The HonseFarm works fundamentally differently from the sync services you may be used to. Instead of relying on a single centralized system, the network is made up of many independent servers — each run by different people — that all talk to each other. Your data lives on the server you choose, but you can sync with anyone on any server across the entire network.
Think of it like email. You pick a provider — Gmail, Hotmail, whatever — but you can still email anyone, regardless of which provider they use. You don't automatically see everyone on the same provider, and you're never limited to only emailing people who use the same one. Your Honse server works the same way: it's just where your data lives. You sync with whoever you choose, on any server.
- What is a server / homeserver?
- A server (or homeserver) is simply the place where your character mod data is stored and uploaded from. When you set up HonseFarm, you pick one server as your homeserver. It handles storing your files and sending them to the people you pair with — nothing more.
- Why do I have to pick a server?
- Your homeserver is where your data lives. Without one, there would be nowhere to store or send your mods from. Picking a server does not limit who you can sync with — it is just your home base on the network.
- Do I need to understand the network / federation?
- No. The federation between servers is handled entirely behind the scenes. Just pick a server you trust, install the plugin, and start syncing. You never have to think about how the servers talk to each other.
- Does my server choice limit who I can sync with?
- Not at all. You can sync with anyone on any server across the entire network. Your server choice has no effect on who you can connect with.
- Is a server the same as a Sync Shell?
- No. A server is just the place where your mod data is stored and served from. A Sync Shell is a shared group where everyone inside has agreed to sync with each other — think of it like a group chat. Sync Shells work across all servers.
- Will I automatically pair with people on my server?
- No. Everything works the same as it used to. Only people you have explicitly paired with — through direct pairing or a Sync Shell — will be able to see your character. Being on the same server does not create any automatic connection.
- Can I change servers later?
- Yes. If your server shuts down or you simply want to move, you can join another server and continue syncing normally.
- What happens if a server goes offline?
- You simply join a different server and keep using Honse normally. Because the network is run by many different people, one server disappearing never takes down the whole system.
- Can I run my own server?
- Yes. Anyone can host a server and join the network. We've made it easy to set up — check the Server Owner FAQ for more details.
- Is HonseFarm open source?
- Yes. We believe in openness, collaboration, and transparency. The entire codebase is fully public — unlike other sync services. You can browse, contribute, or audit everything on GitLab.
- What is all this "federation", "fedimare", and "decentralized" stuff I keep reading?
- It just means there is no single system running the show. Instead of one big server that everyone depends on, there are lots of smaller servers run by different people that all work together. If one goes away, the rest keep going. "Federation" is the technical word for servers talking to each other. "Fedimare" is the community nickname for this kind of setup applied to character syncing. "Decentralized" just means no single point of failure — nobody can pull the plug on the whole thing.
- I am currently using another service for syncing. Can I add HonseFarm users to sync with?
- Not until the respective sync service joins the network. Talks are underway and interest has been shared, but there are no fixed plans yet.
- How can I get in touch or get support?
- Join our Discord for real-time help, or visit the forums for longer discussions and support threads.