Setup Guide

Downloads & Requirements

Required Ports:
  • SSX 3 Gameplay: UDP 3658-3659
  • Voice Chat (Optional): UDP 6000-6001

Server Setup (Optional - For Hosting Only)

  1. Run the server executable to generate configuration files
  2. Port forward the following ports to your server:
    • ListenerPort (11000)
    • GamePort (10901)
    • BuddyPort (13505)
  3. Edit the config file to include your server's IP address

PCSX2 Configuration

  1. Use DNAS Patcher21 to bypass DNAS checks:
    • Use modes 1 and 3 to generate a patched ISO
  2. Configure PCSX2 network settings (There are 3 ways to do so):
    1. If using .pnach for server address, leave DNS1 on Auto
    2. If using Internal DNS Set DNS1 Address to Internal and Add entry in Internal DNS: ps2ssx04.ea.com → 44.222.20.117
    3. If using DNS Server Set DNS1 to Manual and Use Setting 44.222.20.117
  3. There are two connection methods: Sockets and PCAP. Sockets is the recommended method.

      Sockets

      1. Go to PCSX2 Settings → Network & HDD
      2. Choose Sockets for Device Type

      PCAP

      1. Follow the PCAP Configuration section for setup
      2. Open your router settings and forward the following ports:
        • 3658-3659 for Gameplay
        • 6000-6001 for Voice Chat
  4. In-game network configuration:
    • Use settings: Not Required, Auto, Auto

PCAP Configuration

Note: PCAP Switched is recommended for most reliable connections
Note: PCAP options treat PCSX2 as a unique device on your network, so you need to create an IP address for it
  1. Install NPCAP from the Downloads section
  2. In PCSX2 Settings → Network & HDD:
    1. Choose PCAP Switched for Ethernet or PCAP Bridged for WiFi
    2. Enable "Intercept DHCP" and find the PS2 Address Box
    3. Set PS2 Address: Use first 3 sections of your gateway (e.g., 192.168.1.)
    4. For the last number, use 100-250 to avoid conflicts

UPnP Configuration

Note: This may work as an aternative to port forwarding or may fail depending on router settings
  1. Download Port Mapper
  2. On the Router Page click Connect
    • If it fails to connect go to Port Mapper settings and try a different UPnP Library (ignoring Dummy Router) and try again
  3. Once Connected, create a Port Mapping preset
    1. Name: SSX3
    2. Port Ranges:
      • UDP 3658-3659 for Gameplay
      • UDP 6000-6001 for Voice Chat
    3. Untick Use Local Host and put in PS2 Address
    4. Save and select the preset and click use
  4. If it appears in the port mappings at the top, it worked. Otherwise you may need to review your router settings

Windows Firewall Setup

Add PCSX2 Exception

  1. Open Control Panel → System and Security → Windows Defender Firewall
  2. Click "Allow an app through Windows Defender Firewall"
  3. Click "Allow another app" and browse to PCSX2 executable

Create Inbound Rules

  1. Open Advanced Settings in Windows Defender Firewall
  2. Create new Inbound Rules:
    • One for UDP Protocol
    • One for TCP Protocol
  3. For each rule:
    1. Select Custom rule type
    2. Browse to PCSX2 executable
    3. Name them PCSX2 UDP and PCSX2 TCP

Common Issues & Notes

  • Find your gateway address using ipconfig in Command Prompt
  • PAL and NTSC versions cannot play together
  • Without Port Forwarding (3658-3659):
    • You can still play, but your experience may be limited
    • You can only challenge players who have forwarded their ports
    • You cannot receive challenges from others
  • "User has declined your challenge" error usually indicates port forwarding issues
  • Players on the same network can play together
  • Crossplay between PS2 and PCSX2 is not currently possible
  • If failing to connect to server and website is still up disable the .pnach and use DNS setting 44.222.20.117
  • Use DNS setting 44.222.20.117 for PS2