Artemis SBS is a coop game, in the style of a LAN (offline multiplayer network) game. This means it is not meant to be played alone. There is an obvious and unofficial style based from the Star Trek series and films. Each player controls an individual "station" on their ship, however each station does not have all the information available to the ship in total. This means the game has a high communication requirement between station controllers, and voice chat is highly recommended (most groups who play say it is a mandatory requirement).

The game can run eight player ships at once, each of whom have six stations to man: Captain, Helm, Weapons, Science, Engineering and Communications. You only need to man Helm and Weapons to beat a game and achieve victory, but the other stations add so much depth and utility to your ship.

Note that while it is possible for one player to operate more than one station at once, it is very difficult to do so. The only station which I would recommend to be used in this way is comms, because it requires the least micro-management.

It's a good idea to experience the game first before you jump into a ship with other players. This part of the guide will explain how to do this.

• Run Artemis SBS from Steam Choose Start Server and Solo Game. Write down "This Machine's Address" in the top left as you will need it shortly.
  
• Right-Click on Artemis SBS in your Library and choose properties. Then choose the "Local Files" tab, and click on "Browse Local Files". Now run Artemis.exe from this folder (You may want to make a shortcut to this file because you'll be using it every time you host and play).
  
• You now have a second instance of the game running. Choose Connect to Server after entering in your local IP (The one you wrote down earlier).
  
• You can now choose a ship and station(s). To begin with I recommend you select the stations of Helm and Weapons.
  
• Return to the server window and press Start Game. You can now play from the client window! To switch between stations, just select them from the bar at the top of the screen.

If you want to learn all the intricacies of each station, refer to the manual supplied with the game. Just select the game from your library and click "Show Manual". It explains there much better than I ever could here.

To play a multiplayer game, you first of all need people to play with you! There is no in-game matchmaking in Artemis SBS so you'll need to contact people yourself. The community's group chat and forum is a great place to start.

Assuming you have (recommended two) other people to play, let's get to hosting a server. Artemis SBS uses port 2010 TCP. If you connect through a router you will need to port-forward. Refer to your router's manual, software, or Port Forward[portforward.com] (Making sure to select "Default Guide" after selecting your router from the list).

Note that if you experience problems with port-forwarding, asking on the official forums is the best place to find a solution. I am by no means an expert on this technology.

• Run Artemis SBS from Steam Choose Start Server and whichever gamemode you desire.
  
• Find our the ip of your machine, the easiest way is to go to http://www.whatismyip.com/. Give this ip address to your friends to connect to your server.
  
• When everyone is ready, start your server and start the fun!

Should you wish to play and host at the same time, follow the instructions below:

• Right-Click on Artemis SBS in your Library and choose properties. Then choose the "Local Files" tab, and click on "Browse Local Files". Now run Artemis.exe from this folder (You may want to make a shortcut to this file because you'll be using it every time you host and play).
  
• You now have a second instance of the game running. Choose Connect to Server after entering in your IP.

If you have problems with connections or hosting, try to limit how much other applications use the internet. Hosting a voice communication server, or uploading/downloading files can have a catastrophic effect on the game. If you are still having problems, try the official forums for support.

• Solo Game: Limits the players to using only one ship, playing in a randomly generated sector.
  
  • Difficulty Level: Affects the number, ability and ship size of enemies. See : http://artemiswiki.pbworks.com/w/page/62217089/Difficulty%20Settings for more info.
    
  • Layout:
    
    • Siege: You have to protect four stations from a set number of enemy forces from all sides.
      
    • Single Front: You must engage and destroy all enemies which approach from one side. There are no stations.
      
    • Double Front: You must engage and destroy all enemies which approach from two opposing sides. There are no stations.
  • Sector:
    
    • Barren: No spacial anomalies or obstacles.
      
    • Interesting: A moderate amount of black holes, space creatures, minefields, asteroids and nebulae.
      
    • Very Interesting: A high density of black holes, space creatures, minefields, asteroids and nebulae.
  • Time Limit: Maximum length of time a game can continue before it is ended as per the window
• PVP Game: 1-8 ships, which can fire upon each other, playing in a randomly generated sector.
  
• Co-op Game: 1-8 ships, which cannot fire upon each other, playing in a randomly generated sector. Once a player ship is destroyed, it is respawned at full stocks near a space station, however ALL enemy ships will be respawned.
  
• Scripted Game 1-8 ships, which can fire upon each other, playing in a preset mission.
  
• Customize Options:
  These may not apply to all game types.
  
  • Network Update Speed: How often the game updates everyone. Reduce to increase responsiveness at the cost of more network traffic. If you experience problems with voice communication, then increase this setting, especially if the game host is the voice communication host.
    
  • Sensors Range: The range at which the science station's sensors can detect stealthy ships, and scan them for additional information.
    
  • Enemy Speed: A modifier to increase or decrease enemy ship speed. This affects maneuverability and impulse.
    
  • Enemy Shields: A modifier to increase or decrease enemy shields toughness.
    
  • Enemy Weapon Power: A modifier to increase or decrease enemy beam and missile damage.
    
  • Player Shield Strength: A modifier to increase or decrease friendly shield toughness.
    
  • Player Weapon Power: A modifier to increase or decrease friendly beam and weapon damage.
    
  • Start Delay: How long after starting a game before the simulation is unpaused. Used in PVP games to give crews time to learn the map and the tactical situation.

This guide will expand with time, if you have any requests or feedback please leave it below or message me. I am often up for playing a game, even if it is teaching new players how to play. I'll often be in the community group chat in steam should you wish to play a game. This is a great way to find people to play games also.

Please try your best to play this game with voice communication! Trying to play Artemis SBS without voice comms is like trying to bake a pie without an oven. You're just left with an unsatisfying and unfinished product.