If you are having trouble connecting to Battle.net, you may think that you can no longer play Warcraft III on the internet. Fortunately, there are services available that allow you to connect to other players without having to log into Battle.net. Follow this guide to learn how.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Multiplayer Hosting Programs
Step 1. Understand how these programs work
You can use third party programs to emulate LAN games. This means that you will not connect to that game's servers when playing. Most of these services require you to register for an account, and some offer paid services for additional functionality.
Step 2. Find a program to download
You have many options. The two most popular are Garena + and GameRanger. They are both free programs with the option to take out an annual subscription to eliminate ads and receive more support. Both programs support Warcraft III and its expansions.
Step 3. Consider the downsides
You will need to open specific ports to use these programs, thereby exposing yourself to potential security risks. You may also encounter more hackers and cheaters, because the owners of the banned accounts on Battle.net have unrestricted access to these programs.
Method 2 of 3: Using GameRanger
Step 1. Download the GameRanger client
You can download the client on the GameRanger website. Run the installation file after the download is complete. The client is very small, less than 1MB.
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GameRanger will automatically download and install updates. After the update, it will start downloading additional content. It may take a few minutes.
Step 2. Create an account
When the installation is complete, you will begin the account creation process. You will need to accept the terms of use to continue. After accepting them, you will have the option to use an existing account or create a new one.
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If you have a friend's invitation code, you can enter it after selecting Create New Account.
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You will need a valid email address to create an account. You will also need to create a password for your account.
Step 3. Choose a nickname
You will be prompted to create a nickname. By default, the program will put your name in this field. Make sure you change it to protect your identity. GameRanger will also ask you for your real name. It will be visible to the public, so enter your name at your own risk.
Step 4. Enable the obscenity filter
If you don't like offensive language, or if the program will be used by children, you should turn on the obscenity filter. This way you won't read offensive messages in the chat window. You can lock this setting with a password.
Step 5. Select your city
You will find it in your profile and this option will be used to match you with matches as close to you as possible.
Step 6. Verify your email account
Once you have created your account, GameRanger will send an email to the address you provided. Click the link provided to activate your account before clicking Continue in the GameRanger window. After clicking on the link, click Next to access GameRanger.
Step 7. Add the Warcraft III game files
To join a game, you will need to tell GameRanger the location of the Warcraft III program. Click on the Edit menu and select Options… In the Games tab, scroll down to find Warcraft III. In the Location section, click Browse and navigate to the Warcraft III folder if it's not already set up correctly.
Step 8. Find a match
In the main Games list, scroll down to find Warcraft III, or select My Games from the drop-down menu and select a Warcraft III game. Each match listed is a lobby hosted by another person. Try to find a game with the ping bar full, and one that has a green light indicating that it is possible to join.
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The game description will indicate which version of Warcraft you will need to have. Most users are using the latest patch available.
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Games with a lock icon require a password to participate. The host chooses the password.
Step 9. Wait for the game to start
When you enter the lobby, the host will start the game when it is ready. When the game has started, Warcraft III will automatically open and you will enter the game from the LAN menu.
Method 3 of 3: Using Garena +
Step 1. Download the Garenaè + client You can do it from the Garena + website
Run the installation file after the download is complete. The file is approximately 60 MB.
Step 2. Install the program
Just indicate the installation path once you have run the file you downloaded. The default location will be fine for most users. Open the program after installing it.
Step 3. Create an account
If you already have a Garena account, enter your details and log in. If you need to create a new account, click the Create an Account link at the bottom of the launcher. Enter a valid email address and create a username. Garena will check that the name is not already in use. If it is, you will have to choose another one.
Step 4. Log in
Use the account you just created to log into the Garena + program. Log in using your username, not your email address. Your friends list will open.
Step 5. Find a match
Click the LAN button in the friends list. The Garena + Match Browser will open. Click the Games button and select Warcraft III from the options. A list of the lobbies for Warcraft III will open. You can select your region in the left menu.
Step 6. Configure the game files
Click the Menu button in the lower left corner of the browser. Select Settings in the menu that opened. In the Game Settings tab, scroll down to Warcraft III. Make sure the executable is set correctly in the "Executable settings" field. Click the gear icon to browse your folders and search for Warcraft III program files.
Step 7. Join a game
Once you have configured your game settings, you will be able to take part in games in the lobby. Click on Server List to see available games. When you enter a game, Warcraft III will automatically open and start the game from the LAN menu.