Can we finally get proper co-op multiplayer in 2026?

[symb]

I’ve spent days trying to set up a simple co-op session with a friend, and all we get is error 10019 over and over again.

I configured port forwarding correctly, only to find out both of us are behind CGNAT — which is extremely common in 2026.

So we tried Radmin VPN instead.

Except IL-2 still doesn’t even have a proper direct-connect system. The only option is to expose the server publicly and hope the networking works. Even after binding the server to the Radmin IP, we still get the exact same connection error.

Meanwhile, I can launch basically any modern multiplayer game on Steam and instantly play with friends without:

• forwarding ports,

• disabling firewalls,

• resetting Winsock,

• changing adapter priorities,

• fighting virtual network adapters,

• or debugging networking like it’s 2004.
  
  
   

IL-2’s multiplayer infrastructure feels completely outdated and poorly suited for modern internet setups.

And yet new DLCs keep releasing for 80 euros while basic co-op connectivity remains a nightmare.

Please stop stacking premium-priced content on top of broken multiplayer infrastructure and finally implement:

• proper Steam relay networking,

• NAT traversal,

• modern peer-to-peer connectivity,

• or literally any reliable co-op solution that works on normal home networks.

Players should not need enterprise-level networking knowledge just to fly with one friend.

I own every WW2 DLC for this game — several hundred euros worth of content that I can barely use in co-op with another paying customer.

I even bought some DLCs twice:

• almost every Steam DLC except Odessa,

• plus nearly a dozen products directly from the official store.

At this point, it honestly feels like either complete incompetence or complete disregard for customers. Modern networking solutions already exist:

• Steam Datagram Relay,

• Steam Networking Sockets,

• NAT traversal libraries,

• relay networking,

• modern P2P protocols.

Even tiny indie games let players simply invite a friend and play without dealing with VPNs, CGNAT, routers, port forwarding, or virtual adapters.

Instead, customers are told to “wait for the next project” while more premium DLC keeps getting released for the current one.

Excellent product.

And honestly, this kind of attitude toward existing customers does not exactly inspire confidence in buying the new Korea project.
 

Please implement the necessary networking improvements so there is actually a reason to keep investing in new content.

Whether Korea will succeed or not is still unknown. But right now you already have a loyal fanbase here — one that has supported this game for years and shouldn’t be treated with this level of neglect!