PHost has many configuration options. This offers hosts a great deal of flexibility in how the game is run and provides many tools for the game designer who wishes to set up a custom scenario.

With flexibility, however, comes the price of complexity. For players to memorize and understand the settings of over 200 parameters is a difficult task. Fortunately, all configuration parameters come with reasonable default settings. If the host does not wish to learn about the myriad configuration parameters, he/she can simply leave these settings at their default and rest assured that the game will work "sensibly".

To reiterate PHost's policy on complexity: ► Note: PHost is only as complex as you want it to be. Match PHost's complexity to your own ability and experience.

PHost is configured with a text file, pconfig.src. Unlike with HOST, there is no dedicated program needed to edit it, a text editor of your choice suffices. Unlike in prior PHost versions, you do not need to "compile" that file before it can be used.