Multiplayer

Build multiplayer games using Unity's integrated suite of services for networking and player connections.

Read time 2 minutes

Last updated 4 days ago

If you're just getting started with multiplayer games, the recommended entry point is the Multiplayer Center package. You can also review the Game types section for recommendations on which services and packages to use based on the genre and needs of your game.

Get started with the Multiplayer CenterThe Multiplayer Center provides a starting point to create a multiplayer game. It recommends Unity multiplayer packages and services based on the needs of your game and provides links to documentation and resources to help you get started.

Game typesThis section of the documentation provides recommendations on which Unity multiplayer services and packages to use based on the genre and needs of your game.

Connect players

Connect players using Unity's multiplayer services.

Create multiplayer sessionsUnity Multiplayer Services provides a comprehensive framework for building multiplayer games, offering solutions for networking and player connections.

Create a player lobbyDiscover and connect to multiplayer game sessions with Unity Lobby using lobby browsing, join codes, quick join, and private invites.

MatchmakingUse Matchmaker to connect players and create and operate multiplayer sessions.

Using a relay serverConnect players securely using the Relay service without dedicated game servers.

Create real-time synchronized gameplay

Unity has two netcode frameworks for creating real-time synchronized gameplay in multiplayer games.

Netcode for EntitiesPart of the Data-Oriented Technology Stack, Netcode for Entities provides a server-authoritative networking solution with a client prediction framework for multiplayer games.

Netcode for GameObjectsA high-level networking library that abstracts networking logic and allows you to send GameObjects and world data across networking sessions to many players at once.

Networking tools and utilities

Unity has tools and utilities you can use when creating a real-time multiplayer game, including low-level networking libraries and tools to test and debug your multiplayer game.

Multiplayer Tools for Netcode for GameObjectsThe Multiplayer Tools package provides a variety of tools to analyze, debug, and test your multiplayer game, including a profiler and network simulator.

Unity TransportA low-level networking library for multiplayer game development that supports all Unity Engine-supported platforms using a connection-based abstraction layer provided over User Datagram Protocol and WebSockets.

Dedicated ServerThe Dedicated Server package allows you to switch a project between the server and client role without the need to create another project, improving the multiplayer development workflow when targeting the Dedicated Server build target.