Downloading

Usenet and NZB for beginners

Quick answer: Usenet is a huge network of servers that store files. You need three things: a Usenet provider (like Newshosting) for access, a downloader app (like NZB Grab, SABnzbd or NZBGet), and the NZB file from the build post, which tells the downloader what to fetch. Drag the NZB into the downloader and it does the rest.

Usenet sounds old-school and a bit mysterious, but it is the fastest and most reliable way to download builds from Arcade Punks, and it is easy once you know the three pieces. This guide explains it from scratch.

What is Usenet?

Usenet is a worldwide network of servers that has been around since long before torrents (and before AOL!). Files posted to it are stored on big server farms for years. When you download from Usenet, you pull the file straight from those servers at your full internet speed. There are no seeders to wait for, no daily limits, and connections are encrypted.

Every file on Arcade Punks is available on Usenet, which is why the NZB button sits first in every download box.

The three pieces

This is the bit that confuses everyone, so here it is plainly:

Piece What it is Example
Provider The company that gives you access to the Usenet servers. You pay a small subscription for a username and password. Newshosting
Downloader (also called a client) The app on your computer that logs in to the provider and fetches, repairs and unpacks the files. NZB Grab, SABnzbd, NZBGet
NZB file A tiny file from the build post. It is like a shopping list that tells the downloader exactly which pieces to fetch. The NZB button in the download box

The NZB on its own does nothing. The provider on its own does nothing. You need all three.

Step by step

  1. Sign up for a provider. We recommend Newshosting. Our deal gives 70% off plus 3 free months, unlimited speeds, SSL encryption, a zero-log VPN and a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it without risk. Keep your Newshosting username and password handy.
  2. Install a downloader. Our top pick for Windows is NZB Grab: friendly, all in one window, with repair and unpacking built in. Arcade Punks members can claim a free licence in the members area. Newshosting also includes its own downloader, and SABnzbd and NZBGet are great free alternatives. Not sure which? See Choosing a Usenet downloader.
  3. Enter your server details. In the downloader’s server settings, enter:
    • Host: news.newshosting.com
    • Port: 563 with SSL switched on (secure and encrypted)
    • Username and password: your Newshosting login
    • Connections: Newshosting allows up to 100, so you can set this high for full speed

    Then test the connection and save.

  4. Get the NZB. Log in to Arcade Punks, open the build post, scroll to the download box and click the NZB button. Save the small .nzb file.
  5. Add the NZB to your downloader. Drag and drop it onto the downloader window, or use its Add button.
  6. Let it work. The downloader fetches every piece, repairs anything damaged and unpacks the archives. When it finishes, open the completed folder.
  7. Write or install the build. See Writing an image to an SD card or Installing PC builds.

Our step-by-step guides

What are PARs?

Occasionally a few pieces of a big upload go missing. Usenet posts include PAR2 repair files that let the downloader rebuild the missing bits. Good downloaders (including NZB Grab, SABnzbd and NZBGet) do this automatically, so you rarely need to think about it.

Common questions

  • Is it expensive? No. With the deal it works out cheap, and you can cancel any time.
  • Do I need to seed? No. Usenet is download only. Nothing is uploaded from your computer.
  • Double-clicking the NZB does nothing. That is normal if no downloader is installed. Open your downloader and drag the NZB in.
  • Can I play without downloading it all? On builds that offer it, yes: see Usenet Share explained.

Still stuck? See My download failed, My download is slow or ask on our Discord.

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