If your dedicated server is healthy but still missing from the in-game browser, treat this as a layered debugging problem: build, configuration, local process, network path, and discovery propagation. The checklist below minimizes guesswork and gets you to a reliable answer fast.
Verification note: Updated for current hosting guidance and the dedicated server workflow used in ourfull server guide. Last validated on 2026-03-07.
Fast Diagnostic Sequence
Run these fixes in order. Do not jump between steps; each check narrows one specific failure domain.
Fix 1: Confirm server and clients are on the same build
Run SteamCMD update again with validate and make sure all players update from Steam before joining. Build mismatch often looks like a listing issue.
app_update 3809400 validateFix 2: Validate DSSettings.txt syntax
Broken line endings or invalid values can prevent a healthy boot. Keep ServerName plain ASCII and verify MaxPlayers is in a realistic range.
ServerName=MyServer
MaxPlayers=4
AutoSaveInterval=15Fix 3: Verify server process is listening on UDP 7777
Check local listening state before debugging routers. If the process is not listening, browser listing cannot work.
netstat -ano | findstr 7777Fix 4: Correct port forwarding
On home networks, forward UDP 7777 to the exact LAN IP of the host machine. If DHCP changed your IP, old forwarding rules silently break.
External UDP 7777 -> Internal 192.168.x.x:7777Fix 5: Open firewall inbound UDP
Windows Firewall or VPS network ACL may block traffic even when your router forwarding is correct. Add an explicit inbound allow rule for UDP 7777.
netsh advfirewall firewall add rule name="StarRupture-UDP7777" protocol=UDP dir=in localport=7777 action=allowFix 6: Test direct connect by IP:port
If direct connect works but listing does not, the server is reachable and your issue is discovery latency. Share IP:port with your players as a fallback.
In-game -> Multiplayer -> Join -> PUBLIC_IP:7777Fix 7: Wait and re-check listing propagation
Server browser propagation can take several minutes after reboot or settings changes. Do not modify multiple settings at once; change one variable and retest.
Wait 3-5 minutes after stable boot before final verdictWhen Browser Listing Is Optional
For private groups, direct connect can be your default workflow. Listing visibility is useful, but not required for a playable session. If your team can join via IP:port and gameplay is stable, keep moving and optimize browser visibility later.
Related Tools and Guides
After network stability, most multiplayer issues come from base scaling and resource throughput. Use theProduction CalculatorandLinux Server Guideto reduce downstream bottlenecks.
If the server becomes reachable but the session still feels unstable, the next step is usually the lag-fix guide, not another round of browser refreshes.
