Eggy Swarm FAQ

What versions of XenForo does Eggy Swarm support?
Eggy Swarm 1.0.0 supports XenForo 2.3.

PHP 8.1.0 or newer is required.

Node.js is only required if you choose to enable realtime Multiplayer.



Is Node.js required to use Eggy Swarm?

No.

Node.js is not required for the main Eggy Swarm game.

You can use Story Mode, Classic, Time Attack, Boss Rush, Gauntlet, Endless, Daily Swarm, progression, achievements, challenges, leaderboards, the Swarm Shop and the rest of the game without running Node.js.

Node.js is only required for the optional realtime Multiplayer system.

If Multiplayer is disabled in the Admin CP, the Multiplayer option is automatically hidden from players.



What does Node.js do for Multiplayer?

The normal Swarm game runs through XenForo and PHP.

Realtime multiplayer is different because players need an active low latency connection while they are playing together. For this, Swarm uses a separate Node.js realtime service.

The Node.js service handles the live multiplayer connection between players while XenForo continues to handle the surrounding account, permission and game integration.

This allows multiplayer to remain responsive without trying to use normal PHP page requests for realtime gameplay.

Node.js 20 or newer is recommended.



How do I configure Multiplayer?

Multiplayer has its own section inside the Eggy Swarm Admin CP.

Administrators can configure the realtime service and control whether Multiplayer is available.

The Multiplayer ACP includes:
  • Enable or disable Multiplayer
  • Realtime service configuration
  • Connection URL/settings
  • Connection testing
  • Realtime service status
  • Health checking

Once the Node.js service is running and the connection information has been entered, you can use the built in connection test to confirm that XenForo can communicate with it.

If the connection is successful, the ACP reports the realtime service as connected.



Do I need a separate server for Node.js?

Not necessarily.

Node.js can run on the same server as XenForo as long as your hosting environment allows you to run persistent Node.js processes.

The Node.js service normally listens on its own local port and can then be connected to the public site through the appropriate server or proxy configuration.

You do not need a second physical server simply to use Multiplayer.

However, your host must allow persistent Node.js applications. Some basic shared hosting packages do not support this.



Can I run Multiplayer on a test installation and my live site at the same time?

Yes, but separate XenForo installations should use their own correctly configured realtime service instance.

For example, if you have:

Code:
https://example.com/
https://example.com/test/

it is recommended that live and test use separate Node.js service instances or separate ports/settings rather than both installations trying to use the exact same realtime instance.

This keeps the live and test environments isolated and avoids session or connection conflicts.



What happens if I do not want Multiplayer?

Simply disable it.

When Multiplayer is switched off in the Eggy Swarm Admin CP, the public Multiplayer button is not displayed.

The rest of Swarm continues to operate normally.

This means communities that cannot or do not want to run Node.js can still use the full single player, progression and competitive features of Swarm.



Does Multiplayer use a third party service?

No third party game service is required.

The realtime service is designed to be hosted alongside your own Swarm installation using Node.js.

This keeps the game integrated with your own XenForo community rather than requiring members to use an external gaming account or external multiplayer platform.



Does Eggy Swarm work with Friendly URLs disabled?

Yes.

Eggy Swarm supports both Friendly URLs and non Friendly URLs.

Game navigation, Story Mode and return to menu actions are designed to use the XenForo routing system rather than relying on a hard coded site URL.

This also allows Swarm to operate on XenForo installations located inside a subdirectory.



Can administrators customise the game without editing files?

Yes.

A major part of Swarm is its Admin CP integration.

Administrators can manage a large amount of the game directly through XenForo, including:
  • Characters
  • Weapons
  • Passive Upgrades
  • Weapon Evolutions
  • Arenas
  • Enemies
  • Elite Modifiers
  • Bosses
  • Difficulties
  • Challenges
  • Achievements
  • Permanent Progression
  • Shop content
  • Multiplayer
  • Gameplay settings
  • Statistics
  • Maintenance

Normal content management uses visual Admin CP controls rather than expecting administrators to manually edit raw JSON.



Does Swarm include persistent progression?

Yes.

Player progress is stored between runs.

Swarm can track and retain areas including:
  • Permanent upgrades
  • Achievements
  • Challenge progress
  • Credits
  • Owned shop items
  • Equipped content
  • Story progression
  • Lifetime statistics
  • Leaderboard statistics
  • Run history

This means individual runs may end, but the player's overall Swarm progress continues.



What is Daily Swarm?

Daily Swarm is a deterministic daily challenge.

Players competing in the same daily run are given the same underlying challenge conditions, allowing the community to compete more directly rather than every player receiving completely unrelated random circumstances.

Daily Swarm results can feed into Swarm's wider statistics and competitive systems.



What does Story Mode include?

Story Mode gives Swarm a structured campaign experience alongside its normal survival modes.

It supports:
  • Campaigns
  • Chapters
  • Objectives
  • Scripted encounters
  • Story specific progression
  • Difficulty selection
  • Dedicated story scenarios

Objectives are shown directly during gameplay so players can see what they are currently expected to complete.



Does Swarm include leaderboards?

Yes.

Swarm includes database backed leaderboards across numerous categories, including:
  • Highest Score
  • Longest Survival
  • Enemies Killed in One Run
  • Damage in One Run
  • Bosses Defeated in One Run
  • Lifetime Runs
  • Lifetime Kills
  • Lifetime Bosses Defeated
  • Lifetime Wins
  • Achievement Points
  • Swarm Level
  • Challenges Completed
  • Daily Challenge Streak
  • Lifetime Credits Earned

This gives players different ways to compete rather than making the entire game revolve around a single high score.



Is there a run history?

Yes.

Swarm records completed gameplay runs and provides a detailed Run History.

Information can include:
  • Player
  • Mode
  • Difficulty
  • Fighter
  • Arena
  • Result
  • Score
  • Time
  • Bosses defeated
  • Completion status

Run History also includes filtering so administrators and players can browse activity more easily.



Does Eggy Swarm include its own shop?

Yes.

The Swarm Shop can be used to provide unlockable content using Swarm credits.

Shop content can include areas such as:
  • Characters
  • Arenas
  • Weapons
  • Cosmetics
  • Other configurable unlocks

Owned and equipped items are stored against the player and can be managed through the wider Swarm systems.



Will installing or upgrading Swarm erase existing player statistics?

Normal upgrades are designed to preserve existing Swarm data such as player progression, statistics, run history, ownership and other database backed information.

As with any significant XenForo add-on update, creating a database and file backup before upgrading is always recommended.



Is Eggy Swarm mobile friendly?

Swarm is designed to support desktop and mobile gameplay.

The public game interface and Admin CP areas have been developed with responsive layouts in mind so the game can be used across different screen sizes.

Some gameplay experiences will naturally be better suited to larger displays, but mobile support is part of Swarm rather than being an afterthought.



What is included during Early Access?

Eggy Swarm 1.0.0 is available in Early Access exclusively to Eggy All Access subscribers until October 15, 2026.

Early Access includes the full current Swarm build rather than a restricted demonstration version.

Development will continue during Early Access, with planned expansion around areas including:
  • Additional multiplayer game types
  • Additional single player modes
  • More arenas
  • More enemies and sprites
  • Additional music and assets
  • More powers and abilities
  • Further permanent progression
  • Additional Story Mode content
  • General gameplay expansion and refinement

Early Access members receive the first opportunity to play Swarm while these systems continue to expand.



Can I try Swarm without enabling Multiplayer first?

Absolutely.

You can install Swarm, leave Multiplayer disabled and use the entire single player side of the game.

If you decide to add realtime Multiplayer later, configure the Node.js service in the Admin CP and enable Multiplayer when you are ready.
Back
Top Bottom