OpenArena Server Not Showing in the Server List? How to Fix It

An OpenArena server only appears in the in-game server list if it was started with dedicated 2, can reach the dpmaster master server on outgoing UDP 27950, and is reachable on its own UDP port (27960 by default). Players also need OpenArena 0.8.8, because older 0.8.x clients use a different protocol and look in a different list. If any of that is missing, the server can still be joined directly with Specify or \connect address:port, which is how most small groups play anyway.

How OpenArena finds servers

OpenArena uses the same model as Quake III. A server announces itself (sends heartbeats) to a master server, dpmaster.deathmask.net by default in OpenArena. The game's browser asks the master for a list, then asks each server directly for its name, map and player count.

So three things have to work:

1. The server has to be in announcing mode.
2. It has to reach the master server.
3. Players' clients have to reach the server to query it.

dpmaster also has a web page that lists OpenArena servers, which is a handy way to check from any browser whether your server is registered, without starting the game.

Cause 1: the server is not in dedicated 2 mode

The dedicated setting decides whether a server announces itself:

Set it on the start line, not later:

oa_ded +set dedicated 2 +set net_port 27960 +exec server.cfg +map aggressor

The OpenArena wiki also warns against switching between dedicated modes after startup, because it can trigger bugs. If you run the server through a host's panel and cannot change the start line, check the server console after a start. A server in mode 1 will never appear in the public list, however long you wait. In that case connect directly (Cause 6) or ask your host about it.

Cause 2: the master server is wrong or unreachable

Check server.cfg for:

sets sv_master1 "dpmaster.deathmask.net"

That is the default, and the community wiki's example config sets it explicitly. If an old config points sv_master1 somewhere else, fix it.

Then check the network. The server must be allowed to send outgoing UDP to port 27950, the master server port, which cannot be changed. Restrictive firewalls on rented machines or office networks sometimes block it.

Cause 3: the server's port is not reachable

Even when the master lists your server, players' browsers have to query the server itself. If they cannot, the server is filtered out or shows with no ping.

1. Forward UDP 27960 (or your net_port) to the server machine on your router.
2. Allow it in the server's firewall.
3. If you run several servers, each one uses its own port. A second server started without net_port moves itself to 27961, 27962 and so on, so check which port each one actually took in its console.
4. Running the server and the game on the same PC? Start the server first, or give it a different port. Otherwise the game client can grab 27960 and your port forward sends players to the client instead of the server.

Our port forwarding guide has router steps. Some fiber and mobile ISPs share public IPs between customers, which makes hosting from home impossible; see hosting without port forwarding.

Cause 4: version mismatch

OpenArena 0.8.8 is the final release, and its network protocol differs from 0.8.5 and older. dpmaster keeps separate lists for old protocols. In practice:

• A player still on an older 0.8.x install may not see 0.8.8 servers, or sees red themed menus and errors when connecting to the wrong version.
• The fix is for everyone, server and players, to run 0.8.8 from openarena.ws.

A related trick from the wiki: after connecting, scroll the console up to the FS_Startup section. Each pk3 is marked "on the pure list" or "not on the pure list", which shows whether the server has the same files and version as you.

Cause 5: IPv6 only

The OpenArena wiki notes a bug, found in 0.8.5 and not fixed in 0.8.8, that keeps IPv6 servers from appearing on standard dpmaster servers. If your server only has IPv6 connectivity, it will not be listed. Use IPv4.

Cause 6: the list is not the only way in

For a group of friends, skipping the browser entirely is often simpler and works whatever the listing does:

From the menu: Multiplayer, Specify, type the address and port, connect.

From the console (tilde key):

\connect 203.0.113.10:27960

Private server: players type \password yourpassword before connecting.

Once someone has joined, they can add the server to their favorites so it is one click next time.

Cause 7: the server is up but empty looking

A listed server that shows the wrong name, mode or map usually means server.cfg did not run. Settings typed into the console reset on restart. Make sure the start line has +exec server.cfg, or run exec server.cfg from the server console after each start. Our OpenArena server.cfg guide covers what to put in it.

Quick checklist

1. Started with +set dedicated 2.
2. sv_master1 is dpmaster.deathmask.net.
3. Outgoing UDP 27950 allowed.
4. UDP 27960 (or your net_port) forwarded and open.
5. Everyone on OpenArena 0.8.8.
6. IPv4 available.
7. Meanwhile, use Specify or \connect.

Let a host deal with the network

An OpenArena server from GamezServers gives you a fixed address with its port open, so friends can always connect directly with Specify or \connect, no router involved. The boot map is set in the panel, server.cfg and pk3 maps are in the file manager, and the live console shows exactly how the server started. It fits the smallest plan, and Sleep when empty pauses it when nobody has played for four days. For setting one up yourself, see how to host an OpenArena server.

FAQ

Why is my OpenArena server not in the server list?

Most often it was not started with dedicated 2, or its UDP port is not reachable. Also check that players run 0.8.8.

What is the OpenArena master server?

dpmaster.deathmask.net, set with sv_master1. Servers reach it on UDP port 27950.

What port does OpenArena use?

UDP 27960 by default, changed with +set net_port on the start line.

Can friends join a server that is not listed?

Yes. Use Specify in the multiplayer menu, or \connect followed by the address and port in the console.

Can OpenArena 0.8.5 players join a 0.8.8 server?

Not reliably. Everyone should update to 0.8.8, the final release.