Fix Insurgency: Sandstorm Server Not Showing
server not showingnot in community browsercan't find serverAn Insurgency: Sandstorm server that won't show is usually ports or the community-server filter being off in the browser. Here's the fix, plus the less obvious causes and how to stop it recurring.
Open the ports
Sandstorm needs a game port plus a query port over UDP. Open these on the host firewall and forward them if you're behind a router:
| Port | Protocol | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 27102 | UDP | Main game port (default) |
| 27131 | UDP | Query port — how it appears in the browser |
| 27015 | UDP | Steam query on some setups |
Forward only the game port and players can direct-connect, but the server never appears in the browser. The query port (27131) is what the master server reads to list you — miss it and you're invisible even though the server is up.
Turn on the community filter
The browser hides community servers by default behind a filter. In the server browser, switch to Community servers (not Official) and clear any mod/map/ping filters that might exclude yours.
Connect directly
Open the console (enable it in settings, then press ~) and use:
open server-ip:27102If your server runs Mod.io mods, players need them too, and heavily-modded servers can be filtered out. Direct connect always works regardless of filters.
Open 27102 + 27131 query, switch the browser to Community, or just "open ip:port" in console.
Other reasons it stays hidden
- The server crashed silently right after boot — check the console/log for a startup error rather than assuming it's a listing problem.
- Mod.io downloads failed on the server, so it never finished loading into a joinable state.
- EAC (Easy Anti-Cheat) is enforced but the server binary is outdated compared to the client build.
- The host's OS-level firewall blocks the query port even though the router forwards it.
How to prevent it
- Keep the server and any Mod.io mods on the same version as what players load — mismatches both hide and reject.
- Open every port before the first launch, and re-verify with a status checker after any firewall or router change.
- Update the server the same day as a Sandstorm patch so EAC never blocks up-to-date players.
Related errors
If the server lists but players time out joining, see fixing "connection timed out" on game servers. For the general steps, see how to port forward a game server.
Insurgency: Sandstorm is a trademark of New World Interactive / Focus Entertainment. ESAGAMES is an independent hosting provider, not affiliated with or endorsed by them.
Sandstorm hosting made easy
Our Insurgency: Sandstorm hosting opens the ports and supports Mod.io on a protected network.
Frequently asked questions
What ports does an Insurgency: Sandstorm server use?
UDP 27102 for the game and 27131 for the query by default (some setups also use 27015 for Steam query). They must be open and forwarded.
Why can't I see my Sandstorm server?
The browser defaults to Official servers and filters community ones. Switch to the Community tab and clear mod/ping filters — or connect directly by IP.
How do I connect by IP in Insurgency: Sandstorm?
Enable the console in settings, press ~, and type: open server-ip:27102. This skips the browser and its filters.
Can a failed Mod.io download stop the server listing?
Yes — if a mod fails to download or install on the server it may never finish loading into a joinable state. Check the server console/log for Mod.io errors on startup.
Does EasyAntiCheat affect whether Sandstorm servers appear?
It affects whether players can join more than whether the server lists, but an outdated server binary against a current EAC client build can look "broken" to players. Keep the server patched.
How do I check if my query port is actually reachable from outside?
Use an external port checker or our server status checker — testing from your own LAN can pass even when the port is blocked from the internet.
Go deeper on this
Guides and explainers that pair with this fix — from our guides and blog.
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