How to Add Extra Ports to Your Game Server from the Network Page

Your game server comes with a primary port that players use to connect. But some games, plugins, or extra services need additional ports to work correctly. The RiverHosting panel makes it easy to add and manage these extra ports without any technical setup on your end.

Before you start

• Log in to the RiverHosting panel at panel.riverhosting.com.
• Open the server you want to manage.
• Make sure you have the correct permissions. If you are a subuser rather than the server owner, you need the ports permission enabled by the owner.

1. How to find your server's current ports

1. Go to your server in the RiverHosting panel.
2. Click Network in the left-hand menu under the SYSTEM section.
3. You will see a list of all the ports assigned to your server. One port is marked Primary. This is the port players use to connect.
4. Any other ports in the list are extra ports you have added, or ports your game requires for things like query or RCON traffic.

2. How to add an extra port

1. On the Network page, look for the option to add a port.
2. You can choose Random to let the panel assign an available port automatically, or enter a specific port number between 1025 and 65535 if your plugin or service requires a particular value.
3. Optionally, add a short note to remind yourself what the port is for. For example, you might write RCON, Query, or Plugin API.
4. Save the new port. It will appear in your ports list immediately.

3. How to add a note to an existing port

Keeping notes on your ports makes it easier to remember what each one does, especially if you have several extra ports over time.

1. On the Network page, find the port you want to label.
2. Click the edit option next to that port.
3. Enter a short note, such as RCON port or Voice plugin.
4. Save your change. The note will appear next to the port in the list.

4. How to change the primary port

The primary port is the one shown in the connection address at the top of your server page. By default it is set when your server is created, but you can change it to any port already in your list.

1. On the Network page, find the port you want to make primary.
2. Click Make Primary next to that port.
3. The port list will update and the selected port will now be marked as Primary.
4. Share the updated address with your players so they can connect using the new port.

5. How to delete an extra port

If you no longer need a port, you can remove it to keep your Network page tidy.

1. On the Network page, find the port you want to remove.
2. Click the delete option next to it.
3. The port will be removed from your server immediately.

Troubleshooting

• I requested a specific port but it did not save. The port number may already be in use on your server location. Try a different number or use the Random option.
• My plugin or service still cannot connect after adding a port. Make sure you have configured the plugin or service to use the exact port number shown on the Network page. Double-check for typos in the plugin's config file.
• I cannot see the option to add a port. If you are a subuser, ask the server owner to grant you the ports permission under the Users page.
• The primary port changed but players still cannot join. It can take a moment for the change to take effect. Try restarting your server and sharing the updated join address with your players.
• I do not know which port my plugin needs. Check the documentation for the plugin or service you are using. It will usually list the port it expects, or let you set one in its config file.

Need help?

If you are not sure which port your game or plugin needs, or if something is not working as expected, the RiverHosting support team is happy to help.