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Installing Java and checking the game client works

The game client runs on Windows, Mac and Linux (anywhere Java can be run). There is no easy way of using the game client on a phone, tablet, chromebook or games console.

To run the game client you need to install Java. You can download and install Java from its home page: https://www.java.com/en/

Once you have installed Java, the next thing to do is try to watch a live game, this will confirm that the game client is working, and that you can also play.

Spectating a game

• To spectate, in the main navigation menu click on GAME. This will bring up a list of all games in progress.

• Click the "Spectators" link under one of the games being played (highlighted in yellow in the image below). This will initiate the download of a file named "ffblive.jnlp". This is just a small text file that Java will use to start the game for you.

• If things have gone according to plan, opening this file will launch the game and allow you to spectate. Excellent, the main technical barriers are cleared.

• If it doesn't work: There will probably be a couple of technical steps needed to get the game to launch, please follow Resolving issues with Java to get things working.

• If it still doesn't work: Don't worry, we will get it working! Ask on Discord or via the forums for help.

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