Free Tool 'Porthole' Lets Steam Friends Join Game Servers Without Port Forwarding
The tool removes a common technical barrier for hosting game servers, making LAN-style play accessible to users in NAT or CGNAT environments like apartments or dorms.
Reporting from 1 source: 4Gamer.net.
SeStudio announced 'Porthole - Local Port Sharing', a free utility for Windows and Linux that lets Steam friends connect to dedicated game servers for 'Terraria' and Java 'Minecraft', or play LAN multiplayer remotely, without port forwarding or a global IP. It uses Steam network sharing and P2P or Valve relay. Release is Q3 2026.
SeStudio announced 'Porthole - Local Port Sharing', a free PC utility that bypasses the need for router port forwarding or a public IP address when inviting Steam friends to game servers. The tool shares specified TCP/UDP ports over the Steam network, letting the host create a lobby that friends join via a share code or the Steam friends list. Connections run directly via P2P or through Valve's relay network. It supports 'Terraria' dedicated servers and the Java edition of 'Minecraft', as well as LAN multiplayer games. The developer targets users who cannot configure routers in apartments or dormitories. The Steam store page is live, and the release is planned for Q3 2026 on Windows and Linux.
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 1 cited source below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.