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Archipelago
What it is
Archipelago randomizes supported games and links them in a shared multiplayer environment, where an item found in one player’s game can be assigned to another and sent over the internet. Sessions can be synchronous, with everyone playing at once, or asynchronous, with players joining at their own pace. Supported games can also be generated for single-player play through the website or installed generator software. The website accepts a YAML configuration file or a ZIP containing configuration files and uses the current Archipelago release. To host a session, users can upload a locally generated ZIP or multidata file and provide players with a tracker and patch files. Race generation omits spoiler logs and applies protections that vary by game, including ROM encryption or cheat-mode removal. The supported-games page lists games included with the software and points to guides for custom worlds and other games. Setup guidance includes instructions for macOS clients; the project directs players and developers to Discord for questions. Archipelago is free and open source, with Linux, macOS, web, and Windows support.
For and against
For
- Items can move between players’ games.
- Supports synchronous and asynchronous sessions.
- Single-player generation is available.
- Race mode omits spoiler logs.
- Free and open source.
Against
- The game list is limited to supported titles.
- Online generation requires a YAML file or ZIP.
- Race protections vary by game.
The verdict
Archipelago connects randomized games through shared item progression, with options for solo play, synchronous sessions, and asynchronous play. Players should check the supported-games guides and setup instructions before starting.
Who it suits
It suits players who want to randomize supported games and share progress across a multiplayer session. Game implementation developers can also use the project’s code and documentation.
On the record
- Development
- The project invites game implementation developers to use its GitHub code and documentation and ask questions in its Discord development channel.archipelago.gg · read 30 Sep 2026
- Game generation
- The website generates games by uploading a YAML config file or a ZIP containing config files, and uses the current Archipelago release.archipelago.gg · read 30 Sep 2026
- Game support
- The supported games page lists games included with the Archipelago software and directs users to setup guides for them.archipelago.gg · read 30 Sep 2026
- Generation
- The website generates games by uploading a config file or a zip file containing config files.archipelago.gg · read 30 Sep 2026
- Hosting
- Users can upload a locally generated game ZIP or multidata file to host a game, get a tracker, and let players download patch files.archipelago.gg · read 30 Sep 2026
- Item sharing
- Items found in one player's game can belong to another player and be sent to their game over the internet.archipelago.gg · read 30 Sep 2026
- macOS setup
- The official guides include instructions for running Archipelago clients on macOS.archipelago.gg · read 30 Sep 2026
- Multi-game play
- Players can randomize different supported games and send items between them in one multiplayer environment.archipelago.gg · read 30 Sep 2026
- Play styles
- Multiworld sessions can be synchronous, with everyone playing at once, or asynchronous, with players connecting at their own pace.archipelago.gg · read 30 Sep 2026
- Product
- Archipelago is a cross-game modification system that randomizes different games into a unified multiplayer game.archipelago.gg · read 30 Sep 2026
- Purpose
- Archipelago is a cross-game system that randomizes games and combines them into a unified multiplayer game where items can be sent between players’ games.archipelago.gg · read 30 Sep 2026
- Race games
- Race games are generated without a spoiler log and have game-specific protections such as ROM encryption or cheat mode removal.archipelago.gg · read 30 Sep 2026
- Race mode
- Race games are generated without a spoiler log and have game-specific protections such as ROM encryption or cheat mode removal.archipelago.gg · read 30 Sep 2026
- Release availability
- The project’s GitHub releases page provides compiled Windows binaries, and its release notes mention Linux support and Linux build instructions.github.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Release system
- A player who leaves early can release their game so items in that game belonging to other players are sent automatically.archipelago.gg · read 30 Sep 2026
- Setup and support
- The site provides setup guides, including a guide for running Archipelago clients on macOS, and directs users to Discord for questions.archipelago.gg · read 30 Sep 2026
- Single-player
- Supported games can be generated as single-player experiences on the website or with the installed generator software.archipelago.gg · read 30 Sep 2026
- Support
- The FAQ directs users to the Archipelago Discord, where it says people are available to answer questions.archipelago.gg · read 30 Sep 2026
