How to Set Up the SWAT 4 Unofficial Patch to See Servers in the Game List

How to Set Up the SWAT 4 Unofficial Patch to See Servers in the Game List

SWAT 4, a classic tactical shooter, lost its official multiplayer support when GameSpy shut down its master server. However, thanks to the dedicated community, an unofficial patch allows players to restore the server list and continue enjoying online matches. Here’s how you can set it up.

Step 1: Download the Unofficial Patch

The SWAT 4 community has developed a master server patch that redirects the game’s server queries to an alternative service. You can find the patch on sites like SWAT 4 Docs or community forums.

Step 2: Locate Your Game Directory

Before installing the patch, you need to find your SWAT 4 installation folder. If you have the GOG version, it is typically located at:

• C:\GOG Games\SWAT 4
• C:\Program Files (x86)\GOG Galaxy\Games\SWAT 4

For other versions, check your installation path.

Step 3: Install the Patch

1. Download the correct version of the patch based on your game edition (Standard, Gold Edition, or The Stetchkov Syndicate).
2. Extract the patch files and locate the Engine.dll file.
3. Replace the existing Engine.dll in the appropriate folder:
   • SWAT 4 (Base Game) → Content\System\Engine.dll
   • SWAT 4: The Stetchkov Syndicate → ContentExpansion\System\Engine.dll

Step 4: Modify the Hosts File (Optional)

If the patch does not work immediately, you may need to manually redirect the game’s server queries:

1. Open Notepad as Administrator.
2. Navigate to File > Open… and enter: %SystemRoot%\system32\drivers\etc\hosts
3. Add the following lines at the bottom:
   
   116.202.1.82 swat4.available.gamespy.com 116.202.1.82 swat4.master.gamespy.com 116.202.1.82 swat4.ms15.gamespy.com 116.202.1.82 swat4xp1.available.gamespy.com 116.202.1.82 swat4xp1.ms16.gamespy.com
   
4. Save and close the file.

Step 5: Launch the Game and Check the Server List

1. Start SWAT 4.
2. Click Join Game in the multiplayer menu.
3. If the patch was installed correctly, the server list should populate with active games.

Troubleshooting

• If the server list does not appear, try restarting your PC.
• Ensure your firewall is not blocking SWAT 4’s network access.
• Check community forums for updated patches or fixes.

With this setup, you should be able to see and join multiplayer servers in SWAT 4 once again. Enjoy the tactical action!

How to View SWAT 4 Servers via SWAT 4 Stats Online

With the patch, SWAT4Stats Website, players can still and join active servers. They have an active leaderboard of player rankings. Here’s how you can access the server list online.

Step 1: Visit SWAT4Stats Website

SWAT4Stats provides a real-time server browser that lists all available multiplayer games. You can access it here.

Step 2: Browse Available Servers

Once on the site, you’ll see a list of active servers, including:

• Server Name
• Player Count
• Game Mode (CO-OP, VIP Escort, etc.)
• Ping & Region

Step 3: Join a Server

1. Copy the server IP address from the SWAT4Stats website.
2. Launch SWAT 4 and go to the Multiplayer menu.
3. Click Direct IP Join and paste the copied IP.
4. Hit Connect to join the game.

Hosting a SWAT 4 Server with Citadel Servers

If you want to host your own SWAT 4 multiplayer server, it can be rather complicated to self-host due to a lack of information/infrastructure, there is one hosting company Citadel Servers offers a reliable solution with instant setup and full customization options. Here’s how you can get started:

Step 1: Choose a Hosting Plan

Citadel Servers provides dedicated SWAT 4 game servers with flexible pricing based on the number of player slots. You can configure your server with custom rules, mods, and admin settings.

Step 2: Configure Your Server

Once you’ve rented a server, you’ll have access to a game control panel that allows you to:

• Modify server settings (game mode, maps, player limits).
• Install mods and plugins easily.
• Set up password protection for private matches.
• Enable DDoS protection to secure your server.

Step 3: Access Your Server

After setup, you can start, stop, or restart your server anytime through the control panel. Players can join your server via the multiplayer menu in SWAT 4.

Step 4: Troubleshooting & Support

Citadel Servers offers 24/7 support and FTP access for advanced configurations. If you encounter issues, their support team can assist with setup and optimization.