You can watch a detailed tutorial on THIS PAGE.

 

Once you download and log in the matchmaker, there are some major things you need to know.

 

Populous online works with 4 players only, and no, you can not play with/against AI online. You can play 2 players game ,3 players game or a 4 players game.

On the right side of the matchmaker, you can see the playerlist (rank, nickname, status). The ranking by order is ''wildman < brave < spy < warrior < preacher < firewarrior < shaman". You can see the legend to learn about the status of the players (eg.: away, busy, afk, etc.).

On the top right of the matchmaker you have the Log Out button, and the Options tab. On the middle of the matchmaker, you have the chat screen. You can chat in lobby (make sure not to spam or send inappropriate links or comments). To private message a player, double click on his nickname and send the message. The colour of the text will be different.

On the top (or bottom, as you can change it on the options tab) of the matchmaker, you have the menu bar, providing information such as the map of the day, player of the day, welcome message, linksand hosting information.

On the left side of the matchmaker, you can see the huts. This is where you go to have a game. Each set of huts has 4 spots: the host (the hut is slightly to the left), and the other 3 spots - 4 in total. This process is repeated 10 times (10 sets of huts). You can only be in a hut at a time, but you can change hut anytime.

For the game to start, there must be a host, and at least 1 other player. Also, all of the players in the hut must have a ping shown. The host is the game captain, meaning he can set the map, restrictions, rules, set the game to ranked or unranked, use map additions, kick players from hut, launch, etc.

 

Don't forget you have to have Populous installed to be able to play on the matchmaker. Also, if you are not able to join a hut because you have to set the Populous directory, do it. Go to options, Populous, set directory, and set it to where you have the game installed on your computer.

Note that to be able to host, you need to forward your ports.

 

That's mostly it, check the more detailed tutorial on the link above.