Swords 'n Magic and Stuff Server Name Not Working? The Word List Fix
Your Swords 'n Magic and Stuff server name will not save or shows wrong. Names must be 2 to 5 unique words from Allowed-Words.txt. Here is how to pick one.
Updated Oct 7, 2026 · 4 min read
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A Swords 'n Magic and Stuff dedicated server name only works if it is made of 2 to 5 different words, every one of them taken from the game's approved word list. Free text, numbers, symbols, repeated words or a single word are rejected. Open SNM2020/Saved/Logs/Allowed-Words.txt on the server, pick two to five words from it, put them in the server name setting separated by spaces, and restart. Scarecrow Chicken is a valid example.
Why the game does this
Swords 'n Magic and Stuff is a cozy, all ages game, and server names show up in everyone's server list. Building names from an approved vocabulary keeps that list friendly without anyone having to moderate it. The price is that you cannot call your server "Steve's Guild Hall 2."
Once you know the rule, picking a name takes a minute.
The rules
| Rule | Example that fails | Example that works |
|---|---|---|
| Between 2 and 5 words | Dragons (one word) |
Brave Dragons |
| Every word from the allowed list | Pizza Dragons if Pizza is not on it |
Words copied from Allowed-Words.txt |
| No repeated words | Dragon Dragon Hall |
Dragon Hall |
| Words only | Dragons 2, Dragons! |
Dragons Forever if both are listed |
| Case does not matter | scarecrow chicken equals Scarecrow Chicken |
Separate the words with single spaces. Do not add quotes inside the name, punctuation, emoji or numbers.
Step 1: Find the word list
The server writes the current list to its logs folder when it runs:
SNM2020/Saved/Logs/Allowed-Words.txt
If the file is not there, start the server once, let it finish booting, then look again. Open it with any text editor. On a hosted server, open it in the file manager or download it over SFTP.
The list can change between game versions, so a name that worked last year might not after an update. Always check the file from your current server build.
Step 2: Pick your words
Some tips:
- Search the file for words that fit your group: animals, colors, places, adventure words.
- Read it out loud. Two or three words usually reads better than five.
- Make it findable. Players search the list, so pick something distinctive rather than two very common words that other servers also use.
Step 3: Set the name
If you host it yourself, put the name in your server config as described in the README that ships with the dedicated server, or in the SNM_NAME environment variable if your setup uses environment variables. Save and restart.
On a hosted panel, paste the words into the Server name setting and restart the server.
Step 4: Check it worked
- Watch the server log as it starts and look for any warning about the name.
- Open Swords 'n Magic and Stuff, go to Multiplayer and search for the name.
If the server does not show up under your chosen name, assume the name was rejected. Go back to the list and check each word letter by letter. A common slip is a plural: Dragon might be on the list when Dragons is not.
Other server list problems that look like a name problem
If the name is valid but you still cannot find the server:
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Server still starting | Wait until the log shows the Steam session was created |
| Version mismatch after a patch | Update the server and restart. Players on a new build cannot see or join an old server |
| Ports closed on a home server | Forward UDP 7777 and the query port 27015. See our port forwarding guide |
| Password set and you forgot | The lock icon in the list means a password. Check the server password setting |
If you are setting up from scratch, our guide on how to host a Swords 'n Magic and Stuff server covers the full install, including the owner Steam ID and reset settings.
Picking a name on a hosted server
On a GamezServers Swords 'n Magic and Stuff server, the Server name is a field in the control panel and the word list is in the file manager at SNM2020/Saved/Logs/Allowed-Words.txt. Pick your words, paste them in, restart from the panel and watch the live console. With Auto update on, the server stays on the newest build, so the word list you read is the one the server is checking against.
FAQ
What are the rules for a Swords 'n Magic and Stuff server name?
2 to 5 unique words, all from the game's allowed word list. Case does not matter. No numbers, symbols or repeated words.
Where is the allowed words list?
In SNM2020/Saved/Logs/Allowed-Words.txt on the dedicated server, written when the server runs.
Can I use numbers in my server name?
No. Only words from the allowed list are accepted.
Why did my server name stop working after an update?
The word list can change between versions. Check the current Allowed-Words.txt and replace any word that is no longer on it.
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