Xbox Live: online gaming FAQ
This resource rounds up answers to all the questions we are frequently asked about gaming online with Xbox Live, from getting connected to games, membership, points and more.
Why settle for beating your friends when you can take on the world?
With the huge variety of multiplayer games now available on the Xbox 360, as well as an extraordinary amount of game add-ons and Xbox Live Arcade games, you're missing out on hours of fun if you're not connected to Xbox Live and all the joy that it ensures. Luckily, CNET Australia is here to help you with this handy guide to connecting and playing on Xbox Live.
This article should answer most questions you might have, but feel free to comment below if there's anything else you'd like to know. Otherwise, try visiting the Microsoft's Xbox Live help page for more information. Have fun!
What do I need to connect to Xbox Live?
Before you even start thinking about playing online, make sure you have the following:
When you have these things, we can begin!
So, how do I start?
Do I have to use a wired connection or can I go wireless?
I've plugged my Xbox 360 into my router, and nothing happens. Help!
I just connected and now my Xbox is downloading something, what did I do?
Don't worry, it's just the New Xbox Experience, an update for the Xbox 360 operating system that enables you to play on Xbox Live. The download is about 128MB in size, which will take up a fairly hefty chunk out of your storage if you only have a 256MB Xbox memory card. One of the benefits of the New Xbox Experience is the ability to install games directly onto a hard drive, dramatically speeding up load times in-game, so we recommend buying an Xbox hard drive if you don't already have one.
Newer "Jasper" series consoles have a limited amount of internal memory to fix this issue, so you may want to check what model you're buying as there is still a lot of older stock on store shelves.
Why is my connection so slow?
What is NAT, and why am I having problems with it?
If you're a bit more technically minded and you still have an issue, you may need to clear your router's firewall and set up port forwarding properly, sometimes called "virtual server". To do this, you'll need to know the IP of your Xbox 360, and you'll need to either open these ports in your firewall, or point them towards your Xbox 360's IP. Unfortunately, every router is different so you'll have to find the appropriate settings on your own.
If technical stuff scares you and you're still pulling your hair out, as a last ditch option you could try disconnecting or turning off any other devices that are also attached to your network, such as laptops and other gaming devices. This may give priority to your Xbox and help address the problem.
Finally, if you are in the market for a new router and don't wish to encounter this problem, try looking for one that is marked as being compatible with Xbox Live or Windows Vista — these devices have been tested to work well with Xbox and other Microsoft systems.
If you have this issue, we recommend going to Microsoft's support site for help. If your Xbox 360 is connected directly to your modem, you should not experience any NAT issues.
Hey, it's working! So, what can I play on Xbox Live?
Most new Xbox games have at least some form of Xbox Live functionality, even if it is only the occasional game fix. More common is full multiplayer gameplay, from the Xbox giants such as Gears of War 2 and Halo 3, to the smaller titles like Xbox Live Arcade's FunTown Mahjong or Uno. Some games also allow friends to work together in cooperative gameplay modes, like in Call of Duty: World at War's cooperative campaign and Nazi Zombie mode.
Some of the popular titles that have downloadable content or can be played on Xbox Live, as indicated by the "Live" logo in the top right corner. (Credit: CNET Australia)
Aside from the joy of outshooting, out-driving or out-thinking your friends and strangers alike online, many games also offer downloadable content, which often take the form of extra missions and story lines such as in Fallout 3's Operation Anchorage and Grand Theft Auto IV's Lost and the Damned. Other such downloads can be map packs, such as those on offer for Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare and Gears of War 2, and new weapons and other items available in games such as Skate 2 and The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.
Any game that has downloadable content or multiplayer action for the title will include an Xbox Live logo in the top right of the box, next to the Xbox 360 logo.
You can purchase games, images, etc on Xbox Live's Marketplace (Credit: CNET Australia)
So how do I pay for this pleasure?
The other way to pay is to subscribe via credit card either through the "My Account" menu on the Xbox site or via your console. It costs AU$29.95 for a three-month Gold membership, or AU$79.95 for a 12-month membership. Obviously, these two options are much cheaper than their in-store equivalents, but be warned, if you don't specifically cancel your subscription after 12 months, it will automatically renew and you'll be charged once more.
When you buy a new Xbox 360 console, you should find a free one month Gold membership trial for Xbox Live in the box. Some games, usually ones made by Microsoft Game Studios, also come with a free trial, and if, heaven forbid, you experience a Red Ring of Death, Microsoft provides you with the same trial to soften the blow you were dealt.
One final thing of note is the Xbox Live 12-month Premium Gold Pack. Whilst a mouthful to say, this box is available for purchase at most gaming and electronics stores, and includes a 12-month Gold level membership, 200 Microsoft points, a wired Xbox headset and the Bankshot Billiards 2 Xbox Live Arcade game.
This is where you can check your account and update your membership level (Credit: CNET Australia)
What's the difference between Gold and Silver membership?
Xbox Live membership is divided into two types — Silver and Gold.
Xbox sometimes holds "Gold Weekends", which allow Silver users free Gold membership for the weekend — look out for these events on Xbox.com.
What do I need to create an Xbox Live account?
An internet connection and a computer! You don't need to connect your Xbox 360 console to create either a Silver or Gold account. Simply head to the Xbox site to begin your account creation. From there, you'll need to enter basic information to create a Silver account, but an address and credit card information will be required to create a Gold account, even if you'll be paying with subscription cards bought from stores. You won't be charged, but Microsoft still requires a card for validation purposes.
What are Microsoft Points?
How do I buy Microsoft Points?
I really need to download something, but I'm at work away from my Xbox! What can I do?
If you can't access your Xbox console and have a burning need to download that Call of Duty map pack right away, you can purchase the item on your computer, and your Xbox will automatically begin downloading it when you next connect to Xbox Live. So you'll always be able to download stuff from Xbox Live, even when you're away from your 360. Thanks, Microsoft!
Speaking of which, how much data does Live use up?
When is the best time to play online?
Most people jump onto Live in the evenings and on weekends, so that's probably the best time to get on-board as there will be more people online that you can play with. Bear in mind, though, that there are far more Xbox Live players in the US and Europe than in Australia, and they generally go online during the Australian morning and afternoon, respectively, so there's no bad time to go online.One way to quickly secure a game is to make extensive use of the Friends List feature. By adding friends and those you enjoyed playing with, you can quickly create a list of gamers who (hopefully) share a similar taste in games as you, giving you more of a chance to play your favourite game online.
You should also look out for events hosted by Xbox, and gaming sites such as GameSpotAU. GameSpotAU regularly hosts Games Nights for a variety of different games and consoles, which allows you to play a fun game and maybe meet some new people of similar tastes online.