Game Server Not Showing in the Server List? 10 Causes and Fixes

When a server runs fine but does not appear in the in game server list, the cause is almost always one of these: the server is not set to public, the query port is not reachable, the browser's filters hide it, the server is on a different version, or it has not finished registering with Steam or the game's own listing service. First check that friends can join by direct IP. If they can, the server works and the problem is only listing, which narrows it down to the query port, the public setting and filters.

Start here: test joining by IP

Ask a friend on another network to connect directly with your address and game port (for Steam games, often through Steam's View, Game Servers, Favorites, Add a server).

• They can join: the game port works. Skip to the listing causes below.
• They cannot join: the game port is blocked, the server bound to the wrong address, or the server is not really running. Fix that first with how to port forward a game server.

1. The server is not set to public

Many games list servers only when you ask them to:

Some games also hide passworded servers unless the player ticks a "show password protected" filter.

2. The query port is closed

Server browsers ask each server for details on a query port, which is often different from the game port. If only the game port is open, the server works but stays invisible. Valheim needs 2457 UDP as well as 2456, Rust needs its server.queryport, DayZ needs its steamQueryPort. Our guide to the game server query port lists defaults and how to test one. Remember most query ports are UDP.

3. You are looking in the wrong place

• Steam game servers vs in game lists: some games only show servers in their own in game browser, not in Steam's.
• Wrong tab: many browsers split Official, Community, Modded, LAN and Favorites. Community servers are often on their own tab.
• Crossplay listings: Valheim crossplay servers are not listed in Steam's server browser the same way; players join with the join code or search the in game list. ARK: Survival Ascended lists all servers through Epic Online Services, so only the in game list shows them.

4. Browser filters hide it

Check the filters before anything else on the client side:

• Region or ping limit (a server far away can be filtered out by a ping cap).
• "Hide full", "Hide empty", "Hide passworded".
• Game mode, map or version filters.
• Search box text that does not match your exact server name.

Search for a distinctive word in your server name with every filter cleared.

5. Version mismatch

Most browsers hide servers running a different game version. If the server did not update, or you are on a beta branch and players are not, nobody on the current build sees it. Compare the build in the server console with the game's version on a player's PC. See game server version mismatch.

6. It has not registered yet

After a start, a server has to register with Steam's master server or the game's own service. This usually takes a minute or two, sometimes longer on busy days. Big games also take a while to load the world before they register. Wait five minutes after the console says the server is ready before deciding it is missing.

If the log shows SteamAPI_Init() failed on Linux, the server never talked to Steam at all. Fix that with steamclient.so not found.

7. Two servers, one set of ports

Running two servers on one machine with the same default query port means only one registers properly. Give each server its own game port and query port, and update your port forwarding to match.

8. Bound to the wrong network address

On machines with more than one network interface, or behind a VPN, the server may announce a private address (like 192.168.x.x or a VPN address) to Steam. Players then get an unreachable server or none at all. Set the server's IP or bind option to the correct interface, and turn off VPN software on the host.

9. CGNAT or double NAT at home

If your internet provider uses carrier grade NAT, or you have two routers, port forwarding cannot work and outside queries never reach the server. The server may appear for you on your own network but not for anyone else. Your router's WAN address will be in the 100.64.x.x range or a private range if this applies. The fix is a public IP from your provider, a tunnel, or a hosted server.

10. The game's master server is down

Occasionally the listing service itself has trouble. If many server owners report the same problem at once on the game's forums or Discord, wait it out. Direct IP joining keeps working in the meantime.

Game specific guides

Several games have their own quirks. We have detailed guides for 7 Days to Die, DayZ, ARK: Survival Ascended, Enshrouded and Garry's Mod.

Skip the router problems

Most listing problems at home come from ports, NAT and shared networks. A GamezServers server has its own address with the game's ports set up, DDoS protection always on, and the public and password settings from the game's server template right in the control panel. It also stays online when your PC is off.

FAQ

Why can my friends join by IP but not find my server in the list?

The game port works, but the listing does not. Usually the query port is closed, the server is not set to public, or filters hide it.

How long does it take for a server to show in the list?

Usually a minute or two after the server finishes starting. Large worlds take longer to load before they register.

Why does my server show for me but not for others?

You may be seeing it on your local network (LAN tab) while outside players cannot reach the query port. CGNAT, double NAT and missing port forwards are the common causes.

Do password protected servers show in the list?

Usually yes, with a lock icon, but some browsers hide them unless players enable a filter.