If you're a developer working with Unreal Engine 5 (UE5) and trying to implement multiplayer functionality, you may have encountered an issue with the Find Session Advanced node not functioning as expected. This article will guide you through understanding the problem, offering a solution, and providing useful tips for optimizing your multiplayer game experience.
Understanding the Problem
In many cases, developers report that the Find Session Advanced function fails to return any results, making it impossible to locate existing sessions in a multiplayer game. Below is a common scenario with an original code snippet that illustrates this issue:
// Original code snippet for finding sessions
FOnlineSessionSearchResult SearchResult;
TSharedPtr<FOnlineSessionSearch> SearchSettings = MakeShareable(new FOnlineSessionSearch());
SearchSettings->MaxSearchResults = 20;
SearchSettings->PingBucketSize = 50;
SearchSettings->TimeoutInSeconds = 5;
// Start finding sessions
IOnlineSession::Get()->FindSessions(0, SearchSettings.ToSharedRef());
Why "Find Session Advanced" Might Not Work
Several factors could contribute to the Find Session Advanced node not working properly in Unreal Engine 5:
- Session Settings Misconfiguration: If the session settings are not correctly configured, the node might not be able to find any sessions.
- Network Issues: Any instability in the network could prevent your application from retrieving session data.
- Missing Online Subsystem: Ensure that the appropriate online subsystem (like Steam, Xbox Live, etc.) is integrated and set up correctly.
- Firewall or NAT Issues: Local firewalls or NAT configurations may block network traffic necessary for session discovery.
Analysis & Solutions
To effectively troubleshoot the Find Session Advanced issue, follow these steps:
Step 1: Verify Session Settings
Ensure that the session settings are correct and include all necessary parameters. For instance:
// Correctly configure your session settings
FOnlineSessionSettings SessionSettings;
SessionSettings.bIsLANMatch = true; // Set to true for LAN games
SessionSettings.NumPublicConnections = 4; // Set this according to your game needs
SessionSettings.bShouldAdvertise = true; // Ensure that the session is advertised
SessionSettings.bIsDedicated = false; // Set true if it's a dedicated server
Step 2: Test Network Connectivity
Check if your network allows for peer-to-peer connections. You can do this by performing a simple network test using basic tools such as ping or traceroute.
Step 3: Review Online Subsystem Configuration
Make sure that the appropriate online subsystem is configured in your project's settings. Open your DefaultEngine.ini file and confirm the configurations, such as:
[OnlineSubsystem]
DefaultPlatformService=Null
Replace Null with your specific platform (e.g., Steam, OnlineSubsystemNull for local testing, etc.).
Step 4: Firewall Configuration
If you're still having issues, check your firewall settings. Ensure that Unreal Engine and your game are allowed through the firewall, as they might be blocked.
Practical Example
Suppose you're developing a local multiplayer game where users connect to a LAN. If you implement the session correctly and set it as a LAN match, players on the same network should be able to find and join the session seamlessly.
Here’s how you would typically call the Find Sessions method:
if (SessionSettings.bIsLANMatch) {
IOnlineSession::Get()->FindSessions(0, SearchSettings.ToSharedRef());
}
By adhering to these configurations and checks, your Find Session Advanced functionality should start working as intended.
Conclusion
Encountering problems with the Find Session Advanced functionality in Unreal Engine 5 can be frustrating, but with the proper steps and understanding, you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve these issues. Always ensure your configurations are correct, test your network, and review your online subsystem settings.
Additional Resources
- Unreal Engine Documentation - Online Sessions
- Unreal Engine Forums - A helpful community for sharing your experiences and solutions.
- Unreal Engine YouTube Channel - Video tutorials on multiplayer features and online subsystems.
Implementing these best practices will not only enhance your multiplayer game development skills but also improve your overall project quality. Happy coding!
