iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Godlike.Host offers hosted Space Engineers servers with its own game panel, SFTP access and free DDoS protection, if you would rather not host it yourself.
If a Space Engineers server is missing, times out, or drops you during connection, work through the problem in this order: select the server’s correct Steam or EOS list, confirm that it is visible, test Direct Connect, then check the host’s IP, UDP port, firewall, and dedicated-server settings. Only after those checks should you repair the local game installation.
The key distinction is whether the server is invisible in the browser or visible but unreachable. A wrong list filter can hide a healthy server; a private setting can make the absence intentional; and an internet-hosted server needs a public IP, port forwarding, and an inbound firewall rule.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFirst, identify which failure you have
Use the symptom that best matches what you see. This prevents changing client files when the real problem is a router, or changing router settings when the server is simply listed under another network type.
| What happens | Most likely area | Best first check |
|---|---|---|
| The server is not in the list at all | Steam/EOS filter, privacy, LAN visibility, or stale list data | Select the matching network icon, then check LAN, History, and Favorites |
| The server appears, but Join or Direct Connect times out | Public IP, UDP forwarding, firewall, VPN, or an offline host | Verify the address and port, then test the host’s network path |
| You connect and are immediately disconnected | Network-mode mismatch, incompatible platform path, configuration, or client files | Match Steam/EOS and platform, then inspect the dedicated-server configuration |
| LAN players can connect but internet players cannot | Missing public IP or router forwarding | Configure a static public IP, forward the listen port, and allow inbound UDP |
| Nothing works after a game or driver update | Local configuration, shader cache, runtime, driver, or operating-system issue | Use the local PC repair sequence near the end of this guide |
1. Select the server’s matching network list
Space Engineers separates server discovery into Steam and EOS paths. A server can be running normally yet absent because the Join Game screen is showing the other network. The server owner should tell you whether the dedicated server uses Steam or EOS.
#1 Best Overall
- Powerful Turbo Fan:CAGIWIRU Electric Air Duster have reached speed up to 130000RPM,Can efficient remove dust and debris.With LED light and Three Adjustable Speed to meet with different cleaning tasks.
- With Attached USB C Fasting Charging cable.Charing 3 hours,Enjoy up to 240 minutes of use on the lowest setting, For third speed can use for 25mins.with four charging options to meet with your needs.
- Wide Application: attached 5 different nozzles,making it suitable for a variety of scenes, such as car,pet, pc, keyboards, and other electronic devices. It also serves for office and home clean duster.
- Handy Design & Portable:Cordless air duster electric nozzle is Light weight and small size, design and comfortable to hold and space saving, convenient to carry around. You can put it in your room or inside the car without taking up space.
- Economical &Reusable: Built durable materials with a long-lasting battery,our CAGIWIRU air duster it's a sustainable alternative to disposable air cans.
- Open Join Game.
- Look for the network-type icons or filter controls.
- Select Steam for a Steam-network server, or EOS for an EOS server.
- Refresh the list and search again.
- If you previously joined the server, inspect the LAN, History, and Favorites views as well as the main Servers list.
Do not assume that a visible Steam login means every server uses the Steam path. The server’s configured network mode controls which list can discover it. The official support guidance is explicit: an EOS server requires the EOS icon, while a Steam server requires the Steam icon.
2. Check whether the server is intentionally hidden
Private servers
A private server is not supposed to appear in the public Servers list. Ask the owner to confirm the privacy setting before troubleshooting connectivity. For a diagnostic test, the owner can temporarily make the server public, refresh the list, and then restore the intended privacy setting after testing.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
LAN servers
For a local server, every player must be on the same local network. A wired computer and a wireless computer can normally share a LAN, but guest Wi-Fi isolation, separate VLANs, or a second router can prevent discovery. Disconnect active VPN software on both the host and the player while testing; a VPN can change the route or block local broadcast traffic.
List refresh and saved entries
Close and reopen the Join Game screen after changing the network icon. Check History and Favorites because a known server may be easier to reach through a saved entry than through a broad public search. If it appears in LAN but not in the public list, that is a discovery or publication issue rather than proof that the game server process is stopped.
Rank #2
- Screen Cleaner is Your Screen’s New Bestfriend! - EVEO is proud to present a screen cleaner that’s perfectly suited for your TV. Meet your new screen cleaner, computer screen cleaner, laptop cleaner, iPad cleaner, Macbook,tv cleaner or any other electronic device. Our screen cleaner spray and wipe along with the included plush microfiber cloth, easily removes dust, fingerprints & other smudges on the screen’s surface. Clean effectively for a streak-free screen
- Gentle on your Screens - Our screen cleaner spray and wipes is compatible to be used even for the most sensitive LCD, LED, CRT, and OLED screens in proper use. Be at ease knowing that this product is compatible with all the major brands: LG, SONY, Samsung, Sharp, iPad, iPhone, Android screens, Kindle, PC monitors - we’ve got you covered! Can be used as LCD screen cleaner, tv cleaner, smart tv screen cleaner, and more
- Premium Super Soft Plush Microfiber Cloth - Included in this efficient screen cleaning kit. This screen cleaner spray and wipe has our signature plush microfiber cloth specially designed to comply with screens and monitors and leave them streak-free. Has been shown to effectively absorbs stubborn stains, zero streaks, and no fiber shedding. Always use this together with our screen cleaner for the best results
- Easy-to-Use Screen Cleaner Kit + microfiber cleaning cloth - The EVEO Screen Cleaning Kit will easily be your new favorite tool when it comes to taking care of the things you love most, quick and easy solution for a streak-free screen. Simply screw on the sprayer gun on the screen cleaner bottle. Spray the cleaning liquid onto the microfiber cloth, then wipe the screen until desired cleanliness & shine is achieved.
- Quality Screen Care Kit Worth Purchasing - Enjoy a convenient Screen Cleaner anytime, anywhere you need it. Your satisfaction is our top priority. We stand behind the quality of our products and that’s why, you shouldn’t be worrying at all. We manufacture the Best Screen Cleaner. and can be used for laptop cleaning kit, laptop screen cleaner, tv screen cleaner for smart tv. MacBook screen cleaner, monitor cleaner or screen cleaner spray for electronic devices with microfiber cleaning cloth
3. Use Direct Connect to separate discovery from reachability
Direct Connect is the quickest diagnostic branch. It bypasses the public browser, so it tells you whether the address and port are reachable even when listing is broken.
- On the host computer, open the server’s LAN entry or its dedicated-server details.
- Record the server’s public IP address and listen port. Do not use a private address such as
192.168.x.xfor a player outside the home network. - On the joining computer, open Join Game and choose Direct Connect.
- Enter the IP address and port in the requested fields, then submit the connection.
- Record the result: a successful join, a timeout, or an immediate disconnect.
A successful Direct Connect with a missing browser entry points back to the Steam/EOS filter, privacy, or list-publication settings. A timeout means the traffic is not reaching the server correctly, so continue with the public-hosting checks. An immediate disconnect makes the network mode, platform path, and dedicated-server configuration the next priorities.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →4. Make a self-hosted server reachable from the internet
Keen Software House’s dedicated-server guidance requires three network conditions for public access: a static public IP, UDP forwarding for the listen port, and an inbound firewall rule on the server computer.
Static public IP
Without a static public IP, you can host for people on your LAN, but players outside that LAN cannot reliably connect. A changing address invalidates the address you gave to friends. Confirm with the internet provider whether the connection has a genuine public IPv4 address; carrier-grade NAT can prevent unsolicited inbound connections even when the router shows an address.
Rank #3
- 【Large size】：Measuring 800 x 300 mm/ 31. 5×12 inches, which is wider and taller than others. Large mouse pad can perfectly fit your keyboard and mouse of any size, and there is also ample space for peripherals such as phones, tablets, etc.
- 【LED backlight mouse pad】：Blade Hawks RGB mouse pad provides 7 static modes and 7 dynamic modes will give you the options you are looking for. Power-off memory function remembers the last lighting mode you selected. The super glow fiber Chroma will give you a colorful gaming setup that you want.
- 【Anti-slip rubber base】：Made from Natural rubber, this gaming mousepad will firmly grip your desktop, allowing you to enjoy the ultimate precision in the games you are most passionate about. It also comes with a texture that enhances this ability even further.
- 【Smooth and waterproof surface】: Micro-textured cloth surface, for extremely precise mouse control and a smooth movement. When liquid splashes on the gaming mouse pad, it forms water droplets and slides down. Will not delay your work or gameplay.
- 【Plug and play】: This mouse and keyboard pad is powered by USB, plug and play, no driver required. One button control light modes. Press one time to change the lighting mode, press twice to change the brightness, press and hold about 3 seconds turn ON/OFF.
UDP port forwarding
The documented default listen port is 27016/UDP. In the router’s port-forwarding page, create a rule that sends incoming UDP traffic on that external port to the dedicated server computer’s fixed local address. If the server uses a custom port, forward that custom port instead of 27016.
- Give the server computer a DHCP reservation or another stable LAN address.
- Choose UDP, not only TCP, for the forwarding rule.
- Keep the external and internal ports the same unless your router and server configuration deliberately use different values.
- Remove conflicting rules that send the same port to another device.
Windows or host firewall
Create an inbound rule allowing UDP traffic on the server’s listen port. The rule must apply to the network profile in use and to the dedicated-server process or port, depending on how the firewall is configured. For a short diagnostic test, the owner can temporarily disable the firewall, antivirus network protection, and VPN, then re-enable each one immediately after testing. If the connection works only while one component is disabled, add a narrow allow rule rather than leaving protection off.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →5. Verify dedicated-server configuration
Open SpaceEngineersDedicated.cfg on the server computer and compare the network values with the router rule and the client list you selected.
| Setting | Documented default | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
ServerPort |
27016 | Matches the UDP port forwarded by the router and allowed by the firewall, unless you intentionally use a custom port |
SteamPort |
8766 | Matches the Steam-related configuration when the server uses the Steam network path |
NetworkType |
Not a numeric default; examples include Steam |
Uses one network mode only, such as <NetworkType>Steam</NetworkType>, and matches the client’s selected icon |
Do not enable Steam and EOS modes simultaneously as a workaround. Select the one mode the server is intended to use, restart the dedicated-server service after saving the file, and then test again. A custom port requires the same custom value in the configuration, router forwarding rule, firewall rule, and Direct Connect entry.
Rank #4
- 【Softer and More Comfortable】Vaydeer wrist rest has unique diamond pattern, which is the combination of softness and aesthetics. The materials of wrist rest are improved into higher quality memory foam and covered with silky smooth lycra. The computer wrist rest makes you as comfortable and cushiony as like rest your wrists on clouds.
- 【Ergonomic Wrist Saver】The wrist rests for keyboard and mouse comes with a 17.32×3.15×0.83 inch keyboard wrist pad and a 5.94×3.15×0.83 inch mouse wrist support. Based on ergonomic design, the unique concave shape is the perfect fit for your wrist joints. The wrist rest pad fits most computer keyboards and laptops, improve hand and wrist posture, release your wrist and arm stress.
- 【Non-Slip Rubber Bottom】Featuring an anti-skid silicone base on the bottom, this wrist keyboard support stays firmly in place on your desk, preventing the padding from sliding around, ensuring stable and consistent wrist support during extended computer sessions.
- 【Better Experience & Pain Relief】Our keyboard arm rest is beneficial to alleviate the soreness caused by direct contact and friction between your arm and a hard desk surface, reducing the risk of wrist fatigue or carpal tunnel. The soft texture of memory foam can evenly distribute the pressure around your wrists and provide good support with just enough give.
- 【Helpful in Multiple Scenarios】Whether you're working, studying, writing, typing, gaming, this keyboard and mouse rest combo is an essential accessory to add comfort and support to your hands and wrists. It’s also a great gift for men, women, family, friend, coworker, gamer, teacher, etc.
6. Match Steam, EOS, and the player’s platform
Steam and EOS are separate server-list and networking paths. Steam is the traditional PC route. EOS is the cross-platform route for PC and Xbox, so PC and Xbox players who want to share a server must use an EOS server and select EOS when joining.
- PC player cannot see an EOS server: switch the Join Game list to EOS.
- PC player cannot see a Steam server: switch to Steam.
- Xbox player cannot join a Steam-only server: the server must provide the EOS cross-platform path; changing a client filter cannot make a Steam-only server cross-platform.
- Official Keen PC server: official PC servers remain PC-only, so an Xbox player should not expect to join them.
When troubleshooting with friends, have everyone confirm the same network mode before comparing screenshots or addresses. A PC player on Steam and an Xbox player looking only at EOS are not searching the same server population.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.7. Repair the local PC client
If other players can join the server, Direct Connect works for them, and your network selection is correct, repair the local installation in this order. These steps target files and components that can prevent listing or handshaking.
- Verify Steam files. In Steam, open the game’s properties, find the installed-files section, and run the file-verification command. Let it complete before launching the game.
- Back up and remove
SpaceEngineers.cfg. Close the game first. Copy the file to a safe location, then remove the original so the game can generate a clean configuration on its next launch. - Remove the
ShaderCachefolder. Delete only the cache after the game is closed; the next launch will rebuild it. - Restart Steam. Exit Steam completely, confirm it is no longer running in the notification area or Task Manager, then start it again and retry the connection.
- Reinstall Visual C++ Redistributable 2017. Use the x64 or x86 package appropriate to the installation and reboot if the installer requests it.
- Update the graphics driver. Install a current driver from the GPU manufacturer’s official channel, then restart Windows.
- Update the operating system. Apply pending system updates and reboot before testing the server again.
Back up custom controls, graphics preferences, and other settings before deleting configuration files. If the problem remains after the clean configuration and component updates, reproduce it once more and preserve the resulting logs for support.
Best Value
- 【No Drill Mounted】Cable management tray can be assembled in as little as 3 minutes or less-simply. Side clips easily clampe the edge of desk, pass through the holes on the sides, and secure excess cables with baskets. Desk cable management supports inward or outward installation to meet your needs in different scenarios, and provides you with great convenience when collecting and organizing wires.
- 【Rubber Pad Protects Desk】Wire organizer under desk built-in soft rubber pads on the clamp protect your desk from scratches, so you will not damage your furniture or office.
- 【Sturdy and Beautiful】Cord management under desk is made of high-quality carbon steel and holds about 15 lbs. The wire basket has 2 holes on each side of the tray to enable your cables to pass freely. Cable baskets are suitable for desk thickness use from 0.4" to 2.4".
- 【Space Saving & Keep Organized】Desk cable management tray holds all your power cords, outlet strips, USB hubs and computer transformers hidden from your feet, and the data cables will not enter the vacuum cleaner to keep your desk clean and tidy. Desk wire organizer is also suitable for use in the kitchen and outdoors.
- 【Reduce Safety Risks】Cable tray under desk keeps all plugs away from your kids, no more worry about tripping. Using 2 holes wire tray saves extra space, helps you easily cabling and wire protection. The mesh design is not easy to accumulate dust, but avoids safety accidents caused by messy wires.
8. Collect logs and escalate the right problem
When a connection still fails, note the exact time, server name, selected network icon, address and port used for Direct Connect, and whether the failure was a timeout or an immediate disconnect. Reproduce the failure once, then submit the game’s logs through Keen Software House support. This is particularly important for EOS and regional server problems, where a local setting may not explain the failure.
Check the game’s official service or outage information at the time of the incident before spending hours changing local files. The information available for a past incident does not establish the current service status.
Dedicated-server requirements
Keen’s current dedicated-server guide lists the following baseline figures. They are server-host requirements, not a promise of a particular simulation speed or player capacity.
| Category | Minimum listed | Recommended listed |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | 3.2 GHz with 3 logical cores | 4.5 GHz with 3 logical cores |
| Memory | 6 GB RAM | 10 GB RAM |
| Bandwidth | 5 Mbps | Not stated separately in the guide |
| Public hosting network | Not sufficient without a public address and forwarding | Static public IP |
These figures do not replace the network checks. A machine can meet the CPU and memory figures and still be unreachable because its provider uses carrier-grade NAT, its router forwards TCP instead of UDP, or its firewall blocks the port.
Quick Recap
Choose the remedy by hosting situation
| Situation | Most practical path | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Everyone is in one home or office | Use LAN discovery, confirm the same network, and remove VPN interference | Players outside that LAN cannot connect without public hosting configuration |
| A home-hosted server must accept internet players | Use a static public IP, forward UDP 27016 or the chosen custom port, and allow it through the firewall | You manage the router, security rules, uptime, and changing network conditions |
| The provider does not offer a public IP | Use a managed game-server host that supplies internet reachability | It adds a recurring service cost and gives you less control over the underlying network |
| PC and Xbox players need one server | Configure an EOS server and have every player use the EOS list | Steam-only servers and official PC servers do not provide that cross-platform path |
What to check before changing anything
- Ask the owner for the network mode: Steam or EOS.
- Confirm whether the server is private, LAN-only, or public.
- Write down the exact server port; use 27016 only when it is still the configured default.
- Test the server from the same LAN and from an outside network when possible.
- Change one variable at a time and record the result.
- Restore firewalls, antivirus, and VPN protection after any isolation test.
Fast decision tree
- If the server is absent, select the matching Steam or EOS icon and inspect LAN, History, and Favorites.
- If it is still absent, confirm that it is not private and that LAN players share the same network without VPN isolation.
- If the owner can provide an address, try Direct Connect.
- If Direct Connect times out from outside the LAN, verify the public IP, UDP forwarding, firewall rule, and custom-port consistency.
- If Direct Connect disconnects immediately, match Steam/EOS and platform, then inspect
SpaceEngineersDedicated.cfg. - If everyone else can join but you cannot, verify files, reset
SpaceEngineers.cfg, clearShaderCache, and update the runtime, driver, and operating system. - If the failure persists, submit fresh logs and include the exact symptom and network path.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
