Troubleshooting

The most common issues on a Sons of the Forest server, and how to fix them. In every case, the panel Console is your first tool: read the last lines shown before the shutdown or the error.

The server does not start

Error in dedicatedserver.cfg

This is the most common cause after a change. The file uses the JSON format: an extra comma after the last line of a block, a missing quote or an unclosed brace is enough to make it invalid.

1. Stop the server
2. Compare dedicatedserver.cfg with your last working copy, or check it with a JSON validator
3. Fix the error, save and restart

See Configuring dedicatedserver.cfg.

The first startup seems stuck

On the first launch, the server prepares its environment and generates the game: this takes longer than a usual startup. As long as the console is progressing, do not restart.

Server files modified

The Sons of the Forest dedicated server is a Windows program whose environment is prepared and managed by YorkHost. Do not replace the server binaries (.exe, .dll files) with files downloaded elsewhere, and do not try to add modding tools to them: this can prevent startup. If files were changed or deleted by mistake, contact support.

The server stops because of memory

If the server stops without a clear error, especially when several players are connected or in a game with large bases, your plan's RAM may be maxed out. See Lag and memory.

The game no longer loads

After a game update or a failed import, a save may no longer load. Restore a backup from the Backups tab, or start a new game in another SaveSlot: see Saves and new game.

The server does not show up in the list

• Wait for startup to finish: the server only appears in the dedicated server list once it has fully started.
• Search for its exact name: use the list search with the ServerName set in dedicatedserver.cfg. A distinctive name makes it easier to find.
• Check LanOnly: it must be false.
• Do not change the ports: GamePort, QueryPort and BlobSyncPort must remain the ones assigned by the panel. If the console reports a network accessibility issue at startup, do not change these values: contact support.

Players who cannot connect

Symptom	Likely cause	Fix
Cannot connect right after startup	The server has not finished loading	Wait for startup to finish in the console
Password rejected	Password changed while the server was running, or mistyped	Stop, check Password, restart
Rejected for a different version	Client and server are not on the same version	See Version mismatch
Server full	MaxPlayers reached (8 at most)	Increase MaxPlayers if you are below 8
One specific player is rejected	Player kicked or banned by an owner	Check with the server owners
The player does not own the game on Steam	The dedicated server relies on Steam	Every player must own Sons of the Forest on Steam

Ports

Opening the required ports is handled by YorkHost. See Are all ports open? and Unable to connect to the server.

Version mismatch

The server and the players must be on the same version of the game. Steam updates your game automatically: after a Sons of the Forest update, the server must be updated too.

1. Create a backup from the Backups tab
2. Restart the server and check in the Console that it downloads and loads the new version
3. If the server stays on the old version, contact support

Players must not use a Steam beta branch different from the server's.

Lag and memory

Sons of the Forest is memory-hungry, and usage grows with the number of players and the size of buildings. If the server lags or stops:

1. Watch the RAM in the panel while you play: if it is constantly at your plan's maximum, a higher plan is justified.
2. Restart the server regularly, for example every night at an off-peak time, with an automatic restart from the Schedules tab.
3. Keep oversized builds in check: thousands of building pieces weigh on memory and CPU.
4. Avoid spreading the group out: players scattered across the island make the server load more areas at the same time.
5. Keep the framerate settings at their defaults (ActiveTargetFramerate, IdleTargetFramerate) unless you have a specific need.

For a full group of 8 players with large bases, the Hunter or Golden Armor plans provide the headroom you need: see Getting started.

My settings are ignored

• Check that you edited dedicatedserver.cfg with the server stopped, then restarted it
• Check that you are editing the file in the right data folder (see Where is the file?)
• Check that the same setting is not defined in the Startup tab
• For GameMode: the mode is tied to the save, see Game mode

Still stuck?

Contact support 7/7 on Discord or through your client area, including:

• your server name
• what you changed just before the issue
• the last lines of the console at the time of the error