NAT Types Explained: Open, Moderate, Strict

The Gatekeeper of Multiplayer

NAT (Network Address Translation) allows multiple devices in your home to share one Public IP. But games hate it. They want direct connections.

The 3 Types

• Open NAT (Type 1): Can connect to anyone. You can host lobbies. required for the best experience.
• Moderate NAT (Type 2): Can connect to Open and Moderate. Cannot host. You might struggle to hear voice chat.
• Strict NAT (Type 3): Can ONLY connect to Open. You will sit in matchmaking queues forever.

How to Get Open NAT

Enable UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) in your router settings. This allows your console to ask the router to open ports automatically. If that fails, you need to set a static IP for your console and use DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) - but be careful, as DMZ exposes the device to the raw internet.