FAQ

Go to Settings → Networking → Ad hoc server address and pick ArenaAnywhere from the dropdown. Then set:

• Port offset: 10000
• Server-provided packet relay: ON
• Enable UPnP: OFF

Pick the one closest to you:

• Africa: South Africa server
• Europe / Russia: Europe server
• Southeast Asia / India / Pakistan: Asia server
• USA / Canada / Latin America: Coming Soon
• Middle East: Try Europe or Asia — pick whichever gives better ping

If a server feels slow, try a different one. You can check live player counts on the Live Lobby page.

relay-sa.arenaanywhere.site — South Africa
relay-asia.arenaanywhere.site — Asia
relay.arenaanywhere.site — Europe
relay-na.arenaanywhere.site — Coming Soon

No. The relay handles the connection between players. If anything, turn your VPN off — it can interfere with the connection and add unnecessary latency.

The relay server runs on TCP port 27312. You don't need to open any ports on your router — the relay handles the connection for you. Just make sure PPSSPP's port offset is set to 10000.

Yes. PPSSPP works on Android and iOS, and ArenaAnywhere works on both. The setup is identical — go to Settings → Networking and configure the same way as on PC.

Yes. Visit the Live Lobby page to see real-time player counts, active games, and server status for all 4 servers.

Both players connect to the same server and join the same group name in-game (usually LOBBY). One player creates a room, the other scans for rooms. If settings are correct it shows up straight away.

Yes, that's the whole point. Players in Nigeria, South Africa, Pakistan, Indonesia, Brazil, Turkey, Russia and everywhere else play on ArenaAnywhere daily. As long as you're on the same server and same group name, you can find each other.

Using the nearest server:

• Nigeria → SA: 90–110ms
• South Africa → SA: 20–40ms
• Europe → EU: 30–80ms
• Southeast Asia → Asia: 30–60ms
• USA → NA: Coming Soon

These are playable for most games. Cross-region play will have higher ping but is still functional.

Yes, in-game chat works through the relay the same as normal ad-hoc play. You'll also see server announcements from ArenaAnywhere occasionally in the chat box.

The server supports up to 1,024 concurrent connections. Individual game lobbies are limited by the game itself — most PSP games support 2–8 players per room, with some like Monster Hunter supporting larger gatherings.

In some games like Monster Hunter, players join virtual rooms called gathering halls before starting a match. The group name (e.g. LOBBY, GH01A) acts like a channel — all players in the same group name can see each other's rooms. Make sure you and your friends are in the same group name.

This is almost always a settings mismatch. Check that:

• Both players are on the same server
• Port offset is 10000 for both
• Packet relay is ON for both
• You're in the same group name
• You're running the same game version / region

Try these in order:

• Make sure packet relay is ON for both players
• Turn off any VPN or firewall
• Restart PPSSPP completely and reconnect to the server
• Try a different server — the one you're on may be experiencing issues
• Check if your game versions match (different regions sometimes can't connect)

• Switch to a server closer to both players
• Turn off UPnP in PPSSPP settings
• Check your internet connection — mobile data can cause spikes
• Close background apps that use bandwidth
• If playing cross-continent, some lag is unavoidable due to physical distance

Random disconnects are usually caused by:

• Unstable internet connection (especially mobile data)
• The server timing you out due to inactivity between packets
• Your router blocking the connection after a period of inactivity

Make sure your connection is stable and try switching from mobile data to WiFi or vice versa.

First check the Live Lobby page to confirm the server is online. If it shows online but PPSSPP still can't connect:

• Check your DNS — try changing to 8.8.8.8 (Google DNS)
• Your ISP may be blocking the connection — try mobile data instead
• Restart PPSSPP and try again

Double check:

• Same exact server address — not just "Asia" but the same full domain
• Same group name (case sensitive in some games)
• Same game and same region/version of the game
• Both have packet relay ON
• Neither of you is behind a strict NAT or firewall

If everything matches and it still doesn't work, ask in Discord — someone will help.

ArenaAnywhere has an anti-spam system in place. If you send too many chat messages in a short period, you'll be automatically muted for a few minutes. The mute duration increases with repeat offenses. Just wait it out — the mute will lift automatically.