How to Connect to Your Sons Of The Forest Server

Once your Sons Of The Forest server is up and running on RiverHosting, the next step is getting everyone connected. This guide walks you through finding your server's connection details from the panel and joining the game, whether you are playing yourself or inviting friends.

Before you start

• Make sure your server is running. You can check its status from the RiverHosting panel. The power button should show the server as online before you try to connect.
• You need a copy of Sons Of The Forest installed through Steam.
• Anyone connecting to your server also needs the game installed on their own machine.
• If you set a server password using the Server Config page, make sure you share that password with anyone you want to invite.

1. Find your server's connection details

Your server's IP address and game port are shown on the Network page in the RiverHosting panel.

1. Log in to the RiverHosting panel.
2. Click on your Sons Of The Forest server to open it.
3. Click Network in the left-hand menu.
4. You will see your server's IP address and the game port listed there. Make a note of both, as you will need them to connect directly.

2. Join your server from inside Sons Of The Forest

Sons Of The Forest supports direct connection through the in-game multiplayer menu. This is the most reliable way to join a dedicated server.

1. Open Sons Of The Forest on your computer.
2. From the main menu, select Multiplayer.
3. Choose Join Game.
4. Look for a Direct Connect or Connect via IP option in the menu.
5. Enter your server's IP address and port number in the format IP:Port, for example 123.45.67.89:27015.
6. If your server has a password set, you will be prompted to enter it before joining.
7. Click Connect or confirm the connection to join the server.

3. Set a server password (optional)

If you want to restrict who can join your server, you can add a password through the Server Config page in the panel.

1. Open your server in the RiverHosting panel.
2. Click Server Config in the left-hand menu.
3. Find the password field and enter the password you want to use.
4. Save your changes.
5. Restart the server so the new password takes effect.

Once a password is set, anyone trying to connect will be asked to enter it before they can join.

4. Set up a custom subdomain (optional)

Sharing a raw IP address and port with friends can be awkward. You can set up a memorable custom subdomain using the Subdomain Manager in the panel instead.

1. Open your server in the panel.
2. Click Subdomain Manager in the left-hand menu.
3. Choose a name for your subdomain and select one of the available base domains: playriver.net, playriver.xyz, or playminecraft.pro.
4. Save the subdomain.

Once it is active, your friends can use the subdomain address instead of the raw IP and port.

Troubleshooting

• Server does not appear in the browser: Sons Of The Forest's server browser can sometimes be slow to refresh. Try direct connect instead of browsing for the server.
• Connection timed out: Check that your server is running in the panel. If it is stopped, start it and wait about 30 to 60 seconds before trying again.
• Wrong password error: Double-check the password in the Server Config page and make sure there are no extra spaces. Share the exact password with your friends.
• Port not connecting: Go to the Network page in the panel and confirm the port number you are using matches exactly what is listed there.
• Friends cannot find the server: Make sure you have shared the correct IP address and port from the Network page, or the subdomain if you set one up.

Need help?

If you are still having trouble connecting to your Sons Of The Forest server, the RiverHosting support team is ready to help.