How to Join a Server
This guide covers every method to connect to 7 Days to Die multiplayer servers, from the in-game browser to direct IP connections, plus solutions to common connection problems.
Before You Connect
Check Your Game Version
Server and client versions must match exactly. Check your version:
- Launch 7 Days to Die
- Look at bottom-left corner of main menu
- Note the version number (e.g., "1.0 b336")
EAC (Easy Anti-Cheat) Settings
EAC settings must match between client and server:
- Server has EAC ON: Launch game with "7 Days to Die" (default)
- Server has EAC OFF: Launch with "7 Days to Die - EAC Off" in Steam
Mismatched EAC = connection refused.
Method 1: Server Browser (Recommended)
Step-by-Step
- Launch 7 Days to Die
- Click "Join a Game" from main menu
- Wait for server list to populate (may take 30-60 seconds)
- Use filters to narrow down:
- Name: Search for server name
- Region: Select your region for best ping
- Show Empty: Toggle to hide/show empty servers
- Show Full: Toggle to hide/show full servers
- Password: Filter passworded servers
- Click on server to select it
- Click "Connect" button
- Enter password if required
Server Browser Columns
| Column | Meaning |
|---|
| Name | Server name set by admin |
| Map | World name (Navezgane or RWG seed) |
| Players | Current / Max players |
| Ping | Connection latency (lower = better) |
| Day | Current in-game day |
| Version | Server game version |
| EAC | Anti-cheat status |
Method 2: Direct IP Connection
Use this when you have the server's IP address and port.
Step-by-Step
- Launch 7 Days to Die
- Click "Join a Game"
- Click "Connect to IP" button (top of screen)
- Enter the server IP address
- Enter the port number (default: 26900)
- Click "Connect"
- Enter password if required
IP Format Examples
192.168.1.100:26900 (Local network)
45.123.45.67:26900 (Public IP)
play.example.com:26900 (Domain name)
Method 3: Steam Friends
Join a friend who is already playing on a server.
Step-by-Step
- Open Steam Overlay (Shift+Tab in game) OR Steam client
- Go to Friends List
- Find friend who is playing 7 Days to Die
- Right-click their name
- Select "Join Game"
Note: Only works if the server allows Steam joins and isn't full.
Method 4: Steam Server Browser
Step-by-Step
- Open Steam client
- Go to View → Game Servers
- Click "Favorites" tab
- Click "Add Server"
- Enter IP:Port (e.g., 45.123.45.67:26902)
- Server appears in list - double-click to connect
Note: Use port +2 from game port for Steam queries (26900 game = 26902 query).
Connection Troubleshooting
"Could Not Retrieve Server Information"
| Cause | Solution |
|---|
| Server offline | Verify server is running with admin |
| Wrong port | Confirm port number with server admin |
| Firewall blocking | Allow 7DaysToDie.exe through firewall |
| Server still starting | Wait 2-3 minutes and retry |
"Version Mismatch"
- Update your game via Steam
- Or: Ask admin what version server runs
- Or: Use Steam beta branch to match older versions
"EAC Authentication Failed"
- Verify EAC settings match server (see above)
- Verify game files: Steam → Right-click game → Properties → Local Files → Verify
- Reinstall EAC: Delete
EasyAntiCheat folder, verify game files
"Connection Timed Out"
- Your internet: Test connection, restart router
- Server overloaded: Try again later
- Geographic distance: High ping servers may timeout
- ISP issues: Try VPN to test alternate route
"Server Full"
- Wait for slot to open
- Check if server has reserved slots for donors/VIPs
- Contact admin about increasing player limit
"Kicked: Invalid Player Data"
- Your save data may be corrupted
- Ask admin to delete your player file on server
- You'll start fresh but connection will work
Optimizing Connection
Reduce Lag
- Choose nearby servers: Lower ping = better experience
- Wired connection: Ethernet is more stable than WiFi
- Close background apps: Stop downloads, streaming while playing
- Port forward: Open ports 26900-26903 UDP/TCP on router
Recommended Ping Ranges
| Ping | Experience |
|---|
| < 50ms | Excellent - no noticeable delay |
| 50-100ms | Good - minor delays possible |
| 100-150ms | Playable - some rubber-banding |
| 150-200ms | Poor - frequent issues |
| > 200ms | Unplayable - severe desync |
Crossplay (Console ↔ PC)
7 Days to Die 1.0 supports crossplay between PC and consoles.
Requirements
- Server must have crossplay enabled
- All players need same game version
- Console players use server browser only (no direct IP)
Known Crossplay Issues
- Some mods break crossplay compatibility
- Console players may have longer load times
- Voice chat may not work cross-platform
Saving & Character Data
Where Characters Are Stored
- Server-side: Most servers store your character on the server
- Persistent: Your progress saves when you disconnect
- Per-server: Each server has separate character data
Losing Progress?
- Disconnect properly (don't alt+F4)
- Wait for "Saving..." message before quitting
- Server crashes may roll back recent progress
Finding Good Servers
What to Look For
- Active admins: Moderated servers have fewer cheaters
- Good ping: Under 100ms for your region
- Appropriate settings: PvE vs PvP, difficulty, loot settings
- Active community: Check Discord/website if available
- Uptime: Servers with long "Day" counts are stable
Server Listing Sites
- In-game server browser (most reliable)
- BattleMetrics
- GameTracker
- Steam server browser
- Community Discord servers
Quick Reference
Default Ports
| Port | Purpose |
|---|
| 26900 | Game port (TCP/UDP) |
| 26901 | Unused |
| 26902 | Steam query port |
| 26903 | Steam master server |
| 8080-8082 | Web dashboard / API (if enabled) |
Launch Options
Add these to Steam launch options for troubleshooting:
-force-glcore Force OpenGL (Linux/Mac issues)
-logfile log.txt Create detailed log file
-window-mode Force windowed mode