bit about PCs: about 20-30 minutes  \\
- If you are a complete beginner: about 45-90 minutes  

💡 Don’t worry: It looks harder than it is.  \\
Just follow the steps one by one. Even if you are new, you can do it.

⚠️ Important: Every router looks a bit different!  \\
If something does not look the same on your screen, search Google or YouTube for a guide with your router model.  

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## 🛠 Step 1 - The Ports You Need \\
- Open these ports in your router:  \\
  - **UDP 3658-3659**  

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## 💻 Step 2 - Give Your PC a Fixed IP (Safe Method) \\

Your PC needs a "fixed address" so your router knows where to send game data.

### Step 2a - Find your network information \\
1. On Windows: press **Windows key + R**, type cmd and press Enter or (Linux) open Terminal \\
2. Type ipconfig (Windows) or ip a (Linux) and press Enter  \\
3. Look for your network adapter (usually "Wi-Fi" or "Ethernet")  \\
4. Note:  \\
   - **IPv4 Address:** something like 192.168.178.15  \\
   - **Default Gateway:** something like 192.168.178.1  \\

This tells you the **network range** (first three numbers) and your router’s IP.

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### Step 2b - Pick a safe IP for your PC \\
- Pick a number at the end of your IP that is **higher than normal** to avoid conflicts.  \\
- Example: if your IP is 192.168.178.15, pick 192.168.178.200  \\
- This will be your PC’s fixed IP.

💡 Tip: Always keep the first three numbers the same as your current IP. Only change the last number.

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### Step 2c - Set the IP on Windows \\
1. Open **Control Panel**  \\
2. Go to: Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center → Change adapter settings  \\
3. Right-click your connection → Properties → Internet Protocol v4 → Properties  \\
4. Select "Use the following IP" and type:  \\
   - IP: your chosen IP, e.g., 192.168.178.200  \\
   - Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0  \\
   - Default gateway: your router IP, e.g., 192.168.178.1 

💡 Optional: Some routers allow **DHCP Reservation**. This automatically gives your PC the same IP and is easier.

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## 🌐 Step 3 - Login to Your Router \\
1. Open your web browser  \\
2. Type your **default gateway** IP (from Step 2a) into the address bar and press Enter \\ 
3. Login with username + password (usually on the router sticker or manual)  

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## 🚪 Step 4 - Add Port Forwarding \\
1. Look for **Port Forwarding**, **Virtual Server**, **NAT**, or **Gaming** in the router menu  \\
2. Create a new rule:  \\
   - Name: NFS Underground  \\
   - Protocol: **UDP**  \\
   - Ports: Start 3658, End 3659  \\
   - Internal IP: your fixed PC IP (from Step 2b)  \\
3. Save and apply  

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## 🔥 Step 5 - Firewall Check \\
- **Windows:** Open Firewall → Allow a program or port → Add UDP 3658-3659  \\
- **Linux:** Use your firewall tool to allow the same ports  \\
💡 If nothing works, reset your firewall to default settings (in Windows Defender Firewall): \\
{{:tutorials:2025-09-28_20_06_20-window.png?nolink|}} \\
Then add the firewall rules with kickStart again (in options): \\
{{:tutorials:2025-09-28_20_07_24-window.png?nolink|}}

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## ✅ Step 6 - Test Your Game \\
1. Start NFS Underground → Create a multiplayer game  \\
2. Ask a friend to join  
3. Or open the NFS.onl launcher and go to Open options → Main config → UPnP Port Forwarding and Testing. \\
When the new window opens, click on “Test UDP” to check if your port forwarding is set up correctly. 

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## 🚫 If It Still Doesn’t Work \\
- Make sure your PC IP matches the rule in the router  \\
- Make sure ports 3658-3659 UDP are forwarded  \\
- Check firewall again  \\
- If your ISP uses **CGNAT**, normal port forwarding will not work. Then you need a VPS server [[http://wiki.nfs.onl/doku.php?id=tutorials:vps_server|see Redhair’s VPS Guide]]

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## 📋 Extra Tips \\
- Always keep your PC on the same IP  \\
- Only open the ports you need  \\
- Test with 1 friend first before a big game  \\
- Write down your router login and rules for later  

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# 📖 Word Explanations (Simple)

- **Port** = A "door" number on your router that lets game data in or out.  \\
- **UDP** = A fast type of connection for games.  \\
- **IP Address** = Your PC’s "house number" inside your network. \\ 
- **Gateway** = The "main door" to your router.  \\
- **Router Login** = The page where you change your router settings.  \\
- **Firewall** = A security wall on your PC that can block connections.  \\
- **Port Forwarding** = Telling the router: "Send all game data on this port to my PC."  \\
- **DHCP Reservation** = A router option that gives your PC the same IP automatically.  \\
- **CGNAT** = Your internet provider puts many people behind one big router. Then port forwarding will not work.  \\
- **VPS** = A rented server on the internet that can act as your host.  

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# ❓ Extra Explanations

- **Why pick a high number at the end?**  
  Routers usually give IPs automatically starting from low numbers. Picking `.200` or higher avoids conflicts with phones, laptops, or smart TVs.  

- **What if my network uses a different range?**  
  Check your current IP. Use the same first three numbers and pick a high number at the end outside the DHCP range.  

- **What happens if two devices have the same IP?**  
  Both devices will lose internet or get strange problems.  

- **Why only UDP?**  
  NFS Underground only needs UDP for online play. TCP is not used.