🎮 Game Error Codes What it means & how to fix it

7 Days to Die Won't Connect to a Server? Here's the Fix

When 7 Days to Die won't connect — stuck on 'connecting', an EasyAntiCheat kick, or 'failed to retrieve server information' — it's usually a version mismatch, EAC, or a stale server list. Fastest fix in 2026: make sure your game version matches the server's, repair EasyAntiCheat, and connect directly by IP.

7 Days to Die server — exact ports & save path

Game ports to forward (UDP)
26900-26903
Steam ports (UDP)
27015-27016
Server save path (Windows)
%APPDATA%\7DaysToDie\Saves
Where the connect error is logged
%APPDATA%\7DaysToDie\logs (client) / output_log next to the server .exe
Common cause
26900 is TCP for Steam handshake but game traffic is UDP 26900-26903 — open the whole range

Last verified: September 2026

Error codes

Failed to retrieve server information The client couldn't pull the server's details to complete the join

Cause: Version mismatch between your game and the server, or a stale/blocked server browser.

Fix:
  1. Confirm your game version matches the server (Steam: opt out of/into betas so both run the same build).
  2. Connect directly by IP: main menu > Join a Game > Connect to IP.
  3. Flush DNS: ipconfig /flushdns (as admin), then relaunch.
  4. Restart the server browser — close the game fully and reopen to refresh the list.
EasyAntiCheat kick / EAC error EAC failed to initialise or validate before the join finished

Cause: EAC is out of date, blocked by antivirus, or the server runs with EAC on while your files are corrupt.

Fix:
  1. Repair EAC: Steam > 7 Days to Die > Manage > Browse local files > EasyAntiCheat > run the installer > Repair.
  2. Whitelist 7 Days to Die and EasyAntiCheat in antivirus/Windows Defender.
  3. Verify game files: Properties > Installed Files > Verify integrity.
  4. Reboot after repairing EAC — the service only reloads on restart.
Stuck on 'Connecting' The handshake started but never moved into world load

Cause: Stale DNS/connection cache, port issues, or the server is mid-restart.

Fix:
  1. Connect by IP instead of the server browser.
  2. Flush DNS and reset Winsock (netsh winsock reset), then reboot.
  3. Ask the host to confirm ports 26900-26903 (TCP/UDP) are forwarded.
  4. Wait 2-3 minutes if the server just restarted, then retry.

Fixes that work for most 7 Days to Die errors

  1. Match your game version to the server's build (betas menu in Steam).
  2. Repair EasyAntiCheat via its installer in the game folder, then reboot.
  3. Connect directly by IP to bypass the flaky server browser.
  4. Flush DNS (ipconfig /flushdns) and reset Winsock to clear stale connections.
  5. Whitelist the game + EAC in antivirus/firewall.
  6. Verify game files in Steam to repair a corrupt EAC or client build.

FAQ

Why does 7 Days to Die say 'failed to retrieve server information'?

Usually a version mismatch. Make sure your game build matches the server's (check the Steam betas menu), then connect directly by IP instead of the browser.

How do I connect to a 7 Days to Die server by IP?

From the main menu choose Join a Game > Connect to IP, then enter the server IP and port (default 26900).

How do I fix the EasyAntiCheat kick in 7 Days to Die?

Repair EAC from the EasyAntiCheat folder in the game directory, whitelist the game in antivirus, verify game files, and reboot.

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