XMage is a client–server application: the desktop client connects to a running XMage server over TCP, and all game logic is enforced there. You can join one of the community-run public servers listed at xmage.today/servers, or point the client at a private server you host yourself. Once connected, the main lobby gives you access to active tables, chat rooms, and the tools you need to create or join a game.Documentation Index
Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/magefree/mage/llms.txt
Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
Opening the Connection Dialog
Launch the XMage client (via the XMage Launcher or directly viamage-client.jar). The connection dialog opens automatically on first run. You can reopen it at any time from the menu bar:
- File → Connect to Server to open a new connection.
- File → Disconnect to close the current session without exiting the client.
| Panel | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Fast Connect | One-click buttons for Main, Local, Beta, US, EU, and other preset servers |
| Manual entry | Fields for a custom server hostname, port, username, and password |
Connection Dialog Fields
| Field | Default | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Server | localhost | Hostname or IP address of the XMage server |
| Port | 17171 | The primary server socket port (set in config.xml). A secondary port 17179 is used for internal remoting traffic — both must be reachable. |
| Username | (blank) | 3–14 characters; only lowercase letters, digits, and underscores are allowed ([a-z0-9_]) |
| Password | (blank) | Required only when authenticationActivated=true on the server; 8–100 characters |
| User’s Flag | World | Country flag shown next to your name in the lobby |
Registration and Authentication
Servers can run in two modes, controlled by theauthenticationActivated flag in config.xml:
- Authentication Enabled (authenticationActivated=true)
- Guest Mode (authenticationActivated=false)
You must create an account before connecting. Click Register new user… in the connect dialog to open the registration form. Supply a username, password (8–100 characters), and an email address. The email is used only for password resets — click Forgot password… in the connect dialog to trigger a reset token.
Public servers may have authentication enabled or disabled independently. Check the server listing at xmage.today/servers for each server’s current policy.
Finding a Public Server
Several community-maintained public servers are listed at http://xmage.today/servers/. Each entry shows the hostname, port, current player count, and whether registration is required. The XMage client also ships with built-in quick-connect buttons for the most popular regions:- Main — the primary community server
- Beta — runs pre-release or development builds with unreleased features
- US / EU — regionally closer servers for lower latency
- Local —
localhost:17171for a server running on the same machine
Connecting Step by Step
Open the connect dialog
Launch the XMage client. The connect dialog appears automatically, or open it via File → Connect to Server.
Enter server details
Type the server hostname or IP in the Server field and confirm the port is
17171 (or whatever the server operator specifies). For public servers, use one of the Fast Connect buttons or paste the address from xmage.today/servers.Enter your credentials
Type your username. If the server requires authentication, enter your password. If you do not have an account yet, click Register new user… and fill in the registration form, then return to the connect dialog.
Choose a flag (optional)
Select a country flag from the User’s Flag dropdown — it appears next to your name in the lobby and in game.
Click Connect to Server
Click the Connect to server button (or press Enter from any field). The status bar shows the connection progress. A successful connection opens the main lobby window.
Navigating the Lobby
Once connected, the main lobby is your hub for everything in XMage:Games Tab
Lists all open tables. Click any row to see the game’s format, player count, and options, then click Join to take a seat.
Tournaments Tab
Shows active and pending tournaments. Click Join to enter as a participant before the tournament starts.
Players Tab
Displays all currently connected players, their ratings, and country flags.
Global Chat
A lobby-wide chat room at the bottom of the screen. Each game room also has its own in-room chat.
Player Profile and Preferences
Your profile and display settings live in Preferences (accessible from the main menu):- Avatar — choose from the built-in avatar set; it appears in game next to your life total.
- Country flag — also configurable in Preferences after connecting.
- Card image sources — configure where the client downloads card images (e.g., Scryfall).