How to play WatchBlocks with friends

Before everyone joins

Update WatchBlocks on the host and guest devices to the same version. Pick one player to host the world and keep their game open while everyone plays. Online play needs an internet connection; nearby play needs the devices to be able to reach each other on the local network.

WatchBlocks supports multiplayer across Apple devices, including Apple Watch. This guide covers hosting a session from your own device. It does not require renting a dedicated server.

Host a world

1. Open the world you want to share.
2. Open the pause menu and choose Host Game.
3. Choose the audience for the session. Nearby-only play stays on the local connection. For online play, choose a private session for friends or a public session that other players can find.
4. Choose Start Hosting. For a private online game, share the displayed join code with your friends.
5. Keep the game open, and approve incoming players if you have enabled join approval.

Menu wording and available options depend on your device and app version. Share a private join code only with the people you want in your world.

Join an online game

1. Open the multiplayer screen, labeled Play Together in the English interface.
2. Enter the host’s join code and choose Join. If the host made the game public, you can also select an available online game.
3. Let the connection finish. Checking compatibility, waiting for approval, and receiving the world can take time; repeatedly tapping Join will not speed them up.

If a code fails, ask the host to confirm that the session is still running and that you have the current code. Recheck it after the host restarts hosting.

Join a nearby game

Start hosting on one device, then open the multiplayer browser on the other device and select the nearby host. Use the same Wi-Fi network and allow Local Network access for WatchBlocks on devices that request it.

Guest Wi-Fi and networks that isolate connected devices can prevent nearby discovery. If the host does not appear, use a network where devices can communicate, or try an online session with a join code.

Playing together on Apple Watch

Apple Watch can take part in multiplayer, including watch-to-watch play introduced in version 1.7. Online sessions need a working internet connection on the watch. For nearby play, keep the watch and host on the same Wi-Fi network where possible.

If you are joining through a paired iPhone connection, keep the iPhone reachable and check that it can see the host. A slower connection can cause delays even when solo gameplay runs smoothly. Multiplayer connectivity is separate from the ability to play a solo world directly on the watch.

Connection troubleshooting

• No host found: confirm hosting has actually started. For nearby play, check the Wi-Fi network and Local Network permission.
• Waiting for approval: ask the host to check the join request.
• Compatibility check fails: compare installed app versions on every device and update older installations.
• Receiving world takes time: leave both games open and keep the network stable while the world transfers.
• Disconnected or stale listing: leave the failed session, let the host restart hosting, then join the fresh listing or code.
• Persistent lag: use a stable network and keep the host device active. Check whether the issue also happens in a small new world.

Still stuck? Email formidablegamesstudio@gmail.com with the host and guest devices, installed versions, nearby or online connection type, and the exact status or error message.