On official servers - no. Just not. There is no and never ever be any solutions to get official servers in unofficial ways.
You need GOG or Steam account validation (auto-login). That mean game must be started directly from Steam Library or GOG-Galaxy library.
(steam version use Galaxy online API)
On un-official servers - find 2.0.0.5 build from GOG on p2p (maybe next one build from 2017(?) good too, it have same name as modern downloaded GOG setup BUT THEY ARE DIFFER INSIDE, first is pre-Disney 1.1 version and current one are back-patched messed with files). Or Retail 1 dvd disc eu version + 1 dvd eu patch (exe file there are unprotected).
So you cant use uptodate build for old 1.1 compatibility.
And use GameRanger to play on old 1.1 (to find people to play with). You probably need alternate CD-key.
Another theoretical way: find warez version of galaxy dlls. But this thing is no use in 99,9(9)9% cases. For legal or warez users it usually do nothing.
It wont allow create un-official servers, i doubt it will. And i doubt it can do that in future for SWBF2. maybe for some else game. Very hypothetical.
In any cases i doubt you find someone to play with such method and since it will use current Galaxy build you cant emulate virtual LAN. In short: it should work 100% support everything or it do nothing.
To able to use old 1.1 Dedicated Servers and host games for real you need old 1.1 game to restore LAN/Virtual LAN option. No warez tools help you with that for modern versions. And if you can host a server - someone else can. You can find servers or people can join your server.
There is no dedicated servers in modern version.
Careful with PCGamingWiki article or Steam hub guides. While there is good one GameSpy realisation there is fake one and its creator able to ban original creator. SWBFSpy is only one another one are fake. Which one true is uncler. As i remember the original guide restored unbanned and today it state SWBFSpy in no more relevant.
PCGW wiki article for BF1 have proper SWBFSpy link as i rememebr, and BF2 article keep vandalased link stay for long time. Not sure if it was fixed.
SWBFSpy is alternate to GameRanger that reauire 3rd party downloading and modify game files. You cant use both methods.
I cant say where more people play. For GameRanger its free to retister and download the app. It will show you how many people play there. And you can decide what to do with the game - before doing anything to it (you no need game to be installed to look in GameRanger servers lists).
Post edited March 16, 2024 by QWEEDDYZ
