How to Make an Insurgency: Sandstorm Server
A complete walkthrough for running your own Insurgency: Sandstorm dedicated server — install it with SteamCMD, set the map, scenario and player count, open the ports, and add mods from Mod.io. Plus the one-click hosted route if you'd rather skip the setup.
Insurgency: Sandstorm has a free dedicated server tool (a separate download from the game). You can self-host it on a spare PC, or use a managed host for a 24/7 server with a panel and DDoS protection. It's a demanding Unreal Engine game, so it wants a decent CPU.
This guide covers the self-hosted SteamCMD route step by step. If your server won't appear in the browser afterwards, see our fix for Insurgency: Sandstorm not showing.
What you'll need
A quick checklist before you begin — have these ready and the rest is easy.
- A machine to run the server — a spare PC for testing, or a host for 24/7 uptime.
- SteamCMD, to download the free dedicated server (app 581330).
- A decent high-clock CPU (Unreal Engine) and a few GB of RAM.
- Open ports: UDP 27102 (game) and UDP 27131 (query).
- A Mod.io API key if you run mods.
Set up an Insurgency: Sandstorm dedicated server, step by step
Choose self-host or a managed host
The dedicated server is free, but self-hosting needs a PC on 24/7, port-forwarding and a decent CPU. A managed host gives you an always-online server and a panel in minutes. Want zero hassle? Pick a host and skip to step 5.
Install SteamCMD and the server
Insurgency: Sandstorm's dedicated server is Steam app 581330 (the game itself is 581320) — a free, anonymous download; you don't need to own the game on the server machine.
steamcmd +login anonymous +force_install_dir ./sandstorm +app_update 581330 validate +quit
Set the config (Game.ini)
Create Game.ini under Insurgency/Saved/Config/<platform>Server/ and set the server name and gameplay options. Admins are listed by SteamID in Admins.txt.
[/Script/Insurgency.INSGameMode] ServerName=My ESAGAMES Server ; set an admin password and list admin SteamIDs in Admins.txt
Launch with a map, scenario and ports
Start the server with a starting map, its scenario and the game + query ports. Scenarios follow the Scenario_<Map>_<Mode> naming.
./InsurgencyServer.sh Oilfield?Scenario=Scenario_Refinery_Push -Port=27102 -QueryPort=27131 -log
Open the ports
Forward the game port 27102 and the query port 27131 (UDP). The query port is what lists the server in the browser — miss it and players can direct-connect but won't see it listed. On a managed host this is opened for you.
27102/udp game (default) 27131/udp query (lists it in the browser)
Add mods from Mod.io (optional)
Sandstorm uses Mod.io (not the Steam Workshop). Add mod IDs to your config and provide a Mod.io API key so the server downloads them. Players auto-download subscribed mods on join.
Run a stable Sandstorm server
Give it a strong CPU
Sandstorm is Unreal Engine and fairly demanding. A high-clock CPU keeps a full server's hit-registration and AI (in co-op) crisp.
Don't forget the query port
27131 is what lists you in the browser. If only the game port is open, players can direct-connect but the server never appears in the list.
Mod.io, not Workshop
Sandstorm mods live on Mod.io. Set your mod IDs and a Mod.io API key server-side so clients auto-download them on join.
Protect the IP
A public server is a DDoS target. Self-hosting exposes your home IP; a managed host puts a clean, filtered IP in front.
Common problems & fixes
Hit a snag? These are the issues people run into most — and how to solve them.
The server isn't in the browser
Open the query port 27131 (not just 27102). See our fix for Insurgency: Sandstorm not showing for the full checklist.
Mods won't download
Sandstorm uses Mod.io — check the mod IDs and that a valid Mod.io API key is set server-side.
Players time out on join
The game port 27102 isn't reachable, or the server is overloaded. Forward the port and give it more CPU.
Admin commands don't work
Your SteamID isn't in Admins.txt, or the admin password isn't set in Game.ini. Add both and restart.
Skip the setup — host it with ESAGAMES
Want it online 24/7 without port-forwarding? Our Insurgency: Sandstorm hosting runs high-clock CPUs on NVMe behind a multi-Tbps Frankfurt network — protected and instant.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to own Insurgency: Sandstorm to host a server?
No. The dedicated server (Steam app 581330) is a free, anonymous download, separate from the game (581320). You only need the game on the machines that play.
What ports does a Sandstorm server use?
UDP 27102 for the game and UDP 27131 for the query that lists it in the browser. Set them with -Port and -QueryPort. Forward both, or let a host handle it.
Why does my server not show in the browser?
Almost always the query port (27131) isn't open, or a mod mismatch. Open both 27102 and 27131 — see our dedicated fix for Insurgency: Sandstorm not showing.
How do I add mods to a Sandstorm server?
Sandstorm uses Mod.io, not the Steam Workshop. Add the mod IDs to your config and provide a Mod.io API key so the server downloads them; players auto-download on join.
How much hardware does it need?
It's an Unreal Engine game — give it a high-clock CPU and a few GB of RAM. Co-op with lots of AI is heavier than PvP.
Where do I set the server name and admins?
Server name and options go in Game.ini under Insurgency/Saved/Config; admins are listed by SteamID in Admins.txt.
Keep reading
Insurgency: Sandstorm is a trademark of New World Interactive / Focus Entertainment. Mod.io and all mod names belong to their respective owners. ESAGAMES is an independent hosting provider, not affiliated with or endorsed by New World Interactive or Focus. You must own a legitimate copy of the game to play.
