Smalland Server Not Showing in Server Browser (Fixes)

If your Smalland dedicated server does not appear in the server browser, first turn on Cross Play in the game's settings: the developers have confirmed both the server and the player need it to see dedicated servers. Then set the browser filter to Public and search for the server's exact name. Smalland has no join by IP, so the list is the only way in, and the remaining causes are a server that has not finished starting, a blocked game port, or a server on a different game version than the players.

Why this trips up so many groups

Most survival games let you type an IP address as a fallback. Smalland does not. Its dedicated servers register through Epic Online Services, and players find them only through the in game browser. That makes the browser settings matter more than in other games, and a server can be running perfectly while nobody can see it.

Fix 1: Turn on Cross Play

In Smalland, open the settings and make sure Cross Play is on. With it off, dedicated servers do not appear in the browser at all, even your own. Every player in your group needs to check this; it is a client setting, so one friend with it off sees nothing while everyone else plays.

Fix 2: Use the Public filter and the exact name

1. Click Play, choose or create a character.
2. Click Join at the top of the menu to open the browser.
3. Set the filter to Public.
4. Type the server's name exactly as it is set on the server, then search.

Give the server a short, distinctive name without unusual symbols. "My Server" is the default on many setups and matches dozens of other servers. Something like "Mossbank Crew" is easy to search and unlikely to clash.

Fix 3: Private game and password

Smalland servers have a private flag and a password. On our setup, marking the game private still lets friends find it by name and asks for the password. If you changed the private flag and the server disappeared for your group, switch it back, restart, and rely on the password to keep strangers out. Our guide on making a game server private explains the trade offs.

Fix 4: Wait for the server to finish starting

The server needs a little time after start to load the world and register online. A world with big bases and many tamed creatures takes longer. Watch the server console until it reports the world is loaded and online, then search again. Searching too early is a common false alarm.

Fix 5: Version mismatch

Players update through Steam as soon as a patch is out. A server on the previous build may not appear for them, or appears but refuses the join. Update the server and restart it. If you host it yourself with SteamCMD:

steamcmd +force_install_dir /home/smalland/server +login anonymous +app_update 808040 validate +quit

Bigger patches can change save data, so back up the world before letting an update run. If friends can see the server but cannot get in after an update, see can't join a Smalland server after an update.

Fix 6: Ports, for self hosted servers

If you host from home, the server's game port (UDP, set with -port= on the launch line, often 7777) must be forwarded to the machine and allowed through the firewall. The server can still register online with the port closed, which makes it look fine in the list, but joining then fails or times out. CGNAT blocks forwarding entirely; hosting without port forwarding covers that case.

Fix 7: Settings did not apply

If you see your server but under the old name, or without the password you set, the server did not pick up the change. Smalland reads its settings when it starts, so restart after every change. On a self hosted server, check the start script you edited is the one you actually run.

Checklist for your group chat

Paste this to friends who cannot see the server:

1. Settings, turn Cross Play on.
2. Play, pick a character, click Join.
3. Filter: Public.
4. Search: the exact server name.
5. Enter the password when asked.

Rule out the player's machine

If everyone except one friend can see the server, have that friend restart the game after changing Cross Play, verify game files in Steam, and turn off any VPN. Make sure they are on the same game version as everyone else.

A server you only need to name

A GamezServers Smalland server runs online with its own address and open port, and Auto Update keeps it on the current game build when it restarts. Server Name, Password and Is Private Game are fields in the control panel, alongside friendly fire, peaceful mode, keep inventory, day and season length and the creature and hunger modifiers. Restart from the panel after a change and the server is back in the list in a minute or two. For the full setup, see how to host a Smalland server.

FAQ

Why can't I see my Smalland server in the list?

Cross Play is off in your game settings, the filter is not set to Public, or the name you searched does not match. Fix those three first.

Can I join a Smalland server by IP address?

No. Smalland has no direct connect. Use the in game browser and search by name.

Does Cross Play need to be on for Smalland dedicated servers?

Yes. The developers confirmed both the server and players need Cross Play to see dedicated servers.

Why did my Smalland server vanish after an update?

The server is on an older build than the players. Update it and restart.