Setting up a dedicated server for Sons of the Forest can significantly enhance your multiplayer experience, allowing for persistent worlds and customized gameplay. However, the initial server setup process includes a crucial self-test procedure designed to ensure your server is correctly configured before it goes live. This self-test is your first line of defense against common configuration and network issues, providing immediate feedback and preventing headaches down the line.
If your Sons Of The Forest Dedicated Server fails to start, don’t panic! The self-test is designed to be helpful, and the reason for any failure is always clearly displayed in the server console or log files, pinpointing the exact issue. This guide will walk you through common self-test errors and their resolutions, ensuring a smooth server setup experience.
Understanding the Sons of the Forest Dedicated Server Self-Test
When you launch your Sons of the Forest dedicated server, it automatically initiates a self-test sequence. This process meticulously examines various aspects of your server setup, from configuration files to network accessibility. Think of it as a pre-flight checklist for your server, ensuring everything is in order before takeoff.
The primary goal of this self-test is to make dedicated server creation as user-friendly as possible. By proactively identifying potential problems, it saves server administrators time and frustration, allowing them to quickly address any misconfigurations and get their servers online efficiently. A failed self-test prevents the server from starting, forcing you to address the identified issues before proceeding. This might seem inconvenient at first, but it’s a crucial step in guaranteeing a stable and accessible server environment.
Common Sons of the Forest Dedicated Server Self-Test Errors and Solutions
The self-test covers a range of potential issues, and understanding these common errors is key to quickly troubleshooting your server. Here’s a breakdown of typical errors you might encounter and how to resolve them:
| Error Message | Resolution |
|---|---|
| Server configuration doesn’t exist. A default one has been created automatically. | This is not actually an error but an informational message. On the first server run, if dedicatedserver.cfg is missing, the server automatically creates a default configuration file in the designated directory. You can then customize this file as needed (refer to the server configuration documentation) and restart the server. |
| Server owners whitelist doesn’t exist. A default one has been created automatically. | Similar to the configuration file, if the server owner whitelist file (server_owners.txt or similar, depending on the specific server implementation) is not found on the first run, a default one will be created. Review and edit this file to manage server ownership and permissions, then restart the server. |
| Game settings couldn’t be deserialized | This error indicates a problem with your SonsGameSettings.cfg file, usually located in the server’s configuration directory. This file stores in-game settings. Ensure that SonsGameSettings.cfg is in a valid JSON format. If you have manually edited it, revert your changes or delete the file. Deleting it will reset your in-game settings to default (key bindings, graphics settings, etc.), which will be regenerated upon the next game launch. |
| The configuration couldn’t be read without error. The Dedicated Server configuration file is invalid. | This error signifies that the dedicatedserver.cfg file itself has structural or syntax errors, preventing the server from reading its configuration. Double-check dedicatedserver.cfg for valid JSON format. Refer to documentation for the correct structure and syntax of the configuration file. Common issues include missing commas, brackets, or incorrect data types. |
| Dedicated Server configuration file is invalid. | This error points to issues with the values within your dedicatedserver.cfg file. It means some settings are outside the allowed range or are invalid. The console output should specify exactly which setting is causing the problem. Review the identified setting in your dedicatedserver.cfg and ensure it falls within the acceptable parameters as defined in the server documentation. |
| Failed to get public ip from Steam. | The server failed to retrieve your public IP address from Steam servers. This usually indicates a network configuration problem. Ensure you have a valid static public IPv4 address. This is crucial for external players to connect to your server. Check your internet connection and network settings. |
| UDP [Port Number] is closed. | This is a critical network accessibility error. It means the UDP port that your Sons of the Forest dedicated server is trying to use is not open and accessible from the internet. This is often the most common hurdle. You need to verify your port forwarding configuration in your router/modem. Make sure you have correctly forwarded the specified UDP port (and potentially TCP port, depending on server requirements) to the local IP address of your server machine. Also, check your firewall settings on the server machine and any network firewalls to ensure they are not blocking incoming UDP traffic on the designated port. |
Addressing Network Accessibility Test Failures
If the self-test fails specifically on network accessibility (IPv4 retrieval and port checking), your server won’t start. In these situations, you have a few options:
-
Fix Your Network Configuration and Port Forwarding: This is the recommended solution. Carefully review your router/modem’s port forwarding settings. Ensure you’ve forwarded the correct UDP port to the correct local IP address of your server machine. Double-check your firewall settings as well.
-
Set Up “LanOnly” Mode: If you intend to play only with friends on your Local Area Network (LAN), you can configure your server to be “LanOnly.” This setting (often found in
dedicatedserver.cfgor server launch parameters) excludes your server from public listings. In LAN mode, the network accessibility test might be less critical, or even skipped. -
Expert Option: Skip Network Accessibility Test: As a last resort and for advanced users, you might have the option to skip the network accessibility test entirely. This is typically done via a
SkipNetworkAccessibilityTestsetting in the configuration. However, this is strongly discouraged unless you are absolutely certain about your network setup and understand the implications. Skipping this test can lead to your server being inaccessible to players outside your local network, even if it appears to be running. This option is primarily intended for scenarios where NAT Loopback/Hairpin NAT is not supported by your ISP/Modem, preventing the server from correctly testing itself using its public IP.
Important Note on Skipping Network Accessibility Test: While skipping the network test might seem like a quick fix, it’s generally not advisable. A server that fails this test is very likely to be inaccessible to players. If you choose to skip it, immediately verify your server’s visibility in the in-game dedicated server browser. If it’s not visible, revert the SkipNetworkAccessibilityTest setting to false and troubleshoot your network configuration properly.
NAT Loopback/Hairpin NAT Considerations
If your network setup or ISP/Modem doesn’t support NAT Loopback (also known as Hairpin NAT), you might encounter visibility issues even if your port forwarding is correctly configured. NAT Loopback allows devices within your local network to connect to your public IP address and be correctly routed back to the server within the same network.
If NAT Loopback is not supported:
- Your server might not appear in the dedicated server browser if you are running the game client on the same LAN or machine as the server.
- Players outside your LAN should still be able to connect using your public IP address and port, assuming port forwarding is correct.
- You and other players on the same LAN might only be able to join the server via the LAN browser within the game, not the public dedicated server browser.
By understanding the Sons of the Forest dedicated server self-test procedure and common error messages, you can efficiently diagnose and resolve issues, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable multiplayer experience for you and your fellow players. Remember to always consult the server documentation for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding configuration and troubleshooting.
