Troubleshooting Common Errors
This guide covers the most common errors in 7 Days to Die and their solutions. Organized by error type for quick reference.
Connection Errors
"Could Not Retrieve Server Information"
Symptom: Cannot connect, server doesn't appear in browser.
| Cause | Solution |
|---|
| Server offline | Contact server admin to verify it's running |
| Wrong port | Verify port number (default: 26900) |
| Firewall blocking | Add 7DaysToDie.exe to firewall exceptions |
| NAT issues | Server needs port forwarding: 26900-26903 TCP/UDP |
| DNS resolution | Try connecting via IP instead of hostname |
"Server Still Initializing"
Symptom: Infinite loading screen when joining.
- Wait longer: Large worlds take 2-5 minutes to generate
- Server RAM: Server may need more memory allocation
- Mod issues: A mod may be stuck loading—check server logs
- Corrupt world: Admin may need to regenerate world
"Connection Timed Out"
Symptom: Connection starts but fails before entering game.
- Check your internet connection
- Try a different server (test if issue is global)
- Restart your router
- Disable VPN if using one
- Try at off-peak hours (server may be overloaded)
"Version Mismatch"
Symptom: Refused connection due to version difference.
- Update game: Steam → Library → 7 Days to Die → Update
- Match server version: Ask admin what version server runs
- Use beta branch: Steam → Properties → Betas → Select version
EAC (Easy Anti-Cheat) Errors
"EAC Authentication Failed"
| Cause | Solution |
|---|
| EAC mismatch | Server EAC ON = launch with EAC. Server EAC OFF = launch without. |
| Corrupted EAC files | Delete EasyAntiCheat folder, verify game files |
| Mod conflict | Some mods don't work with EAC—disable or use EAC-off server |
| Antivirus blocking | Add EAC folder to antivirus exclusions |
Reinstalling EAC
- Navigate to
Steam\steamapps\common\7 Days To Die\
- Delete the
EasyAntiCheat folder
- Steam → Right-click game → Properties → Local Files → Verify Integrity
- Launch game to reinstall EAC
Game Crashes
Crash on Startup
| Cause | Solution |
|---|
| Corrupt game files | Verify game files via Steam |
| Bad mods | Remove all mods from /Mods folder, test |
| Outdated drivers | Update GPU drivers |
| DirectX issues | Reinstall DirectX, run as administrator |
| Antivirus | Add game folder to exclusions |
Crash During Gameplay
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Solution |
|---|
| Crash when loading chunks | World corruption | Delete affected region files |
| Crash on horde night | RAM exhaustion | Lower zombie count, add RAM |
| Crash opening inventory | Mod conflict | Remove recently added mods |
| Random crashes | Overheating/drivers | Monitor temps, update drivers |
Finding Crash Logs
Check these files for error details:
Windows: %APPDATA%\7DaysToDie\output_log.txt
Linux: ~/.local/share/7DaysToDie/output_log.txt
Search for "Exception" or "Error" in the log file.
Server Errors
"Failed Allocations" (Memory)
Symptom: Server crashes or becomes unresponsive.
- Increase RAM: Dedicated servers need 8-16GB minimum
- Reduce world size: Smaller maps use less memory
- Lower player count: Each player adds memory overhead
- Check mods: Some mods leak memory—remove and test
"SleeperVolume" / Region Corruption
Symptom: "Attempted to read past end of stream" in logs.
- Stop the server
- Navigate to save folder
- Find corrupted region file (check error log for coordinates)
- Delete the .7rg file for that region
- Restart server (region will regenerate)
Warning: Players in that region will lose buildings/progress.
"Harmony" / Mod Errors
Symptom: Red errors mentioning Harmony library.
- Download official "TFP Harmony" mod
- Place in /Mods folder (both server and client)
- Ensure Harmony loads before dependent mods
Server Not Appearing in Browser
| Check | Solution |
|---|
| ServerVisibility setting | Set to 2 (public) in serverconfig.xml |
| Port forwarding | Forward 26900-26903 TCP/UDP |
| Firewall | Allow 7DaysToDieServer.exe |
| Steam auth | Ensure Steam is running on server |
Performance Issues
Low FPS
| Setting | Impact | Recommendation |
|---|
| View Distance | High | Reduce to Medium or Low |
| Shadow Quality | High | Set to Medium |
| Reflection Quality | Medium | Set to Off or Low |
| Texture Quality | Medium | Full (uses VRAM not CPU) |
| Motion Blur | Low | Off (improves clarity too) |
Stuttering / Hitching
- HDD → SSD: Move game to SSD for faster chunk loading
- RAM: Ensure 16GB+ system RAM
- Background apps: Close Chrome, Discord overlay, recording software
- Windows Game Mode: Disable if causing issues
Server Lag
- Reduce zombie count: Lower MaxSpawnedZombies
- Smaller world: Reduce map size in RWG
- Chunk reset: Reset unused chunks periodically
- Mod audit: Remove unnecessary server mods
World & Save Issues
"World Failed to Load"
- Try backup: Restore from last working backup
- Verify files: Check for missing .7rg files
- Regenerate: As last resort, regenerate world (data loss)
Lost Character Progress
- Server-side: Ask admin to restore player .ttp file from backup
- Local: Check
%APPDATA%\7DaysToDie\Saves\ for backups
- Prevention: Exit game properly (Quit to Menu → Quit Game)
Buildings Disappeared
- Region reset: Admin may have reset that area
- Stability collapse: Check if foundation blocks were destroyed
- Land claim expired: On some servers, inactive claims reset
Mod-Related Errors
"NullReferenceException" in Logs
A mod is trying to access something that doesn't exist.
- Note which mod is mentioned in the error
- Check for mod updates
- Report bug to mod author if updated
- Remove mod if no fix available
"XML Parse Error"
A mod has invalid XML syntax.
- Re-download the mod (may be corrupted)
- Check for manual edits you made
- Ensure no special characters in file paths
Mods Not Loading
- Folder structure: Must be
/Mods/ModName/ModInfo.xml
- No nested folders: Don't have ModName/ModName/
- Version match: Mod must support your game version
Audio/Visual Issues
No Sound
- Check Windows sound mixer—game may be muted
- Verify audio device is set correctly in game options
- Update audio drivers
- Verify game files
Black Screen
- Wait 2-3 minutes (may be loading)
- Press Alt+Enter to toggle fullscreen
- Add
-window-mode to launch options
- Update GPU drivers
Texture Glitches
- Flickering: Lower texture quality, update drivers
- Missing textures: Verify game files
- Pink textures: Mod missing assets—reinstall mod
Quick Fix Checklist
Try these steps for any unexplained issue:
- Restart the game
- Restart Steam
- Verify game files (Steam → Properties → Local Files)
- Remove all mods temporarily
- Update GPU drivers
- Restart computer
- Reinstall game (last resort)
Getting Help
If these solutions don't work:
- Official Forums: community.7daystodie.com
- Steam Discussions: Bug Reports section
- Reddit: r/7daystodie
- Discord: Official 7DTD Discord
When reporting: Include game version, error message, output_log.txt, and steps to reproduce.