> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.freakhosting.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Sons of the Forest Dedicated Server Not Showing? How to Fix It

> Sons of the Forest dedicated server not showing? Set the list source to Dedicated, let the server finish starting, set Skip network Test to true and restart.

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.

| Works on | Panel pages | Time |
| - | - | - |
| Every Sons of the Forest dedicated server on our Game Panel | **Console**, **Startup**, **Logs** | 5 to 10 minutes |

## 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](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-read-server-logs.md).

## Other reasons you can't join

| Problem | What to do |
| - | - |
| Wrong password | Check **Password** on **Startup**. `none` means the server has no password; after changing it, restart the server. |
| Server full | **Max Players** on **Startup** is the limit. |
| Game versions don't match | Keep **Auto Update** on in **Startup** and restart the server after a game update. Update your game in Steam too. |
| Firewall filter blocks players | If you set up DDoS filters, check they allow Sons of the Forest traffic. See [DDoS filters](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/firewall/how-to-apply-ddos-filters.md). |
| You edited `dedicatedserver.cfg` | Keep `LanOnly` set to `false`. `true` hides the server from the internet. |

## Frequently asked questions

### 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.

### 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.

### 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**.

### Nothing helped. What now?

[Open a ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php) with your server name and the time you tried. You can share your log with **Share log** in **Console**.

## Related guides

> **[Sons of the Forest server guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/sons-of-the-forest/sons-of-the-forest-server-hosting-guide.md)**
>
> Every Sons of the Forest page in one place.

> **[Getting started](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/sons-of-the-forest/getting-started-with-your-sons-of-the-forest-server.md)**
>
> Password, game mode and joining.

> **[dedicatedserver.cfg explained](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/sons-of-the-forest/dedicated-server-admin-config.md)**
>
> Every key of the server config file.

> **[Server logs](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-read-server-logs.md)**
>
> Find errors in your logs.

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> **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.

> [!NOTE]
>
> ### Need Extra Help?
>
> If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:
>
> * **Live Chat:** Quick assistance via our website.
> * **Support Ticket:** [Open a Ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php)
> * **Discord:** [Join our Community](https://discord.gg/freakhosting)
> * **Email:** [support@freakhosting.com](mailto:support@freakhosting.com)

> [!TIP]
>
> ### Save on Your Hosting
>
> Ready to upgrade your hosting? Use code **KB20** at checkout for **20% off** your first order!

***

**Last Updated:** October 2026


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