NOTE: This post is provided for historical sake. SOV is no longer needed

When Allegiance slowed down considerably, Microsoft provided much less stable service to its players. The lobby was often down for weekends, and sometimes weeks on end. The community wished to continue to use the servers they provided themselves without having to rely on Microsoft's poor service, and so Vencain created SOVRoute, a software that allows players to connect directly to the server without having to go through the lobby, using the LAN connection feature. Thankfully, the software is very straightforward to use.

First, download SOVRoute from its main page. The information contained here does indicate how to use the software, but also contains outdated information as to the Free Zone, for example.

As you open the program, accept the End User License Agreement.

Next, SOVRoute will ask you to download the server configuration file. This file was used to automatically give SOVRoute the IP of our servers. Since these are no longer the same servers, the file is no longer in use. Select "Cancel".

Now, you must enter the IP of the server you wish to use. Select File > Add New Server. This will bring up a screen in which you must enter a description and an IP. The description is for your use only. Write something meaningful to you. Next, write down the IP of the server. When the lobby goes down, there should be server IPs posted on the boards at www.alleg.net.

After you have entered at least one server IP into SOVRoute, open Allegiance. Do not use any other software such as ASGS or SOVLogin. Those work with the lobby. Open Allegiance alone. Select LAN. Allegiance should search for and find a game corresponding to the server IP you entered. You can join the game.

Note that you can write any callsign you wish, including that of another player, one with illegal characters, etc. This should not be done, and the rules of the Code of Conduct continue to apply. Please use your regular callsign.

ASGS and SOVLogin must not be used. Those programs are only useful to authenticate yourself and enter the lobby. Since SOVRoute is only used when the lobby is down, and you connect directly to the server, only SOVRoute and Allegiance should be opened.