Finding and Joining a Persistent World

Joining a Persistent World can be difficult and most people really don't know where to begin.

=1. Deciding the World To Join= This is the hardest part, and the method of finding the world for you, as well as the correct instructions.

Sources of Information
The following locations list Persistent Worlds, and provide people with information on what you need to join such as the Persistent Worlds website.
 * Obisidan Boards http://nwn2forums.bioware.com/forums/viewtopic.html?topic=561758&forum=118
 * NWN2 PW Information Central - Dedicated to only listing worlds that do not use potentially harmful overrides, and provides clear instructions on their web sites. http://nwn.bioware.com/guilds_registry/viewforum.html?forum=26578&gid=15280
 * Neverwinter Nights 2 Vault - Provides both hosting of the needed PW Files http://nwvault.ign.com/View.php?view=nwn2pwc.list&show_days_back=10 as well as a listing of available worlds http://nwvault.ign.com/View.php?view=LatestAdditions&clusters=nwn2gameworlds&days=800
 * The latest version of Audolo provides PW information inside the Tool - http://nwvault.ign.com/View.php?view=NWN2Tools.Detail&id=5
 * Gamespy - Jump ahead and take a look at the servers. Clicking server detail may show you information on the server, but be aware the server link and download link generally do not work. This is a bug in the program and most likely has been filled in by the PW Admin. Some PW's
 * Finally Just Ask, Post and describe what you are looking for here http://nwn2forums.bioware.com/forums/viewforum.html?forum=118

Things to look for in Persistent Worlds.
 * Clear instructions on how to install their files and play on their server
 * Are their players and admins are involved in the community. Are they responsive when you have a problem.
 * Join their boards and ask questions.
 * Do they use an installer such as Audolo or Worldgate, or have you do a manual download. Audolo and Worldgate tend to be used by the larger worlds.
 * Are they are "Override Free". Use of overrides means you will have to figure out how to remove any of their installed files prior to playing on any other persistent worlds or
 * What is the servers vision, are they roleplay or action
 * How many players and how many DM's are consistently on.

=2. Find Instructions on Their Website= The server admin should have detailed instructions on how to join their server. In addition they will most likely give you some level of assistance if you register and ask for help on their forums. Not every world is consistent in providing good instructions.

There are three primary methods that PW's use to prep their files. The following links are instructions provided for persistent worlds to customize, but players might be able to use them if the persistent world they wish to join has too little information. If their information is not clear please inform them that these templates are available for them to customize.


 * Audolo Instructions
 * World Gate Instructions
 * Manual PW Updating Instructions

=3. Install PWC and any Needed Files = Run the installer, if you are manually installing, or wish to know where files go the following might help you. Many times files are compressed and programs like 7zip http://www.7-zip.org/ which can decompress multiple formats.

All files go in the your "Neverwinter Nights 2" folder which sits inside your "My Documents" folder.


 * PWC files go into the "PWC" Folder in the "Neverwinter Nights 2" folder
 * Hak files go into the "HAK" Folder in the "Neverwinter Nights 2" folder
 * Other files go into the "Override" and "UI" Folders in the "Neverwinter Nights 2" folder. If in doubt, put them in the Override Folder. It is highly recommended to make a folder for the said Persistent World inside the override folder to keep things organized. Please remember to remove these files before playing on another Persistent World.

Make sure your files are updated periodically. Generally running the installer each day when you start. Those doing manual updates will most likely have to check on the worlds website for information on when they update.

=4. Connect to the Game Via Gamespy.


 * Step 1: Launch Neverwinter Nights 2


 * Step 2: On the main menu, choose Multiplayer


 * Step 3: If you have not logged in before, choose "Create New Account" and fill out the form. The "Bioware Community Name" that you choose will also create an account for you in the NWN2 forums. Click OK when done.


 * Step 4: If you have already created an account, enter your username and password. Click "Sign In" when done.


 * Step 5: Click "Join Internet Game"


 * Step 6: Browse through the servers by choosing the Game Type section and then our world. Make sure to wait a second or two after you choose a different game type, so that the list has time to load.
 * We are in section: <>
 * Our Server Name is: <>
 * Our Module Name is: <>
 * Or you can use our direct connect address: <>


 * Step 7: Click "Connect"


 * Step 8: Make your character, and start playing!