#1 Prerequisites:
- Review the #❓┃frequently-asked questions
- A hosting environment that can run Windows executables
- Recommend using a virtual private server (VPS) hosting provider (optional)
- Access to system administrator permissions
- Access to network settings to port forward
#2 Download H2DediTool Installer:Estimate 2-3 minutes
#3 Install Halo 2 Dedi Package:Estimate 3-15 minutes
- Open H2DediTool application from desktop shortcut (if not already open)
- Click the "Download & Install H2 Server Pack" button on tab one (Dedi Server Config)
- Click "OK" to agree to TOS
- Wait until H2 server resources are downloaded and installed
- NOTICE: Downloading about 1GB may take awhile depending on network connectivity
- It may appear that the installer is frozen, be patient and wait for the install to finish
- Click "OK" on the completed notification pop up
- Once complete, it is highly recommended to reboot the computer (optional)
#4 Deploy New Lobby:Estimate 2-4 minutes
- Open H2DediTool application from desktop shortcut (if not already open)
- Select tab two (Halo 2 Server Hosting)
- Set the lobby number (as needed, one is default)
- Click the "Setup Service" button to build selected lobby number
- Wait until the new H2 lobby service is deployed (button will disappear)
- Fill out the "Server Lobby Settings" area fields (Hint: hover over text for tooltip description)
- H2 Username
- NOTICE: This account is created in game client
- Password
- Server Name
- Base Port
- NOTICE: This displayed range must be port forward / open at network level
- Server Playlist (Set button)
- NOTICE: All others settings are optional
- Click the "Start Service" button
- Review the "Server Lobby Status" area
#5 Report Issues:(Optional)
- Review the #❓┃frequently-asked issues before reporting
- H2DediTool is still under development and may contain bugs or missing features
- To assist in future releases, please report any anomalies or requests in #📚┃bug-reports
- To ensure reports are expedited, include errors and all steps taken to reproduce
#6 Extend Lobby License:(Optional)
- NOTICE: H2DediTool by default supports two servers without a license out of the box.
- Open H2DediTool application from desktop shortcut (if not already open)
- Select tab two (Halo 2 Server Hosting)
- Set the lobby number to be above current lobby license amount
- The displayed notification automatically adds your ID to the clipboard for convenience
- Access can be requested via Case ID at https://www.halo2pc.com/h2deditool/
- Click the "Extend License" button and sign in via Discord
- Fill out the webform fields for your desired lobby subscription and submit
- Wait for a staff member to review and reply to the request in #🔑┃extended-requests
- NOTICE: The focus of H2DediTool is convince, new regions, & quality - not quantity (requests may be declined).
