# How to Connect to Your Nuclear Option Server (/docs/nuclear-option/connect-to-your-server)



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

Here's how to find your server's IP address and connect to your Nuclear Option server. You can join through the in-game server browser or connect directly using your server's IP address.

Finding Your Server IP [#finding-your-server-ip]

<div className="fd-steps">
  <div className="fd-step">
    Open the XGamingServer panel [#1-open-the-xgamingserver-panel]

    Log in to the [XGamingServer panel](https://panel.xgamingserver.com) and select your Nuclear Option server.
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Locate your IP address [#2-locate-your-ip-address]

    Your server IP address is displayed in the sidebar (e.g., `198.137.23.46:7777`). The number before the colon is the IP address, and the number after is the port.

    > 💡 **Tip:** Click the IP address to copy it to your clipboard. You'll need both the IP and port to connect directly.
  </div>
</div>

Using the Server Browser [#using-the-server-browser]

The server browser is the easiest way to find and join your server:

<div className="fd-steps">
  <div className="fd-step">
    Launch Nuclear Option [#1-launch-nuclear-option]

    Open Nuclear Option from Steam.
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Go to Multiplayer [#2-go-to-multiplayer]

    From the main menu, select **Multiplayer**.
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Browse servers [#3-browse-servers]

    The server browser will display all available servers. Wait a few moments for the list to fully populate.
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Search for your server [#4-search-for-your-server]

    Use the search bar to find your server by [name](/docs/nuclear-option/change-server-name), or sort the list by player count, ping, or map.
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Join the server [#5-join-the-server]

    Select your server and click **Join**. If the server has a [password](/docs/nuclear-option/set-a-password), you'll be prompted to enter it before connecting.

    The server browser shows useful information:

    * **Player count** — How many players are online vs. [max players](/docs/nuclear-option/max-players)
    * **Map/Mission** — What mission or scenario the server is running
    * **Ping** — Your latency to the server (lower is better)
    * **Lock icon** — Indicates the server requires a [password](/docs/nuclear-option/set-a-password)
    * **Game version** — The version the server is running
  </div>
</div>

Direct IP Connect [#direct-ip-connect]

If your server doesn't appear in the browser, or you prefer to connect directly:

<div className="fd-steps">
  <div className="fd-step">
    Open Multiplayer [#1-open-multiplayer]

    From the main menu, go to **Multiplayer**.
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Select Direct Connect [#2-select-direct-connect]

    Look for the **Direct Connect** or **Connect by IP** option.
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Enter your server details [#3-enter-your-server-details]

    Enter your server's IP address and port from the XGamingServer panel:

    * **IP:** `198.137.23.46`
    * **Port:** `7777`
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Connect [#4-connect]

    Click **Connect**. The game will connect directly to your server.

    > 📝 **Note:** If the server has a password, you'll be prompted to enter it after clicking Connect.
  </div>
</div>

Adding Your Server to Favorites [#adding-your-server-to-favorites]

After finding your server, you can save it for quick access:

<div className="fd-steps">
  <div className="fd-step">
    Find your server [#1-find-your-server]

    Locate your server in the server browser.
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Favorite the server [#2-favorite-the-server]

    Click the **star** or **favorite** icon next to your server.
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Access from Favorites [#3-access-from-favorites]

    Your server now appears in the **Favorites** tab, so you can join quickly without searching each time.
  </div>
</div>

Troubleshooting Connection Issues [#troubleshooting-connection-issues]

If you can't connect to your server:

* **Server not in browser** — Make sure the server has fully started. Check `Console` on the XGamingServer panel for startup progress. It can take a minute or two for the server to appear in the browser after starting.
* **"Version mismatch"** — Your game client and the server are on different versions. Update your game through Steam and restart the server from the XGamingServer panel to pull the latest version.
* **"Connection timed out"** — Verify the IP address and port are correct. Try restarting the server from the panel.
* **High ping / lag** — Choose a server location closest to you and your players. Check the `Console` on the panel for any performance warnings.
* **Password required** — The server has a [password](/docs/nuclear-option/set-a-password) set. Contact the server owner for the password.
* **Game crashes on connect** — Verify your game files through Steam (right-click the game in your library, go to Properties, then Installed Files, and click "Verify integrity of game files").

If you get stuck at any time, you can join our [Discord](https://discord.xgamingserver.com/).