Archean Server Not Showing or Friends Can't Connect (Fixes)

When an Archean server does not show up or friends cannot connect, the cause is almost always one of five things: server_online is off so the server is never listed, accept_remote_connections is off so only the host machine can join, port 8881 is not open on both UDP and TCP, the player is on a different game build than the server, or the password does not match. Check them in that order and you will find it in a few minutes.

Quick checklist

Cause 1: server_online is off

Archean only lists servers that ask to be listed. In Archean-data/server/server.ini, under [server]:

server_public_name=Orbital Garage
server_online=1

Both lines matter. A server with no public name is not listed even with online mode on. Many people leave online mode off on purpose for a friends only server, which is fine: in that case the server will never be in the list, and friends must enter the IP and port in the launcher instead. Restart the server after changing either line.

Cause 2: accept_remote_connections is off

This is the classic "it works for me but not for them" problem. If accept_remote_connections is off, the server only accepts connections from the machine it runs on. The host can play, everyone else times out. Set it on:

accept_remote_connections=1

This also applies when you open a single player world to friends rather than running the standalone server: the same server.ini keys decide whether outsiders can get in.

Cause 3: Port 8881 is not reachable

Archean listens on listen_port, which is 8881 by default, and it needs both UDP and TCP. A forward for only one protocol is a common half fix that still leaves friends stuck.

1. Give the server PC a fixed local IP in your router (a DHCP reservation).
2. Forward 8881 UDP and 8881 TCP to that local IP.
3. Allow Archean_server through Windows Firewall, or open the port in ufw or firewalld on Linux.
4. Compare the WAN IP in your router with the one shown on a "what is my IP" site. If they differ, your ISP uses CGNAT, and no port forward will help.

One more detail from the Archean wiki: if port 8881 is already taken when you run a solo world without remote connections, the game picks a random port. If your friends were told 8881 but the server grabbed something else, they will never reach it. Check the console output for the port it actually bound, or set listen_port and make sure nothing else uses it. Our port forwarding guide covers routers in more detail, and hosting without port forwarding covers the CGNAT case.

Cause 4: Version mismatch

Archean is still being actively developed, and the server and every player must be on the same build. After a game update, players update automatically through Steam, but a server you installed with SteamCMD stays on the old build until you run the update again:

steamcmd +force_install_dir C:\ArcheanServer +login anonymous +app_update 3557220 validate +quit

The reverse also happens: a player who opted into a beta branch on Steam cannot join a server on the default branch. Have everyone check their branch under the game's Properties, Betas tab in Steam.

Cause 5: Wrong password

The password is set by password= in server.ini. If it contains spaces or special characters, try a plain one to rule out typing problems. Remember the server only reads the file on start, so a changed password needs a restart.

Cause 6: The server is still starting or crashed

A world with large builds can take a while to load. If friends try during that window, they time out. Watch the server console until it reports it is ready. If the console shows a crash on load, restore a backup from before the last big change, since a single broken machine can take the world down with it. Our backup guide explains the habit that saves you here.

Ruling out the player's side

If one friend cannot connect while others can, the problem is on their end. Ask them to restart Steam, check their own firewall or antivirus, and verify the game files (Steam, right click Archean, Properties, Installed Files, Verify integrity). A VPN on their side can also block the connection.

Skip the network part entirely

Most of this list is about home networking. A GamezServers Archean server comes with its own public address and open port, so causes 2 and 3 do not apply. The Online Mode, Server Name and Password fields sit in the control panel, the live console shows when the world has finished loading, and the server is always on without your PC. If you still get stuck, support is there 24/7 at support@gamezservers.com.

FAQ

Why can I join my Archean server but my friends can't?

Usually accept_remote_connections is off, or port 8881 is not forwarded for both UDP and TCP. Turn the setting on, forward both protocols and restart.

How do I get my Archean server in the public list?

Set server_online to on and give it a server_public_name in server.ini, then restart. A server without a name is not listed.

Can friends join an Archean server without the public list?

Yes. Leave online mode off and have them type the IP and port into the launcher. That is the normal setup for private crews.

Does Archean need TCP or UDP?

Both. Open port 8881 for UDP and TCP, or whatever you set as listen_port.