DayZ Server Not Showing in Launcher? How to Fix It

If your DayZ server is not showing in the launcher, the usual causes are the Steam query port (not reachable, or not matching steamQueryPort in serverDZ.cfg), launcher filters hiding it, a version mismatch after an update, or simply not waiting long enough after startup. Players can still join by Direct Connect with the server's ip:port while you fix it. This guide goes through each cause in order.

Quick fix

1. Test with Direct Connect in the DayZ Launcher using ip:2302. If it works, only the listing is broken.
2. Wait 10 to 15 minutes after the server has fully started.
3. Clear the launcher filters and search part of the exact hostname.
4. Make sure the server and players are on the same DayZ version.
5. Self hosting? Check that steamQueryPort in serverDZ.cfg matches the port you forwarded as UDP (27016 by default).

Step 1: Test with Direct Connect

In the DayZ Launcher, open Servers, then Direct Connect, and enter the server address and game port, for example 203.0.113.10:2302.

• It connects: the server works. The problem is only how it is listed, so keep reading.
• It fails: the server is offline, still starting, or the game port is blocked. Check the server log for the mission loading, then the ports in Step 4.

Once you have joined once, add the server to Favorites in the launcher so you do not need to search next time.

Step 2: Give it time

A DayZ server has to load its mission and register with Steam before it appears. That can take 10 to 15 minutes after startup, longer with a big mod list. Restarting it again and again resets the clock, so start it once and wait.

Step 3: Check the launcher filters

The launcher hides more servers than you might think.

• Clear the search box, then type a unique part of your hostname, not a common word like "DayZ".
• Check the filters for hiding full, empty or passworded servers, a ping limit, or a map filter. A new server has zero players and may have a password.
• Check the Official, Community and LAN tabs. Your server is a community server.
• Modded servers can be listed differently from vanilla ones depending on the filter for mods. Turn mod filters off while testing.

Step 4: Check the Steam query port (self hosting)

The launcher finds servers through the Steam query port, not the game port. It is set in serverDZ.cfg:

steamQueryPort = 27016;

Check that:

• the query port is forwarded as UDP, not TCP,
• the number in steamQueryPort matches the port you forwarded exactly,
• DayZServer is allowed through the firewall on the server PC,
• your internet provider does not use CGNAT, which makes forwarding impossible. Our port forwarding guide shows how to check.

If two servers run on one machine, each needs its own game port and its own query port. Two servers fighting over 27016 means only one shows up.

Port forwarding is the step a hosted server removes completely. On a GamezServers DayZ server the game and query ports are already open, so the listing just works once the server is up.

Step 5: Check the version

After a DayZ update, players on the new version do not see or cannot join servers still on the old build, and the other way round. Self hosters update with SteamCMD (app ID 223350) and restart. Players update DayZ in Steam. If the server runs mods, those may need updating too, see the signature kick fix for mismatch kicks.

Step 6: DLC maps and mods

• Livonia, Sakhal and Nasdara need the matching DLC to join. Players without it may not be able to join, so test with someone who owns it.
• Modded servers should be joined through the DayZ Launcher, which downloads the mods. The in game browser does not.
• A mod that fails to load can stop the server from finishing startup, so it never registers with Steam. Check the latest log in the profiles folder for errors. How to install mods on a DayZ server covers load order and keys.

Step 7: Check serverDZ.cfg for mistakes

A typo in serverDZ.cfg can stop the server from starting or leave it running with odd settings. Check that:

• every line ends with a semicolon,
• hostname is in quotes,
• instanceId is unique if you run several servers,
• the template in class Missions matches a folder in mpmissions.

A sleeping or stopped server does not show

A server that is stopped, restarting or asleep does not answer queries, so it drops out of the list. On GamezServers, Sleep when empty stops the server after 90 minutes with nobody online. That is perfect for a private group, but if you want new players to find you in the launcher, turn it off in Settings.

Common causes at a glance

FAQ

How long does a DayZ server take to show in the launcher?

Usually 10 to 15 minutes after it has fully started, sometimes longer with many mods.

What is the DayZ Steam query port?

By default 27016 UDP, set with steamQueryPort in serverDZ.cfg. It is how the launcher and browser find your server.

Can friends join if the server is not listed?

Yes. Use Direct Connect in the DayZ Launcher with the server ip:port, then add it to Favorites.

Why can my friend see the server but I cannot?

Usually filters, a different DayZ version, or a missing DLC for the map. Compare filters and versions first.