To more effectively coordinate multiplayer missions, voice and text messaging is built into Prepar3D.
Pre-session Text Chat
Once you are signed in to a LAN connection in Multiplayer, you can start using text chat. Use chat to pass information between the host and players while setting up the session.
To display/hide the chat window
- Click the Chat button in the lower left corner of the final Distributed Simulation Session Lobby screen.
To send a message to all players
- Click the chat button
- Type a message in the text field provided.
- Click Send.
In-session Text Chat
Multiplayer sessions have chat built in so players can send and receive messages while flying together.
To display/hide the chat window
- Press CTRL+SHIFT+] (right bracket).
To send a message to players
- Type a message in the text field provided.
- Click Send.
To eject people from the multiplayer session (HOST ONLY)
- Select the user you wish to eject from the Online Players list.
- Click the red X next to the player's name.
- Confirm that you would like to eject the player from the session.
- Player is successfully ejected from the game.
Voice Communication in Multiplayer
Voice communication during a Multiplayer session frees you from having to type text messages to other players. It adds realism if you are using Multiplayer Air Traffic Control, especially if you use a Windows-compatible headset.
The Multiplayer host must enable voice communication options before starting a session. To learn more about setting host options for voice communication, see Basic Options.
There are three voice communication options (broadband Internet connection required):
| Option | How it works |
|---|---|
| Always activated for all players | All players in the session can hear all other players. Players must press and hold CAPS LOCK to talk. |
| Only activated using aircraft radios | Players wishing to talk to each other must tune to the same radio frequency, then press and hold CAPS LOCK to talk. Press and hold SHIFT+CAPS LOCK to broadcast to all players, regardless of whether they're on the same radio frequency. |
|
Enable shared voice communication via aircraft intercom |
Only available when two players are sharing an aircraft. With this option, players are not required to press a button to talk. |
To use a headset in Multiplayer
- Be sure the headset is plugged into the correct port on your computer.
- Enable the voice communication host options.
- During the session, press and hold CAPS LOCK to talk to other pilots or air traffic control. Release CAPS LOCK to stop transmitting.
IMPORTANT: There are a couple of things to know if you're going to use a headset. For the most realism, you only want voice communication coming through the headset.
- If your headset is your only audio output, all sounds will come through the headset, including engine noise, wheels on pavement, and even e-mail notifications if you have your e-mail client running.
- You must have two or more audio devices (sound cards) in your computer to enable voice-only audio through your headset.
To enable voice-only audio on a headset
(Two sound cards required)- On the main menu, click Settings, and then click Sound.
- Locate the Windows sound devices section.
- In the Sound playback list, select a sound card to play all sounds other than voice.
- Click the Voice tab.
- In the Voice playback list, select a sound card to receive voice audio (it must be a different sound card than the one chosen on the Audio tab).
- In the Voice recording list, select a sound card to transmit voice audio (it must be different from the sound card chosen on the Audio tab).
- Click Accept to successfully save your changes.