iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Yes—Re-Volt has online multiplayer when you use the community RVGL engine. RVGL provides peer-to-peer races, lobbies and spectating, and its project documentation describes multiplayer as fully cross-platform among Windows, Linux and Android. A PC player can therefore race an Android player, provided both are using compatible RVGL versions and content.
The commercial Steam release needs separate treatment. Its store listing advertises single-player, LAN, PvP and Workshop features, but that listing does not establish compatibility with RVGL’s cross-platform online service. If your priority is an internet race between different operating systems, RVGL is the documented option.
What online multiplayer means in Re-Volt
Modern Re-Volt online play is supplied by RVGL, a community-developed engine that updates the original game for current systems. Its multiplayer model is low-latency peer-to-peer (P2P): one player hosts a race and the other players connect to that session. RVGL also supports multiplayer lobbies and spectating, so a player can find or create a room and watch an ongoing race rather than immediately driving.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Because the network layer is part of RVGL rather than limited to one store client, the documented platform scope includes Windows, Linux and Android. The project describes this as fully cross-platform multiplayer. In practical terms, that means those three platforms can participate in the same RVGL room; it does not mean every Re-Volt edition, emulator or modified build will interoperate automatically.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
- Online races: Internet play uses P2P sessions rather than a conventional dedicated server for every race.
- Lobby support: Players can join a listed room or connect using a host address and password.
- Spectating: RVGL supports watching multiplayer sessions.
- Cross-play: The documented RVGL scope covers Windows, Linux and Android together.
Connection quality still depends on the host’s upload capacity, distance between players and the stability of each participant’s connection. “Cross-platform” describes compatibility of the game clients; it is not a guarantee that a weak mobile or wireless connection will produce a smooth race.
RVGL and the Steam release are not the same online path
Re-Volt appears in two relevant forms: the RVGL community build and the paid digital release listed on Steam. They should not be treated as interchangeable clients when planning an online session.
| Characteristic | RVGL community build | Steam commercial release |
|---|---|---|
| Online architecture | Low-latency peer-to-peer multiplayer with rooms, direct connections and spectating. | Store metadata lists LAN and PvP; an internet architecture equivalent to RVGL is not documented there. |
| Cross-platform scope | Project documentation explicitly covers Windows, Linux and Android in one multiplayer ecosystem. | Steam metadata does not establish Steam-to-RVGL cross-play or the same Windows/Linux/Android arrangement. |
| Connection setup | Join by host IP or password, or use RVGL Coordinator for a web lobby and relay path. | Use the networking method supported by the Steam installation; do not assume RVGL Coordinator rooms accept it. |
| Extra content | Community track and car collections are commonly used for scheduled races. | Steam advertises Workshop support, but Workshop content and RVGL content packs are not automatically the same files. |
| Price information | The cited project details do not state a purchase price. | The listing showed $5.99 when checked; store prices can change by region, tax and promotion. |
The Steam listing’s “PvP” label confirms player-versus-player functionality in the store description, while its “LAN” label points to local-network play. Neither label is evidence that Steam users can join RVGL’s internet rooms or that Steam can cross-play with Android and Linux. Keep everyone on the same installation path when arranging a race.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
What you need before joining an RVGL race
Every participant should install RVGL for the operating system being used and agree on the same game and content versions. A race can fail before networking is involved if one player lacks a track, car or pack required by the room.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Check the software and content versions
Re-Volt I/O currently lists RVGL 23.1030a1, Track Collection 26.0306 and Car Collection 26.0310. Its online-edition download page records an update dated 2026-06-03. These are current markers in the cited community listings, not permanent version numbers; check the download page again when setting up a later event.
Agree on the race content
Ask the host which track and car collection a room uses. Community content packs may be required for scheduled races, and the room can reject or fail to load a participant who does not have the matching files. Install packs from the same community source and avoid mixing an older replacement file with the host’s newer edition.
Choose a connection method
There are three practical ways to reach a room:
- Join an existing room: Use the room information supplied by the host or organizer.
- Direct host connection: The host creates the race and shares an address or password. Direct hosting normally requires router port forwarding.
- RVGL Coordinator: Create or join a centralized web lobby that can use P2P or relay connectivity, avoiding manual port forwarding.
How to join a friend’s RVGL race
Joining is simpler than hosting because the joining player does not normally need to configure the router. Re-Volt I/O’s setup guidance describes connecting with the host’s IP address or a password supplied for the room.
- Install the same RVGL release and the same required track and car packs as the host.
- Launch RVGL and open its multiplayer or online-room interface.
- Select the room supplied by the organizer, or enter the host’s IP address when the session is being shared directly.
- Enter the room password if one is required.
- Wait for the track and car assets to load, then select a vehicle and ready up.
Joining an existing room does not require you to forward a port on your own router. You still need a functioning internet connection and, for a direct session, the correct address and any password. If the room is private, ask the host to confirm that the password has not changed.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
How to host directly with an IP address
Direct hosting gives the host control over the room but requires incoming traffic to reach the game. The official setup guidance says port forwarding is needed when you host a race; players who only join an existing room do not need that router change.
- Install RVGL and the content packs required for the race.
- Open your router’s administration page and create a port-forwarding rule for the port used by RVGL. The exact menu name varies by router, so look for “Port Forwarding,” “Virtual Server” or a similar NAT section.
- Send the rule to the local IP address of the computer running RVGL. Reserve that computer’s local address in the router if possible, so the rule does not point to a different device later.
- Start the RVGL multiplayer host and create the room. Set a password if the race should be private.
- Give friends your public internet address and the room password. Do not post a home address publicly; share it only with the intended players.
- Have one friend test the connection before announcing the race. If the test fails, verify the forwarding rule, the host computer’s firewall permission and whether the internet provider places the router behind carrier-grade NAT.
Port forwarding exposes a listening game service to the internet. Remove the rule when you no longer host regularly, keep the host system updated and use a room password for private events.
How to host without port forwarding
RVGL Coordinator is a free centralized web platform for creating and finding RVGL lobbies. Its documentation describes public and private rooms, P2P and relay support, and compatibility with popular content packs. It also says that creating a lobby through the service requires no port forwarding, game installation or local computer, because the lobby itself is created on the web service.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →The game is still needed to drive in the race: the no-installation statement applies to creating the lobby, not to participating without an RVGL client. A practical workflow is:
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
- Open RVGL Coordinator and create a public or private room.
- Share the room information with your friends.
- Each driver launches a compatible RVGL installation and joins the room.
- Allow the Coordinator to negotiate direct P2P connectivity or use its relay path when a direct connection is unavailable.
- Confirm that everyone has the track and car packs selected by the host before starting.
This option is useful when the host cannot change the router, is behind restrictive NAT, or wants a discoverable lobby instead of distributing an IP address manually. Relay routing can add a different network path from direct P2P, so results may vary with the participants’ locations and connections.
Can Android and PC players race together?
Yes, when both use RVGL and compatible content. The project’s cross-platform statement specifically includes Windows, Linux and Android, so an Android mobile device can join a Windows or Linux player in the same RVGL multiplayer environment.
Android-specific preparation
- Install the Android-compatible RVGL build and verify that it reports the same game and content version used by the host.
- Use a stable Wi-Fi or mobile-data connection; avoid switching networks during a race.
- Pair a controller if touch controls make precise driving difficult, and check that the controller is recognized before joining.
- Download required tracks and cars before entering the room. A mobile player should not rely on downloading a missing pack while the lobby is waiting.
Cross-play does not remove hardware differences. Android devices vary in screen controls, performance and background-network behavior, so test a short session before a planned tournament.
Recommended Free Tools
Content and version compatibility problems
Community races often use more than the base tracks and cars. The listed Track Collection 26.0306 and Car Collection 26.0310 provide concrete markers for the current community ecosystem, but a host may select another pack or a custom track. Treat the host’s exact file set as authoritative for that room.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Room is visible but the race will not start. | A participant is missing the selected track or car pack. | Install the host’s required content and restart RVGL before rejoining. |
| Players are rejected immediately. | Different RVGL builds or incompatible content versions. | Compare the displayed RVGL version and replace outdated packs with the host’s versions. |
| Direct room cannot be reached. | Missing or incorrect host port-forwarding rule, firewall block or restrictive NAT. | Check the forwarding target, allow RVGL through the host firewall, then use RVGL Coordinator if direct hosting remains unavailable. |
| Race has severe delay or disconnects. | Unstable connection, overloaded host or a poor relay route. | Stop downloads, move to a stronger connection, test a different host and compare direct P2P with Coordinator relay. |
| Android player cannot join while desktop players can. | Different content files, outdated mobile build or unstable mobile network. | Match versions and packs, then retry on a stable Wi-Fi connection. |
What the Steam version does—and does not—confirm
The Steam store listing describes a digital Re-Volt release with 28 remote-control cars, 13 tracks across four Cups, single-player, LAN, PvP and Workshop features. Those details come from release metadata dated 2022, while the listed $5.99 price was observed at the time of checking and may no longer apply.
Steam is therefore a reasonable choice for the advertised store features, especially local-network or same-platform play, but its listing does not document RVGL’s cross-platform internet multiplayer. Do not promise that a Steam installation can enter a room hosted by RVGL, or that a Steam player on one platform can race an Android RVGL player, unless a newer primary compatibility statement explicitly confirms it.
Which version should you choose?
- Choose RVGL if you want documented online play across Windows, Linux and Android, community lobbies, spectating, or access to the current community track and car collections.
- Choose direct RVGL hosting if you can configure your router and want the shortest P2P path.
- Choose RVGL Coordinator if port forwarding is impractical or you need a public or private web lobby with relay fallback.
- Choose the Steam release when its listed single-player, LAN, PvP and Workshop features meet your needs and everyone is using the same Steam-based setup.
For the specific question “Can I play Re-Volt online with friends across PC and Android?”, the supported route is RVGL with matching versions and content. The Steam listing alone is not proof of that cross-play path.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteQuick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
