Barony Online Play Is Not Available? Fix & Workarounds

Why You're Seeing "Barony Online Play Is Not Available"

If you've launched Barony: Cursed Edition on GOG and searched for the online multiplayer option only to find it missing, you're not alone. The message "Barony online play is not available" has become a common frustration for players who purchased the game outside of Steam. This isn't a bug or a broken feature — it's a deliberate design change tied to how the game handles cross-platform connectivity.

According to community reports from the GOG forums, the removal of the native online lobby system from the GOG version stems from the addition of crossplay support with the Epic Games Store. This integration relies on Epic Online Services (EOS), which is a proprietary, DRM-linked system. Since GOG is a DRM-free platform, the developers were forced to strip out the online matchmaking features to comply with licensing requirements. The forum user TheFrommie86 clarified this in June 2025, stating, "The Reason for that was the addition of a Crossplay Option with the Epic Game Store which uses the Epic Online Services DRM. And since GOG Games are DRM Free, this had to be removed."

This doesn't mean you're locked out of multiplayer entirely. The LAN functionality remains intact, and with a bit of configuration, you can still play with friends over the internet. This guide will walk you through every viable workaround, from port forwarding to using third-party virtual LAN software.

Understanding the GOG vs. Steam Multiplayer Difference

Before diving into solutions, it's crucial to understand why the experience differs between platforms. The table below breaks down the key differences.

The Steam version uses Steamworks for matchmaking, lobby creation, and friend invites. The GOG version, being DRM-free, cannot use Epic Online Services, which is a DRM-dependent system. The developers chose to remove the online lobby rather than offer a broken or inconsistent experience.

Workaround 1: Port Forwarding for Direct LAN over Internet

The most straightforward method to bypass the "Barony online play is not available" error is to use the built-in LAN lobby over the internet. This requires port forwarding on your router. A GOG forum user named krashan34 initially panicked about the missing feature but later updated their post: "EDIT: Ok found out you just have to port forward, and do the direct connect through the 'LAN lobby' browser. I may have overreacted slightly."

Here is the step-by-step process.

Step 1: Find Your Local IP Address

1. Open Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux).
2. Type ipconfig (Windows) or ifconfig (macOS/Linux) and press Enter.
3. Look for the IPv4 Address under your active network adapter.

Step 2: Set a Static IP Address

Your router assigns dynamic IPs, which can change. You need a static IP for port forwarding to work reliably.

• Access your router's settings (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
• Find the DHCP Reservation or Static IP section.
• Assign your computer's MAC address to a static IP (e.g., 192.168.1.100).

Step 3: Forward the Required Ports

Barony uses specific ports for LAN communication. You need to forward TCP and UDP ports.

1. Log into your router's admin panel.
2. Navigate to Port Forwarding (often under Advanced > NAT Forwarding).
3. Create a new rule for each port/protocol combination.
4. Enter your computer's static IP address as the destination.
5. Save and apply the settings.

Step 4: Configure Windows Firewall

You must allow Barony through your firewall.

1. Open Windows Defender Firewall.
2. Click Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.
3. Click Change settings, then Allow another app.
4. Browse to your Barony executable (e.g., Barony.exe) and add it.
5. Ensure both Private and Public boxes are checked.

Step 5: Connect via LAN Browser

1. The host launches Barony and selects Local Adventure > LAN Lobby.
2. The host starts a game and notes their public IP address (search "what is my IP" on Google).
3. The friend opens Barony, goes to LAN Lobby, and clicks Direct Connect.
4. The friend enters the host's public IP address and connects.

If the connection fails, double-check your port forwarding rules and firewall settings. A common mistake is forwarding to the wrong internal IP address.

Workaround 2: Using Third-Party Virtual LAN Software

If port forwarding seems too technical or your router doesn't support it, third-party software is the easiest solution. These tools create a virtual LAN network over the internet, tricking Barony into thinking all players are on the same local network.

Popular Options

How to Use Radmin VPN (Recommended)

1. Download and install Radmin VPN from the official website.
2. All players create a free account and log in.
3. The host clicks Create Network, gives it a name and password.
4. Friends click Join Network and enter the host's network name and password.
5. Once connected, each player will see a new IP address (e.g., 26.12.34.56) in the Radmin window.
6. Launch Barony and go to LAN Lobby.
7. The host starts a game. Friends click Direct Connect and enter the host's Radmin IP address.

This method completely bypasses the need for port forwarding and works with almost any router. It's the community's go-to solution for fixing the "Barony online play is not available" issue.

Workaround 3: Split-Screen Local Co-op

If you have friends physically present, split-screen is the most reliable way to play Barony. The game natively supports up to four players on a single machine. This feature is unaffected by the GOG/Steam differences.

Setting Up Split-Screen

1. From the main menu, select Local Adventure.
2. Connect your controllers. Barony supports Xbox, PlayStation, and generic USB controllers.
3. Press A on each controller (or Space on the keyboard for player 1).
4. To remove a player, press B on a controller or Escape on the keyboard.
5. Once all players are ready, select your characters and start the game.

This mode is perfect for couch co-op sessions and requires no internet connection. The screen splits dynamically as players explore the dungeon.

Troubleshooting Common Connection Problems

Even with the workarounds above, you might encounter issues. Here are the most frequent problems and their fixes.

Problem: "Connecting to Lobby..." Stuck Forever

This usually indicates a firewall or port issue.

• Fix: Temporarily disable Windows Firewall (or your antivirus firewall) to test. Re-enable it once you confirm connectivity. Ensure both host and client have the same ports open.

Problem: Can See Lobby But Can't Join

• Fix: Verify you are using the correct IP address. For port forwarding, use the host's public IP. For Radmin/Hamachi, use the virtual IP shown in the software. A mismatch here is the #1 cause of failure.

Problem: Lag or Disconnections

• Fix: Barony is not bandwidth-intensive, but latency matters. Ensure all players have a stable wired connection if possible. Close bandwidth-heavy applications (streaming, downloads) during play.

Problem: Game Crashes on Launch

• Fix: Verify game file integrity through GOG Galaxy. Right-click Barony > Manage Installation > Verify/Repair. Also, update your graphics drivers.

FAQ: Barony Online Multiplayer on GOG

Q: Is Barony online play not available forever on GOG? A: As of now, yes — the native online lobby feature has been permanently removed from the GOG version due to DRM licensing conflicts with Epic Online Services. However, LAN-based workarounds (port forwarding or virtual LAN software) are fully functional.

Q: Can I use the Steam version's room code system on GOG? A: No. The room code system is exclusive to the Steam version's Steamworks integration. GOG users must rely on direct IP connections or third-party tools like Radmin VPN.

Q: Will future updates restore online play for GOG? A: There is no official announcement from the developers regarding a restoration. Community reports suggest the removal is permanent due to the crossplay implementation. Your best bet is to use the LAN workarounds described in this guide.

Q: Do both players need to port forward? A: No. Only the host needs to port forward or use a virtual LAN tool. The client simply connects to the host's IP address.