This is a simple tool that uses a workaround to create a private lobby in RDO. The private lobby not only makes the world feel more dynamic, it also keeps out cheaters. No multiplayer activities at all though!
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File credits
The idea for this mod came from the 'skip intro' mod, which is often used for the same purpose. I just removed the 'skip intro' part and focussed on the private lobby bit.
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Changelogs
Version 1.2.11
Added the lobby number to the lobby file, so numbers are now bound to a lobby instead of a global setting.
Version 1.2.10
Added xml status to status bar - it now shows whether you are using custom or R* default XML in your startup.meta.
Version 1.2.9
Added a button to remove the startup.meta backup that might be created by the lobby manager.
Added more checks to make sure the GUI reflects the current situation, so users have a better understanding what they are doing wrong.
Version 1.2.8
Added simple logic that backups an existing .meta file when the path to RDR2 folder is set. This backup will be used as 'public' lobby.
Version 1.2.7
Added better error handling - the status bar will now show a message when writing to the meta file failed.
Fixed a tiny bug with a duplicate lobby entry when updating an existing lobby with a new code.
Version 1.2.6
added support for altered startup.meta files - for people who wish to combine the lobby manager with the intro skip mod. added a new setting for more 'uniqueness' and added a subfolder for the files generated by the lobby manager
Version 1.2.5
Fixed tab order and a tiny oversight with the status bar not updating when removing lobbies
Version 1.2.4
Updated to new version of Qt and MinGW; Also fixed a tiny bug with workflow
Version 1.2.3
Added some status bar messages and repacked in RAR (smaller).
Version 1.2.2
Zipped using 7z - hoping this will stop the virus scanner from flagging my project as a trojan :P
Version 1.2.1
changed lobby save location to RDO Lobby Manager execution folder, instead of RDR2 folder.
Version 1.2
initial release, multi lobby manager
Donations
No donations accepted
NEW: Here is a DISCORD community for support and connecting with others.
The tool works by altering the startup.meta file with a token (a passcode) that does not alter the game. This can easily be done manually, but the tool allows management of one or more lobbies and has a simple 'reset' button to play in the public lobby.
Main benefits:
No more cheaters ruining your fun.
No more people messing with your 1 hour of game time a day.
Automatically join your friends' lobby - no more reloading sessions to group.
More dynamic world with more free roam 'events' like road blocks, hideouts and ambushes.
Major downside: no multiplayer gamemodes! In order to join multiplayer game modes again, exit the game, press the Go Public button in the Lobby Manager, and restart the game.
How to use? When you start the manager, it will read the current startup.meta file (if it exists). If it finds a passcode in the file, it will try to match it with any lobbies previously configured. It will show you the code and/or the lobby name.
If the lobby name and lobby code fields remain blank, this means the game is currently not using a private lobby.
Good to know:
The manager does not need to run while the game is running.
The game needs to be restarted for any lobby changes to take effect.
Share your lobby code with friends, so you automatically join the same lobby.
The lobby name is purely for your own administration.
Once a lobby is set, it will be used every time the game is launched.
When RDR2 is installed in your Program Files directory, the Lobby Manager requires admin permissions to work.
Create a new private lobby:
Press the Set RDR2 Directory button.
Select the root directory of Red Dead Redemption 2
Fill in a lobby name
Fill in a lobby code
(optional) Adjust the lobby number - this helps with creating a unique lobby.
Press the Create New Lobby button
Use an existing lobby:
Select a lobby from the dropdown list.
Click the Use button.
Join a friend's lobby:
Get your friend's lobby code and number (pre-1.2.6 use number 2 *giggity*).
Create a lobby using the exact same lobby code and number. 'This is my lobby ' is not the same as 'This is my lobby' nor as 'this is my lobby '. Every character matters!
Start the game.
Technical background: The game generates a hash from all the files combined. By adding a unique string to 1 file, the game generates a unique hash. Only players with the same hash can join each other.
What happens when you Go Public? The tool deletes the created startup.meta file and the game will launch as normal, into the public lobby. The lobby is saved in a seperate file and will be available in the dropdown list in the top right.