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If your Sons of the Forest dedicated server isn’t showing in the server list, first check that the list’s source is set to Dedicated, not P2P, and filter by your exact server name. Then make sure the server is running and has finished starting in the Console. If it still doesn’t appear, set Skip network Test to true on the Startup page and restart the server.

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How to fix a Sons of the Forest server that isn’t showing

1

Set the source to Dedicated

In the game, open Multiplayer > Join and set the source to Dedicated. Servers you rent never show in the P2P list.
2

Search for the exact name

Use the filter and type your Server Name as it is on Startup. The list is long, so scrolling rarely finds it.
3

Check the server is running

In the Game Panel the status must be online. Open Console and wait until the start-up messages stop. A first start takes longer, because the server creates the world.
4

Set Skip network Test to true

On Startup, set Skip network Test to true. The variable’s own hint says to do this if you have problems connecting. Restart the server.
5

Add the server in Steam

In Steam, open View > Game Servers > Favorites, click the button to add a server and type your server’s IP address, : and the QueryPort from Startup. Join from there.
6

Read the log

Open Logs or the serverconfig/logs folder in Files and look for errors. See how to read server logs.

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Other reasons you can’t join

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Frequently asked questions

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Why is my server only in the P2P list for my friends?

It isn’t: dedicated servers are only in the Dedicated source. Ask your friends to switch the source.

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How long does the server take to show up?

It appears once it has finished starting. Wait for the start-up messages in Console to stop, then refresh the list.

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Which port do players need?

Players don’t type a port in the game; they join from the list. For Steam Favorites, use the QueryPort shown on Startup.

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Nothing helped. What now?

Open a ticket with your server name and the time you tried. You can share your log with Share log in Console.

Sons of the Forest server guide

Every Sons of the Forest page in one place.

Getting started

Password, game mode and joining.

dedicatedserver.cfg explained

Every key of the server config file.

Server logs

Find errors in your logs.
Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team on our Game Panel on 30 October 2026 (Sons of the Forest dedicated server on our Game Panel). Steps may differ slightly if the game changes.

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Need Extra Help?

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Last Updated: October 2026