Choose Your Quick Start Guide
Select the networking framework you’re using to get started with PlayFlow Cloud.Video Tutorial
This video demonstrates deploying Unity games to PlayFlow Cloud. The concepts apply to all Unity networking frameworks.
Popular Unity Networking Frameworks
Mirror
High-level networking library with clean API and battle-tested architecture
Mirror WebGL
Deploy Mirror games for web browsers with secure WebSocket connections
Fish-Net
High-performance networking with prediction and lag compensation
Fish-Net WebGL
Deploy Fish-Net games for web browsers with secure WebSocket connections
Unity Netcode
Unity’s official Netcode for GameObjects (NGO)
Generic Setup
For other frameworks or custom networking solutions
Not sure which framework to choose?
- Mirror: Great for beginners, large community, stable and mature
- Fish-Net: Best performance, advanced features, actively developed
- Unity Netcode: Official Unity support, good integration with Unity services
Generic Setup
If you’re using a different framework or custom networking solution, follow these general steps:PrerequisitesBefore you begin, please make sure you have completed the following setup steps:
1. Unity Project Setup
Before uploading your server, ensure your Unity project is correctly configured.Configure Your Networking
Your game needs a networking transport. Make sure you have one set up. Take note of the Port you are using (e.g.,7777
). You will need this later.
Ensure Server Auto-Start
Your dedicated server build must start the server automatically when it launches. Most networking libraries have a setting for this, often called “Start on Headless” or similar. Ensure this is enabled so your server doesn’t just launch and sit idle.2. PlayFlow Account & Project Setup
1
Create your PlayFlow Account
First, you’ll need an account.
- Visit app.playflowcloud.com.
- Sign up with your email or connect with your GitHub/Google account.
2
Set up your Organization
Organizations help you manage your game projects and teams. You’ll be prompted to create one after signing up. Give it a name (e.g., your studio name).
3
Create your First Project
Projects in PlayFlow represent individual games.
- From your organization dashboard, click Create Project.
- Give your project a name and click Create.
3. Upload Your Game Server
You can upload your game server build either directly from the Unity Editor using the PlayFlow plugin (recommended) or manually through the dashboard.- Option 1: Upload via Unity Plugin
- Option 2: Manual Upload
This is the easiest method for Unity developers.
- In your PlayFlow project dashboard, go to API Keys and copy your PlayFlow API Key.
- In the Unity Editor, open the PlayFlow window (PlayFlow → PlayFlow Cloud).
- Paste your API key into the token box.
- Select your game server scene from the list.
- Click Upload Server.
4. Configure and Deploy
1
Configure Network Ports
For clients to connect, you must tell PlayFlow which port to open.
- Go to the Configuration tab in your project.
- Under Network Configuration, add a new port.
- Set the Port Number to match the one your networking transport uses (e.g.,
7777
). - Set the Protocol (usually UDP for games).
- Save your settings.
2
Deploy Your Server
Now you’re ready to launch your server.
- Navigate to the Servers tab.
- Click Create Server.
- Select the build you just uploaded.
- Choose a region and an instance type.
- Click Launch Server.
3
Connect to Your Server
Once the server status changes to “Running”, it’s live.
- Click Details on your running server.
- In the Network section, you will find the public IP Address and Port.
- Use this address and port in your game client to connect.