Fix Sons of the Forest Dedicated Server Not Showing

A Sons of the Forest dedicated server that won't show is usually ports or the config. Here's how to make it reachable and join.

Open the ports

SOTF uses game, query and BlobSync ports over UDP/TCP. Open/forward:

8766/udp   game
27016/udp  query
9700/udp   BlobSync
27015/tcp  (used by some setups)

In dedicatedserver.cfg, confirm the server name, player count and that it's public/visible. A blank name or wrong IP binding can stop it listing:

"ServerName": "My SOTF Server",
"MaxPlayers": 8,
"GamePort": 8766,
"QueryPort": 27016

Use Multiplayer → Dedicated Servers and add/join by IP if the list is slow to populate. Friends can also join via your session once you're in.

Give it time to register

After first boot the server can take a few minutes to appear. If ports and config are right, wait or join by IP.

Open 8766 + 27016 query + 9700 BlobSync, set the config name/ports, and join by IP if the list lags.

Sons of the Forest is a trademark of Endnight Games. ESAGAMES is an independent hosting provider, not affiliated with or endorsed by Endnight Games.

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FAQ

What ports does a Sons of the Forest server use?

UDP 8766 (game), 27016 (query) and 9700 (BlobSync), with some setups also using TCP 27015. They must all be open and forwarded.

Why isn't my SOTF dedicated server showing?

Usually a blocked port (especially the query port), a blank server name, or the config not set public. Check dedicatedserver.cfg and your firewall.

How do I join a Sons of the Forest server by IP?

In Multiplayer → Dedicated Servers, add or connect by the server IP. It's the reliable option when the list is slow to refresh.

Knowledge base