PolyTrack Multiplayer Guide: How to Race with Friends Online

Racing against the clock is great, but racing against friends? That is where PolyTrack truly comes alive. Whether you want casual races, competitive tournaments, or streaming entertainment, multiplayer racing adds a whole new dimension to the game.

This comprehensive guide covers everything from basic same-screen racing to organized tournament setups. Get ready to turn PolyTrack into a social experience!

Part 1: Multiplayer Options in PolyTrack

#### Current Multiplayer Features

PolyTrack offers several ways to compete with others:

1. Same-Screen Racing
Multiple players on one computer taking turns on the same track.

2. Time Attack Competition
Share track codes and compete for the best times asynchronously.

3. Screen Share Racing
Use voice chat and screen sharing for simultaneous viewing.

4. Organized Tournaments
Community-run competitive events.

#### Understanding the Multiplayer Approach

PolyTrack is primarily a single-player time attack game, but the community has developed creative ways to compete. This guide focuses on making the most of these community-driven multiplayer methods.

Part 2: Same-Screen Racing Setup

The simplest multiplayer option—everyone gathers around one computer.

#### Basic Setup

Equipment Needed:

One computer with PolyTrack access

Comfortable viewing for all players

Optional: External display for larger screen

Player Organization:

Decide number of players (2-8 works best)

Determine play order

Set rules before starting

#### Race Formats

Hot Seat Racing:

Each player gets one attempt

Times are recorded

Lowest time wins the round

Rotate through multiple rounds

Elimination Format:

Everyone gets one attempt

Slowest time is eliminated

Continue until one player remains

Great for larger groups

King of the Hill:

Current "king" sets the time to beat

Challengers try to beat it

Successful challenger becomes new king

Track how long each player holds the crown

#### Timing and Scoring

Recording Times:

Use in-game timer display

Designate a scorekeeper

Track times in a shared spreadsheet or paper

Handling Crashes:

Option 1: Crash = did not finish (DNF)

Option 2: Allow one reset per attempt

Option 3: Time penalty added for crashes

Decide before starting!

Part 3: Asynchronous Competition

Compete with friends who are not playing at the same time.

#### Track Code Challenges

How It Works:

Choose a track from our collection

Share the track link with friends

Everyone plays and records their best time

Compare results by deadline

Setting Up a Challenge:

Step 1: Choose the Track

Pick from our Track Collection

Consider skill levels of participants

Variety keeps things interesting

Step 2: Define the Rules

Submission deadline

Screenshot or video proof required?

Number of attempts allowed?

Step 3: Share and Compete

Create group chat for the challenge

Share track link

Set deadline reminder

Step 4: Crown the Winner

Collect all submissions

Verify times if needed

Announce results

#### Weekly Challenge Format

Suggested Schedule:

Monday: New challenge announced

Monday-Friday: Players attempt the track

Friday evening: Submissions close

Saturday: Results announced

Keeping Score:
PlayerWeek 1Week 2Week 3Total

Player A1st (10pts)3rd (6pts)2nd (8pts)24
Player B2nd (8pts)1st (10pts)3rd (6pts)24
Player C3rd (6pts)2nd (8pts)1st (10pts)24

Points System:

1st place: 10 points

2nd place: 8 points

3rd place: 6 points

4th place: 5 points

5th place: 4 points

Completion: 2 points

Part 4: Live Screen Share Racing

Race simultaneously using voice chat and screen sharing.

#### Setup Requirements

Software Needed:

Voice chat (Discord, Zoom, etc.)

Screen share capability

Stable internet connection

Recommended Platform: Discord

Why Discord:

Free and widely used

Low latency voice chat

Easy screen sharing

Built-in text chat for backup

#### Race Coordination

The Countdown:
One designated person counts down the race start.

"Racers ready?"
(Wait for confirmations)
"Three... Two... One... GO!"

Everyone starts simultaneously on their own screen.

Finish Announcement:
Players call out "DONE!" and their time when crossing finish.

Recording Results:
Designated scorekeeper logs times as they are called.

#### Multi-Camera Setup (Advanced)

For Streamers or Content Creators:

Use OBS to combine multiple player feeds

Create split-screen view

Record the combined output

Great for YouTube/Twitch content

Technical Setup:

Each player streams to a central viewer

Central viewer uses OBS multi-source

Arrange sources in split-screen layout

Record or stream the combined view

Part 5: Organizing Tournaments

Take competition to the next level with organized tournaments.

#### Tournament Formats

Single Elimination:

Best for: Quick events, many players

Structure: Lose once, you are out

Pro: Fast, exciting

Con: Eliminated players have nothing to do

Double Elimination:

Best for: Fair competition

Structure: Must lose twice to be eliminated

Pro: One bad race does not end you

Con: Takes longer

Round Robin:

Best for: Small groups, fairness

Structure: Everyone races each track

Pro: Most complete comparison

Con: Time-consuming

Swiss System:

Best for: Larger groups, fairness with time limits

Structure: Players matched by similar records

Pro: Everyone plays same number of rounds

Con: Requires organization

#### Running a Tournament

Pre-Tournament:

Set date and time

Create registration form

Choose tracks (keep secret or announce?)

Establish rules clearly

Tournament Day:

Verify all registrants are present

Share each round track when ready

Collect and verify times

Announce results between rounds

Crown champion with ceremony

Post-Tournament:

Share final standings

Highlight amazing moments

Plan the next event

#### Tournament Track Selection

Considerations:

Difficulty balance

Variety (speed, technical, stunt)

Length appropriate for round count

Fair for all skill levels or graduated difficulty

Suggested 5-Track Tournament:

Track 1: Easy (warm-up)

Track 2: Medium Speed

Track 3: Medium Technical

Track 4: Hard

Track 5: Championship (hardest)

Part 6: Building a Racing Community

#### Starting Your Group

Platforms:

Discord server (recommended)

Facebook group

Reddit community

WhatsApp group (smaller)

Essential Channels:

General chat

Track sharing

Challenge announcements

Results and leaderboards

Media sharing (clips, screenshots)

#### Keeping Engagement High

Regular Events:

Weekly challenges

Monthly tournaments

Seasonal championships

Recognition:

Leaderboards

Custom roles for champions

Highlight reels

Content:

Share interesting tracks

Discuss techniques

Celebrate achievements

Part 7: Multiplayer Etiquette

#### Good Sportsmanship

Do:

Congratulate winners

Accept losses gracefully

Help newer players improve

Celebrate good runs (even competitors)

Do Not:

Complain about "unfair" tracks

Make excuses for losses

Gloat excessively

Discourage newer players

#### Handling Disputes

Time Disputes:

Require screenshot/video proof

Trust but verify approach

Majority or organizer decides

Rule Interpretations:

Organizer decision is final

Clarify rules before events

Be flexible about honest mistakes

Part 8: Enhancing the Experience

#### Commentary and Hype

For Streamers:

Practice race commentary

Build excitement during close finishes

Analyze techniques between rounds

Interview winners

For Groups:

Designated hype person

Reactions encouraged

Create memorable moments

#### Prizes and Incentives

Virtual Prizes:

Custom Discord roles

Social media shoutouts

Profile features

Bragging rights

Physical Prizes (Optional):

Gift cards

Merchandise

Trophies for major events

Part 9: Streaming Multiplayer PolyTrack

#### Setup for Streaming

Basic Requirements:

Streaming software (OBS, Streamlabs)

Stable internet connection

Webcam (optional but engaging)

Microphone

Overlay Suggestions:

Current standings

Track information

Timer display

Chat visibility

#### Content Ideas

1. Community Race Nights
Open invitation for viewers to participate in challenges.

2. Tournament Broadcasts
Stream organized tournaments with commentary.

3. Challenge Videos
"Can my audience beat my time?" format.

4. Learning Streams
Teaching racing techniques through live practice.

Part 10: Future of PolyTrack Multiplayer

#### Community Wishlist

What players want from future updates:

Real-Time Multiplayer:

Direct head-to-head racing

Ghost racing with live opponents

Lobby systems

Leaderboard Integration:

Global rankings

Friend leaderboards

Track-specific rankings

Spectator Features:

Watch mode

Replay sharing

Tournament support

#### Working with Current Features

Until official multiplayer arrives:

Embrace community solutions

Be creative with formats

Build connections that will enhance future features

Enjoy the journey

Conclusion

Multiplayer in PolyTrack is what you make of it. While the game is primarily single-player, the community has developed rich competitive traditions that make racing with friends incredibly rewarding.

Getting Started:

Find or create a group

Set up your first challenge

Establish regular events

Grow your community

Remember:

Competition is fun, but friendship is the goal

Everyone improves faster together

The best races are the ones with great company

Ready to race? Grab some friends, pick a track, and let the competition begin! 🏁👥

PolyTrack Multiplayer Guide: How to Race with Friends Online