====== Playing The Settlers 4 in the aLobby ======

<alert type="warning">The Settlers 4 multiplayer support is available in the aLobby since version 3.3 for all voluntary beta testers who have installed Settlers 4 on their PC. Starting with version 4.0, when the beta phase will be finished, this page will be updated with the then current features.</alert>

<alert type="warning">
  * Supported versions of The Settlers 4:
    * All CD versions updated to version __2.50.1516**a**__ . The required patch might be downloaded e.g. [[http://patches.ubi.com/settlers_4/settlers4_v1xxx_to_1516a.exe|here]]
    * All [[https://www.gog.com/game/the_settlers_4_gold_edition|GoG versions]] (as of today (2018-11-08))
</alert>


===== Features & Functionality ======

  * There is no necessity to deactivate network card in Windows or any other workaround that was needed on newer Windows system to successfully play online! The aLobby provides a fix for S4 that resolves the underlying problem!
  * The aLobby automatically detects if Settlers 4 is installed on the computer.
  * The aLobby configures Settlers 4 so that it would run optimally together with the aLobby. This includes:
    * CPU-fix
    * Windows Firewall settings
  * Via "New game" you can start Settlers 4 games. The following map types are available for selection:
    * the original Bluebyte maps
    * User maps
    * Save-games
  * For each new game you have to enter the number of players and the number of teams.
  * Optionally you can specify that game would be an economy game.
  * Optionally you can specify whether the Trojans are allowed or not.
  * The VPN connection of the aLobby is fully supported.
  * It is possible to start games with 2 to 8 players.
    * This is a limitation of Settlers 4 itself and cannot be bypassed by the aLobby.
  * Open Settlers 4 games are displayed in the same list as Settlers 3 games.
    * It is possible to double-click the games with links to enter them.
      * Players who do not have Settlers 4 installed will receive a corresponding message.
      * Players who have Settlers 4 installed and who have the specified map available locally will enter the game.
  * A game in which you participate is displayed as a box in the lower right corner.
    * The host has here the possibility to close and start the game.
    * Players have the possibility to leave the open game.
  * If a game is started by the host, the following happens:
    * All players involved are informed via the aLobby that the game starts. 
      * Then the aLobby starts with each single Settlers 4 with the game configuration.
      * The aLobby creates a user-specific game configuration for each player.
      * For games that are not started via VPN, the aLobby configures Settlers 4 so that it is possible to enter the game.
    * The game will be removed from the list of open games and will be displayed for running games.
  * If a game is finished, the following happens:
    * As soon as the host has left the game, the game is no longer displayed as a running game.

===== Wish list ======

  * Notify the user on joining/hosting of a game, if the CD is not present
  * Set the player to "Playing" when they play an S4 game
  * MapBase connection (to automatically download maps)
  * Random games support
  * Save-Manager (to not only have the very latest save of a game but also older ones)
  * Autosave
  * Capture statistic screenshot and post to lobby
  * Mini-chat who joined a game and are waiting for the start
  * own aLobby style for Settlers 4