GunBound is Softnyx's turn-based artillery game, launched in Korea in 2002 and worldwide in 2003. Two teams take turns firing from vehicles called Mobiles across destructible terrain, and every shot is a quick calculation of angle, power and wind. It was published across Asia, Europe and the Americas, and after the international PC servers went quiet in 2019 it carried on through a mobile version, regional relaunches and fan-run private servers.

Private servers keep the classic PC game going for many players. They recreate the versions people remember, from the early Thor's Hammer era to World Champion and the later seasons, and they let each community set its own rules on items, avatars and modes. Many also run regular events and tournaments, which suits a game where a single well-read shot can turn a whole match around.

Angle, Power and Wind

Every Mobile has three shots - Shot 1, Shot 2 and a Special Shot - with different arcs, damage and effects on the terrain. Wind and the shape of the ground bend every shot, so reading the map matters as much as your aim. The delay system decides who moves next: heavier shots and items push your next turn back, so a big hit now can cost you tempo later. Before a match you pick items within six slots, and the room master can switch items off entirely.

The modes change the whole game. Solo gives each player one life. Tag gives you two Mobiles that you can switch once per turn. Score gives a team shared lives, and blasting the ground out from under an opponent - bunging - is a way to win. Jewel has teams shooting targets for points, and Powerball mode drops items as power-ups on the field.

What to Look For in a GunBound Private Server

Which version it recreates

Thor's Hammer, World Champion and the later seasons differ in Mobiles, balance and interface, and players who grew up on one version often find the others feel wrong. Check which version the server is based on, whether it has changed any Mobile's shots or delay, and whether it has added Mobiles of its own.

Avatar stats

Avatars - the clothing and accessories on your character - can give stat bonuses, and because avatars were sold, those bonuses are the oldest fairness question in GunBound. Some servers switch avatar stats off entirely. Check how the server handles them and how players get avatars, since stats bought with money decide close games.

Game modes and room rules

A good server keeps the classic modes working and lets room masters set items and rules. If you enjoy Tag or Jewel, check that people actually play them; many servers end up with one mode that holds nearly all the players.

Aim tools and anti-cheat

Aim tools that calculate angle and power for you defeat the entire point of GunBound. Look for a server with visible anti-cheat, published bans and staff who answer reports quickly.

Lobby population and language

GunBound is played in rooms, so it needs people in the lobby when you log in. Check the server's peak hours and its main language, because many communities grew up around one region and still play in its language.

Getting Started

Pick the version you remember, check the avatar rules, and start with a Mobile whose shots you find easy to read while you learn wind and power. Practice in Solo before you join Score or Tag games, where a missed shot costs your whole team. Vote for the server you play on; rankings here start again every month, so the list below shows where players are now.