. It replaces the game's Steam connection with a LAN broadcast, making the game think it’s connected to Steam while actually communicating directly over your local network. Steps to Set Up: Locate the API DLL: Go to your Serious Sam 3 installation folder (usually ) and find steam_api64.dll Backup & Replace: Rename the original steam_api64.dll steam_api64.dll.bak . Copy the Goldberg Emulator's version of steam_api64.dll into that same folder. App ID File: Create a new text file in the same folder named steam_appid.txt . Open it and type (the AppID for Serious Sam 3) then save it. Network Configuration: To ensure players find each other, you may need to create a folder within the Goldberg directory and add a listen_port.txt or configure the local_save to keep progress separate for each player. Launch & Play: Start the game on all PCs. Network Play Cooperative (or Versus) > Start Server Network Play Search LAN Alternative: IP Connection (Console)

For larger LAN parties, you can run a dedicated server executable, which is more lightweight and stable than hosting from within the game client. The dedicated server tool is available as a free download on Steam under for anyone who owns the game. Once launched, it appears in the in‑game LAN browser for others to join.

Open the , type "Firewall", and select Windows Defender Firewall .

) in your game's folder. It redirects Steam commands into a LAN broadcast, allowing the game to "see" other players on your local network as if they were on Steam. Specific LAN Fixes

Click .

If you do not have a router, one computer can share its internet connection as a Wi‑Fi hotspot:

: Avoid using the game’s built‑in server browser (without the plugin), as it can cause crashes.

Unlike an "exe launcher," the Goldberg Emulator works by directly replacing the game's networking DLL. You simply swap out the official steam_api(64).dll with the emulator's version. This method is extremely clean and effective for many Steam-based games.

helps the game launch and recognize its networking features without the full Steam client. Serious Sam Fusion

: Ensure the game is fully updated and has been launched at least once while online. Switch your Steam client to "Offline Mode." On the second PC, follow the same process. Connect both via Ethernet or the same Wi-Fi. In-game, navigate to Network Play > Join Game and select Search LAN .

If you receive a version error, ensure all participants have the exact same version of the game and the same LAN fix files installed.

Locate the original steam_api.dll (for 32-bit systems) or steam_api64.dll (for 64-bit systems).

Once in the game, the host needs to find their local IP address.

of different LAN network setups (WiFi vs. Ethernet).

: Connect both PCs to the same router or use a direct Ethernet crossover cable.

On the client PCs, navigate to Multiplayer > LAN > Find Games . The hosted server should appear automatically in the local lobby list. Click join to enter the game. To make sure your session goes smoothly, let me know: Are you using the standard game or the Fusion version ? What operating system are the client PCs running? Are you encountering any specific error codes ?