For a while now, there have been a number of free Internet VPN solutions available or private personal use. I’m rather new to the whole VPN idea, but even I can remember programs like Hamachi, Wippien, Leaf (now discontinued), and Comodo EasyVPN (now called Comodo Unite).

As an avid gamer with many gamer friends, I love to play private games on a simulated local area network (LAN). For the most part, it’s faster and safer. However, even with the broad selection of free VPN software out there, sometimes we tend to run into complications when gaming - especially because most VPN programs aren’t catered to gaming.

But now, with Tunngle, gaming over simulated LAN is made easy. Keep reading to see why you should care about Tunngle and how you can use it for your private games.

What Is Tunngle?

For a long time, computer games with Internet multiplayer have come bundled with a LAN mode, meaning you can play the game with other computers hooked up to your local network. With VPN software, you can simulate a LAN across the Internet, thus allowing you to play a LAN game over the Internet.

Why would you want to do this? For one thing, there are some games (either very old or very poorly made) which only support multiplayer gaming over LAN. In cases like this, using a VPN like Tunngle is the only way you can play with your friends without all of you being on the same network.

play games on vpn

But the bigger, more prominent reason for using a program like Tunngle is the bonus features that it offers. Tunngle has hundreds of private VPNs, each one supporting a different game. Using the game browser, you can connect to a VPN for your game and play with other players connected to that same VPN.

Other features include a Tunngle-wide instant messenger where you can add friends and chat before or after games; file-sharing with your friends; advanced networking security so all of your connections are encrypted and anonymous; a well-documented Wiki for troubleshooting and knowledge.

As of writing this article, Tunngle is in beta. This means that all of its features are currently unlocked and available. Once the program launches officially, there will be two versions: Basic and Premium.

How Do I Use Tunngle?

  • Go to the Tunngle website and download the Tunngle installer file. Tunngle supports 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows XP, Vista, and 7. If you use a different operating system, you’re out of luck (for now).
  • While you’re downloading the installer file, register a free account. The process is quick and painless.
  • Launch the Tunngle installer file. Like most installation processes, Tunngle’s is rather straightforward and simple. Along the way, however, you’ll be asked if you want to install Tunngle Desktop Gadget. Personally, I skipped it, but if you think you’ll use it, go ahead with it.
  • Restart your computer. Tunngle will install a virtual network adapter to your computer and you may or may not need to restart your computer for it to begin working properly. Just to be safe, you should restart it anyway.
play games over vpn
  • Log in to Tunngle. If you cannot log in, you may need to adjust your network adapter settings and configure your network firewall. Don’t worry, these steps are easy and only need to be done once.
play games over vpn
  • Use the left-side network explorer to look for VPNs particular to the game you want to play. The VPNs are sorted by gaming genre, but it’s quicker if you utilize the search field. Double click on the network to join it.

If you don’t see a network for the game you want to play, don’t worry. You can technically host a game on ANY of the networks and still play with your friends. The different networks are only named so that players of a particular game can find games together.

play games over vpn
  • Once you join a network, you’ll see the lobby for the network where you can chat with other users on the network.
play games on vpn
  • Right click on the orange arrow and select Configure. Browse to the executable file for your particular game. Now, when you left click on the orange arrow, it will immediately launch your game.

Need Further Assistance?

If you ever have any problems with Tunngle, they have an extensive page full of troubleshooting advice. If you can’t find a solution on that page, then feel free to ask around in their support forums. From what I’ve seen, the Tunngle community is relatively kind and helpful.

Tunngle makes the whole process easy as cake. If I ever need to play a game on LAN, it's the program I'll be using.  What VPN do you use?