Read this first. A "service patch" for Worms 3D is now available. This page is unlikely to help you if you do not have the patch, or if you are having problems with the non-online aspects of the game.
WormNET requires that you open certain ports on your router to play successfully. This is so that your router understands what to do with WormNET-related data when it is received.
Ignore the readme. Many conflicting reports are going around, but these are the only ports most people need to open for incoming packets:
The process of port forwarding may vary depending upon your
individual setup. For detailed instructions, please contact your
modem/router's manufacturer.
Usually, when you forward a port,
the process will be known as "Port Forwarding", "Port Opening", or
"Virtual Server Setup". The "Public Port" (also known as "Start Port"
or "External Port") should be the number of the port you want to
forward. The "Private Port" (also known as "End Port" or "Internal
Port") should be the same. The other field, usually labelled "Host
IP" or "Server IP" should be set to the local IP address of your
computer. This again depends on your set up and usually begins with
"192.168." or "10.0.".
Some types of firewalls may interfere with WormNET, so if you are having problems it would be a good idea to try disabling them. Firewalls come in 3 main types:
WormNET 3D uses GameSpy technology and GameSpy servers. Therefore, you should verify that data from your computer can reach GameSpy and vice versa. To do this you need to "ping" the servers gamestats.gamespy.com and peerchat.gamespy.com. If you are unfamiliar with "pinging", you should download a copy of wn3dping.bat (right click and save as), and double click the file. If you see lots of "Reply From ..." lines, this is ok. If you see one or more "Request Timed Out" lines, this means that data travelling between your PC and GameSpy is being lost. You should contact your ISP or System Administrator to see if there is a major network problem, or if data is being blocked for any reason.
For reference, WormNET 3D seems to work fully on my system. I am using Windows XP Professional with the firewall disabled, and ZoneAlarm standard.
You may have noticed the following sentence in the Worms 3D readme file: "If you decline the installation of GameSpy Arcade it will not be possible to connect to Wormnet successfully and participate within Internet games." This is not true. Cowlibob (Team17 programmer) says: "I think its a misunderstanding by the guy that wrote the readme. He's now been shot and ritualistically dumped in the wheelie bin, round the back." So there.
If you're still having problems, you should now read The Official WormNET 3D FAQ. If you're still having problems, visit The Official WormNET 3D Forum and look for an answer. Do not post there without reading the FAQ carefully or your post will be deleted.
If you have anything you think I should add to this page, or have found any inaccuracies, please email me at tundrah@uk2.net.