diff --git a/src/lang/english.txt b/src/lang/english.txt
index 6832c13636..3fff8c6939 100644
--- a/src/lang/english.txt
+++ b/src/lang/english.txt
@@ -2574,6 +2574,7 @@ STR_NETWORK_ERROR_BAD_PLAYER_NAME                               :{WHITE}Your pla
 STR_NETWORK_ERROR_BAD_SERVER_NAME                               :{WHITE}Your server name has not been set. The name can be set at the top of the Multiplayer window
 STR_NETWORK_ERROR_WRONG_REVISION                                :{WHITE}The revision of this client does not match the server's revision
 STR_NETWORK_ERROR_WRONG_PASSWORD                                :{WHITE}Wrong password
+STR_NETWORK_ERROR_NOT_ON_ALLOW_LIST                             :{WHITE}You are not on the list of allowed clients
 STR_NETWORK_ERROR_SERVER_FULL                                   :{WHITE}The server is full
 STR_NETWORK_ERROR_SERVER_BANNED                                 :{WHITE}You are banned from this server
 STR_NETWORK_ERROR_KICKED                                        :{WHITE}You were kicked out of the game
@@ -2589,7 +2590,7 @@ STR_NETWORK_ERROR_INVALID_CLIENT_NAME                           :{WHITE}Your pla
 STR_NETWORK_ERROR_CLIENT_GUI_LOST_CONNECTION_CAPTION            :{WHITE}Possible connection loss
 STR_NETWORK_ERROR_CLIENT_GUI_LOST_CONNECTION                    :{WHITE}The last {NUM} second{P "" s} no data has arrived from the server
 
-###length 21
+###length 22
 STR_NETWORK_ERROR_CLIENT_GENERAL                                :general error
 STR_NETWORK_ERROR_CLIENT_DESYNC                                 :desync error
 STR_NETWORK_ERROR_CLIENT_SAVEGAME                               :could not load map
@@ -2601,6 +2602,7 @@ STR_NETWORK_ERROR_CLIENT_NOT_EXPECTED                           :received invali
 STR_NETWORK_ERROR_CLIENT_WRONG_REVISION                         :wrong revision
 STR_NETWORK_ERROR_CLIENT_NAME_IN_USE                            :name already in use
 STR_NETWORK_ERROR_CLIENT_WRONG_PASSWORD                         :wrong password
+STR_NETWORK_ERROR_CLIENT_NOT_ON_ALLOW_LIST                      :not on allow list
 STR_NETWORK_ERROR_CLIENT_COMPANY_MISMATCH                       :wrong company in DoCommand
 STR_NETWORK_ERROR_CLIENT_KICKED                                 :kicked by server
 STR_NETWORK_ERROR_CLIENT_CHEATER                                :was trying to use a cheat
diff --git a/src/network/core/tcp_game.cpp b/src/network/core/tcp_game.cpp
index f1b4b05e2a..9e179362bc 100644
--- a/src/network/core/tcp_game.cpp
+++ b/src/network/core/tcp_game.cpp
@@ -82,9 +82,10 @@ NetworkRecvStatus NetworkGameSocketHandler::HandlePacket(Packet &p)
 		case PACKET_SERVER_GAME_INFO:             return this->Receive_SERVER_GAME_INFO(p);
 		case PACKET_SERVER_CLIENT_INFO:           return this->Receive_SERVER_CLIENT_INFO(p);
 		case PACKET_CLIENT_IDENTIFY:              return this->Receive_CLIENT_IDENTIFY(p);
-		case PACKET_SERVER_NEED_GAME_PASSWORD:    return this->Receive_SERVER_NEED_GAME_PASSWORD(p);
+		case PACKET_SERVER_AUTH_REQUEST:          return this->Receive_SERVER_AUTH_REQUEST(p);
 		case PACKET_SERVER_NEED_COMPANY_PASSWORD: return this->Receive_SERVER_NEED_COMPANY_PASSWORD(p);
-		case PACKET_CLIENT_GAME_PASSWORD:         return this->Receive_CLIENT_GAME_PASSWORD(p);
+		case PACKET_CLIENT_AUTH_RESPONSE:         return this->Receive_CLIENT_AUTH_RESPONSE(p);
+		case PACKET_SERVER_AUTH_COMPLETED:        return this->Receive_SERVER_AUTH_COMPLETED(p);
 		case PACKET_CLIENT_COMPANY_PASSWORD:      return this->Receive_CLIENT_COMPANY_PASSWORD(p);
 		case PACKET_SERVER_WELCOME:               return this->Receive_SERVER_WELCOME(p);
 		case PACKET_CLIENT_GETMAP:                return this->Receive_CLIENT_GETMAP(p);
@@ -164,9 +165,10 @@ NetworkRecvStatus NetworkGameSocketHandler::Receive_CLIENT_GAME_INFO(Packet &) {
 NetworkRecvStatus NetworkGameSocketHandler::Receive_SERVER_GAME_INFO(Packet &) { return this->ReceiveInvalidPacket(PACKET_SERVER_GAME_INFO); }
 NetworkRecvStatus NetworkGameSocketHandler::Receive_SERVER_CLIENT_INFO(Packet &) { return this->ReceiveInvalidPacket(PACKET_SERVER_CLIENT_INFO); }
 NetworkRecvStatus NetworkGameSocketHandler::Receive_CLIENT_IDENTIFY(Packet &) { return this->ReceiveInvalidPacket(PACKET_CLIENT_IDENTIFY); }
-NetworkRecvStatus NetworkGameSocketHandler::Receive_SERVER_NEED_GAME_PASSWORD(Packet &) { return this->ReceiveInvalidPacket(PACKET_SERVER_NEED_GAME_PASSWORD); }
+NetworkRecvStatus NetworkGameSocketHandler::Receive_SERVER_AUTH_REQUEST(Packet &) { return this->ReceiveInvalidPacket(PACKET_SERVER_AUTH_REQUEST); }
 NetworkRecvStatus NetworkGameSocketHandler::Receive_SERVER_NEED_COMPANY_PASSWORD(Packet &) { return this->ReceiveInvalidPacket(PACKET_SERVER_NEED_COMPANY_PASSWORD); }
-NetworkRecvStatus NetworkGameSocketHandler::Receive_CLIENT_GAME_PASSWORD(Packet &) { return this->ReceiveInvalidPacket(PACKET_CLIENT_GAME_PASSWORD); }
+NetworkRecvStatus NetworkGameSocketHandler::Receive_CLIENT_AUTH_RESPONSE(Packet &) { return this->ReceiveInvalidPacket(PACKET_CLIENT_AUTH_RESPONSE); }
+NetworkRecvStatus NetworkGameSocketHandler::Receive_SERVER_AUTH_COMPLETED(Packet &) { return this->ReceiveInvalidPacket(PACKET_SERVER_AUTH_COMPLETED); }
 NetworkRecvStatus NetworkGameSocketHandler::Receive_CLIENT_COMPANY_PASSWORD(Packet &) { return this->ReceiveInvalidPacket(PACKET_CLIENT_COMPANY_PASSWORD); }
 NetworkRecvStatus NetworkGameSocketHandler::Receive_SERVER_WELCOME(Packet &) { return this->ReceiveInvalidPacket(PACKET_SERVER_WELCOME); }
 NetworkRecvStatus NetworkGameSocketHandler::Receive_CLIENT_GETMAP(Packet &) { return this->ReceiveInvalidPacket(PACKET_CLIENT_GETMAP); }
diff --git a/src/network/core/tcp_game.h b/src/network/core/tcp_game.h
index 14310f0017..2e5f33dfdb 100644
--- a/src/network/core/tcp_game.h
+++ b/src/network/core/tcp_game.h
@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@
 #include "os_abstraction.h"
 #include "tcp.h"
 #include "../network_type.h"
+#include "../network_crypto.h"
 #include "../../core/pool_type.hpp"
 #include <chrono>
 
@@ -56,16 +57,19 @@ enum PacketGameType : uint8_t {
 	 * the map and other important data.
 	 */
 
-	/* After the initial join, the next step is identification. */
+	/* After the join step, the first perform game authentication and enabling encryption. */
+	PACKET_SERVER_AUTH_REQUEST,          ///< The server requests the client to authenticate using a number of methods.
+	PACKET_CLIENT_AUTH_RESPONSE,         ///< The client responds to the authentication request.
+	PACKET_SERVER_AUTH_COMPLETED,        ///< The server indicates the authentication is completed.
+
+	/* After the authentication is done, the next step is identification. */
 	PACKET_CLIENT_IDENTIFY,              ///< Client telling the server the client's name and requested company.
 
 	/* After the identify step, the next is checking NewGRFs. */
 	PACKET_SERVER_CHECK_NEWGRFS,         ///< Server sends NewGRF IDs and MD5 checksums for the client to check.
 	PACKET_CLIENT_NEWGRFS_CHECKED,       ///< Client acknowledges that it has all required NewGRFs.
 
-	/* Checking the game, and then company passwords. */
-	PACKET_SERVER_NEED_GAME_PASSWORD,    ///< Server requests the (hashed) game password.
-	PACKET_CLIENT_GAME_PASSWORD,         ///< Clients sends the (hashed) game password.
+	/* Checking the company passwords. */
 	PACKET_SERVER_NEED_COMPANY_PASSWORD, ///< Server requests the (hashed) company password.
 	PACKET_CLIENT_COMPANY_PASSWORD,      ///< Client sends the (hashed) company password.
 
@@ -214,10 +218,13 @@ protected:
 	virtual NetworkRecvStatus Receive_CLIENT_IDENTIFY(Packet &p);
 
 	/**
-	 * Indication to the client that the server needs a game password.
+	 * Indication to the client that it needs to authenticate:
+	 * bool Whether to use the password in the key exchange.
+	 * 32 * uint8_t Public key of the server.
+	 * 24 * uint8_t Nonce for the key exchange.
 	 * @param p The packet that was just received.
 	 */
-	virtual NetworkRecvStatus Receive_SERVER_NEED_GAME_PASSWORD(Packet &p);
+	virtual NetworkRecvStatus Receive_SERVER_AUTH_REQUEST(Packet &p);
 
 	/**
 	 * Indication to the client that the server needs a company password:
@@ -228,12 +235,19 @@ protected:
 	virtual NetworkRecvStatus Receive_SERVER_NEED_COMPANY_PASSWORD(Packet &p);
 
 	/**
-	 * Send a password to the server to authorize:
-	 * uint8_t   Password type (see NetworkPasswordType).
-	 * string  The password.
+	 * Send the response to the authentication request:
+	 * 32 * uint8_t Public key of the client.
+	 *  8 * uint8_t Random message that got encoded and signed.
+	 * 16 * uint8_t Message authentication code.
 	 * @param p The packet that was just received.
 	 */
-	virtual NetworkRecvStatus Receive_CLIENT_GAME_PASSWORD(Packet &p);
+	virtual NetworkRecvStatus Receive_CLIENT_AUTH_RESPONSE(Packet &p);
+
+	/**
+	 * Indication to the client that authentication has completed.
+	 * @param p The packet that was just received.
+	 */
+	virtual NetworkRecvStatus Receive_SERVER_AUTH_COMPLETED(Packet &p);
 
 	/**
 	 * Send a password to the server to authorize
diff --git a/src/network/network.cpp b/src/network/network.cpp
index 9d47c2f964..784c5a8f37 100644
--- a/src/network/network.cpp
+++ b/src/network/network.cpp
@@ -321,6 +321,7 @@ StringID GetNetworkErrorMsg(NetworkErrorCode err)
 		STR_NETWORK_ERROR_CLIENT_TIMEOUT_MAP,
 		STR_NETWORK_ERROR_CLIENT_TIMEOUT_JOIN,
 		STR_NETWORK_ERROR_CLIENT_INVALID_CLIENT_NAME,
+		STR_NETWORK_ERROR_CLIENT_NOT_ON_ALLOW_LIST,
 	};
 	static_assert(lengthof(network_error_strings) == NETWORK_ERROR_END);
 
diff --git a/src/network/network_client.cpp b/src/network/network_client.cpp
index 43eb46cb5c..f3fd5fe6f0 100644
--- a/src/network/network_client.cpp
+++ b/src/network/network_client.cpp
@@ -349,7 +349,7 @@ NetworkRecvStatus ClientNetworkGameSocketHandler::SendJoin()
 	p->Send_uint32(_openttd_newgrf_version);
 	my_client->SendPacket(std::move(p));
 
-	return ClientNetworkGameSocketHandler::SendIdentify();
+	return NETWORK_RECV_STATUS_OKAY;
 }
 
 NetworkRecvStatus ClientNetworkGameSocketHandler::SendIdentify()
@@ -377,13 +377,14 @@ NetworkRecvStatus ClientNetworkGameSocketHandler::SendNewGRFsOk()
  * Set the game password as requested.
  * @param password The game password.
  */
-NetworkRecvStatus ClientNetworkGameSocketHandler::SendGamePassword(const std::string &password)
+NetworkRecvStatus ClientNetworkGameSocketHandler::SendAuthResponse()
 {
-	Debug(net, 9, "Client::SendGamePassword()");
+	Debug(net, 9, "Client::SendAuthResponse()");
 
-	auto p = std::make_unique<Packet>(my_client, PACKET_CLIENT_GAME_PASSWORD);
-	p->Send_string(password);
+	auto p = std::make_unique<Packet>(my_client, PACKET_CLIENT_AUTH_RESPONSE);
+	my_client->authentication_handler->SendResponse(*p);
 	my_client->SendPacket(std::move(p));
+
 	return NETWORK_RECV_STATUS_OKAY;
 }
 
@@ -680,6 +681,7 @@ NetworkRecvStatus ClientNetworkGameSocketHandler::Receive_SERVER_ERROR(Packet &p
 		STR_NETWORK_ERROR_TIMEOUT_MAP,         // NETWORK_ERROR_TIMEOUT_MAP
 		STR_NETWORK_ERROR_TIMEOUT_JOIN,        // NETWORK_ERROR_TIMEOUT_JOIN
 		STR_NETWORK_ERROR_INVALID_CLIENT_NAME, // NETWORK_ERROR_INVALID_CLIENT_NAME
+		STR_NETWORK_ERROR_NOT_ON_ALLOW_LIST,   // NETWORK_ERROR_NOT_ON_ALLOW_LIST
 	};
 	static_assert(lengthof(network_error_strings) == NETWORK_ERROR_END);
 
@@ -705,7 +707,7 @@ NetworkRecvStatus ClientNetworkGameSocketHandler::Receive_SERVER_ERROR(Packet &p
 
 NetworkRecvStatus ClientNetworkGameSocketHandler::Receive_SERVER_CHECK_NEWGRFS(Packet &p)
 {
-	if (this->status != STATUS_JOIN) return NETWORK_RECV_STATUS_MALFORMED_PACKET;
+	if (this->status != STATUS_AUTHENTICATED) return NETWORK_RECV_STATUS_MALFORMED_PACKET;
 
 	uint grf_count = p.Recv_uint8();
 	NetworkRecvStatus ret = NETWORK_RECV_STATUS_OKAY;
@@ -736,26 +738,67 @@ NetworkRecvStatus ClientNetworkGameSocketHandler::Receive_SERVER_CHECK_NEWGRFS(P
 	return ret;
 }
 
-NetworkRecvStatus ClientNetworkGameSocketHandler::Receive_SERVER_NEED_GAME_PASSWORD(Packet &)
+class ClientGamePasswordRequestHandler : public NetworkAuthenticationPasswordRequestHandler {
+	virtual void SendResponse() override { MyClient::SendAuthResponse(); }
+	virtual void AskUserForPassword(std::shared_ptr<NetworkAuthenticationPasswordRequest> request) override
+	{
+		if (!_network_join.server_password.empty()) {
+			request->Reply(_network_join.server_password);
+		} else {
+			ShowNetworkNeedPassword(NETWORK_GAME_PASSWORD, request);
+		}
+	}
+};
+
+NetworkRecvStatus ClientNetworkGameSocketHandler::Receive_SERVER_AUTH_REQUEST(Packet &p)
 {
-	if (this->status < STATUS_JOIN || this->status >= STATUS_AUTH_GAME) return NETWORK_RECV_STATUS_MALFORMED_PACKET;
+	if (this->status != STATUS_JOIN && this->status != STATUS_AUTH_GAME) return NETWORK_RECV_STATUS_MALFORMED_PACKET;
 	Debug(net, 9, "Client::status = AUTH_GAME");
 	this->status = STATUS_AUTH_GAME;
 
-	Debug(net, 9, "Client::Receive_SERVER_NEED_GAME_PASSWORD()");
+	Debug(net, 9, "Client::Receive_SERVER_AUTH_REQUEST()");
 
-	if (!_network_join.server_password.empty()) {
-		return SendGamePassword(_network_join.server_password);
+	if (this->authentication_handler == nullptr) {
+		this->authentication_handler = NetworkAuthenticationClientHandler::Create(std::make_shared<ClientGamePasswordRequestHandler>(),
+				_settings_client.network.client_secret_key, _settings_client.network.client_public_key);
 	}
+	switch (this->authentication_handler->ReceiveRequest(p)) {
+		case NetworkAuthenticationClientHandler::READY_FOR_RESPONSE:
+			return SendAuthResponse();
 
-	ShowNetworkNeedPassword(NETWORK_GAME_PASSWORD);
+		case NetworkAuthenticationClientHandler::AWAIT_USER_INPUT:
+			return NETWORK_RECV_STATUS_OKAY;
 
-	return NETWORK_RECV_STATUS_OKAY;
+		case NetworkAuthenticationClientHandler::INVALID:
+		default:
+			return NETWORK_RECV_STATUS_MALFORMED_PACKET;
+	}
 }
 
+NetworkRecvStatus ClientNetworkGameSocketHandler::Receive_SERVER_AUTH_COMPLETED(Packet &)
+{
+	if (this->status != STATUS_AUTH_GAME || this->authentication_handler == nullptr) return NETWORK_RECV_STATUS_MALFORMED_PACKET;
+
+	Debug(net, 9, "Client::Receive_SERVER_AUTH_COMPLETED()");
+
+	this->authentication_handler = nullptr;
+
+	Debug(net, 9, "Client::status = AUTHENTICATED");
+	this->status = STATUS_AUTHENTICATED;
+
+	return this->SendIdentify();
+}
+
+class CompanyPasswordRequest : public NetworkAuthenticationPasswordRequest {
+	virtual void Reply(const std::string &password) override
+	{
+		MyClient::SendCompanyPassword(password);
+	}
+};
+
 NetworkRecvStatus ClientNetworkGameSocketHandler::Receive_SERVER_NEED_COMPANY_PASSWORD(Packet &p)
 {
-	if (this->status < STATUS_JOIN || this->status >= STATUS_AUTH_COMPANY) return NETWORK_RECV_STATUS_MALFORMED_PACKET;
+	if (this->status < STATUS_AUTHENTICATED || this->status >= STATUS_AUTH_COMPANY) return NETWORK_RECV_STATUS_MALFORMED_PACKET;
 	Debug(net, 9, "Client::status = AUTH_COMPANY");
 	this->status = STATUS_AUTH_COMPANY;
 
@@ -769,14 +812,14 @@ NetworkRecvStatus ClientNetworkGameSocketHandler::Receive_SERVER_NEED_COMPANY_PA
 		return SendCompanyPassword(_network_join.company_password);
 	}
 
-	ShowNetworkNeedPassword(NETWORK_COMPANY_PASSWORD);
+	ShowNetworkNeedPassword(NETWORK_COMPANY_PASSWORD, std::make_shared<CompanyPasswordRequest>());
 
 	return NETWORK_RECV_STATUS_OKAY;
 }
 
 NetworkRecvStatus ClientNetworkGameSocketHandler::Receive_SERVER_WELCOME(Packet &p)
 {
-	if (this->status < STATUS_JOIN || this->status >= STATUS_AUTHORIZED) return NETWORK_RECV_STATUS_MALFORMED_PACKET;
+	if (this->status < STATUS_AUTHENTICATED || this->status >= STATUS_AUTHORIZED) return NETWORK_RECV_STATUS_MALFORMED_PACKET;
 	Debug(net, 9, "Client::status = AUTHORIZED");
 	this->status = STATUS_AUTHORIZED;
 
diff --git a/src/network/network_client.h b/src/network/network_client.h
index f6c0eb8a61..ac80393651 100644
--- a/src/network/network_client.h
+++ b/src/network/network_client.h
@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@
 /** Class for handling the client side of the game connection. */
 class ClientNetworkGameSocketHandler : public ZeroedMemoryAllocator, public NetworkGameSocketHandler {
 private:
+	std::unique_ptr<class NetworkAuthenticationClientHandler> authentication_handler; ///< The handler for the authentication.
 	std::string connection_string; ///< Address we are connected to.
 	std::shared_ptr<struct PacketReader> savegame; ///< Packet reader for reading the savegame.
 	uint8_t token;                    ///< The token we need to send back to the server to prove we're the right client.
@@ -23,8 +24,9 @@ private:
 	enum ServerStatus {
 		STATUS_INACTIVE,      ///< The client is not connected nor active.
 		STATUS_JOIN,          ///< We are trying to join a server.
-		STATUS_NEWGRFS_CHECK, ///< Last action was checking NewGRFs.
 		STATUS_AUTH_GAME,     ///< Last action was requesting game (server) password.
+		STATUS_AUTHENTICATED, ///< The game authentication has completed.
+		STATUS_NEWGRFS_CHECK, ///< Last action was checking NewGRFs.
 		STATUS_AUTH_COMPANY,  ///< Last action was requesting company password.
 		STATUS_AUTHORIZED,    ///< The client is authorized at the server.
 		STATUS_MAP_WAIT,      ///< The client is waiting as someone else is downloading the map.
@@ -44,7 +46,8 @@ protected:
 	NetworkRecvStatus Receive_SERVER_BANNED(Packet &p) override;
 	NetworkRecvStatus Receive_SERVER_ERROR(Packet &p) override;
 	NetworkRecvStatus Receive_SERVER_CLIENT_INFO(Packet &p) override;
-	NetworkRecvStatus Receive_SERVER_NEED_GAME_PASSWORD(Packet &p) override;
+	NetworkRecvStatus Receive_SERVER_AUTH_REQUEST(Packet &p) override;
+	NetworkRecvStatus Receive_SERVER_AUTH_COMPLETED(Packet &p) override;
 	NetworkRecvStatus Receive_SERVER_NEED_COMPANY_PASSWORD(Packet &p) override;
 	NetworkRecvStatus Receive_SERVER_WELCOME(Packet &p) override;
 	NetworkRecvStatus Receive_SERVER_WAIT(Packet &p) override;
@@ -86,7 +89,7 @@ public:
 	static NetworkRecvStatus SendQuit();
 	static NetworkRecvStatus SendAck();
 
-	static NetworkRecvStatus SendGamePassword(const std::string &password);
+	static NetworkRecvStatus SendAuthResponse();
 	static NetworkRecvStatus SendCompanyPassword(const std::string &password);
 
 	static NetworkRecvStatus SendChat(NetworkAction action, DestType type, int dest, const std::string &msg, int64_t data);
diff --git a/src/network/network_gui.cpp b/src/network/network_gui.cpp
index 4c21dec535..29b6c18433 100644
--- a/src/network/network_gui.cpp
+++ b/src/network/network_gui.cpp
@@ -2103,7 +2103,7 @@ uint32_t _network_join_bytes;             ///< The number of bytes we already do
 uint32_t _network_join_bytes_total;       ///< The total number of bytes to download.
 
 struct NetworkJoinStatusWindow : Window {
-	NetworkPasswordType password_type;
+	std::shared_ptr<NetworkAuthenticationPasswordRequest> request;
 
 	NetworkJoinStatusWindow(WindowDesc *desc) : Window(desc)
 	{
@@ -2199,16 +2199,12 @@ struct NetworkJoinStatusWindow : Window {
 
 	void OnQueryTextFinished(char *str) override
 	{
-		if (StrEmpty(str)) {
+		if (StrEmpty(str) || this->request == nullptr) {
 			NetworkDisconnect();
 			return;
 		}
 
-		switch (this->password_type) {
-			case NETWORK_GAME_PASSWORD:    MyClient::SendGamePassword   (str); break;
-			case NETWORK_COMPANY_PASSWORD: MyClient::SendCompanyPassword(str); break;
-			default: NOT_REACHED();
-		}
+		this->request->Reply(str);
 	}
 };
 
@@ -2236,11 +2232,11 @@ void ShowJoinStatusWindow()
 	new NetworkJoinStatusWindow(&_network_join_status_window_desc);
 }
 
-void ShowNetworkNeedPassword(NetworkPasswordType npt)
+void ShowNetworkNeedPassword(NetworkPasswordType npt, std::shared_ptr<NetworkAuthenticationPasswordRequest> request)
 {
 	NetworkJoinStatusWindow *w = (NetworkJoinStatusWindow *)FindWindowById(WC_NETWORK_STATUS_WINDOW, WN_NETWORK_STATUS_WINDOW_JOIN);
 	if (w == nullptr) return;
-	w->password_type = npt;
+	w->request = request;
 
 	StringID caption;
 	switch (npt) {
diff --git a/src/network/network_gui.h b/src/network/network_gui.h
index 74d6d153e6..02283e9ae7 100644
--- a/src/network/network_gui.h
+++ b/src/network/network_gui.h
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@
 #include "network_type.h"
 #include "network_gamelist.h"
 
-void ShowNetworkNeedPassword(NetworkPasswordType npt);
+void ShowNetworkNeedPassword(NetworkPasswordType npt, std::shared_ptr<class NetworkAuthenticationPasswordRequest> request);
 void ShowNetworkChatQueryWindow(DestType type, int dest);
 void ShowJoinStatusWindow();
 void ShowNetworkGameWindow();
diff --git a/src/network/network_server.cpp b/src/network/network_server.cpp
index eb3a1e3b18..6c7d4192ee 100644
--- a/src/network/network_server.cpp
+++ b/src/network/network_server.cpp
@@ -58,6 +58,10 @@ INSTANTIATE_POOL_METHODS(NetworkClientSocket)
 /** Instantiate the listen sockets. */
 template SocketList TCPListenHandler<ServerNetworkGameSocketHandler, PACKET_SERVER_FULL, PACKET_SERVER_BANNED>::sockets;
 
+static NetworkAuthenticationDefaultPasswordProvider _password_provider(_settings_client.network.server_password); ///< Provides the password validation for the game's password.
+static NetworkAuthenticationDefaultAuthorizedKeyHandler _authorized_key_handler(_settings_client.network.server_authorized_keys); ///< Provides the authorized key handling for the game authentication.
+
+
 /** Writing a savegame directly to a number of packets. */
 struct PacketWriter : SaveFilter {
 	ServerNetworkGameSocketHandler *cs; ///< Socket we are associated with.
@@ -407,8 +411,8 @@ NetworkRecvStatus ServerNetworkGameSocketHandler::SendNewGRFCheck()
 	this->status = STATUS_NEWGRFS_CHECK;
 
 	if (_grfconfig == nullptr) {
-		/* There are no NewGRFs, continue with the game password. */
-		return this->SendNeedGamePassword();
+		/* There are no NewGRFs, continue with the company password. */
+		return this->SendNeedCompanyPassword();
 	}
 
 	auto p = std::make_unique<Packet>(this, PACKET_SERVER_CHECK_NEWGRFS, TCP_MTU);
@@ -429,25 +433,39 @@ NetworkRecvStatus ServerNetworkGameSocketHandler::SendNewGRFCheck()
 }
 
 /** Request the game password. */
-NetworkRecvStatus ServerNetworkGameSocketHandler::SendNeedGamePassword()
+NetworkRecvStatus ServerNetworkGameSocketHandler::SendAuthRequest()
 {
-	Debug(net, 9, "client[{}] SendNeedGamePassword()", this->client_id);
+	Debug(net, 9, "client[{}] SendAuthRequest()", this->client_id);
 
-	/* Invalid packet when status is anything but STATUS_NEWGRFS_CHECK. */
-	if (this->status != STATUS_NEWGRFS_CHECK) return this->CloseConnection(NETWORK_RECV_STATUS_MALFORMED_PACKET);
+	/* Invalid packet when status is anything but STATUS_INACTIVE or STATUS_AUTH_GAME. */
+	if (this->status != STATUS_INACTIVE && status != STATUS_AUTH_GAME) return this->CloseConnection(NETWORK_RECV_STATUS_MALFORMED_PACKET);
 
 	Debug(net, 9, "client[{}] status = AUTH_GAME", this->client_id);
 	this->status = STATUS_AUTH_GAME;
 
-	if (_settings_client.network.server_password.empty()) {
-		/* Do not actually need a game password, continue with the company password. */
-		return this->SendNeedCompanyPassword();
-	}
-
 	/* Reset 'lag' counters */
 	this->last_frame = this->last_frame_server = _frame_counter;
 
-	auto p = std::make_unique<Packet>(this, PACKET_SERVER_NEED_GAME_PASSWORD);
+	if (this->authentication_handler == nullptr) {
+		this->authentication_handler = NetworkAuthenticationServerHandler::Create(&_password_provider, &_authorized_key_handler);
+	}
+
+	auto p = std::make_unique<Packet>(this, PACKET_SERVER_AUTH_REQUEST);
+	this->authentication_handler->SendRequest(*p);
+
+	this->SendPacket(std::move(p));
+	return NETWORK_RECV_STATUS_OKAY;
+}
+
+/** Notify the client that the authentication has completed. */
+NetworkRecvStatus ServerNetworkGameSocketHandler::SendAuthCompleted()
+{
+	Debug(net, 9, "client[{}] SendAuthCompleted()", this->client_id);
+
+	/* Invalid packet when status is anything but STATUS_AUTH_GAME. */
+	if (this->status != STATUS_AUTH_GAME) return this->CloseConnection(NETWORK_RECV_STATUS_MALFORMED_PACKET);
+
+	auto p = std::make_unique<Packet>(this, PACKET_SERVER_AUTH_COMPLETED);
 	this->SendPacket(std::move(p));
 	return NETWORK_RECV_STATUS_OKAY;
 }
@@ -457,8 +475,8 @@ NetworkRecvStatus ServerNetworkGameSocketHandler::SendNeedCompanyPassword()
 {
 	Debug(net, 9, "client[{}] SendNeedCompanyPassword()", this->client_id);
 
-	/* Invalid packet when status is anything but STATUS_AUTH_GAME. */
-	if (this->status != STATUS_AUTH_GAME) return this->CloseConnection(NETWORK_RECV_STATUS_MALFORMED_PACKET);
+	/* Invalid packet when status is anything but STATUS_NEWGRFS_CHECK. */
+	if (this->status != STATUS_NEWGRFS_CHECK) return this->CloseConnection(NETWORK_RECV_STATUS_MALFORMED_PACKET);
 
 	Debug(net, 9, "client[{}] status = AUTH_COMPANY", this->client_id);
 	this->status = STATUS_AUTH_COMPANY;
@@ -865,7 +883,7 @@ NetworkRecvStatus ServerNetworkGameSocketHandler::Receive_CLIENT_NEWGRFS_CHECKED
 
 	Debug(net, 9, "client[{}] Receive_CLIENT_NEWGRFS_CHECKED()", this->client_id);
 
-	return this->SendNeedGamePassword();
+	return this->SendNeedCompanyPassword();
 }
 
 NetworkRecvStatus ServerNetworkGameSocketHandler::Receive_CLIENT_JOIN(Packet &p)
@@ -891,13 +909,7 @@ NetworkRecvStatus ServerNetworkGameSocketHandler::Receive_CLIENT_JOIN(Packet &p)
 		return this->SendError(NETWORK_ERROR_WRONG_REVISION);
 	}
 
-	Debug(net, 9, "client[{}] status = IDENTIFY", this->client_id);
-	this->status = STATUS_IDENTIFY;
-
-	/* Reset 'lag' counters */
-	this->last_frame = this->last_frame_server = _frame_counter;
-
-	return NETWORK_RECV_STATUS_OKAY;
+	return this->SendAuthRequest();
 }
 
 NetworkRecvStatus ServerNetworkGameSocketHandler::Receive_CLIENT_IDENTIFY(Packet &p)
@@ -953,24 +965,52 @@ NetworkRecvStatus ServerNetworkGameSocketHandler::Receive_CLIENT_IDENTIFY(Packet
 	return this->SendNewGRFCheck();
 }
 
-NetworkRecvStatus ServerNetworkGameSocketHandler::Receive_CLIENT_GAME_PASSWORD(Packet &p)
+static NetworkErrorCode GetErrorForAuthenticationMethod(NetworkAuthenticationMethod method)
+{
+	switch (method) {
+		case NETWORK_AUTH_METHOD_X25519_PAKE:
+			return NETWORK_ERROR_WRONG_PASSWORD;
+		case NETWORK_AUTH_METHOD_X25519_AUTHORIZED_KEY:
+			return NETWORK_ERROR_NOT_ON_ALLOW_LIST;
+
+		default:
+			NOT_REACHED();
+	}
+}
+
+NetworkRecvStatus ServerNetworkGameSocketHandler::Receive_CLIENT_AUTH_RESPONSE(Packet &p)
 {
 	if (this->status != STATUS_AUTH_GAME) {
 		return this->SendError(NETWORK_ERROR_NOT_EXPECTED);
 	}
 
-	Debug(net, 9, "client[{}] Receive_CLIENT_GAME_PASSWORD()", this->client_id);
+	Debug(net, 9, "client[{}] Receive_CLIENT_AUTH_RESPONSE()", this->client_id);
 
-	std::string password = p.Recv_string(NETWORK_PASSWORD_LENGTH);
+	auto authentication_method = this->authentication_handler->GetAuthenticationMethod();
+	switch (this->authentication_handler->ReceiveResponse(p)) {
+		case NetworkAuthenticationServerHandler::AUTHENTICATED:
+			break;
 
-	/* Check game password. Allow joining if we cleared the password meanwhile */
-	if (!_settings_client.network.server_password.empty() &&
-			_settings_client.network.server_password.compare(password) != 0) {
-		/* Password is invalid */
-		return this->SendError(NETWORK_ERROR_WRONG_PASSWORD);
+		case NetworkAuthenticationServerHandler::RETRY_NEXT_METHOD:
+			return this->SendAuthRequest();
+
+		case NetworkAuthenticationServerHandler::NOT_AUTHENTICATED:
+		default:
+			return this->SendError(GetErrorForAuthenticationMethod(authentication_method));
 	}
 
-	return this->SendNeedCompanyPassword();
+	NetworkRecvStatus status = this->SendAuthCompleted();
+	if (status != NETWORK_RECV_STATUS_OKAY) return status;
+
+	this->authentication_handler = nullptr;
+
+	Debug(net, 9, "client[{}] status = IDENTIFY", this->client_id);
+	this->status = STATUS_IDENTIFY;
+
+	/* Reset 'lag' counters */
+	this->last_frame = this->last_frame_server = _frame_counter;
+
+	return NETWORK_RECV_STATUS_OKAY;
 }
 
 NetworkRecvStatus ServerNetworkGameSocketHandler::Receive_CLIENT_COMPANY_PASSWORD(Packet &p)
@@ -1978,9 +2018,9 @@ void NetworkServerShowStatusToConsole()
 {
 	static const char * const stat_str[] = {
 		"inactive",
+		"authorizing (server password)",
 		"identifing client",
 		"checking NewGRFs",
-		"authorizing (server password)",
 		"authorizing (company password)",
 		"authorized",
 		"waiting",
diff --git a/src/network/network_server.h b/src/network/network_server.h
index f4ce50842a..b0e21f26f6 100644
--- a/src/network/network_server.h
+++ b/src/network/network_server.h
@@ -23,10 +23,12 @@ extern NetworkClientSocketPool _networkclientsocket_pool;
 /** Class for handling the server side of the game connection. */
 class ServerNetworkGameSocketHandler : public NetworkClientSocketPool::PoolItem<&_networkclientsocket_pool>, public NetworkGameSocketHandler, public TCPListenHandler<ServerNetworkGameSocketHandler, PACKET_SERVER_FULL, PACKET_SERVER_BANNED> {
 protected:
+	std::unique_ptr<class NetworkAuthenticationServerHandler> authentication_handler; ///< The handler for the authentication.
+
 	NetworkRecvStatus Receive_CLIENT_JOIN(Packet &p) override;
 	NetworkRecvStatus Receive_CLIENT_IDENTIFY(Packet &p) override;
 	NetworkRecvStatus Receive_CLIENT_GAME_INFO(Packet &p) override;
-	NetworkRecvStatus Receive_CLIENT_GAME_PASSWORD(Packet &p) override;
+	NetworkRecvStatus Receive_CLIENT_AUTH_RESPONSE(Packet &p) override;
 	NetworkRecvStatus Receive_CLIENT_COMPANY_PASSWORD(Packet &p) override;
 	NetworkRecvStatus Receive_CLIENT_GETMAP(Packet &p) override;
 	NetworkRecvStatus Receive_CLIENT_MAP_OK(Packet &p) override;
@@ -44,16 +46,17 @@ protected:
 	NetworkRecvStatus SendGameInfo();
 	NetworkRecvStatus SendNewGRFCheck();
 	NetworkRecvStatus SendWelcome();
-	NetworkRecvStatus SendNeedGamePassword();
+	NetworkRecvStatus SendAuthRequest();
+	NetworkRecvStatus SendAuthCompleted();
 	NetworkRecvStatus SendNeedCompanyPassword();
 
 public:
 	/** Status of a client */
 	enum ClientStatus {
 		STATUS_INACTIVE,      ///< The client is not connected nor active.
+		STATUS_AUTH_GAME,     ///< The client is authorizing with game (server) password.
 		STATUS_IDENTIFY,      ///< The client is identifying itself.
 		STATUS_NEWGRFS_CHECK, ///< The client is checking NewGRFs.
-		STATUS_AUTH_GAME,     ///< The client is authorizing with game (server) password.
 		STATUS_AUTH_COMPANY,  ///< The client is authorizing with company password.
 		STATUS_AUTHORIZED,    ///< The client is authorized.
 		STATUS_MAP_WAIT,      ///< The client is waiting as someone else is downloading the map.
diff --git a/src/network/network_type.h b/src/network/network_type.h
index 40a990d472..faa81a8d35 100644
--- a/src/network/network_type.h
+++ b/src/network/network_type.h
@@ -145,6 +145,7 @@ enum NetworkErrorCode {
 	NETWORK_ERROR_TIMEOUT_MAP,
 	NETWORK_ERROR_TIMEOUT_JOIN,
 	NETWORK_ERROR_INVALID_CLIENT_NAME,
+	NETWORK_ERROR_NOT_ON_ALLOW_LIST,
 
 	NETWORK_ERROR_END,
 };