> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.airship.gg/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.airship.gg/networking/local-server-mode.md).

# Local Server Mode

We have two formats for server mode during local development: [Dedicated](#dedicated) and [Shared](#shared). You can swap your development mode by pressing the toggle left of the play button:

<figure><img src="https://214663474-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FIbaXflSJA8L9N9yOx089%2Fuploads%2FXN2D4JFa6MdmOt5UuVf3%2FScreenshot%202024-07-03%20at%202.41.36%20PM.png?alt=media&amp;token=aaaf25f0-de45-4933-becc-8d1a0f09371c" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Dedicated

Local development in dedicated mode mimics how a published game will run. In dedicated you will need one Unity editor instance for each connected client and one for the server.

We use **Multiplayer Play Mode** (MPPM) to manage multiple editor windows. Each window represents a different client (with one for the server).

How to setup a dedicated server using MPPM:

1. Open menu item `Window > Multiplayer Play Mode`
2. Tag Player 2 with Server (`Add Tags for Player > Server`)
3. Check the box left of Player 2 (this should open your server window)

<figure><img src="https://214663474-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FIbaXflSJA8L9N9yOx089%2Fuploads%2Fo6gQXL5hO90ra0rwHp24%2FScreenshot%202024-07-03%20at%201.56.01%20PM.png?alt=media&amp;token=97fd70a4-5454-4ccf-9bf8-609fc19e621d" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Shared

Shared mode doesn't require multiple editor windows. Instead, your single window will function as both the client and server. Both `Game.IsServer()` and `Game.IsClient()` will return `true`. This is useful because time-to-play becomes faster. The downside is that the game behaves differently in editor than when published on a dedicated server.&#x20;

{% hint style="warning" %}
Shared mode will behave differently from a published game. You should make sure to test your game in dedicated before publishing.
{% endhint %}