Stationeers Can't Join a Server? Here's the Fix
When Stationeers can't join — the dedicated server won't appear, you time out, or the invite fails — it's usually the game and query ports not both being forwarded over UDP, or a build mismatch. Open 27500 and 27015 and match versions.
Exact details for Stationeers
- Ports to forward (UDP)
27500 (game / GAMEPORT) + 27015 (query / UPDATERPORT)- Config file
default.ini — GAMEPORT=27500, UPDATERPORT=27015- Protocol
UDP for both game and query traffic- Common cause of 'not listed'
Query port 27015 not opened — server runs but Steam can't query it
Error codes
Can't connect to dedicated server
The client never reaches the host
Cause: UDP game port 27500 not forwarded.
- Forward UDP 27500 (game port, GAMEPORT in default.ini) to the host.
- Also forward UDP 27015 (Steam query/updater port).
- Allow rocketstation_DedicatedServer through Windows Firewall.
- Join by public IP:27500 if the browser can't find it.
Server not in list / can't refresh
The server runs but isn't discoverable
Cause: Query port 27015 blocked.
- Open UDP 27015 (UPDATERPORT in default.ini) so Steam can query the server.
- Confirm GAMEPORT and UPDATERPORT in default.ini match your forwarded ports.
- Set the server visibility so it lists publicly.
- Verify no other server is using the same ports on the LAN.
Version / save mismatch on join
Client and server can't agree on build or world
Cause: One side is on a beta branch or a different patch.
- Update both client and dedicated server to the same Stationeers build.
- Opt out of Steam beta branches if the host is on stable.
- Re-run SteamCMD update on the server, then relaunch.
- Verify game files on the client.
Fixes that work for most Stationeers errors
- Forward UDP 27500 (game) and UDP 27015 (query).
- Match GAMEPORT and UPDATERPORT in default.ini to forwarded ports.
- Allow the dedicated server through Windows Firewall (Private + Public).
- Join by public IP:27500 if it won't list.
- Update client and server to the same build; opt out of betas.
- Restart the router and use a wired connection to the host.
FAQ
What ports does a Stationeers dedicated server need?
UDP 27500 for the game (GAMEPORT) and UDP 27015 for the Steam query/updater (UPDATERPORT). Forward both and make sure they match your default.ini settings.
Why won't my Stationeers server show in the list?
The query port 27015 is blocked. Open UDP 27015 (UPDATERPORT) so Steam can query the server, and confirm GAMEPORT 27500 is also forwarded.
Where do I set the Stationeers server ports?
In default.ini: GAMEPORT=27500 and UPDATERPORT=27015. Edit those to whatever you forward, then restart the server so the changes take effect.
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