US and EU Games Online through official servers:
4x4 Evo (both full and demo versions)
Maximum Pool (requires using this game save:
http://www.pauth.com/download/dc_max_saves/MAX2.VMI )
Sega Swirl (requires a fully operational POP mail account)
Starlancer


Games online through private servers:
Quake 3: Arena (various privately hosted servers)
Phantasy Star Online (All Versions) ( http://www.schtserv.com/ )
Phantasy Star Online Version 2 (All Versions) ( http://www.schtserv.com/ )

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Setting up an ISP on your Dreamcast
Any of the following browsers will allow you to setup the ISP of your choosing on your system.

North America: Web Browser (any version)

Europe: Dreamkey 3.0
European residents can still get a Dreamkey 3.0 disc for free by contacting Sega of Europe. http://www.sega-europe.com/

Japan: Dream Passport (any version)
Some Japanese released games have Dream Key 1.0 built-in.

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Additional Info and FAQs:


Notice:
Regarding Starlancer and 4x4 Evo, if your DNS numbers are not set correctly then the games may not be able to connect to their GameSpy servers.


Don't you have to have a modem for the Dreamcast?
All Dreamcasts originally came with a detachable phone modem on the lower back right-hand corner. The only exception is former rental systems, which have a detachable hollow plastic shell in that spot.


Why isn't "(place game name here)" still online?
It costs money to run servers for free to play online games. Granted not a lot of money, most companies apparently decided that the money would be put to better use if spent on other projects.


Can people make private servers?
For Quake 3: Arena, yes. The development company, Id Software, released a Dreamcast support expansion for its Quake 3 Server software. It is available to download for free from various hosts on the internet.

The servers for most of the online games were run by Sega using their "SEGA SNAP" servers and software. Sega sold the servers and the rights to the software to Nokia, who then renamed the setup "Nokia SNAP".

It's not impossible that in the future someone may come up with a way to make a private server for some of the other formerly online games, but it is unlikely.


Do many people play PSO or Quake 3 on the private servers?
As with any online game the number of players will always vary.


Is it free to play on the private servers?
Yes. The only cost is whatever you normally pay to use your ISP.


Is there anything special you have to do or will need to get on the private servers?
For Quake 3 all you'll need is the IP address of the private server you wish to play on. For PSO and PSO V2 you will need a Code Breaker (aka Xploder) cheat disc. Full instructions on accessing Schtack's can be found on Schthack's website: http://www.schtserv.com/


Where can I download the VMU file with the Codebreaker/Xploder private server access codes for the Phantasy Star Online games?
You can download the file directly from this address: http://gsproduc.ath.cx:8000/vmu/schthack.vmi
Just make sure you read the instructions on Schthack's website ( http://www.schtserv.com/ ) before using it.


Can I use my Dreamcast with Broadband/DSL?
There are two ways to get the system online with Broadband/DSL.
1. The official Broadband adaptor, also called BBA. Which is rare, and very expensive.
2. The free but slightly complicated method described here: http://www.consolevision.com/members/mterlouw/


If I use my PC's broadband connection, as described in method #2 above, will the DC's connection speed be at the 33k/56k of the modem or will it be equally as fast as my broadband connection speed?
It should run at a stable 33k.


Will my DC games run without lag when using broadband?
The connection will be equally as stable as your broadband connection.


Which games work with the Broadband Adapter (BBA)?
Phantasy Star Online, Phantasy Star Online Version 2, and Quake 3: Arena.


thecalvin asked: "That Propeller Arena game....was anyone ever able to go online with that?"
Only the programmers. The game was on schedule for a fall 2001 release, but was completely cancelled due to the September 11th terrorist attacks.

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This message was edited by game_player_s on Oct 30 2006.

This message was edited by game_player_s on Aug 22 2007.

Oh cool, PSO for free now? That might be worth checking out.

Yes, free online PSO. Doesn't get much better than that does it?


List updated.

5 games have now gone offline since the start of this thread.

F355 Challenge Passione Rossa was taken offline January 16th, 2006.

For full details visit the official website at:
http://www.f355-challenge.jp/arcade_dc/us/index.html

Just wanted to say thanks for keeping us up to date with this

Your Welcome

Forgot to mention it the other day, but the list has been updated to its 2nd Edition version.

A post on the JP PSO Support homepage dated October 20th, 2006 contained the following information, which has been translated and summarized for your convenience. It only applies to the JP versions of the game.

Due to a problem directly related to making the game free to play on May 20th, 2006, many players have been unable to login to the servers. The problem was investigated but no solution was found.

Rather than using anymore resources to attempt solving this problem, the login server has been altered to only allow Version 2 players using a BBA (Broadband Adaptor) to connect.

And now to quote the last line of the post directly:
"On this occasion..deep..apologize."


That said, the JP version of PSO V1 is officially offline.

~somewhere in the distance a bugler plays taps for JP PSO V1~

All official Dreamcast and Game Cube PSO servers are scheduled to close at 11:59:59 p.m. Japanese time on March 31st, 2007.

This is Sega's final word on the matter. After this the only PSO games remaining online will be the Xbox version and PSO: Blue Burst for PC.

Wow, am I ever late updating it on this site.

All Game Cube PSO games servers and the Japanese Dreamcast PSO servers did close exactly as scheduled. However, the European Dreamcast PSO servers stayed online until April 1st at 11:45 PM EST. That's a full 25 hours later than the scheduled closure time.

But wait! It didn't end there! The EU PSO Servers came back online at sometime around 5 AM EST, April 2nd, and then went offline the final time at 1:45 AM EST, April 3rd.