1. Match Versions
Confirm client, server, branch, and mod pack versions before troubleshooting deeper.
Version
Server Troubleshooting
Fix 7 Days to Die server not showing up, can't join, EAC error, and version mismatch problems.
Connection failures often come from version mismatch, server rules, ports, mods, EAC, latency, listing delay, or temporary server status. Check the basics before changing files.
Troubleshooting Order
Start with the least destructive checks.
2. Check Server Rules
Read password, region, whitelist, EAC, mod, and language requirements.
Rules3. Review Mods
Make sure required client-side mods and server-side mods are installed correctly.
Mods4. Check Status
Use server lists, Steam discussions, and community reports to spot wider outages.
StatusCommon issue map
| Symptom | Likely checks | Next check |
|---|---|---|
| Cannot join server | Version branch, password, whitelist, mods, server capacity | Check server listing and Steam discussion reports. |
| Server not showing up | Ports, firewall, region filter, server listing delay, server name, status | Check server list signals before changing serverconfig.xml. |
| Connection timed out | Network path, ports, latency, server restart, firewall, host status | Test a second connection path and review server status sources. |
| EAC error | EAC setting, server rules, local files, mods, anti-cheat policy | Verify rules before changing EAC or anti-cheat settings. |
| Version mismatch | Client branch, server branch, experimental/stable selection, mod pack version | Match versions before reinstalling files or deleting saves. |
| 7 days to die can't join server | Password, whitelist, player cap, version branch, EAC, and mod requirements | Read server rules and compare client/server requirements. |
| 7 days to die eac error | EAC rules, local file state, anti-cheat setting, and server policy | Do not change EAC settings until the server owner understands player impact. |
| 7 days to die connection timed out | Network path, ports, host status, firewall, latency, and restart timing | Check external status signals before editing files. |
| 7 days to die version mismatch | Client branch, server branch, stable/experimental selection, and mod pack version | Match branches and mod pack versions first. |
| Stuck on loading or handshake | Mod mismatch, EAC setting, corrupted local files, latency | Compare server mod requirements and verify local files. |
| Disconnected after joining | Ping, server restart, anti-cheat, admin rules, unstable mods | Review server rules and recent player reports. |
| Host cannot be found | Ports, firewall, server status, region filters, listing delay | Check BattleMetrics or the server list before changing config. |
Server Status Sources
Use third-party server lists only as signals. Always confirm server rules and mod requirements on the original server page.
Community Reports
Steam discussions and community threads can reveal repeated problems, but summarize patterns instead of copying long posts.