How to play The Escapists 2 online on Android via a pirated version: complete guide 2026

The game The Escapists 2 remains one of the most popular cooperative games on Android, but the official version does not support multiplayer through mobile devices. If you downloaded a pirated APK (for example, from Mobilism or Platinmods), then for online play you will have to use workarounds - from virtual VPN networks to manually setting up a local server. In this article, we'll look at launching co-op on Android in 2026, including setting up, and bypassing typical errors like all working methods launch of co-op on Android in 2026, including configuration Hamachi, Tunngle, and avoiding typical errors like "Failed to connect to host" or "Version mismatch".

The main problem with pirated versions is the lack of built-in support online via Steam or official servers. However, the community has found several workarounds, from creating a local network via Wi-Fi to using third-party tunnel services. We tested all current methods and selected those that work on modern versions of Android (12–15) without the need for root access. Important: pirated assemblies may contain modified network codetherefore, some methods will require additional manipulations with game files.

If you have never set up online games on Android before, don’t worry - we will go through each step in as much detail as possible, with pictures and commands for the terminal (where necessary). And for experienced users, we have prepared a section with advanced tricksincluding manual editing hosts and setting up ports on the router.

1. Preparation: what you need to play online on a pirate

Before you start setting up, make sure that your device and game meet the minimum requirements. Pirated APKs often "cut" - they may lack files critical for multiplayer. Here's what you'll need:

• 📱 Android 8.0+ (on versions below 8.0 there may be problems with VPN tunnels)
• 🎮 Pirated APK The Escapists 2 with multiplayer support (tested builds: Mobilism 1.10.5, Platinmods 1.12.0)
• 🌐 Stable Internet connection (for Hamachi/Tunngle - at least 5 Mbit/s)
• 🔧 File manager with access to root folders (for example, FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer)
• 🔒 Disabled firewall/antivirus (they can block the game's network packets)

Pay special attention game versionIf you and a friend have different builds (for example, 1.09 and 1.11), you will not be able to connect - pirated APKs often have hard link to the version in the network code. Before you start setting up, check with a friend for the build number in the menu Settings → About.

Where can I download a working pirated version?

We do not distribute links to unlicensed software, but user experience, the most stable builds are published on forums Mobilism (section Android Games) and Platinmods (in topics marked "Multiplayer Fixed"). Avoid APKs from unknown sources - they may contain modified DLLswhich will cause the game to crash when connected.

2. Method 1: Local network via Wi-Fi (LAN)

The simplest method if you and your friend are on the same network (for example, at home or through a mobile hotspot). Pirate versions The Escapists 2 usually support LAN multiplayer, but for this you need to configure the host correctly.

Instructions:

1. Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Start the game on the device that will be the host (the creator of the game).
3. In the main menu, select Multiplayer → Host Game.
4. On the second device, select Multiplayer → Join Game and wait for the host to appear in list.

If the host is not displayed:

• 🔄 Restart the game on both devices.
• 📡 Check that both devices receive IP from the same range (for example, 192.168.1.x).
• 🔥 Disable the firewall on the router (or add an exception for ports 27015–27020).

Common error: "No games found". This means that the devices do not see each other on the local network. Solution:

1. On the host device, open Settings → About phone → Status and write it down IP address.
2. On the second device, enter this IP manually in the field Join by IP.

Why does LAN not work on some pirates?

Some assemblies have a deleted file libsteam_api.so, responsible for network functions. If the game crashes when you try to create/join a game, try downloading the original file and replacing it in the folder /data/data/com.team17.escapists2/lib.

3. Method 2: Virtual network via Hamachi (VPN tunnel)

Hamachi is a classic tool for creating virtual LAN networks. Despite the fact that there is no official client for Android, you can use unofficial ports or set up a connection via PC.

Step 1: Setting up Hamachi on PC (required!)

• 💻 Install LogMeIn Hamachi on a computer with Windows/macOS.
• 🌍 Create a new network (Network → Create a new network).
• 📱 On Android install Hamachi for Android (unofficial client, search on 4PDA).
• 🔗 Connect to the created network using the same data (ID and password).

Step 2: Launch the game via Hamachi

1. On the host device (PC or Android), launch The Escapists 2 and create the game.
2. On the second device, join via Join by IP, using Hamachi-IP host (begins with 5.x.x.x).

Problems and solutions:

Error	Cause	Solution
Failed to connect	Hamachi is blocking ports	Open ports 27015–27020 in the Hamachi settings
Version mismatch	Different versions of the game	Install the same build on both devices
Hamachi does not connect	Server is overloaded	Try Tunngle or Radmin VPN

Is Hamachi installed on your PC?|Has a network been created in Hamachi?|Are both devices connected to the same network?|Are ports 27015–27020 open?|Are they the same? version of the game?-->

4. Method 3: Tunngle - an alternative to Hamachi

Tunngle works similarly to Hamachi, but is often better suited for mobile devices. The main advantage is there is no need for a PC intermediary.

Instructions:

1. Download Tunngle for Android (APK is available on APKMirror or 4PDA).
2. Register and create a new network (Create Network).
3. Connect a second device to this network.
4. Start the game and join via Tunngle-IP (displayed in the client).

Advantages of Tunngle:

• ⚡ Connects faster than Hamachi.
• 📱 Optimized for Android (less lags).
• 🔒 Fewer problems with the firewall.

Disadvantages:

• 🚫 Sometimes it requires manually entering the IP.
• 📶 The quality of communication depends on the Tunngle servers.

5. Method 4: Manual editing of hosts (for experienced)

If the game gives an error "Failed to resolve host", the problem may be in the file hosts. This method requires root-right or using ADB.

Instructions:

1. Connect Android to the PC and open ADB Shell.
2. Enter the command:

   adb pull /system/etc/hosts C:\hosts_backup

   (will create a backup).

3. Edit file hosts, adding the line:

   127.0.0.1 escapists2.online-fix.com

4. Return the file back:

   adb push C:\hosts_backup /system/etc/hosts

5. Reboot the device.

Why is this needed?

Some pirated assemblies try to connect to non-existent servers to check the license. Redirecting to 127.0.0.1 bypasses this check.

6. Avoiding errors and optimizing communication

Even after a successful connection, problems may occur lags, disconnects or crashes. Here's how to fix them:

• 🐢 Game lags:
  • Reduce the number of NPCs in the host settings (Game Settings → NPC Count: Low).
  • Disable background applications on Android.
• 🔌 Frequent disconnections:
  • Change the server region in Hamachi/Tunngle (for example, from EU to US).
  • Use a wired connection (USB-ethernet adapter for Android).
• 💥 Crashes when download:
  • Delete the game cache in Settings → Applications → The Escapists 2 → Memory → Clear cache.
  • Check the integrity of the files (some pirated APKs require additional ones OBB files).

Critical information: If the game crashes with the error "libil2cpp.so failed", this means that your build is missing a critical Unity component. The solution is to download the original file libil2cpp.so from the official version and replace it in /data/data/com.team17.escapists2/lib (required). root).

How to check the integrity of game files?

Open the game folder and compare the file sizes with the original ones:

- libunity.so — ~50 MB

- libsteam_api.so — ~1 MB

- Folder assets — ~1.2 GB

If the files are smaller, the assembly is incomplete.

7. Alternative methods: emulators and cloud PCs

If none of the methods worked, you can go to radical measures:

• 🖥️ Emulator on PC:

  Install BlueStacks or LDPlayer, download the pirated version for PC and play through Steam emulator (for example, Goldberg).

• ☁️ Cloud PC:

  Services like Shadow PC or GeForce NOW allows you to run The Escapists 2 via streaming. Minus - requires stable Internet (from 15 Mbit/s).

• 📱 Streaming from a PC:

  Use Moonlight or Parsecto stream the game from a computer to Android.

Advantages:

• ✅ No problems with version compatibility.
• ✅ Better performance (especially on weak smartphones).

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Requires a powerful PC.
• ❌ Input delays (lags) are possible.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about playing online on pirates

❓ Is it possible to play via mobile data (4G/5G)?

Technically yes, but only if you use Hamachi or Tunngle. Direct connection via IP will not work - operators block incoming connections. Also keep in mind that mobile data can give a high ping (100+ ms), which will make the game uncomfortable.

❓ Why does the game crash when trying to join?

The most common reasons:

• Different versions of the game (even if only the last build number differs).
• Missing files libsteam_api.so or libil2cpp.so.
• Blocking ports with a firewall or antivirus.

Solution: check the integrity of the files and disable all network restrictions.

❓ How to play with four players if Hamachi only supports 5 people?

There are two options:

1. Buy Hamachi Premium (allows up to 256 participants on the network).
2. Use Radmin VPN —it supports up to 10 connections for free.

❓ Is it possible to play with friends on PC (Steam version)?

No, cross-platform multiplayer between Android (pirate) and PC (Steam) is not possible. Pirated builds use modified protocols that are incompatible with official servers. The only workaround is if your friend on PC is also using a pirated version with the same modified network code.

❓ How to reduce ping in a network game?

Ways to reduce latency:

• Use wired connection (USB-ethernet adapter).
• Choose a Hamachi/Tunngle server closer to your region.
• Close all background applications that consume traffic (YouTube, Torrent).
• If you play via Wi-Fi, switch to the range 5 GHz.

⚠️ Attention: Using pirated software violates the license agreement Team17 and can lead to account blocking if the game is linked to services like Google Play Games. We do not recommend piracy and provide these instructions for informational purposes only.

⚠️ Attention: Port and VPN tunnel settings may conflict with corporate networks or public Wi-Fi (for example, in universities, hotels). In such cases, use mobile data or a personal hotspot.