[08-13] How do you set up a multiplayer game (with bots, possibly)?

Set up Duke Nukem 3D multiplayer games with bots using command line parameters or DukesterX.

To set up a multiplayer game with computer-controlled bots in Duke Nukem 3D, you can modify the properties of a shortcut to duke3d.exe.

/q# /a

• /q#: Adds a specified number of computer-controlled bots, where '#' can be a number between 1 and 7.
• /a: Activates the AI for the bots. Be warned, the AI is quite tough.

You can also specify the level to play on by adding these parameters:

/v(X) /l(Y)

• /v(X): Sets the episode number, where 'X' is the episode number.
• /l(Y): Sets the level number, where 'Y' is the level number. You must use two digits for the level, e.g., '01' for level 1.

Additional Multiplayer Parameters:

• /m: Removes game monsters.
• /s#: Changes the skill level of the game, from 1 to 4.
• /t#: Controls how (things) (respawn (be brought back to life at a checkpoint after death)) in the game. The '#' can be 1, 2, 3, or 'x'.
  • 1 - Monsters Only
  • 2 - Items Only
  • 3 - Inventory Items only
  • x - All
• /c#: Specifies the type of multiplayer game, where '#' can be between 1 and 3.
  • 1 - Standard Dukematch
  • 2 - Cooperative Play (characters vs. monsters)
  • 3 - Old Dukematch (meaning unclear from source)

Alternative Method: DukesterX Frontend

An alternative method is to use DukesterX, a frontend program that supports newer ports of Duke Nukem 3D like RancidMeat and JonoF's port. You will need to set up one of these ports first, then download and follow the instructions for DukesterX. This method allows for all the same options as using command line parameters, and potentially more, offering a cleaner interface. You can still use the built-in bots with this method.