The Forest: Can't connect to a dedicated server
Fix a The Forest dedicated-server connection. Match the game build, search the server name under Dedicated Internet or add its query address to Steam Favorites, check ports 8766, 27015, and 27016, then verify the password and Steam token.
The Forest dedicated server has no in-game box for a raw host:port. Players
find it by name under Dedicated Internet or add its query address to
Steam's server favorites. A direct address copied from a hosting panel still
helps, though the number supplied to Steam must be the query port.
Work through these checks with one player. Keep the save intact while you test discovery and networking.
1. Confirm the game and dedicated tool
The Forest and Sons of the Forest use separate clients. The Forest dedicated
server is Steam app 556450; its game client is app 242760. Endnight's
dedicated-server announcement
documents the tool and configuration.
Read the game title
Every player should launch The Forest from Steam. Its menu and library entry omit the word Sons.
Check the server install
A self-hosted installation should come from Steam Tools or SteamCMD app 556450.
berrybyte installs the matching dedicated build for this product.
Use the matching guide
Players joining the sequel can use the Sons of the Forest connection guide.
2. Match the client and server build
Steam updates the game client and dedicated tool as separate apps. Both sides need the current public build.
Update the player
Close The Forest, let Steam complete its download, then launch it again.
Update the dedicated server
Stop the process first. On berrybyte, start it with Auto Update enabled. A self-host can
run steamcmd +login anonymous +app_update 556450 validate +quit against the existing
install directory.
Wait for the save
Watch Console until startup settles and the configured world has loaded. A running process can still be preparing its session.
3. Search by server name in The Forest
Check the configured name
On berrybyte, open Settings → Game Settings and read the server name. Self-hosters can
read serverName in config.cfg.
Open the dedicated list
Launch The Forest and choose Multiplayer → Join → Dedicated (Internet).
Search the exact name
Enter the configured server name. Clear list filters when it remains hidden, then allow time for Steam to refresh the listing after a restart.
The in-game list uses Steam queries. A healthy game process can accept players while its public entry remains absent, so Steam Favorites gives you a second test.
4. Add the query address to Steam Favorites
Find the public IP and query port
On berrybyte, use the query allocation shown under Network. The common self-hosted query
port is 27016.
Open Steam Game Servers
In Steam, choose View → Game Servers → Favorites, then select the add-server control.
Enter IP:queryPort
Add a value such as 203.0.113.10:27016. Use the configured query port rather than the game
port.
Join the favorite
Refresh the list and join the resulting entry. Enter the server password when prompted.
The Forest does not have an in-game Direct Connect field. Pasting the game address into an unrelated search field cannot replace the Dedicated list or Steam Favorites flow.
5. Check all configured ports
The common config.cfg defaults assign a separate job to each port:
| Setting | Default | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
serverSteamPort | 8766 | Steam communication |
serverGamePort | 27015 | Player game traffic |
serverQueryPort | 27016 | Steam listing and Favorites |
The community-maintained dedicated server reference lists these fields and their join paths. Self-hosters should allow every configured port through the host firewall and router. Use the same public and local values unless the server documentation for your network says otherwise.
berrybyte supplies the required allocations. Copy the query endpoint from Network when adding a Steam favorite.
6. Check listing, password, and VAC settings
Open config.cfg or the matching berrybyte Game Settings:
serverNamesupplies the Dedicated Internet search term.serverPasswordcontrols normal player entry.serverPasswordAdminprotects admin access.serverSteamAccountholds the Game Server Login Token used for a public Steam identity.enableVACcontrols Valve Anti-Cheat for the server.
Create the token for game app 242760 through Valve's
Steam game server account page.
Keep it private. Restart after changing any startup setting.
Share only the player password. Capitalization and punctuation must match its configured value. A client modified in a way that conflicts with VAC can be removed during authentication.
When the entry still stays hidden
Check these remaining causes:
serverNamediffers from the phrase players search.- The query port in Steam Favorites points at the game port.
serverSteamAccountis blank, expired, or assigned incorrectly.- The server is still loading the save.
- Steam services have an incident reported by steamstat.us.
- berrybyte has an active notice on berrybytestatus.com.
Create a backup before replacing config or save files. The power controls guide covers a clean restart. A support ticket should include the configured server name, query endpoint, and a startup timestamp.
Frequently asked questions
How do I join a The Forest dedicated server?
Open Multiplayer, choose Join, select Dedicated Internet, and search for the configured server name. You can also add the public IP and query port to Steam View → Game Servers → Favorites, then join from that entry.
Can I join The Forest by pasting an IP in the game?
The Forest does not provide an in-game Direct Connect field. Use the Dedicated Internet name search or Steam Game Servers Favorites with IP:queryPort.
Which ports does a The Forest dedicated server use?
The common defaults are Steam communication port 8766, game port 27015, and query port 27016. Players use the query port when adding the server to Steam Favorites. Self-hosters must forward the ports configured in config.cfg.
Is The Forest the same as Sons of the Forest?
They are separate games with different dedicated-server tools, network settings, and save formats. The Forest dedicated server is Steam app 556450.
Why is my The Forest server missing from Dedicated Internet?
Wait until the save finishes loading, search the exact server name, and check the query port. A public listing also needs a valid serverSteamAccount token and internet visibility in Server.cfg.