Escape from prison in the company of friends is always more fun than alone, especially when it comes to a cult strategy The Escapists 2. The mobile version of the game allows you to turn any smartphone into a portable gaming console, but setting up the multiplayer mode often raises questions among beginners. Unlike the PC version, where everything is solved through Steam, on Android you have to deal with local networks and the specifics of mobile connections.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the available connection methods, the necessary router settings and possible problems that you may encounter. You will learn how to create a stable gaming session, what parameters are important for synchronization and why sometimes the game simply does not see other devices. Proper network preparation This is the key to a successful escape without lags and connection dropouts.
Before moving on to technical details, make sure that all participants in the process have the same version installed games. Differences in updates may result in incompatible connection protocols. It is also worth checking that the module is enabled on all devices Wi-Fi, even if you do not plan to use the Internet directly.
Network and hardware requirements
For comfortable playing The Escapists 2 over a network, the quality of the connection between devices is critical. The game uses local data transfer, which means there are no delays typical of online servers, but requires a stable communication channel. The best option is to connect all smartphones to one router via a frequency 5 GHzthat provides higher throughput.
If using a router is not possible, modern Android devices allow you to organize a direct connection. Technology Wi-Fi Direct or creating an access point on one of the phones will be an excellent alternative. However, it is worth considering that in access point mode, the host device may discharge and heat up faster.
Use a router that supports the 802.11ac standard or later to minimize delays when transferring game data between smartphones.
Pay attention to the energy saving settings. Aggressive battery saving algorithms can forcefully turn off the Wi-Fi module in the background, which will lead to a crash from the game. It is recommended to add the game to system exceptions or temporarily disable power saving mode.
⚠️ Attention: Some mobile operators block the transfer of traffic between devices on the local network when using the mobile data. The game requires a local Wi-Fi network.
Preparing devices and installing the game
The first step to playing together is to install identical versions of the application on all participating smartphones. Go to Google Play Market or another distribution source and check for updates. If the versions are different, the server simply will not appear in the list of those available for connection.
After installation, you must grant the game all requested permissions. In particular, to work on a local network, the application needs access to geolocation (even if GPS is turned off, the module itself must be active to scan networks) and access to the local network. Check these settings in Settings → Applications → The Escapists 2 → Permissions.
- 📱 Make sure that Bluetooth is turned on on all devices, as it is often used to initially detect nearby devices.
- 🔋 Charge your smartphone batteries to at least 50% or connect them to external power sources, as the game is resource-intensive.
- 📶 Check that all phones are in the same subnets if you use a router (usually addresses like 192.168.1.X).
An important point is to clear the RAM before starting. The Escapists 2 is demanding on processor resources, and background processes can cause micro-freezes, which in multiplayer will lead to desynchronization of player actions. Close unnecessary applications through the running tasks menu.
☑️ Preparing for a network game
Creating a local network via a Wi-Fi router
The most reliable way to organize a game is to use a home Wi-Fi router. This method provides maximum stability and allows you to connect up to four players without losing performance. All participants must connect to the same Wi-Fi network, making sure that it is the name of your home network and not the guest zone or your neighbors network.
Once connected, launch the game on all devices. In the main menu, select mode New game or Online, depending on the localization. The device that will be the host (world creator) selects the map and difficulty settings. The rest of the players select the option Join and wait for the server to appear in the list.
If the server does not appear in the list, try manually updating the list of available rooms. Sometimes it takes several seconds for discovery packets to travel through the network. Make sure that the client isolation function (AP Isolation) is not enabled on the router, which prevents devices from seeing each other within the local network.
In rare cases, rebooting the network equipment helps. If the router worked without interruption for several days, its buffer could become full, which affects the speed of processing local requests. Turn off the router for 10 seconds and turn it on again, then reconnect the smartphones.
Game through an access point (Hotspot) without a router
When there is no Wi-Fi router at hand, one of the smartphones can take on the role of a server, distributing the Internet through the access point. This is ideal for playing in the park or while traveling. The owner of the phone must go to the network settings and activate the mode Wi-Fi access point.
The rest of the participants find the created network in the list of available Wi-Fi connections and enter the password. Important: the device distributing the network will consume battery power much faster, so it is recommended to keep it connected to the power bank. After connecting all devices, the algorithm of actions in the game remains the same.
| Parameter | Router mode | Access point mode | Bluetooth (theor.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stability | High | Medium | Low |
| Range | Up to 30 meters | Up to 10 meters | Up to 10 meters |
| Battery consumption | Low | High (at the host) | Average |
| Number of players | Up to 4+ | Up to 4 | Up to 2 |
It is worth noting that some telecom operators may limit the data transfer speed within their own access point or charge an additional fee for this if an unlimited tariff is not activated. Check the terms of your tariff plan to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Why does the host phone quickly discharge?
In access point mode, the smartphone's radio module operates at maximum power, constantly broadcasting a signal and processing data packets from all connected clients. This creates a high load on the processor and battery.
Configuring game settings and creating a lobby
After successfully connecting to the network, it is time to configure the game itself. The host selects the prison, (difficulty) and time of day. T The Escapists 2 it is important to agree on the style of play: will you act together, every man for himself, or will you start a riot. It is better to discuss these points before starting world generation.
In the world creation menu, pay attention to the settings PvP (player versus player). If this option is enabled, prisoners can attack each other, take away items, and even kill each other. For cooperative playthrough, it is better to disable this function so that an accidental push does not lead to a conflict.
⚠️ Attention: Changing difficulty settings or game modifications after creating a world is impossible without completely rebooting the session. Make sure that all parameters suit all players before starting.
The lobby creation interface is intuitive, but there are some nuances. For example, the choice of card affects the available crafting materials. Some maps may be missing certain workbenches or materials, which will change your escape strategy. Discuss the card in advance to avoid misunderstandings.
Troubleshooting connection errors
Even if all instructions are followed, technical problems may arise. One of the most common errors is “Server not found” or an infinite connection. In 90% of cases, this is solved by checking the firewall or antivirus on the route, if there is one, but at the smartphone level, permission to access the local network is most often to blame.
If the game freezes at the stage of loading the world for one of the players, try lowering the graphic settings in the game menu. Shadows and particles heavily load the processor, and if players have different phone models, the weaker one may not have time to process the data, causing lags for everyone.
- 🔄 Restart the game on all devices at the same time if the connection breaks down immediately after start.
- 📡 Switch the Wi-Fi channel on the router to 1, 6 or 11 to avoid interference from neighbors networks.
- 📵 Turn off mobile data (3G/4G/5G) on all devices, leaving only Wi-Fi, so that the system does not try to route traffic through the operator.
In case of desynchronization, when the actions of one player are not displayed by others, the host should make a save and invite the others to reconnect. Sometimes changing the group leader (host) to a device with a more powerful processor and a stable connection helps.
The stability of the connection in The Escapists 2 on Android does not depend on the speed of the Internet, but on the quality of the local network and the same version of the game for all participants.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to play The Escapists 2 via Bluetooth without Wi-Fi?
Officially, the game is designed for a Wi-Fi connection (local network). Direct Bluetooth connection is only possible on some devices and is often unstable or requires third-party applications to emulate the network. It is recommended to use Wi-Fi Direct or a router.
Why does the game crash when a second player connects?
Most likely, there is not enough RAM on the host device or one of the clients. Try closing all background applications, reducing graphics to a minimum and rebooting your devices before starting.
Do you need internet to play over a local network?
No, access to the global Internet is not required. It is enough for the devices to see each other on the local Wi-Fi network. However, to install the game for the first time and check for updates, you will, of course, need the Internet.
Is progress saved when playing online?
Progress is saved only on the host device (the creator of the world). If the host deletes the save or loses data, the entire group's progress will be lost. For guests, progress is usually not saved to continue in single-player mode with the same parameters.