Lead Engineer @ Packetware
Why is your Rust server not appearing in the server browser?
Running a Rust server can be an exciting experience, but encountering issues that prevent your server from appearing on the Rust server list can be frustrating. In this article, we will explore several common reasons why your Rust server may not be visible and provide solutions to help you get your server listed and accessible to players.
Unchecked "Show Empty Servers" Box:
One possible reason for your server not appearing on the Rust server list is that you have not checked the "Show Empty Servers" box. By default, this box is unchecked, which means that only servers with active players will be displayed. Ensure that this option is enabled in the server browser settings to see your server even when it's empty.
Insufficient Time for Server Querying:
When setting up a new Rust server or making changes to an existing one, it's important to note that it may take some time for the server to be queried and appear on the server list. The time required for your server to show up can vary depending on various factors such as network conditions and server load. In general, it's recommended to wait at least 10-15 minutes after starting or modifying your server before expecting it to appear on the list. This also goes for players querying your server, they still have many other servers to query going down the list before they reach your server and receive the response to load into the server browser.
Lack of Query Port Specification:
The query port is an essential component for your Rust server to be listed. To ensure proper server visibility, make sure you have specified the query port using the "-queryport" launch parameter followed by the desired port number (e.g., "-queryport 28017"). Without this specification, the server list may not recognize your server.
Firewall Restrictions:
Firewalls are designed to protect your network, but they can also inadvertently block the necessary connections for your Rust server to appear on the server list. If your server is not visible, check that your firewall allows UDP traffic on the query port you specified. Open the necessary UDP port (usually the same as the query port) to ensure that incoming and outgoing server queries are not blocked.
Port Forwarding for Query Port:
If your Rust server is hosted behind a router or firewall, you may need to enable port forwarding to ensure that incoming connections on the query port can reach your server. Access your router's settings and set up port forwarding for the query port (UDP) to your server's internal IP address. This will allow external queries to reach your server and facilitate proper listing on the Rust server list.
Having your Rust server listed on the Rust server list is crucial for attracting players and creating an active community. By checking the "Show Empty Servers" box, allowing sufficient time for querying, specifying the query port, opening the firewall for UDP traffic on the query port, and enabling port forwarding, you can troubleshoot and resolve many common reasons why your Rust server may not appear on the server list. By following these steps, you'll increase the visibility of your server, making it accessible to a wider player base and enhancing the overall gaming experience for everyone involved.