BeamMP Can't Connect to Server: Join and Mod Download Fixes

When players cannot join a BeamMP server, work through this order: the BeamMP launcher is running and up to date, they are using the right address and port in Direct Connect (the server may be private and not listed at all), the port is open for both TCP and UDP, the server allows guests if they are not logged in, and their mod download is not stalling on a big pack. Most failures are one of the first three. Here is how to check each one.

How a BeamMP join works

BeamMP is a community multiplayer mod for BeamNG.drive. Joining goes through a few steps, and a failure at any of them looks like "can't connect":

1. The BeamMP launcher starts and launches BeamNG.drive with the multiplayer mod.
2. The player picks a server from the list or types an address in Direct Connect.
3. The game connects to the server over TCP and UDP on its port.
4. The server sends any mods in Resources/Client and the player downloads them.
5. The map loads and the player spawns.

Fix 1: Launcher running and updated

Players must start the game through the BeamMP launcher, not straight from Steam. Starting BeamNG.drive on its own does not load the multiplayer mod properly.

• Close BeamNG.drive completely.
• Start the BeamMP launcher and let it update itself.
• Let it open the game, then go to More... and Multiplayer in the main menu.

If BeamNG.drive itself just updated, the launcher and mod may need a moment to catch up. Launch through the BeamMP launcher again after a game update before assuming something is broken.

Fix 2: Use Direct Connect with the right address

The public server list only shows servers that are listed. A server is hidden from it when:

• Private is set to true, or
• The server has no BeamMP server key. A key from Keymaster is what lists a server publicly. Without one, a server can still run privately and players join with Direct Connect.

So if a friend says "your server is not in the list", that may be by design. Have them use Direct Connect with:

• The server's IP address, the public one, not a 192.168.x.x address from outside your home.
• The server's port, 30814 by default, or whatever the server uses.

Typos in either part are the single most common cause of a failed join. Copy and paste rather than retyping.

If you want the server listed, get a free key at Keymaster and set it in the server config, using one key per server. Our BeamMP setup guide covers that.

Fix 3: Open the port for TCP and UDP

BeamMP uses both TCP and UDP on the same port. Forwarding only one is a classic half working setup: players might connect and then fail during loading, or never connect at all.

1. On the router, forward the server port (30814 by default) for both TCP and UDP to the machine running the server.
2. Allow BeamMP-Server through the firewall for both protocols.
3. On a VPS, open the port in the provider's firewall too.
4. If you run two BeamMP servers on one machine, each needs its own port.

Our port forwarding guide covers the router side, including carrier grade NAT, where inbound forwarding cannot work.

Fix 4: Guests and BeamMP accounts

Players can use BeamMP as a guest or logged in to a BeamMP account. The server's AllowGuests setting in ServerConfig.toml decides whether guests may join. If it is false, a friend who is not logged in gets turned away. Either have them log in through the launcher, or set AllowGuests = true and restart the server.

Fix 5: Mod downloads stalling

Every zip in Resources/Client is downloaded by every player on their first join, and again whenever it changes. A server with many large mod cars or a big map can look stuck on the loading screen while a friend on a slow connection downloads gigabytes.

• Check the size of Resources/Client. Remove mods you no longer use.
• Watch the download progress before deciding it froze.
• A mod that is corrupt or not a valid zip can break the download. Remove the newest mod and test again.
• A modded map also needs the Map setting pointed at its /levels/<name>/info.json, or players load into the wrong level.

Our guide to BeamMP mods covers zips, plugins and map paths.

Fix 6: Server version and server full

• Outdated server. BeamMP server builds are released on GitHub. A very old server may not work with the current launcher. Update the server, keeping your ServerConfig.toml and Resources folder.
• Full. MaxPlayers is the cap. If the server is full, the next player is refused.
• Plugin kicks. Admin plugins like Cobalt Essentials can whitelist or ban. If one player is always refused, check the plugin's lists. See our BeamMP admin commands guide.

Playing KissMP instead?

KissMP is the older BeamNG.drive multiplayer mod, and it is not compatible with BeamMP. A BeamMP launcher cannot join a KissMP server, and the reverse. If your group mixes the two, everyone needs the same mod. KissMP players use the KissMP mod and its bridge program instead of the BeamMP launcher.

Quick diagnosis

On a GamezServers server

On a BeamMP server from GamezServers, the port is open for both protocols and the address is fixed, so fixes 2 and 3 come down to copying the address from the panel. The BeamMP key is optional: leave it empty and the server runs private for Direct Connect, or paste a Keymaster key to list it. BeamMP Server Version, Private, Max Players, Max Cars and Map are panel settings, Resources/Client is in the file manager, and you can switch the server type to KissMP (legacy) from the panel if your group plays that instead.

FAQ

Why can't my friends join my BeamMP server?

Usually a wrong address or port in Direct Connect, the port not open for both TCP and UDP, or the game not started through the BeamMP launcher.

What port does BeamMP use?

30814 by default, for both TCP and UDP. Use the port your server is set to.

Why is my BeamMP server not in the server list?

It is private or has no BeamMP key. Players can still join with Direct Connect.

Can BeamMP players join a KissMP server?

No. They are separate mods. Everyone in the group needs the same one.