You need to force the game into LAN mode and bypass Steam's matchmaking.
Right-click the shortcut → Properties → In the Target field, add the following after the existing path:
+net_no_steam 1 +connect_lan 1
Example:
"C:\Program Files (x86)\Serious Sam 3\Binaries\Win64\Sam3.exe" +net_no_steam 1 +connect_lan 1
For some versions, you may also need
-lanor+serious_net_lan 1. Experiment if the above doesn't work.
Troubleshooting: If servers don’t appear, have all players open the console (tilde key
~) and typeopen 192.168.1.x(host’s IP). This forces a direct connection.
Most people want LAN for the hilarious 16-player co-op campaign.
Save progress: The host’s save file works for all. Make backups of SaveGames/ folder.
Serious Sam 3: BFE is a chaotic masterpiece of first-person shooting. While the game officially requires Steam for online matchmaking and network features, many players want to relive the glory days of LAN parties—without an internet connection, without Steam accounts, and without the hassle of DRM. how to play serious sam 3 multiplayer lan without steam
Whether you are setting up a gaming cafe, hosting a bunker party, or simply preserving your right to play offline, this guide will walk you through every method to get Serious Sam 3 running on a Local Area Network (LAN) without touching Steam.
Follow these steps to set up a local multiplayer session of Serious Sam 3: BFE on a LAN without using Steam. This guide assumes each PC already has the game installed and running (retail, DRM-free, or installed from a non‑Steam copy).
If you want, tell me whether you have a Steam or non‑Steam copy and your OS (Windows/Linux) and I’ll give exact commands and port numbers for your setup.
Serious Sam 3: BFE via LAN without the Steam client active, you typically need a Steam emulator to bypass the game's built-in DRM and networking requirements. The most common and reliable method involves using a tool like the Goldberg Steam Emulator
, which redirects Steam API calls to local network broadcasts. Core Requirements
To set this up, ensure all participating computers are on the same local network (physical or virtual). Goldberg Steam Emulator : This replaces the standard steam_api.dll steam_api64.dll ) to allow LAN play without an active Steam account. Game Files : A copy of the game where you can access and replace the files in the bin folder. Direct Network Tools (Optional)
: If you are playing remotely with friends, use a Virtual LAN tool like LogMeIn Hamachi to create a shared network. Setup Steps Locate the Binaries : Go to your Serious Sam 3 installation folder (e.g., Serious Sam 3/Bin/ Apply the Emulator : Backup your original steam_api.dll You need to force the game into LAN
and replace it with the one from the Goldberg Steam Emulator package. Configure Network Identification : Ensure each player has a unique or username, often configurable via a
file provided with the emulator, to avoid session conflicts. Host the Game Launch the game and navigate to Network Play Cooperative Start Server and ensure the mode is set to Join the Game Other players should go to Network Play Select the Search LAN
option and wait for the host's server to appear in the list. Troubleshooting Connectivity Firewall Exceptions : Manually add the game's executable ( Windows Firewall exceptions list. Disable Virtual Adapters
: In some cases, virtual network adapters (like those from VirtualBox) can block LAN visibility. If your friend cannot see the server, try disabling these in Network and Sharing Center Direct IP Connection
: If the server doesn't show up in the list, you can try connecting via the console. Press gam_strConnectToIP = "HOST_IP_ADDRESS:27015" followed by gamStart()
If you only have one PC and want to play with others in the same room, you can also use Nucleus Co-Op , which allows for splitscreen play
on a single machine by opening multiple instances of the game. for your specific game version? For some versions, you may also need -lan
Serious Sam 3: BFE multiplayer over LAN without an active Steam connection, you typically need to use a Steam emulator or a LAN fix that bypasses the Steamworks requirement. While the game has a "LAN" option in the menu, it often still checks for a Steam login unless modified. 🛠️ Requirements & Setup
LAN Fix/Emulator: You will need a third-party "LAN fix" or a Steam emulator (like Goldberg or SmartSteamEmu) to allow the game to bypass Steam's online verification.
Network: All PCs must be on the same local network or a virtual LAN like Radmin VPN or Tailscale.
Firewall: Ensure the game's executable is allowed through the Windows Firewall on all participating PCs. 🕹️ Steps to Play Install the LAN Fix:
Download a dedicated Serious Sam 3 LAN fix (often found on community forums or YouTube guides).
Extract the fix files into the game's Bin/x64 (or Bin) folder. Launch the Game:
Open the game using the custom shortcut or executable provided by the fix. Host a Match (Player 1): Select Network Play from the main menu. Choose Cooperative or Versus. Select Start Server.
Ensure the "Private session" box is unchecked and "LAN" is selected if the option is available. Join a Match (Player 2+): Navigate to Network Play -> Join Game. Change the filter or search tab to LAN. Wait for the host's server to appear and select it to join. 💡 Troubleshooting & Alternatives
Serious Sam 3 uses Steamworks for authentication and matchmaking. To bypass this for a LAN environment, the standard method is to use a "Steam Emulator" (often referred to as a LAN fix). These tools trick the game into thinking the Steam client is running and logged in, while redirecting network traffic to local IP addresses rather than Steam servers.