What is Network Play in Sorting History?

Network Play is a multiplayer mode where each team plays on their own device, connected over the same WiFi network. One player hosts the game and configures the settings. Other players join from their devices. No internet connection is required — it works over local WiFi only.

Does Network Play need an internet connection?

No. Network Play works over a local WiFi network without internet. All devices must be on the same WiFi, but the WiFi does not need to be connected to the internet. This makes it work in places with no cell signal or limited connectivity.

What happens if a device disconnects during Network Play?

If a device disconnects during a Network Play game, the game pauses and waits for the device to reconnect. If the device does not reconnect, the game can continue without that team.

How many devices can play Network Play at once?

Network Play supports 2 to 8 teams. Each team uses one device. So you need 2 to 8 devices total, all on the same WiFi network. Each team can have multiple players gathered around their device.

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How to Play Network Play

Network Play lets each team play on their own device, connected over the same WiFi network. One person hosts, everyone else joins. No internet required.

What You Need

Two or more iOS devices (iPhones, iPads, or a mix) — the in-app banner reads "Two-Device Game" to remind players this is a local two-host link, not online matchmaking
Sorting History installed on every device
Same WiFi network — all devices must be connected to the same WiFi. No internet is needed, just a shared local network.

Network Play entry screen — Two-Device Game header, 'Not Connected' status, Choose your role section with Host Game and Join Game cards, and Connection Tips reminding players that both devices should be on the same WiFi and within 30 feet of each other — Network Play uses your local WiFi to connect devices — no internet account, no online matchmaking. Same WiFi only.

For the Host

Network Play host setup screen — Game Setup view with Game Mode picker showing Sorting History selected, Team Configuration with Team 1 and Team 2 fields, and a 'Waiting for Guest...' status banner indicating the host is broadcasting and waiting for guests to join over WiFi — The host picks the game mode, teams, and settings, then waits for guests to discover the room on the same WiFi.

The host creates the game and controls the settings. Any device can be the host.

Tap Play on the main menu.
Select Sorting History as the game mode.
Choose Network Play and tap Host Game.
Set up teams. Add up to 6 teams with custom names (matches the Pass & Play team cap).
Pick categories, scoring mode, and game length — same options as Solo and Pass & Play.
Wait for guests to connect. The host screen shows which devices have joined.
Tap Start Game once everyone is connected.

For Guests

Make sure you're on the same WiFi network as the host.
Tap Play on the main menu.
Select Sorting History as the game mode.
Choose Network Play and tap Join Game.
Wait for the host. You'll see "Waiting for host..." until the game begins.

During the Game

Network Play lobby on a guest device — 'Connected to iPhone 17' green status pill, 'Connected Successfully!' confirmation, and the Connected Players list showing both 'iPhone 17 Pro (You) — Guest' and 'iPhone 17 — Host', with a 'Waiting for Host' status while the host finishes the game setup — Once the host and guest connect, both devices show the connected players list and wait for the host to start.

Teams take turns in a shared rotation. When it's your team's turn, your device becomes active.
Place your event on the timeline, just like Solo or Pass & Play.
Results are shared. Each placement is broadcast to all connected devices so everyone sees the outcome.
Disconnections are handled. If a device drops off the network, the game pauses until it reconnects.

Network Play vs. Pass & Play

	Pass & Play	Network Play
Devices	1 (shared)	1 per team
How teams play	Take turns, pass the device	Each team on their own device
Connection	None (fully offline)	Same WiFi (no internet needed)
Best for	Families, travel, quick setup	Parties, competitive groups, larger gatherings

Troubleshooting

"Can't find host" — Make sure both devices are on the exact same WiFi network (not one on WiFi and one on cellular). Try toggling WiFi off and on.
Slow connection — Network Play uses local WiFi, so distance from the router matters. Stay in the same room for best results.
Device disconnected mid-game — The game pauses. Reconnect to WiFi and the game should resume. If the device can't reconnect, the game continues without that team.

More Guides

How to Play Sorting History — the core timeline game
How to Play the Daily Challenge — daily 5-event puzzle
How to Play History Pinpoint — guess the exact year
How to Play Solo — single-player setup
How to Play Pass & Play — one device, multiple teams
Tips, Strategy, and Scoring

Ready to Play Together?

Sorting History is now available on the App Store with Network Play, 13 categories, and a free tier. Be the first to know.

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