To join a 7 Days to Die server, launch the game, select Join a Game, wait for the Server Browser to load, find the server, and choose Connect. If the administrator gave you an address, use Connect to IP instead. Your game version, branch, Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC) setting, and—when applicable—crossplay settings must match the server.
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Quick answer: the three ways to connect
- Server Browser: Open Join a Game, wait 30–60 seconds for the list, search or filter for the server, select it, choose Connect, and enter its password if prompted.
- Direct address: In Join a Game, select Connect to IP, enter the host name or IP address and port supplied by the administrator, then connect. The joining reference lists 26900 as the default game port.
- Steam shortcut on PC: Open your Steam Friends list, right-click a friend who is already playing, and choose Join Game when that server allows Steam joins. You can also open Steam’s View → Game Servers tool and save an IP:port entry.
If a server is missing, do not repeatedly retry with random settings. First check the version and branch, EAC, filters, address, firewall, and whether the host is actually online. Those checks account for most failed joins.
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Match the game version and branch
The client and server must run compatible versions. The official 7 Days to Die Help Center, updated October 1, 2026, warns that any version mismatch can cause connection problems. If the administrator tells you to use a particular stable or experimental branch, select that same branch in your game launcher before connecting. A fully updated client can still fail if the server intentionally remains on an older branch.
Confirm EAC expectations
Ordinary joins require the client and server’s EAC settings to agree. Crossplay requires EAC enabled; console clients cannot connect to a crossplay server with EAC disabled. Ask the administrator whether the server is EAC-protected before changing your local launch option.
#1 Best Overall
- Explore – Huge, rich environments, with unique biomes and worlds up to 100 square kilometres in size.
- Craft – Handcraft and repair weapons, clothes, armour, tools, vehicles, with hundreds of recipes and schematics.
- Build – Design your fort with traps, electricity, auto turrets, and gadgets to survive in a fully destructible and mouldable world.
- Cooperate or Compete – Work together to build settlements or against each other in a wasteland where zombies and outlaws rule the land.
- A must-have for collectors and fans of Open-World Survival Horror, the 7 Days to Die – Console Edition Survival Bundle includes the following: An exclusive Artbook with over 100 pages showcasing never-before-seen illustrations of the zombie apocalypse, a CD featuring the haunting Original Soundtrack (OST) of the game, a double-sided poster, Fine art prints x3, Sticker sheets x 3, the physical game, and a collectible tuck-in box housing all the contents.
Know whether the world is hosted or dedicated
A player-hosted world runs only while its host is playing. You can see the session while the host is online, but it disappears when the host closes the game. A dedicated server is the appropriate choice when the world needs to remain available after the owner leaves. This distinction explains many reports that a friend’s server was visible one evening and gone the next.
Join through the Server Browser
1. Open the correct menu
- Start 7 Days to Die and wait for the main menu.
- Select Join a Game.
- Remain on the Server Browser screen while it retrieves results. The joining guide says the initial list can take 30–60 seconds to populate.
Leaving the screen before the first refresh completes can make an active server look absent. Give the list time to finish before changing every filter.
2. Search by the information you actually have
Use the server name when the administrator gave you a name. If several servers share similar names, narrow the results by region, player state, or password status. A region near the players normally gives a better starting point for latency than a distant region.
Filters are useful only when they reflect the server’s real settings. The official Help Center cautions that selecting too many parameters can hide otherwise valid servers. If no result appears, clear optional filters and search again with only the name or the broadest region.
3. Connect and enter the password
- Highlight the correct server in the results.
- Choose Connect.
- Enter the password when the game requests it. Passwords are case-sensitive in practice, so copy the administrator’s spelling exactly.
- Wait for authentication and world loading. Do not assume a failed first load means the server is permanently unavailable; startup, map loading, or a just-restarted instance can take additional time.
Join by IP address and port
Use a direct address when the server is private, does not appear in the browser, or its administrator supplied an explicit endpoint.
- Open Join a Game.
- Select Connect to IP.
- Enter the host name or numeric IP address.
- Enter the port. The joining reference gives 26900 as the default game port, but an administrator may configure a different one.
- Choose the connect command and provide the password if required.
Enter the address and port in the format the game requests rather than adding extra spaces or punctuation. If the administrator supplied an IP:port pair, treat the port as part of the address; using the default port when the server uses a custom port sends your client to the wrong endpoint.
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Rank #2
- Explore – Huge, rich environments, with unique biomes and worlds up to 100 square kilometres in size.
- Craft – Handcraft and repair weapons, clothes, armour, tools, vehicles, with hundreds of recipes and schematics.
- Build – Design your fort with traps, electricity, auto turrets, and gadgets to survive in a fully destructible and mouldable world.
- Cooperate or Compete – Work together to build settlements or against each other in a wasteland where zombies and outlaws rule the land.
- Farm or Hunt – Plant gardens for sustainable resources or head out to the wilderness and hunt over a dozen unique animals.
When a direct connection is better
- The server owner gave you an address but keeps the listing private.
- The browser is slow to refresh or your filters cannot find the instance.
- You regularly revisit the same server and want a saved entry.
- You are diagnosing a browser problem and need to separate discovery from connectivity.
Use Steam’s friend and server shortcuts on PC
Join a friend already playing
On PC, open the Steam Friends list, right-click the friend who is currently playing, and choose Join Game. This option works only when the server permits Steam joins and the friend’s session is discoverable. If the command is missing or fails, use the server browser or request the direct address instead.
Save an IP:port entry
Steam’s View → Game Servers tool can store an IP:port entry. Saving the endpoint avoids retyping it and is especially useful for a private server that does not reliably appear in the public list. A saved entry does not bypass version, EAC, password, firewall, or availability requirements; it only simplifies finding the endpoint.
Crossplay: connecting consoles and PC to the same server
Crossplay is not enabled merely because players use different platforms. The dedicated server must satisfy the settings documented by the official Help Center. That article was updated April 21, 2026 and specifies the following requirements for console-compatible servers.
| Setting | Required value or range | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
ServerMaxPlayerCount |
Maximum 8 | Documented console-compatible servers cannot exceed eight players. |
ServerAllowCrossplay |
True |
Enables cross-platform compatibility. |
EACEnabled |
True |
Crossplay requires EAC enabled. |
IgnoreEOSSanctions |
False |
Must remain false for the documented configuration. |
XPMultiplier |
25–300 | Must stay within the listed crossplay range. |
DayNightLength |
At least 10 | Values below the documented minimum are outside the stated range. |
BloodMoonEnemyCount |
4–64 | Controls the blood-moon enemy count within the supported range. |
BlockDamagePlayer |
25–300 | Player block-damage setting must remain in range. |
BlockDamageAI |
At least 25 | AI block damage cannot be set below the minimum. |
BlockDamageAIBM |
At least 25 | Blood-moon AI block damage has the same minimum. |
LootAbundance |
No more than 200 | Higher values fall outside the documented crossplay range. |
LootRespawnDays |
At least 5 | Shorter respawn intervals are outside the listed range. |
These are server-side requirements. A console player cannot repair an incompatible server by changing a local option. Ask the administrator to confirm that the server configuration meets the table and that the server is running EAC.
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Ports for a documented crossplay setup
The hosting reference describes forwarding 26900 UDP/TCP and 26901–26903 UDP for its documented setup. Port assignments vary with the host, router, container, and other network details, so confirm the actual configured ports with the server administrator. Do not assume that forwarding these numbers is correct for every installation.
What console players should expect
Console clients generally need the documented vanilla, EAC-compatible configuration. A heavily modded PC server may not be joinable from a console even when the crossplay toggle is on. The administrator should tell console players whether the world uses custom files and whether every platform is supported before anyone spends time troubleshooting a normal connection.
Rank #3
- Unlimited hours of gameplay
- Explore - Huge, unique and rich environments, offering the freedom to play the game however you want
- Craft - craft and repair weapons, clothes, armour, tools, vehicles, and more
- Build - Take over a ruin, or build from the ground-up. Design your fortress to include traps and defensive positions to survive the undead
- Cooperate or Compete - Includes two player split screen mode, with support for up to 4 players online, in Player versus Player, co-op survival, or co-op creative modes
Choose the right server before committing your character
The first server you can see is not automatically the best one. Compare the details below with the administrator’s description or community information.
| Factor | Questions to answer |
|---|---|
| Connection method | Will you use the browser, a direct IP, or a Steam join? Is a password required? |
| Platform mix | Is the server PC-only, console-only, or configured for crossplay? |
| Version and EAC | Which game branch is required, and must EAC be enabled? |
| Player cap | How many players are allowed? A documented console-compatible dedicated server is limited to eight. |
| Region and ping | Where is it hosted, and is that location close enough for responsive play? |
| Rules | Is the world PvE, PvP, or a mixture? Are raids, griefing, or player damage restricted? |
| Access policy | Is it public, password-protected, invite-only, or restricted to a community? |
| Mods and custom worlds | Must you install exact mod versions or world files before joining? |
| Uptime | Is it a host session that ends when the owner leaves, or a dedicated server intended to stay online? |
| Administration | Is there an active administrator and a clear way to report connection or rule problems? |
Prioritize a nearby region, clear rules, active administration, and a connection method you can use consistently. A low-ping server that disappears whenever its host logs off may be less practical than a slightly farther dedicated server that remains available when your group plays.
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Clear restrictive filters
Remove password, player-state, region, and other optional filters, then wait for the browser to refresh. The official Help Center specifically warns that too many selected parameters can hide servers. For a friend session, switch to the peer-to-peer tab and search by the friend’s SteamID when that option is available.
Check whether the host is online
A hosted world cannot appear while its host is offline. Ask the owner to launch the world fully and wait until the game has finished starting before you refresh the list. If the world must be available independently of a player’s schedule, the owner needs a dedicated server rather than a host session.
Try the direct address
Request the current host name or IP and port. A direct attempt distinguishes a discovery problem from an actual network or authentication failure. Confirm every digit, especially the port; the default listed in the joining guide is 26900, but custom configurations are possible.
Troubleshoot version and branch errors
A version mismatch is one of the clearest causes of connection failure. Compare the exact client version and branch with the administrator’s information, then update or switch branches so both sides match. Do not assume that “updated” means “compatible” when the server intentionally runs a different branch.
Rank #4
- Explore & Craft - Huge, unique and rich environments, offering the freedom to play the game any way you want while you craft and repair weapons, clothes, armor, tools, vehicles, and more.
- Build - Take over a ruin, or build from the ground-up. Design your fortress to include traps and defensive positions to survive the undead - the world is fully destructible and moldable.
- Cooperate or Compete - Includes two player split screen mode, with additional online multiplayer modes and features to be revealed in the near future.
- Create - Unleash your creativity and build the ultimate world by yourself friends. Enjoy unlimited access to nearly 400 in-game items and 1,200 unique building blocks in creative mode.
- Improve - Increase your skills in a multitude of active and passive disciplines. 7 to Die is the only true survival RPG with nearly 50 multi-tiered skill and perk groups.
Troubleshoot EAC authentication failures
First make the EAC setting identical on client and server. For crossplay, EAC must be enabled on the server. On PC, verify the game files or reinstall EAC if the authentication component is damaged, then restart the game and try again. If the server has EAC disabled for a special setup, console clients cannot use that server for crossplay.
Fix “Could not retrieve server information”
- Ask the administrator to confirm that the server is online and has completed startup.
- Confirm the address and port, including whether the server uses the default 26900 port or a custom value.
- Allow 7 Days to Die through the computer’s firewall when the operating system prompts for network access.
- Restart the browser or game after the server has finished starting, then try again.
An information-retrieval error does not prove that the world is deleted; it can mean the endpoint is offline, the port is wrong, or startup is still in progress.
Fix timeouts, lag, and unstable sessions
Reduce distance and local congestion
Choose a nearby region when possible. Test your connection, restart your modem or router, and stop other downloads or streams while joining. The joining guide recommends a wired Ethernet cable because Ethernet is generally more stable than Wi‑Fi for a persistent game connection.
Test without a VPN
Temporarily disable a VPN while diagnosing a timeout. A VPN can change your apparent region, add latency, or interfere with the route to the server. Re-enable it only after you know the direct connection works and you understand whether the server permits that network path.
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If the server appears but loading repeatedly times out, ask whether other players can connect. A local connection problem points toward your router, firewall, Wi‑Fi, or VPN; a problem affecting everyone points toward the server’s startup state, port forwarding, or host network.
Mods and custom worlds
Install the exact mod files and world files required by the server before connecting. “Almost the same” mod versions can still prevent loading or produce mismatched content. Ask for the required version, installation location, load order if one is specified, and whether the server expects a clean vanilla client.
Best Value
- Explore & Craft - Huge, unique and rich environments, offering the freedom to play the game any way you want while you craft and repair weapons, clothes, armor, tools, vehicles, and more.
- Build - Take over a ruin, or build from the ground-up. Design your fortress to include traps and defensive positions to survive the undead - the world is fully destructible and moldable.
- Cooperate or Compete - Includes two player split screen mode, with additional online multiplayer modes and features to be revealed in the near future.
- Create - Unleash your creativity and build the ultimate world by yourself friends. Enjoy unlimited access to nearly 400 in-game items and 1,200 unique building blocks in creative mode.
- Improve - Increase your skills in a multitude of active and passive disciplines. 7 to Die is the only true survival RPG with nearly 50 multi-tiered skill and perk groups.
For crossplay, assume that console clients need the documented vanilla and EAC-compatible configuration unless the administrator explicitly confirms otherwise. A PC player may be able to install content that a console player cannot, so confirm platform compatibility before changing the server’s files.
What the administrator should provide you
A short, complete invitation prevents most failed joins. Ask for:
- The exact server name and region.
- The game version and branch.
- Whether EAC is enabled.
- Whether crossplay is enabled and which platforms are supported.
- The password, if any.
- The host name or IP and port for direct connection.
- Any required mods or custom world files.
- The expected uptime: host-session hours or dedicated availability.
With those details, use the browser first, direct IP second, and Steam’s friend shortcut only when the server allows it. Keep the administrator’s address and port saved for future sessions.
Bottom line
Start with Join a Game, allow 30–60 seconds for the Server Browser, remove filters if the listing is missing, and connect with the supplied password. Use Connect to IP with the administrator’s address and port when discovery fails, or use Steam’s Join Game shortcut on PC when enabled. Before troubleshooting anything complicated, make the game version and branch match, verify EAC, confirm that the host is online, and check whether the server is a persistent dedicated world or a session that ends when its host leaves.
Source notes
The crossplay settings and ranges come from the official 7 Days to Die Help Center article updated April 21, 2026. Its version and EAC guidance was updated October 1, 2026. The 26900 default-port and joining workflow are from the 2026 7 Days To Die Wiki joining guide; the documented crossplay port-forwarding example is from a 2026 hosting reference.
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