Can't Join a Solace Crafting Dedicated Server? Fixes That Work

If you cannot join a Solace Crafting dedicated server, check four things in this order: the server is on the same game version as your client (update it with SteamCMD app 1086950), the ports in servercfg.dat (27015 and 27016 by default) are the ones actually open, isPrivate and password are set the way you think, and you are on v1.2.3.1 or later, which fixed a dedicated server join bug. If the server is missing from the list entirely, the query port is the usual culprit. The server log tells you which case you are in.

Solace Crafting is made by a very small team, so community answers are scattered across old Steam threads. This page pulls the working fixes together.

First: is the server missing, or does joining fail?

Fix 1: Match the server and client versions

This is the most common cause by far. The game still gets frequent patches (v1.2.x through 2026), and Steam updates your client automatically. The server does not update itself unless something tells it to. Players then reach a server one version behind and the join fails or misbehaves.

Update the server:

steamcmd +force_install_dir C:\servers\solace +login anonymous +app_update 1086950 validate +quit

Then restart it. The v1.2.3.1 patch notes specifically list "Joining dedicated servers bug fixed", "Better messaging when a join fails" and a fix for clients being placed wrong on server join. If either side is older than that, update both before troubleshooting anything else. Odd states after joining, like a broken avatar or a missing minimap, were also reported on older builds and are worth retesting after an update.

Fix 2: Open both ports

The server uses two ports, both set in servercfg.dat:

Forward both on your router to the server machine and allow both through the firewall. The original server guide from the developer lists the game port as TCP and the query port as UDP. Forwarding both protocols on both ports costs nothing and removes the guesswork.

If the server is joinable but not listed, the query port is the one that is blocked. If neither works, check the game port and the firewall on the server machine. Our port forwarding guide covers the router side, and if forwarding looks right but nothing reaches you, read how to tell if you are behind CGNAT.

Fix 3: Make the config ports match reality

The server listens on whatever servercfg.dat says, not on what you forwarded. Problems to look for:

• You forwarded 27015 but the config says something else, or the reverse.
• You run two servers and both use 27015.
• A host assigned your server a port, but port in the config is still 27015.

Open servercfg.dat (in AppData\LocalLow\Big Kitty Games\Solace Crafting on Windows or ~/.config/unity3d/Big Kitty Games/Solace Crafting on Linux), correct the ports, save and restart. Every key is explained in our servercfg.dat guide.

Fix 4: Check private mode and the password

password only applies when isPrivate is true. Two consequences:

• A server with a password but isPrivate set to false stays open, which is a security problem rather than a join problem.
• A private server rejects players who type the password wrong. Copy it exactly, including capitals.

Remember the server only reads the file when it starts. Edits made while it runs are ignored or overwritten. Stop, edit, start.

Fix 5: Wait for the list, then refresh

Steam's server list learns about a new server only after it has been up and answering queries for a short while. After a restart or a name change, give it a minute, then refresh. Search for a distinctive part of name rather than the full string.

Fix 6: Do not test from the server PC

Running the server and the game client on the same Windows PC has caused trouble since the first dedicated builds, including connection routing confusion and doubled audio. If you host at home, test the join from a different PC on the network, using the server's local IP. Friends outside your home use your public IP.

Read the server log

When none of this is obvious, the log usually is. Unity games write it in the same user data folder as servercfg.dat (Player.log on current builds, output_log.txt on older ones). Look for errors around the time someone tried to join: a version mismatch, a refused connection or an exception during player setup. Since v1.2.3.1, failed joins also show a clearer message on the player's side, so ask your friend what their screen said.

Quick checklist

When you would rather not manage this

A GamezServers Solace Crafting server keeps Auto Update on, so it picks up new builds on restart and stays in step with players' games, which removes the most common cause on this page. The server runs on its own address with DDoS protection, and servercfg.dat is in the file manager at .config/unity3d/Big Kitty Games/Solace Crafting/. Set port to the port shown in your panel, restart, and the live console shows who joins. Take a one click backup before each big patch so a bad update never costs you the world. The full walkthrough is in our Solace Crafting setup guide.

FAQ

Why does Solace Crafting say I cannot join the server?

Most often the server is on an older game version than your client. Update the server with SteamCMD (app 1086950) and restart.

What ports does a Solace Crafting server need?

27015 for the game and 27016 for the Steam query by default, as set in servercfg.dat.

Why is my server not in the multiplayer list?

The query port is closed or does not match the config, or the list has not refreshed yet. Check steamQueryPort and forward it.

Do players need the same version as the server?

Yes. Keep the server updated after every game patch.