# How to Connect to Your Core Keeper Server (/docs/core-keeper/join-server)



import { Tab, Tabs } from 'fumadocs-ui/components/tabs';
import { Step, Steps } from 'fumadocs-ui/components/steps';

<Tabs items={['Game ID (Default)', 'Direct IP (Crossplay)']}>
  <Tab value="Game ID (Default)">
    Connecting via Game ID [#connecting-via-game-id]

    <Steps>
      <Step>
        Find the Game ID in `GameID.txt` (generated next to the server executable).
      </Step>

      <Step>
        In the [XGamingServer Panel](https://panel.xgamingserver.com), check the **Console** or **Files** for this file.
      </Step>

      <Step>
        Launch Core Keeper → **Join Game** → **Join With Game ID**.
      </Step>

      <Step>
        Paste the Game ID and click **Join**.
      </Step>
    </Steps>

    > 📝 **Note:** Game ID mode uses Steam Datagram Relay — no port forwarding needed, but only Steam players can connect.
  </Tab>

  <Tab value="Direct IP (Crossplay)">
    Connecting via Direct IP [#connecting-via-direct-ip]

    Requires `-port` to be set in the server startup. Enables crossplay (Steam, Epic, Microsoft, GOG).

    <Steps>
      <Step>
        Find the connection string in `GameInfo.txt` (format: `IP:PORT::PASSWORD`).
      </Step>

      <Step>
        Launch Core Keeper → **Join Game** → **Join With IP**.
      </Step>

      <Step>
        Paste the connection string and click **Join**.
      </Step>
    </Steps>

    Ports **27015 + 27016 UDP** must be forwarded.
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

Troubleshooting [#troubleshooting]

| Issue                 | Fix                                                              |
| --------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------- |
| "Game Not Found"      | Game ID may have changed after restart — re-check `GameID.txt`   |
| Connection timeout    | Verify ports 27015/27016 UDP are forwarded (Direct Connect mode) |
| Version mismatch      | Both client and server must be on the same version               |
| Crossplay not working | Must use Direct Connect mode (set `-port` in startup)            |

Related Guides [#related-guides]

* [Server Configuration](/docs/core-keeper/server-config)