The legendary shooter DOOM (1993) still gathers an army of fans, and thanks to modern emulators it can even be run on smartphones running it Android. But what to do if you want not just to go through the levels alone, but to organize network match with friends directly from your phone? In this article, we will look at all the working ways to organize multiplayer on mobile devices - from the choice of software to the intricacies of setting up the connection. DOOM on mobile devices - from software selection to connection settings.

Network play on Android has its own nuances: there is no native online support, like on a PC, so you will have to use workarounds. We will look at options via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and even mobile data, and also tell you how to minimize delays (ping) and avoid connection breaks. We will pay special attention to emulators and servers that are relevant in 2026 and that support multiplayer without glitches.

Important: if you have never run DOOM on Android, first familiarize yourself with the basic settings of the emulator (for example, Delta Touch or DOS Box Turbo). Network play requires a stable connection and correctly configured ports - more on this below.

1. Which emulators support network play in DOOM on Android

Not all emulators DOOM for Android can work over the network. In 2026, three main solutions that support multiplayer are relevant:

  • 🔹 Delta Touch - a specialized emulator for DOOM/DOOM II with built-in support for network play via IP addresses. Supports up to 4 players, has customizable controls and is optimized for modern smartphones.
  • 🔹 DOS Box Turbo is a universal emulator DOSthat allows you to run the original DOOM.EXE with network patches (for example, Crispy Doom). Requires manual setup IPX-connection.
  • 🔹 GZDoom for Android - port of the engine GZDoom with support for modern modifications and a built-in server for online games. The best choice for playing over the Internet, but requires a powerful processor (recommended Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and above).

For beginners, the easiest way to start is Delta Touch —it does not require deep knowledge in setting up networks and has an intuitive interface. Experienced users can try GZDoomwhich offers more customization options (for example, support for mods Brutal Doom or Project Brutality).

⚠️ Attention: Emulators from Google Play may block network functions due to security policies. If multiplayer does not work, download APK from official developer sites (for example, Delta Touch).

Before installing, check the compatibility of the emulator with your version of Android. For example, GZDoom requires Android 11 and higher, and DOS Box Turbo works even on Android 8.0, but with restrictions on performance.

📊 Which DOOM emulator do you use on Android?
Delta Touch
DOS Box Turbo
GZDoom
Other
Haven't tried it yet

2. Preparing for a network game: what you need to do before launching

For online play to run smoothly, you must complete several mandatory steps:

  1. Install the same version of the game on all devices. For example, if you play DOOM II via Delta Touchthe files DOOM2.WAD must be identical (preferably the same build). Different versions may cause desynchronization or crashes.
  2. Configure the controls. In a network game, reaction is important - check the sensitivity of the joystick and the location of the buttons in the menu Settings → Controls.
  3. Connect all devices to the same network (for playing via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth). If you play over the Internet, make sure that everyone has a stable connection (recommended ping < 100 ms).

Pay special attention to the configuration file doom.cfg (or similar in your emulator). In it you can set:

  • 🔫 Maximum number of players (maxplayers 4)
  • 🔫 Game mode (deathmatch 1 for death match or cooperative 1 for co-op)
  • 🔫 Difficulty level (skill 3 for Hurt Me Plenty)

If you play via DOS Box Turbo, you will need to additionally configure the emulation IPXnetwork. To do this, in the configuration file dosbox.conf add the lines:

[ipx]

ipx=true


ne2000=true


ethernet=slirp

⚠️ Attention: Some antiviruses (for example Avast or Kaspersky) can block the network activity of emulators. Before playing, add the application to exceptions or temporarily disable protection.

Download the same version of DOOM.WAD on all devices|

Configure controls in emulator|

Connect to one Wi-Fi network (or configure ports for the Internet)|

Check the firewall and antivirus for blocking connections|

Create a backup copy of the configuration file (doom.cfg)

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3. Connection methods: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Internet

Depending on available devices and conditions, you can choose one of three main ways to organize a network game:

Method Requirements Pros Cons
Wi-Fi (local network) Router, connecting all devices to one network Minimum ping, stable connection Limited by Wi-Fi range
Bluetooth Supports Bluetooth 4.0+, device pairing Does not require a router, low power consumption Maximum 2 players, lags are possible
Internet (via server) Static IP or a service like Hamachi, Zerotier Game with friends from anywhere in the world High ping, connection interruptions are possible

For most users, the best option would be to play on Wi-Fi. Here's how to do it in Delta Touch:

  1. Launch the emulator on the main device (which will be the server).
  2. Go to Multiplayer → Host Game.
  3. Select a mode (Deathmatch or Cooperative) and level.
  4. On other devices, select Multiplayer → Join Game and enter IP address host (can be found in the Wi-Fi router settings).

To play via Internet required additional port configuration. For example, in GZDoom port is used by default 2342. It needs to be opened in the router settings (port forwarding) and firewall. If you don't understand networks, it's easier to use virtual networks like Zerotier —they create a secure connection without manual configuration.

How to find the local IP address on Android?

Open Settings → Wi-Fi, tap on the name of your network. The window that appears will contain a line IP address (usually in the format 192.168.x.x). This address must be entered when connecting to the host.

4. Setting up a server for playing via the Internet

If you want to play with friends from other cities or countries, you will have to set up your own server or use third-party solutions. Let's consider both options.

Option 1: Your own server on a PC

If you have a computer with Windows or Linux, you can deploy a server Zandronum (compatible with GZDoom):

  1. Download Zandronum from official website.
  2. Run zandronum-server.exe with parameters: 
    zandronum-server -iwad DOOM2.WAD -port 10666 +map MAP01 +deathmatch 1
  3. Configure port forwarding 10666 on the router.
  4. On Android devices, connect to the external IP of your PC (you can find out on the website 2ip.ru).

Option 2: Virtual networks (Zerotier, Hamachi)

If port forwarding seems difficult, use virtual network services:

  • 🌐 Zerotier — creates a secure network between devices. After registration, add all phones to one network and use internal IP addresses (for example, 192.168.192.x).
  • 🌐 Hamachi — a classic solution for LAN games. Supports up to 5 devices in the free version.
⚠️ Attention: When playing over the Internet, avoid using mobile traffic — DOOM consumes up to 50–100 MB/hour connect only via Wi-Fi or an unlimited tariff.

To minimize online lags:

  • 🔧 Disable background applications that consume traffic (for example, YouTube or TikTok).
  • 🔧 Use a wired connection for the host (if the server is on a PC).
  • 🔧 In the emulator settings, reduce ticrate to 35 (default 100) to reduce the load on network.
💡

If the game is slow, try turning off dynamic lighting in the graphics settings (Settings → Rendering → Dynamic Lights: Off). This will reduce the CPU load and improve ping.

5. Solving common problems

Even with correct configuration, errors may occur. Here are the most common of them and ways to eliminate them:

Problem Possible cause Solution
Connection refused The port is closed by a firewall or router Check port forwarding and exceptions in antivirus
Players freeze in place High ping or desynchronization Reduce ticrate or change host
Crash on loading level Different versions DOOM.WAD or mods Download the same files on all devices
Cannot connect via Bluetooth The devices are not paired or the Bluetooth version is outdated Update the phone firmware and repeat pairing

If the game constantly turns off, try:

  1. Restart the emulator and router.
  2. Change the port in the server settings (for example, from 2342 on 2343).
  3. Disable VPN (if you use it) - it can block local connections.

To diagnose network problems in Delta Touch enable the connection log:

  1. Go to Settings → Advanced.
  2. Activate the option Enable Network Log.
  3. After attempting to connect, check the file network.log in the emulator folder (it will show at what stage the failure occurred).
⚠️ Attention: If you use modifications (Brutal Doom, Complex Doom), make sure that they are installed on all devices. Different mods can cause conflicts during synchronization.
💡

The most common reason for multiplayer not working is a mismatch between file versions DOOM.WAD or mods. Always check them before playing.

6. Optimizing performance for smooth gaming

Multiplayer play places higher demands on your device than single-player mode. To avoid freezes and lags:

  • 📱 Close all background applications (especially instant messengers and social networks).
  • 📱 Turn on performance mode in your phone settings (for example, Settings → Battery → High performance mode).
  • 📱 Reduce the render resolution in the emulator (for example, from 1920×1080 to 1280×720).
  • 📱 Disable vertical sync (V-Sync) in the graphics settings.

For devices with 4 GB of RAM and a weak processor (for example, Snapdragon 6xx) it is recommended:

  • 🔧 Use an emulator Delta Touch instead GZDoom (it is less demanding).
  • 🔧 Disable all post-effects (Bloom, Motion Blur).
  • 🔧 Play in Software Rendering (software rendering) mode instead OpenGL.

If even after optimization the game slows down, try:

[Add to doom.cfg]

vid_maxfps 30


r_fpscap 30

This will limit FPS to 30 frames per second, which will reduce the load on the processor.

How to check FPS in DOOM on Android?

Q GZDoom click ~ (tilde) and enter the command vid_fps 1. An FPS counter will appear in the upper left corner. Delta Touch turn on FPS display in Settings → Display → Show FPS.

7. Alternative methods of multiplayer: cloud services and PC emulation

If setting up a network game on Android seems too complicated, you can use alternative methods:

1. Cloud services (Parsec, Moonlight)

These applications allow you to broadcast images from a PC to Android running DOOM with multiplayer. Pros:

  • 🎮 There is no need to configure the emulator on your phone.
  • 🎮 All modifications and settings of the PC version are supported.

Cons: requires a powerful PC and stable Internet (ping < 30 ms).

2. PC emulation via ExaGear or Wine

Using ExaGear (x86 emulator for ARM) you can run the original DOOM.EXE with network patches. However, this method is only suitable for experienced users and requires:

  • 🖥️ root access to Android.
  • 🖥️ Manual setup IPXnetworks.

3. Online services (Doomseeker, ZDaemon)

Some servers (for example, ZDaemon) have a web interface through which you can connect to games directly from your phone. To do this:

  1. Register on the server website.
  2. Download a special APK client (if available).
  3. Connect to available rooms via browser or application.
⚠️ Attention: Cloud services like Parsec may block connections from some regions. Before using, check the availability of the service in your country.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about online play in DOOM on Android

🔹 Is it possible to play DOOM over a network between Android and PC?

Yes, but for this you need:

  1. Use compatible emulators (for example, GZDoom on PC and Android).
  2. Set up a server on a PC and connect to it from your phone via local IP or via Zerotier.

Please note that PC and Android must have the same versions of DOOM.WAD and mods.

🔹 How to reduce ping in a network game?

Ways to reduce latency:

  • Play over 5 GHz Wi-Fi (not 2.4 GHz).
  • Close all background applications, especially torrents and streaming services.
  • If you play over the Internet, choose a server geographically closer to to you.
  • In the emulator settings, reduce ticrate to 35.
🔹 Why don’t I see players on the map, although there is a connection?

This is a typical desynchronization problem. Check:

  • Are the versions DOOM.WAD all players the same?
  • Are there any conflicts with mods (if using).
  • Is the mode enabled No Monsters or Pacifist in the server settings.

If the problem persists, restart the server and connect again.

🔹 Is it possible to play DOOM online on Android without a router?

Yes, there are two options:

  1. Bluetooth - suitable for 2 players, but lags are possible.
  2. Wi-Fi Direct — create an access point on one phone and connect other devices to it.

For Wi-Fi Direct:

  1. Activate Wi-Fi Direct in Android settings.
  2. Connect all phones to one group.
  3. In the emulator, specify the local IP address of the host.
🔹 What modifications (mods) support multiplayer on Android?

Most popular mods are compatible with network play, but it is better to choose optimized ones version:

  • 🔫 Brutal Doom —supports multiplayer, but requires a powerful device.
  • 🔫 Project Brutality —lighter alternative Brutal Doom.
  • 🔫 Complex Doom — adds new weapons and enemies, compatible with Zandronum.
  • 🔫 Reelism —a mod with realistic physics, but can be slow on weak phones.

Before playing, check that the mod is installed on all devices in the same folder (usually /sdcard/games/doom).