====== What do I do with a map file to play it? ======

<alert type="info">**Note:** Self-made map files of Settlers 3 always belong in the "User" folder - //not// in the "Multi" folder.</alert>

That depends on what you want to play with:

  * **With the aLobby **
    * Solution 1:
      - Start the aLobby as usual.
      - Search for the desired map via "New Game".
      - As soon as you start it here, the aLobby downloads the map and stores it in your Settlers 3 installation.
      - Done. You can start the map immediately via the aLobby.
    * Solution 2:
      - Start the aLobby as usual.
      - Call up the mapbase and search for the map you want.
      - Click on the download of the .map file.
      - Confirm the hint to the protocolHandler that your browser shows you.
      - The aLobby downloads the map for you and stores it in your Settlers 3 installation.
      - Done. You can start the map immediately via the aLobby.
  * **Without aLobby**
    * Solution 1:
      - Call up the Mapbase and search for the desired map.
      - Click on the download of the .map file.
      - Click in the hint window on the direct download to the file.
      - Save the file in your download directory.
      - Now call up your [[en:faq:wie_finde_ich_das_installationsverzeichns_von_meiner_siedler_3-installation|siedler 3 installation directory]].
      - Now copy the .map file from your download directory into the subdirectory map/user/ within your Settlers 3 installation directory.
      - Done.
    * Solution 2:
      * //Hint:// For unpacking you may need a packer program. At least in Windows 10 this is already integrated.
      - Follow the same steps as in Solution, but download one of the ZIP files.
      - After step 4, unzip the file.
      - In step 6 you copy the unzipped ZIP file into the described directory.
      - Done.