Testing Multiplayer: Local Multi-Instance Development Workflow

The best way to test multiplayer is having someone join your game, but s&box provides tools for solo testing.

Spawning a New Instance

Click the network status icon in the header bar and select "Join via new instance." A new game instance will appear and join your running session.

Live Code Iteration

You can continue coding on your main instance with the game running and other instances joined. Code changes are mirrored to all connected clients in real-time, including friends who have joined.

Reconnecting

Use the reconnect command in the console to reconnect a client.

Manual Join

Open a new instance and run connect local in the console to manually join your local editor session.

This workflow allows rapid multiplayer iteration without needing external testers for basic functionality testing.