If 7 Days to Die remains on “Connecting to server,” the usual causes are a version or mod mismatch, a blocked Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC) connection, incorrect crossplay settings, restricted firewall or router ports, or an unstable local network. Work through the checks in order: match every installation, verify the join method and crossplay settings, repair EAC and security software, then test the host’s ports and network.
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Start by identifying who is affected
The fastest fix depends on whether the failure is local to one player or affects the whole session. Ask another player to join, or have the host attempt a connection from a second machine if possible.
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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11| What you observe | Most useful first checks |
|---|---|
| Only one player is stuck | That player’s game version, mods, VPN, firewall, antivirus, EAC installation, network drivers, and local connection. |
| Every player is stuck | Server version and content, crossplay and EAC settings, host firewall, router forwarding, server status, and the host’s public or private network configuration. |
| Same-platform friends can join, but another platform cannot | Crossplay settings, EAC, compatible versions, and the cross-platform player’s NAT and firewall. |
| The problem began after an update or mod change | Version, mod, world, and configuration consistency before changing network settings. |
Do not change router settings first when a single player fails. Conversely, reinstalling one player’s game is unlikely to fix a server-wide failure.
1. Match the game version, mods, and world
The server and every joining player must run the same game version. A client that is one update behind, on a different test branch, or using a different build can reach the server but never complete the session handshake.
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- Cooperate or Compete - Includes two player split screen mode, with support for up to 4 players online, in Player versus Player, co-op survival, or co-op creative modes
Check the base version
- Have the host record the exact version shown by the game or platform launcher.
- Each player should compare that version before joining.
- Install pending updates, then restart the platform and game so the update is actually loaded.
- If anyone opted into a beta, experimental, or test branch, return to the branch used by the server.
A dedicated server installation also needs to be updated; updating a desktop client does not automatically update a separately installed server.
Synchronize mods and custom worlds
Modded servers require matching mod files, versions, dependencies, and load order. Remove an obsolete client-side copy and install the host’s current files rather than keeping multiple versions in the same folder. A custom world must also be present in the form the server expects. If the host recently changed a mod or world, test an unmodded or default world with the same players. A successful clean test isolates content incompatibility from network failure.
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Never use a mismatched mod set as a diagnostic shortcut on a live save. Back up the world first, and make changes one at a time so you know which change restored the connection.
2. Use the correct join path
Friend invitations and server-browser searches do not always use the same discovery route. A server can be running while a particular search view fails to list it.
Joining a friend-hosted game
- Open the game’s multiplayer or join screen.
- When available, select the peer-to-peer (P2P) tab rather than relying only on the general server list.
- Search by the host’s SteamID or use the platform’s friend entry.
- Remove restrictive filters such as region, password status, player count, version, or “dedicated only” if they hide the session.
- Have the host remain in the world while you refresh the list and try again.
If the P2P entry works but a direct server-list search does not, the game session is probably healthy and the problem is discovery or filtering rather than the save itself.
Test without a VPN
Disconnect a VPN temporarily on the client and host, then restart the game and test once. VPN routing, filtering, or an unexpected virtual adapter can interfere with platform discovery, EAC, or the address that other players receive. If the connection works without the VPN, add an allowed route for the game and platform services or use the VPN provider’s split-tunneling option instead of leaving the game permanently exposed.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3. Verify crossplay and EAC settings
Cross-platform play has stricter requirements than a same-platform session. The official cross-platform guidance says dedicated servers support up to eight players. The server must allow crossplay, and EAC must be enabled for crossplay connections.
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Required dedicated-server values
Check the server configuration and confirm these values are present and spelled exactly as expected:
| Setting | Required value for the crossplay test | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
ServerAllowCrossplay |
True |
Allows players on supported platforms to discover and join the server. |
EACEnabled |
True |
Crossplay requires EAC to be active. |
IgnoreEOSSanctions |
False |
Keeps the server’s sanction checks enabled as specified by the official setup guidance. |
Stop the server before editing its configuration, save the file, and start it again. A setting changed while the process is running may not take effect until the next launch. Confirm the same EAC expectation on every client; an EAC-disabled client cannot be used to validate a crossplay server.
Separate crossplay limits from connection errors
Do not add a ninth player while diagnosing a connection. The documented cross-platform dedicated-server limit is eight players. If eight players can connect and the next cannot, capacity is a more plausible explanation than a firewall fault.
4. Repair EAC, certificates, and security software
EAC can fail before the game reaches the world. Code-signing errors, a stale Windows certificate store, antivirus inspection, or a firewall rule that blocks one of the game executables can all leave the screen at “Connecting to server.”
Repair the Windows trust chain
- Install all pending Windows updates, including security and certificate updates.
- Restart Windows rather than choosing only a sign-out option.
- Launch the game from the platform library so the intended executable and EAC bootstrapper are used.
- If the platform exposes an EAC repair or verification option, run it, then restart the computer.
Certificate and code-signing errors should be fixed before changing port forwarding. A server cannot complete authentication reliably when the client cannot validate signed components.
Allow the correct executables
In Windows Security or a third-party firewall, allow the game executable, its dedicated-server executable when applicable, the platform client, and EAC through private networks. If the host uses a separate public network profile, allow the process on that profile only when necessary and keep the rule limited to the actual executable path.
Security products sometimes delay EAC by scanning files as they are loaded. Temporarily pause real-time scanning for one controlled test or add the client folder to the product’s exclusion list, then restore protection if that test does not change the result. Do not permanently disable antivirus protection as a substitute for a precise allow rule.
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Update network drivers
Install the current driver for the Ethernet or Wi-Fi adapter from the computer or adapter manufacturer. Reboot after installation. Driver updates matter particularly when the issue began after a Windows update, when the adapter repeatedly disconnects, or when other online games also time out.
5. Forward the server’s ports
A home-hosted dedicated server must receive unsolicited traffic from the internet. The Fun Pimps support FAQ lists the default BasePort as TCP 26900 and the UDP range as 26900–26903.
| Traffic | Default port or range | Forward to |
|---|---|---|
| TCP | 26900 | The local IP address of the computer running the server. |
| UDP | 26900–26903 | The same server computer and local IP address. |
Configure forwarding safely
- Give the server computer a DHCP reservation or another stable local address so the rule does not point to a different device after a reboot.
- Sign in to the router and create one TCP rule for 26900 and one UDP rule covering 26900 through 26903, unless the router accepts a combined rule.
- Enter the server computer’s local IPv4 address as the destination.
- Allow the same ports in the server computer’s firewall.
- Restart the server and router only if the router requires it, then test from a player outside the host’s home network.
Port forwarding cannot fix a server that is not listening, has the wrong internal address, or is behind carrier-grade NAT. If the router’s internet address is private or differs from the address shown by an external address check, ask the internet provider whether inbound forwarding is available. The support FAQ’s reminder is direct: “Lastly, don’t forget to set up port forwarding on your router.”
Do not confuse local and public addresses
Players on the same home network may connect using the host’s local address while internet players need the public address or the platform’s discovery mechanism. Testing only from inside the same network can therefore produce a false success.
6. Test the network without guessing
Compare Wi-Fi with Ethernet
Connect the host, the failing player, or both by Ethernet for one test. The official EAC troubleshooting guidance says: “If possible, try a wired connection or restart your router and other network troubleshooting steps, as shared here.” A wired test removes radio interference, roaming, and weak-signal retransmissions from the diagnosis.
- If Ethernet works immediately, improve Wi-Fi signal, use the less congested band, move the access point, or keep the host wired.
- If Ethernet fails in the same way, investigate versions, EAC, ports, and firewall rules instead of buying a faster wireless adapter.
- If only one player has unstable Wi-Fi, the host does not need to rebuild the server; fix that player’s link first.
Try alternate DNS resolvers
DNS affects discovery and service lookup, not the game’s actual port forwarding. As a diagnostic, set the active adapter to Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1) or Google DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4), reconnect the adapter, and retry. If there is no change, restore the previous DNS settings; DNS replacement cannot repair a blocked UDP port.
Check NAT and router behavior
An open NAT generally gives peer-to-peer sessions more paths to establish. A strict or symmetric NAT can prevent a friend-hosted game from accepting inbound traffic even when browsing works. Enable the router’s supported gaming or UPnP feature only if you understand which device receives the mappings; otherwise use explicit forwarding to the server’s reserved address. Avoid stacking multiple routers in routing mode. Put the second device in access-point or bridge mode, or forward the ports through both routers.
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7. Use a controlled client-versus-host comparison
Change one side at a time and record the result. This prevents a working connection from being lost in a series of simultaneous changes.
| Test | Client-side interpretation | Host-side interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| A second player joins successfully | The original player should inspect local EAC, VPN, firewall, drivers, and Wi-Fi. | The server, ports, and host firewall are probably functioning. |
| No player joins | Do not reinstall every client yet. | Check server process, version/content, crossplay settings, EAC, ports, and router. |
| Same-platform P2P works; crossplay fails | Verify EAC and platform compatibility. | Set ServerAllowCrossplay=True and confirm the documented EAC values. |
| Direct local-LAN join works; internet join fails | Client discovery may be fine. | Focus on public address, forwarding, firewall, double NAT, and carrier-grade NAT. |
8. Launch and privilege checks
Start the game from the platform library rather than an old desktop shortcut. A shortcut can point to a removed executable, a different installation, or launch parameters that bypass the expected platform and EAC flow.
For one test, close overlays and start the platform or game with administrator privileges. If that changes the result, inspect folder permissions and security rules instead of permanently running everything as administrator. The account should have read and write access to the game, EAC, and save directories. Restore normal privileges after the test when possible.
9. Recovery paths for common symptoms
“Connecting to server” appears indefinitely, with no error
- Confirm matching versions and content.
- Retry through P2P or SteamID search with filters cleared.
- Disable VPN for one test.
- Check EAC and crossplay settings.
- Inspect firewall and router ports if the host is running a dedicated server.
An EAC or code-signing message appears
Update Windows and its certificate store, repair or verify EAC, launch from the platform library, and check antivirus and firewall exceptions. Do not begin with DNS or port forwarding; those settings cannot validate a signed component.
Friends see the server, but joining times out
Discovery is working, so focus on the connection path: host firewall, TCP 26900, UDP 26900–26903, the host’s local address, and whether the router has a second NAT layer. Confirm that the server process remains running while the join attempt is made.
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Compare the mod list, versions, dependencies, and world files. Restore the last known-good backup if a world file was changed, then add updates one at a time. Do not overwrite a working save with a mismatched client copy.
The problem returns after every reboot
Check whether the server computer receives a new local IP address. Replace a fragile address-based forwarding rule with a DHCP reservation, and verify that the firewall profile did not change from private to public. Also check that the server starts after the router and has finished loading before players search.
10. Choosing the least disruptive remedy
| Situation | Prefer first | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Two or three friends on the same platform | Listen or P2P hosting, using the peer-to-peer tab and a stable host connection. | Convenient, but the host must stay in the game and NAT restrictions can affect joins. |
| Players on different platforms | A correctly configured crossplay server with EAC enabled. | Requires compatible settings and is documented for up to eight players. |
| Long-running world with frequent sessions | A dedicated server with a reserved local address, firewall rules, and forwarded ports. | More setup, but the world does not depend on a player’s listen session. |
| Unreliable home internet or unavailable forwarding | A server arrangement that provides inbound connectivity without relying on the home router. | May add recurring cost and administrative work; verify the provider’s current compatibility before moving a save. |
11. A clean order for the final retest
- Close the game on every machine.
- Confirm the server and all clients use the same version, mods, dependencies, and world requirements.
- Start the server and wait until it has finished loading.
- Confirm
ServerAllowCrossplay=True,EACEnabled=True, andIgnoreEOSSanctions=Falsewhen crossplay is required. - Have one player join through the P2P tab or SteamID search with restrictive filters removed.
- If the test fails, repeat once with VPN disabled and with the host or failing client on Ethernet.
- For a dedicated home server, verify TCP 26900 and UDP 26900–26903 on both the router and host firewall.
- Only after those checks, test DNS changes, administrator launch, or a clean content installation.
Keep the successful and failed test results. “P2P works, direct search fails,” for example, points to discovery filters; “LAN works, internet fails” points to NAT or forwarding. That record is more useful to a server administrator or internet provider than a general report that the game will not connect.
What the evidence supports
There is no reliable published prevalence figure showing that one cause accounts for a particular percentage of stuck connections. Treat the sequence above as a decision path, not a claim about frequency. Version and content consistency, EAC and crossplay compatibility, security software, network stability, and correctly forwarded home-server ports are the documented conditions that determine whether the connection can complete.
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