This was a controversial decision. For years, the community consensus was that LAN was "dead" in CoH2. As documented in various support threads and review sections, players attempting to play on a closed network without internet access found the game would freeze on the menu or refuse to detect other computers.
COH2’s biggest LAN enemy is inconsistent game data. Before any serious match:
This was the classic solution used for 32-bit CoH2 and still works for updated versions. You must ensure you run hamachi.exe and RelicCoH2.exe as Administrator. After connecting via Hamachi, the host presses "Open to LAN" in the game menu. The IP displayed in the chat window is the Hamachi IPv4 address. Other players manually connect by clicking "Add Server" and typing that IP.
While a dedicated offline LAN button does not exist in the official build, players typically use these workarounds to achieve a local-style experience:
For environments with zero internet access, players utilize third-party network emulators (like Goldberg Emulator or traditional tools like Hamachi/Radmin VPN configured for local subnets) alongside specific game versions to bypass the online check-in. Step-by-Step Setup for a Seamless Local Match company of heroes 2 lan updated
The answer is .
Whether you are hosting a high-school basement tournament, running a military history esports event, or just want to play 2v2 with a friend in the same room without rubber-banding, the updated LAN method delivers. Relic may never announce this feature officially. But for those who know where to look, the Eastern Front is open for local business—low latency, no excuses.
Launch the game directly via the .exe file. The custom game menu will now allow direct IP entry or local lobby broadcasts. Essential Firewall & Network Optimizations
Released in 2013, Company of Heroes 2 was praised for its engaging gameplay, historical accuracy, and robust multiplayer features. The game allowed players to command Soviet or German forces through some of World War II's most pivotal battles. Despite its critical acclaim, the community has always sought a more nostalgic way to enjoy the game—playing with friends over a LAN. This was a controversial decision
For years, the only "solution" was to simply accept that Company of Heroes 2 was an always-online title. The community asked, begged, and pleaded for a "LAN mode," but as the game aged, official updates became focused on balance patches and DLC commanders rather than structural networking changes.
: Programs like Radmin VPN , ZeroTier , or Hamachi are commonly used to create a virtual local network. However, because CoH2 verifies players through Steam, you must still be logged into Steam to invite friends to a "Custom Game" lobby.
: The game lacks a dedicated LAN button. All multiplayer sessions, including "Custom Games," typically require an active connection to Steam servers for authentication and matchmaking.
A note on the legal and practical reality: Many LAN centers ask if CoH2 can be played completely offline without Steam. COH2’s biggest LAN enemy is inconsistent game data
The Battlegrounds mod is designed for longevity and strategic depth, where your units gain veterancy and carry items over between matches.
Click . Click Change settings (requires administrator privileges). Scroll down to Company of Heroes 2 . Ensure both Private and Public checkboxes are ticked. Network Profile Configuration
Open Windows Defender Firewall -> Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall . Ensure both Public and Private checkboxes are ticked for Company of Heroes 2 and your LAN emulator tool. 3. Endless Loading Screens or Disconnections
If you are looking to play with others locally or offline, here is the current state of the game: Official Connectivity Status No Native LAN
Extract the Goldberg steam_api.dll and paste it into the game folder.