Sons Of The ForestCan't Join a Sons of the Forest Dedicated Server (Fixes)
Sons of the Forest server visible but joins fail or hang? Fix version mismatch, BlobSync port 9700, passwords, LanOnly and the 8 player cap.
Updated Oct 7, 2026 · 4 min read
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If friends can find your Sons of the Forest dedicated server but cannot join, check four things in order. First, versions: after a game patch the server must be updated too. Second, ports: all three UDP ports must be open, and the BlobSync port (9700 by default) is the one people forget, which causes joins that hang while loading. Third, the password and the 8 player cap. Fourth, the LanOnly and network test settings in dedicatedserver.cfg. Most failed joins are one of these.
This guide is about joining. If the server does not appear in the list at all, remember to switch the Source toggle to Dedicated under Multiplayer, Join, as our hosting guide explains.
Step 1: Match the game version
Endnight patches Sons of the Forest from time to time, and players get the update through Steam immediately. The dedicated server tool is a separate app (2465200) that only updates when you update it. A client on a newer build cannot join an older server.
steamcmd +force_install_dir C:\SOTFServer +login anonymous +app_update 2465200 validate +quit
Restart the server afterwards. Also check that no player has opted into a beta branch in Steam (right click the game, Properties, Betas) that the server does not run.
Step 2: Open all three ports
| Port | Default | What breaks if it is closed |
|---|---|---|
GamePort |
8766 UDP |
Join times out immediately |
QueryPort |
27016 UDP |
Server missing from the list or shows no details |
BlobSyncPort |
9700 UDP |
Join starts, then hangs or fails while loading the world |
BlobSync carries the world data players need to load in. A server with only the game and query ports open looks fine in the list, accepts the connection, and then stalls. Forward all three as UDP to the server's local IP, and allow SonsOfTheForestDS.exe through Windows Firewall. Behind CGNAT, no forward will work; see hosting without port forwarding.
Step 3: The network accessibility test
On start, the server checks whether it can be reached from outside. On routers without NAT loopback the check can fail even when forwarding is correct, and the server refuses to start or keeps restarting. Setting this in dedicatedserver.cfg lets it start anyway:
"SkipNetworkAccessibilityTest": true
Players outside your network can still join normally. Players on the same network as the server may need the local IP instead of the public one.
Step 4: Check LanOnly
"LanOnly": false
LanOnly set to true limits the server to your local network. If you copied a config from a LAN setup, or changed it while testing, outside players cannot join no matter what else you fix.
Step 5: Password and slots
- The password is case sensitive. If it contains special characters, try a plain one to rule out typing trouble.
- Sons of the Forest supports up to 8 players. If
MaxPlayersis lower, for example the 4 many setups start with, the fifth friend is turned away. Raise it to 8 and restart.
Step 6: Give the server time
A late game save with big bases takes a while to load. If friends try to join while the server is still starting, the join fails. Watch the server console or log until it reports it is ready. After a restart, wait a minute before inviting people in.
Step 7: One player only
If everyone gets in except one friend:
- They are on an older or newer build: have them restart Steam.
- Their antivirus or firewall blocks the game.
- A VPN on their side routes them oddly. Turn it off.
- Verify game files: Steam, right click Sons Of The Forest, Properties, Installed Files, Verify integrity.
Quick reference
| Symptom | Most likely fix |
|---|---|
| Timed out at once | Forward UDP 8766, check firewall |
| Hangs while loading in | Forward UDP 9700 (BlobSync) |
| Rejected with a version message | Update the server, restart |
| Rejected after password prompt | Check the password |
| Fifth player cannot join | Raise MaxPlayers to 8 |
| Server will not start, network test error | SkipNetworkAccessibilityTest to true |
| Nobody outside your house can join | Set LanOnly to false |
The panel version
On a GamezServers Sons of the Forest server, all three ports are open on the server's own address, and Auto Update pulls the latest build when the server restarts, so after a patch a panel restart fixes version errors. Password, Max Players (1 to 8) and Skip Network Test are panel fields, dedicatedserver.cfg is in the file manager, and the live console shows when the island has loaded. Want to tune the rest of the server? See Sons of the Forest dedicated server settings explained.
FAQ
Why does joining my Sons of the Forest server hang on loading?
The BlobSync port, UDP 9700 by default, is usually blocked. Forward it along with the game and query ports.
Why can't my friends join after a Sons of the Forest update?
The dedicated server is on the old build. Update it with SteamCMD (app 2465200) and restart.
How many players can join a Sons of the Forest dedicated server?
Up to 8. Check MaxPlayers is set to 8 if more than four of you play.
What does SkipNetworkAccessibilityTest do?
It skips the startup reachability check, which can fail on some routers even when ports are open. Players can still join.
Skip the setup. Your own Sons Of The Forest server.
Then $14.99/mo. Just trying it? $3.75 for 3 days