Friends can't join: fixing connection problems

If friends can’t get onto your server, in the vast majority of cases it’s one of four things: wrong address, wrong game version, password/whitelist, or the server simply isn’t running. A rented server needs no port forwarding — it sits directly on the internet with its own address.

The 5-step checklist

1. Is the server running? The status in the panel must be Online. A stopped server is unreachable for everyone.
2. Is the address correct? The server detail page shows IP address and port — both together (e.g. 123.45.67.89:27015) must be entered in the game under “Add server”/“Direct connect”. Most common mistake: the port is missing or there’s a typo.
3. Same game version? Client and server must run the same version. After a game update on Steam, the client is often newer than the server (or vice versa) — update the server in the panel or wait until all players have the update.
4. Password/whitelist active? If your server has a password or only allows whitelisted players, friends need to know the password or be on the list (see player management).
5. Mods in sync? On modded servers, many games require exactly the same mods on the client. If a mod is missing or a version differs, the join fails — details in Mods not loading.

One player can’t join, everyone else can?

Then it’s almost certainly on the affected player’s side:

• Version/mods don’t match on that one client (reinstall the modpack).
• Ban or missing whitelist entry — check in the panel or via console.
• Local network problem — restart the router, test another network (e.g. hotspot).

Nobody can join although the server is online?

• Check the console: is the join attempt logged? If yes, the rejection reason is usually there (version mismatch, wrong password, whitelist).
• If no join attempt shows up at all, the wrong address is most likely being used.
• For some games it takes a few minutes after startup until the server is listed in the in-game server browser — direct connect via IP:port works immediately.

Frequently asked questions

Do my friends have to forward ports? No. Neither you nor your friends need to open ports — the rented server is directly reachable via its IP:port address. Port forwarding only applies to self-hosting at home.

Why can’t I find the server in the server browser? Server lists sometimes update with a delay, and some servers are deliberately unlisted. Use direct connect with IP and port from the server detail page.

How do I know it’s a version problem? The console usually logs rejected joins with a reason. If there’s a version hint, bring server and clients to the same version.

Can the location (Frankfurt/Salt Lake City) be the problem? Not for reachability — both locations are reachable worldwide. The location only affects ping, not whether a connection succeeds.

Related guides

• Player management — whitelist, bans, and permissions
• Using the console — join attempts and rejection reasons in the log
• Server won’t start — if the server doesn’t come up at all
• Rent a game server — all games, online in under 90 seconds