Alternatively, use the standard in-game menu to start a "Split-Screen" or "Local" game, which sometimes opens the network ports for the local subnet. Step 3: Find the Host's IP Address
On the client machine (no internet, no Steam):
To play over LAN without Steam, your computers must be able to see each other's local IP addresses. For Physical LAN (Same Room) Connect all computers to the same router or network switch.
SmartSteamEmu is an older but highly effective wrapper application that launches games in a standalone Steam environment tailored for local play. Step 1: Extract SmartSteamEmu Download from a reliable emulation archive. how to play serious sam 3 multiplayer lan without steam
: Ensure no conflicting mods are active. If the host has custom maps or weapon mods enabled in their local files, the joining clients must have the exact same files installed manually, since Steam Workshop auto-downloading will not function offline.
Save the file. Each player on the LAN must have a unique username to avoid connection conflicts. Method 2: Setting Up SmartSteamEmu
Ensure all computers are connected to the same network switch or router. Alternatively, use the standard in-game menu to start
Type the connection command using the host's IP address: connect 192.168.1.15 (Replace with the actual host IP). Press Enter to join the session.
While DHCP should work, assigning static IPs within the same subnet (e.g., 192.168.1.x ) ensures computers find each other instantly. Launch the Game: Launch Sam3.exe on all machines. Host the Game:
Type connect [Host IP Address] (for example: connect 192.168.1.5 ) and press Enter. SmartSteamEmu is an older but highly effective wrapper
[ Player 1 (Host) ] <---> [ Radmin VPN / ZeroTier ] <---> [ Player 2 (Client) ] | | | (Virtual LAN IP) (Secure Tunnel) (Virtual LAN IP) Step 1: Install the Network Emulator
Works perfectly – true old-school LAN play Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)
Inside the executable folder, look for a file named (or steam_api64.dll for 64-bit).
To set this up, ensure all participating computers are on the same local network (physical or virtual). Goldberg Steam Emulator : This replaces the standard steam_api.dll steam_api64.dll ) to allow LAN play without an active Steam account. Game Files : A copy of the game where you can access and replace the files in the bin folder. Direct Network Tools (Optional)