Freeciv is a client/server system: every user operates a Freeciv client, which connects to a Freeciv server, where the game can be started and, once started, is played. Servers can announce their presence to clients on a special announcement board, the Freeciv metaserver. This allows players across each other to find each other. The Pubserver service is not at all a requirement to play Freeciv, even multiplayer games, but it provides the following benefits: