Killing Floor 2Killing Floor 2 Server Not Showing in Browser? How to Fix It
Fix a KF2 dedicated server missing from the server browser: ports 7777, 27015 and 20560, browser filters for custom and unranked servers, versions, and joining with open.
Updated Oct 7, 2026 · 5 min read
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When a Killing Floor 2 server does not appear in the server browser, the usual causes are a closed query port (27015 UDP by default), browser filters that hide custom or unranked servers, or a server that has not updated after a patch. Skip the browser while you troubleshoot: open the console and type open followed by the server IP and game port, for example open 203.0.113.80:7777. If that works, the server is fine and the problem is the listing.
Step 1: Can you join directly?
This one test splits the problem in half.
- Make sure the console is available in the game's options.
- Press the console key and type:
open 203.0.113.80:7777
Use your server's IP and game port (7777 by default), not the query port.
- You get in: the server is reachable. It is a browser or listing issue. Go to Step 2.
- Connection times out: players cannot reach the server at all. Go to Step 4.
- Refused with a version or password message: go to Step 5.
Step 2: Check the browser filters
KF2's server browser hides a lot by default. Before changing the server:
- Server type. The browser separates ranked, unranked and custom servers. A server running Workshop maps or mutators is usually treated as custom or unranked, and those can be filtered out. Turn the filters on for every type.
- Game mode. Survival, Weekly, Endless and Versus are separate. If your server runs Endless, a Survival filter hides it.
- Difficulty and map. Clear any difficulty or map filter.
- Full, empty and password protected. Allow all three while testing.
- Search by exact name. The server name is set with
ServerNamein the game config.
If you clear everything and still cannot find it, check Steam's own browser next.
Step 3: Add it to Steam favorites
Steam's server browser asks the server directly through the query port.
- In Steam, open View, then Game Servers.
- Choose Favorites, click + and enter the IP with the query port, for example
203.0.113.80:27015. - Refresh.
If Steam shows the server with a ping and player count, the query port works and the server is online. You can join from there. If Steam shows nothing, the query port is blocked or wrong, which also explains why the in game browser cannot see it.
Step 4: Open the ports
A KF2 server uses:
| Port | Protocol | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 7777 | UDP | Game traffic |
| 27015 | UDP | Steam query, used by server browsers |
| 20560 | UDP | Steam networking |
| 8080 | TCP | WebAdmin, only if you turn it on |
On a home server, forward 7777, 27015 and 20560 UDP to the server PC and allow the server through the firewall. If you started the server with custom ports (?Port= and ?QueryPort= on the launch line), forward those instead and give players the new game port. Our port forwarding guide covers the router part, and if you are behind CGNAT no forwarding will help; see how to tell if you are behind CGNAT.
Two servers on one PC cannot share ports. Give each its own game and query port.
Step 5: Version and password
Version. After a KF2 update, players on the new build cannot join a server on the old one, and the server may drop out of their browser. Update the server through SteamCMD (app 232130) and restart:
steamcmd +force_install_dir ./kf2server +login anonymous +app_update 232130 validate +quit
Password. A game password is set with GamePassword in the game config. Password protected servers can be filtered out of the browser and need the password when joining. With open, add it to the address: open 203.0.113.80:7777?Password=yourpassword.
Step 6: Workshop content still downloading
A server that has just been given new Workshop maps or mutators downloads them at boot. Until that finishes, it may not be listed, and players who join early can get stuck. Watch the server log after a restart and wait for the downloads to complete. Then check the content is in the map cycle; our Workshop maps guide explains the three places a map has to be listed.
Steam and Epic players
KF2 on PC supports crossplay between Steam and the Epic Games Store, but on unmodded servers. A server running Workshop maps or mutators is for Steam players. If your Epic friends cannot see your server, that is the reason, not a fault.
Quick checklist
| Check | Should be |
|---|---|
open IP:7777 from the console |
Connects |
| Steam favorites with the query port | Shows the server |
| Browser filters | All server types, all modes |
| UDP 7777, 27015, 20560 | Forwarded and open |
| Server build | Same as players |
| Epic players | Only on unmodded servers |
Skip the network chores
A GamezServers Killing Floor 2 server has its own address with the game and query ports already open, and Auto Update pulls the latest build each time it restarts, so patches do not lock players out. The control panel sets the server name, starting map, difficulty and admin password, and the config files for map cycles and Workshop content are in the file manager. Once your group is in, KF2 admin commands covers kicking, banning and changing maps.
FAQ
How do I join a Killing Floor 2 server by IP?
Open the console and type open followed by the IP and game port, for example open 203.0.113.80:7777.
What is the KF2 query port?
27015 UDP by default. Steam and the in game browser use it to list the server.
Why can my Epic Games friends not see my KF2 server?
Crossplay between Steam and Epic only works on unmodded servers. Workshop maps or mutators make the server Steam only.
Why did my server disappear after an update?
It is on an older build than the players. Update it with SteamCMD app 232130 and restart.
Skip the setup. Your own Killing Floor 2 server.
Then $7.99/mo. Just trying it? $2.00 for 3 days