7 Days to Die Server Denied Your Connection

7 Days to Die Server Denied Your Connection? Here’s How to Fix It!

Okay, so you’re hyped to jump into 7 Days to Die with your friends, ready to scavenge, build, and survive the zombie hordes. But then BAM! “Server Denied Your Connection.” Ugh, the frustration is real. Don’t rage quit just yet! This is a super common issue, and thankfully, usually pretty easy to fix.

I’ve been there, trust me. I’ve spent hours troubleshooting this stuff, missing out on precious zombie-smashing time. So, let’s break down the most common reasons why you’re getting this error and, more importantly, how to get you back in the game ASAP.

Reason #1: Version Mismatch – Are You and the Server on the Same Page?

This is the number one culprit. 7 Days to Die gets updated frequently, and if your game version doesn’t match the server’s version, you’re gonna get denied. It’s like trying to use a key on the wrong lock.

How to Fix It:

• Verify Your Game Files (Steam): This is your first line of defense. Steam will check if all your game files are up-to-date and repair any corrupted ones.
  • Right-click on 7 Days to Die in your Steam Library.
  • Go to “Properties.”
  • Click on “Installed Files.”
  • Click on “Verify integrity of game files…”
  • Let Steam do its thing. This might take a few minutes.
• Check the Server Version: Find out what version the server is running. Usually, the server admin will announce this on Discord, a forum, or wherever the community hangs out. If it’s a public server, the server list might display the version.
• Update Your Game (If Needed): If the server is on a newer version than you, Steam should automatically update your game. If it doesn’t, restart Steam. Sometimes, Steam gets a little lazy.
• Downgrading (Use With Caution): If the server is running an older version, and you’re on the newest, you might need to downgrade your game. WARNING: This is a bit more involved and can sometimes cause issues. Only do this if you know that the server is intentionally running an older version and the admin has specifically instructed you to downgrade. Google “downgrade 7 days to die steam” for guides on how to do this (there are plenty). I won’t detail the exact process here because it can get technical and potentially mess things up if you’re not careful.

Reason #2: Mods – Are They the Problem?

Mods can add a ton of cool stuff to 7 Days to Die, but they can also cause conflicts and, yep, you guessed it, “Server Denied Your Connection” errors.

How to Fix It:

• Disable ALL Mods: This is the easiest way to test if a mod is causing the problem. Unsubscribe from all mods in the Steam Workshop (if that’s how you’re using them) or remove them from your game’s “Mods” folder.
  • Launch the game without any mods.
  • Try connecting to the server.
  • If it works, congrats! You know a mod is the issue.
• Re-enable Mods One by One: This is the tedious part, but it’s necessary to figure out which mod is the troublemaker.
  • Re-enable one mod.
  • Try connecting to the server.
  • Repeat until you find the culprit.
  • Once you find the problematic mod, either remove it or check if there’s an updated version available. Sometimes, mod authors are quick to release fixes for compatibility issues.
• Check Mod Compatibility: Even if all your mods are “up-to-date,” they might not be compatible with each other or the server’s specific configuration. Read the mod descriptions carefully and see if there are any known conflicts. The server admin might also have a list of compatible mods.

Reason #3: Server Full or Password Protected

Sometimes, the simplest explanation is the correct one. The server might be full, or it might require a password that you don’t have.

How to Fix It:

• Check Server Capacity: Most servers have a limited number of player slots. If the server is full, you’ll just have to wait until someone leaves.
• Password, Please!: If the server is password protected, you’ll need to get the password from the server admin or a trusted source. Double-check that you’re entering the password correctly (case-sensitive!).

Reason #4: Firewall Issues

Your firewall might be blocking 7 Days to Die from connecting to the server. This is less common, but it’s worth checking.

How to Fix It:

• Allow 7 Days to Die Through Your Firewall:
  • Windows Firewall:
    • Search for “Firewall” in the Windows search bar.
    • Click on “Firewall & network protection.”
    • Click on “Allow an app through firewall.”
    • Click on “Change settings” (you’ll need administrator privileges).
    • Find “7 Days to Die” in the list.
    • Make sure both “Private” and “Public” are checked.
    • If you don’t see “7 Days to Die” in the list, click “Allow another app…” and browse to the 7 Days to Die executable (usually located in C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\7 Days to Die).
  • Third-Party Firewalls: If you’re using a third-party firewall (like McAfee, Norton, etc.), consult its documentation on how to allow 7 Days to Die through it. The process will vary depending on the software.

Reason #5: Port Forwarding (For Server Hosts)

If you’re hosting the server and your friends are getting this error, the problem might be with port forwarding.

How to Fix It:

• Forward the Correct Ports: 7 Days to Die typically uses UDP ports 26900-26903. You need to forward these ports in your router’s settings to the internal IP address of the computer hosting the server.
  • Consult Your Router’s Documentation: Every router is different, so you’ll need to consult your router’s manual or search online for instructions specific to your router model. Look for sections on “port forwarding,” “NAT,” or “virtual server.”
  • Static IP Address: It’s highly recommended to assign a static IP address to the computer hosting the server. Otherwise, its IP address might change, and your port forwarding rules will break.

Reason #6: Server Configuration Issues (For Server Admins)

If you’re the server admin, there might be a problem with the server’s configuration file (serverconfig.xml).

How to Fix It:

• Check serverconfig.xml:
  • Incorrect IP Address: Make sure the ServerIP setting in the serverconfig.xml file is set to the correct public IP address of the server. If you’re running the server on the same machine you’re playing on, you can usually leave this blank or set it to 0.0.0.0.
  • Incorrect Port: Double-check that the ServerPort setting is set to the correct port (usually 26900).
  • Max Players: Ensure that the MaxPlayers setting is set to a reasonable number. If it’s set to 0, no one will be able to connect.
  • Corrupted File: Sometimes, the serverconfig.xml file can become corrupted. Try replacing it with a fresh copy from a backup or a default configuration file.

Reason #7: Corrupted Game Installation

Rare, but possible. Sometimes, the game installation itself can become corrupted beyond what Steam’s verification can fix.

How to Fix It:

• Reinstall 7 Days to Die: This is the nuclear option, but it can sometimes be necessary.
  • Uninstall 7 Days to Die through Steam.
  • Delete the 7 Days to Die folder from your Steam library (usually located in C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\7 Days to Die).
  • Reinstall the game through Steam.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Restart Everything: Seriously, sometimes the simplest solution is the best. Restart your computer, your router, and the server (if you have access to it).
• Check Your Internet Connection: Make sure you have a stable internet connection.
• Consult the 7 Days to Die Community: The 7 Days to Die community is awesome and helpful. Check the forums, Discord servers, and Reddit for solutions specific to your situation. Someone else has probably encountered the same problem.
• Check the Server Logs: If you’re the server admin, check the server logs for any error messages that might provide clues.

Conclusion

“Server Denied Your Connection” errors in 7 Days to Die can be a pain, but with a little troubleshooting, you can usually get back in the game. Remember to start with the simplest solutions first (version mismatch, mods) and work your way up to the more complex ones (firewall, port forwarding). Good luck, and happy surviving!