I host the server on the same computer I'm playing and we both can see the server on our server browsers. So I do not believe there is an issue with that. I can join the server as usual but when my friend tries to join it shows the download bar firmly and a red text appears saying "package not available". Does the game not auto-download the mods on the server? If it's on my part, what should I do? One thing is that i don't think he has the ports open on his router, would it also cause problems?
Do you have the .rfmod file in your server packages folder? It should download from there. The car/track is easiest for your friend to install manually.
Thank you for the reply! Is the server packages folder separate from the packages folder "/common/rFactor 2/Packages"? If not, I have the mod and can play it so it should be installed there. But if it is a different folder than what i mentioned then I do not know where it is for a server.
I am hosting from within rF2 launcher yes, so I assume it's different to running a dedicated server? Would I be better off running a dedicated server?
Now following the instructions I've found at https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=553088396, I'll try to see if this works or not.