Suggestion

I would like to request a new user-facing option in the settings that allows users to prefer the BitTorrent v2 and v3 swarm when seed/leech hybrid torrents.

Feature Request

Add a checkbox under Transfers View → Options → Peers:


Behavior

When enabled:

* If a torrent contains both BitTorrent v1 and v2 info hashes (a hybrid torrent) or is v3, Tixati should prioritize connecting to BitTorrent v2/v3 peers and downloading/seeding through the v2/v3 swarm.

Fallback behavior:

* If no v2/v3 peers are available, Tixati should automatically connect to v1 peers so that downloads and seeding continue normally. This option should never reduce compatibility.



Use Case

Why is this needed?

At the moment, hybrid torrents effectively behave like v1 torrents by default. Even when Tixati is built with v1/v2/v3/v3.1 support, the client follows the path of least resistance and primarily joins the v1 swarm.

As a seeder:

I want my upload bandwidth to benefit the v2/v3 swarm rather than only strengthening the legacy v1 network.

As a leecher:

I want to take advantage of BitTorrent v2/v3 features, such as:

* Faster hash checking
* Merkle tree verification
* The long-term migration toward the v2/v3 ecosystem

The problem

Many trackers still require hybrid torrents for compatibility. Since most clients currently default to the v1 swarm, the v2/v3 side often remains underutilized.

Providing an optional “Prefer BitTorrent v2/v3” setting would allow users who want to support BitTorrent v2/v3 adoption to do so without sacrificing compatibility with existing trackers or peers.

Existing Implementation

This functionality already exists in another BitTorrent client: BiglyBT.

BiglyBT allows users to explicitly run the v2 swarm for hybrid torrents. Users report that it works seamlessly:

* Use the v2 swarm when v2 peers are available.
* Automatically fall back to the v1 swarm when necessary.

Relevant release notes:


FEATURE: Core | Option to explicitly run the v2 swarm on a hybrid download
https://github.com/BiglySoftware/BiglyBT/releases/tag/v2.6.0.0



FEATURE: Core | Added option to run hybrid torrents as v2 rather than v1
https://github.com/BiglySoftware/BiglyBT/releases/tag/v3.3.0.0


Relationship to Swarm Merging

There is already an existing feature request for Swarm Merging in Tixati.

This proposal is a logical first step toward that goal. Before swarms can be merged intelligently, the client should have the ability to intentionally prioritize the BitTorrent v2/v3 side of a hybrid torrent.

Implementation Suggestion

* Place the option under Transfers View → Options → Peers.
* Include a tooltip such as:


Keeping this option in the Advanced settings makes it available to power users who want to help strengthen the BitTorrent v2/v3 ecosystem without affecting the default experience for casual users.

Why This Matters

BitTorrent v2/v3 has been stable for quite some time. Hybrid torrents were designed to ease the transition from v1 to v2/v3, but in practice, most clients still gravitate toward the v1 swarm by default.

Adding this simple optional setting would allow Tixati users to voluntarily promote BitTorrent v2/v3 adoption while maintaining full backward compatibility. Over time, this could help hybrid torrents fulfill their intended role as a migration bridge between the two protocol versions.