Direct Connect to a Space Engineers Server

Direct connecting lets you join a Space Engineers server by entering its IP address and port manually, bypassing the in-game server list. This is essential for private servers, servers that don’t show up in the list, or when you have the address from a friend or hosting provider. You’ll need the server’s IP address and port (default is 27016), and the game must be fully updated to the same version as the server.

What You’ll Need

• Space Engineers installed and updated (Steam or Microsoft Store version).
• The server’s IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.10 or a domain like play.example.com).
• The server’s port number (default is 27016, but it can be custom).
• If the server is password-protected, you’ll need that password.
• For some servers, you may need to own the required DLCs (like the Automatons or Warfare packs) to join.

Step-by-Step

1. Launch Space Engineers. Open the game from your Steam library or desktop shortcut. Wait for the main menu to appear.
2. Click on “Join Game”. This is the second option in the main menu, usually under “Load Game”. It opens the server browser.
3. Look for the “Direct Connect” button. In the bottom-left corner of the server browser screen, you’ll see a button labeled “Direct Connect”. Click it. If you don’t see it, check if the server browser is in “Internet” tab – the button is still there.
4. Enter the IP address and port. In the pop-up window, type the server’s IP address followed by a colon and the port number. For example: 192.168.1.10:27016. If the server uses the default port, you can often just enter the IP address, but it’s safer to include the port.
5. Click “Connect”. After entering the address, click the “Connect” button. The game will attempt to reach the server. This may take a few seconds.
6. Enter the server password if prompted. If the server has a password, a dialog box will appear. Type the password and click “OK”.
7. Wait for the game to load. Once connected, the game will load the world. This can take a minute or two depending on the server’s size and your computer’s speed. You’ll then spawn in the game world.

Common Mistakes

• Forgetting the port. Many servers do not use the default 27016. If you only enter the IP, the game will try the default port and fail. Always confirm the exact port from the server owner or hosting panel.
• Using the wrong IP format. IPv6 addresses are not supported in the direct connect box. Use IPv4 (e.g., 192.168.1.10) or a hostname (e.g., play.myserver.com).
• Typing the address with spaces or extra characters. Copy-paste the address to avoid typos. A single wrong digit will prevent connection.
• Game version mismatch. If your game is not updated to the same version as the server, you’ll get a “version mismatch” error. Update your game via Steam before trying again.
• Using the wrong network. If you’re trying to connect to a server on your local network, make sure you’re using the LAN IP (like 192.168.x.x) and not the public IP. For a public server, use the public IP.

Tips

• Use a hostname if possible. If the server owner provides a domain (like play.myserver.com), use that instead of an IP. It’s easier and won’t change if the server’s IP changes.
• Add the server to your favorites. After connecting once, the server may appear in your “Favorites” tab. You can also add it manually by clicking the star icon in the server browser.
• Check the server’s mod list. If the server uses mods, you’ll need to subscribe to them on the Steam Workshop before joining. The game will usually prompt you to download them automatically, but it can fail. Manually subscribing to the mods from the server’s page (if public) helps.
• Use the Steam server browser. You can also use Steam’s “View > Servers” feature to find the server by IP, but the in-game direct connect is simpler.
• Note the server’s region. Ping matters. If the server is far away, expect higher latency. You can check ping in the server list, but direct connect doesn’t show it. Use a tool like ping in command prompt to test.

Troubleshooting

Connection timed out. This means the server is unreachable. Check that the IP and port are correct. Test if the server is online using a website like “CanYouSeeMe.org” (for port checks) or ask the owner. If the server is on your local network, ensure your firewall isn’t blocking the game.

Version mismatch error. Your game and the server are on different versions. Update your game via Steam. If the server is on a beta branch, you may need to opt into that branch via Steam > Properties > Betas.

Password prompt doesn’t appear. The server might not be password protected, or you might have mistyped the address. Double-check the address and try again. If the server requires a password but you don’t have one, contact the owner.

Game crashes on connect. This can be due to mods, corrupted game files, or insufficient RAM. Verify game files via Steam (Right-click > Properties > Local Files > Verify Integrity). Disable any mods you have locally that might conflict. Restart the game and try again.

“Server not responding” after connecting. This can happen if the server is overloaded or your connection is unstable. Wait a few minutes and try again. If it persists, check your internet connection and consider restarting your router.

Can’t see the Direct Connect button. The button is in the bottom-left of the server browser. If you don’t see it, try resizing the window or updating your game. It’s always there in the current version.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the default port for Space Engineers servers?
A: The default port is 27016. However, many servers use a different port, so always confirm with the server owner.

Q: Can I direct connect to a server that is not in the list?
A: Yes, that’s the main purpose. If you have the IP and port, you can connect even if the server doesn’t appear in the list due to being full, hidden, or behind a firewall.

Q: Do I need to own all DLCs to join a server?
A: No, you can join without DLCs. However, if the server uses DLC blocks, you won’t be able to use them unless you own the DLC. Some servers may require specific DLCs to be allowed to join, but that’s rare.

Q: How do I find the IP address of my own server?
A: If you’re hosting a dedicated server, the IP is your machine’s IP address. For a local server, it’s your LAN IP (e.g., 192.168.1.10). For a hosted server, check your hosting provider’s panel.

Q: Why do I get “invalid password” even though I typed it correctly?
A: The password is case-sensitive. Also, some servers use a password that includes spaces. Copy-paste the password from the owner if possible. If it still fails, the password may have been changed.

Q: Can I direct connect to a server on Xbox or PlayStation?
A: No, direct connect is only available on PC. Console players use the in-game server list only.

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