# Barotrauma Server Troubleshooting (/docs/barotrauma/troubleshooting)



This guide covers the most common Barotrauma server issues and how to fix them.

Required Ports [#required-ports]

Barotrauma requires two UDP ports to be open:

| Port    | Protocol | Purpose                      |
| ------- | -------- | ---------------------------- |
| `27015` | UDP      | Game client connections      |
| `27016` | UDP      | Steam server browser / query |

On XGamingServer, these are handled automatically. If you're running a self-hosted server, make sure both are open inbound on your firewall.

***

Server Not Appearing in Browser [#server-not-appearing-in-browser]

**Symptoms:** The server doesn't show up in the in-game server list.

**Fixes:**

* Confirm `public="true"` in `serversettings.xml`
* Wait 2–5 minutes — it takes time to appear in Steam's master server list
* Use **Direct Connect** as a workaround: in the Barotrauma client, click **Join Server → Direct → enter IP:port**
* Verify UDP port 27016 is open (needed for Steam browser queries)

***

"Steam Authentication Failed" [#steam-authentication-failed]

**Symptoms:** Players see an auth error when trying to connect.

**Causes & fixes:**

* Port 27016 is blocked — Steam uses this port to validate player tickets
* Version mismatch — make sure your server and all clients are on the same game version
* For private/LAN use only, you can bypass this by setting `RequireAuthentication="False"` in `serversettings.xml` (not recommended for public servers)

***

Changes to serversettings.xml Not Saving [#changes-to-serversettingsxml-not-saving]

**Symptom:** You edit `serversettings.xml` but settings revert after restart.

**Cause:** The server overwrites `serversettings.xml` when it shuts down.

**Fix:** Always stop the server **before** editing the file, not after.

***

Mods Not Loading [#mods-not-loading]

**Symptoms:** Mods don't appear to be active, or the server console shows errors.

**Fixes:**

* Verify the path in `config_player.xml` exactly matches the folder name in `LocalMods/` — it's case-sensitive
* Check `Logs/` in the server root for specific error messages
* For older mods: open `filelist.xml` inside the mod folder and change any `Mods/` path references to `LocalMods/`
* Make sure you stopped the server before editing `config_player.xml`

***

Players Can't Connect After Adding Mods [#players-cant-connect-after-adding-mods]

**Cause:** Mod mismatch — players need the same mods installed as the server.

**Fix:** Have players subscribe to the same Workshop mods. Barotrauma will tell them which mods are required when they attempt to join.

***

Server Crashes on Startup [#server-crashes-on-startup]

**Check the console output** for the first error line. Common causes:

* A mod has a broken `filelist.xml` — remove recently added mods and test
* `serversettings.xml` has a syntax error — check for malformed XML
* The submarine name in `serversettings.xml` doesn't match any file in `Submarines/` — verify capitalization

***

High Ping / Lag [#high-ping--lag]

**Fixes:**

* Lower the `tickrate` value in `serversettings.xml` (default 20 — try 15 for weaker connections)
* Reduce `MaxPlayers` if the server is underpowered for the current player count
* Reduce the number of active mods — complex mods increase server load

***

Campaign Save Not Loading [#campaign-save-not-loading]

**Symptoms:** The save doesn't appear in the campaign lobby, or loading fails.

**Fixes:**

* Both files must be present: `[SaveName].save` **and** `[SaveName]_CharacterData.xml`
* Verify both files are in `Saves/Multiplayer/` on the server
* Make sure you stopped the server before uploading save files — uploading while the server is running can cause corruption

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Players Spawning as Wrong Job / No Job [#players-spawning-as-wrong-job--no-job]

**Cause:** Job slot limits per submarine — some submarines cap specific jobs.

**Fix:** Each submarine has job slot limits (e.g. only 1 Captain). If too many players pick the same job, some will be moved. Set `SubSelectionMode="Manual"` and pick an appropriate submarine for your crew size.

***

Admin Commands Not Working [#admin-commands-not-working]

**Symptoms:** Console commands return permission errors.

**Fixes:**

* Verify the player's entry in `Data/clientpermissions.xml` — check the SteamID64 is correct
* Confirm the `preset` or `permissions` value includes `ConsoleCommands`
* Run `clientlist` to check what permissions are actually assigned to connected players

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> 💡 **Still stuck?** Join our [Discord](https://discord.xgamingserver.com) and our support team will help you troubleshoot.

Related Guides [#related-guides]

* [Configure Your Server](/docs/barotrauma/configure-your-server)
* [Install Mods](/docs/barotrauma/install-mods)
* [Adding Admins](/docs/barotrauma/adding-admins)
* [Console Commands](/docs/barotrauma/console-commands)