Choose Your Own Adventure: Set Up a Multiboxing System

Preparation

• 1

  Consider your options and determine the type of multiboxing system you want to use. It's possible to multibox with a single computer or using separate computers, with the terms of service of the game you play often determining which type of multiboxing is preferable.

• 2

  Evaluate your current computer hardware to determine what changes need to be made in preparation for multiboxing. Take note of the wattage of your power supply, the speed and configuration of your computer's CPU, the amount of system memory that you have installed and both the processing core and graphics memory included on your graphics card. If using a single computer, a high-speed dual-core or quad-core CPU and high-wattage power supply should be used if possible. The computer should have at least 2GB to 4GB of RAM to support the data from multiple instances of the same game, or more if using a 64-bit operating system. This is not necessary if using multiple computers, although each computer should at least meet the minimum requirements to play the game and should meet the recommended requirements if possible.

• 3

  Determine the additional hardware, if any, you need for your multiboxing system. This could include computer upgrades such as a new CPU, larger power supply, additional RAM and new video cards to ensure that multiple instances of a game can run on your computer. If your motherboard supports multiple graphics cards in an SLI or Crossfire configuration, then this should be taken into consideration. If you plan to multibox with multiple computers, the additional hardware you need includes the actual computers or the parts necessary to build them.

• 4

  Decide how you wish to display the game information for your multiboxing system. If using a single computer, consider whether you want to switch between different game instances on a single monitor or if you would prefer to have a second monitor that displays multiple instances. If using multiple computers, decide whether you want each computer to have its own monitor or if you would prefer to use only one or two displays that you can switch between the computers.

• 5

  Purchase the items that you need to complete your multiboxing system, including additional computer systems if you will be performing a hardware multibox instead of running multiple instances of your game on the same computer. If your multiboxing system is intended for a paid or pay-for-play game that requires separate accounts for each instance, make sure that you purchase additional copies of the game as well.

Implementation

• 6

  Install any hardware upgrades that you purchased for your existing computer and set up or build any additional computers that you will use for multiboxing. Test each computer to ensure that it boots and runs properly.

• 7

  Place your primary computer and any additional computers on or around the desk where you will play the game. Position your monitor or monitors on the desk so they are easy to see, using a monitor-rigging system to support multiple monitors if necessary. Position peripherals such as mice and keyboards as well.

• 8

  Install the game you wish to multibox on your primary computer and on any additional computers you will use. Launch the game on each computer and adjust the graphics and audio settings to ensure proper gameplay on the computer's hardware. If using a single computer for multiboxing, put graphics and audio settings on their lowest levels to reduce resource strain when multiple game instances are running.

• 9

  Shut down any nonessential programs and applications on each computer that is part of your multiboxing system. This is vital if using a single computer for multiboxing since every program that is running competes with your game instances for system resources.

• 10

  Launch the game instances you will play, with either one instance on each computer or multiple instances on a single computer. Log in to separate accounts for each copy of the game and select a character. Select the same game server for each account if the game offers multiple server options to ensure that each of your characters is in the same version of the game world.

• 11

  Focus on one character at a time, using the other characters as support for the actions of your primary character. The game instance that features your primary character should be in the largest window or placed on a display by itself. Support characters should be in smaller windows, sharing a secondary display if possible.