The Front Dedicated Server Setup: Windows, Linux, Ports and Fixes

For Standard Mode, use server AppID 2612550 on Windows or 2334200 on native Linux.Install the correct package through SteamCMD or a management tool such as LinuxGSM.Configure the launcher, server identity, save location, and required network access.Then test joining from another connection and confirm that saved progress survives a restart.

This guide takes you through installation, configuration, ports, updates, and world recovery.Along the way, you’ll learn what to check when the server runs but stays invisible or ignores your settings.

The Front Dedicated Server: Quick Facts

Choosing the Right Platform Before You Install (Windows vs Linux vs Containers)

Let’s discuss choosing the right platform before you install the Front dedicated server.

The Front Dedicated Server System Requirements

The Front does not publish detailed dedicated server requirements, so use the following figures as planning estimates and monitor the live workload.

CPU

Prioritize strong per-core performance and enough CPU capacity for the workload. A starting allocation of 4-6 modern cores is a planning estimate, not a tested requirement or player-capacity guarantee. Measure per-core utilization, contention, and gameplay under representative load before increasing or reducing the allocation. Compare AMD Ryzen dedicated servers alongside other CPU options using per-core performance, available memory, and budget.

RAM

RAM usage varies by server build, world complexity, player activity, AI density, and runtime behavior.

RAM Grows with:

• AI density
• Base size and object count
• Player activity
• World age and save size

Why 8GB May Be Insufficient

• It may start the server
• It may become insufficient once players, AI, and world activity increase
• Crashes or freezes may appear if available memory is exhausted under load

Storage

The Front writes world data often.

• Initial Install: ~3–4GB
• Active world + saves grow steadily
• SSD or NVMe is strongly recommended

Minimum Planning

• 25GB total for small servers
• 50GB+ for public or long-running worlds

HDDs may cause:

• Slow saves
• Hitching
• Longer save and loading times

Network

The Front sends frequent state updates.

• Low latency keeps AI and combat stable
• High ping causes desync and rubberbanding
• Bandwidth use stays moderate

Typical Usage

• Bandwidth varies by player activity, server conditions, update behavior, and player count

What Matters

• Stable UDP handling
• Clean routing
• Public IP without filtering or CGNAT

Understanding The Front Server AppIDs (Windows vs Linux)

Let’s clear up one mistake that breaks more servers than bad ports or configs: using the wrong AppID.

The Front AppIDs

Game Client AppID: 2285150

Windows Server AppID: 2612550

Linux Server AppID: 2334200

Why The Front Uses Different AppIDs

The Front ships separate dedicated server builds per platform.

• The game uses Unreal Engine
• Windows servers use a native Win64 executable
• Linux servers use a native 64-bit Linux executable

Steam treats Windows and Linux server builds as entirely separate downloads, not platform variants of the same package. That is why each platform has its own AppID.

Client AppID vs Dedicated Server AppIDs

These are commonly mixed up.

• 2285150 is the game client AppID; the client installation also supplies The Front Manager.
• 2612550 runs the Windows dedicated server
• 2334200 runs the Linux dedicated server

What Breaks When the Wrong AppID Is Used

Failures differ by platform and install method.

• Windows AppID on Linux
  • May fail because no compatible Linux depot is available, or install Windows files if platform selection is overridden
  • The server cannot execute
  • The startup fails immediately
• Linux AppID on Windows
  • May fail because no compatible Windows depot is available, or install Linux files if platform selection is overridden
  • Nothing launches
• Client AppID Used for Hosting
  • Server binaries missing
  • The expected dedicated-server package is not installed
  • The server may not appear publicly

In panel-based setups, this often shows up as:

• Server marked “running” but not visible
• Steam registration never completes
• The installed package does not match the intended dedicated-server workflow

How Installation Tools Use AppIDs

Every installation method depends on the platform-specific AppID.

• SteamCMD downloads files strictly by AppID
• LinuxGSM maps the game to a fixed server AppID
• Hosting panels install using AppID-based templates
• Docker containers still pull the correct AppID internally

Why Panels Create Extra Confusion

Some panels hide the installation details.

• Templates may reference the Windows AppID on Linux
• Containers may start but fail Steam registration
• Logs show “running” while the server never appears

How to Verify the Correct AppID Is Installed

Windows

• Confirm TheFrontServer.exe exists

SteamCMD log should show: App '2612550' fully installed

Linux

• Confirm TheFrontServer exists (no .exe)

SteamCMD log should show: App '2334200' fully installed

If these do not match your OS, stop and fix it.

How to Recover From a Wrong AppID Install

Do not try to patch over it.

Stop the server.

• Locate and back up the active world, player data, configuration profiles, and launch scripts outside the installation directory.
• Install the correct platform AppID into a separate clean directory.
• Restore a compatible configuration and data set, preserving the intended profile identity and save path.
• On Linux, configure LinuxGSM or the selected native launcher; on Windows, use the current manager-generated launcher when available.
• Check initialization logs and test joining and save persistence before reopening the server.

The Rule That Prevents Most AppID Problems

• Match AppID to the operating system
• Install the headless server using its platform-specific dedicated server AppID; obtain The Front Manager from the client installation when using that workflow.
• Never assume a successful download means a working server

Installing The Front Dedicated Server Using SteamCMD (Windows)

SteamCMD installs and updates files from Steam’s content servers, including configuration files distributed with the package. It does not configure your network or register a running server; those steps depend on the server process and its configuration. For a remote Windows host, compare Windows dedicated server hosting options against your CPU, memory, storage, and administration requirements.

Before You Start

You need:

• Windows 10/11 or Windows Server 2016+ (64-bit).
• At least 10GB free disk space (server is ~3GB on disk, validation needs headroom).
• SteamCMD for Windows (ZIP download).

Step 1: Install SteamCMD

• Download SteamCMD (Windows ZIP).
• Extract it to a dedicated folder, for example:
  • C:\SteamCMD
• Run steamcmd.exe once. Let it self-update until you see the Steam> prompt.

Step 2: Use the Correct AppID (Windows)

For Windows installs, use:

The Front Dedicated Server (Windows) AppID: 2612550

Complete SteamCMD Command

If you skip force_install_dir, files land in SteamCMD’s default location and you will think the install “failed.”

Option A: One-liner (fast + repeatable)

C:\SteamCMD\steamcmd.exe +force_install_dir "C:\TheFrontServer" +login anonymous +app_update 2612550 validate +quit

This exact pattern is used in common community setups.

Option B: Interactive (easier to see errors)

force_install_dir C:\TheFrontServer
login anonymous
app_update 2612550 validate
quit

What validate Does (And When to Use It)

validate checks Steam-managed files and reacquires files that are missing or do not match the current depot. It does not verify your configuration, ports, or server registration.

Keep validate for your first install and after failed updates.

After Install: The Folder Structure You Should See

Do not look for TheFrontServer.exe in the root. The server binary usually sits under the game project path.

Expected layout (example):

C:\TheFrontServer\
├─ Engine\
├─ ProjectWar\
│  └─ Binaries\
│     └─ Win64\
│        └─ TheFrontServer.exe
└─ (other folders/files)

Community guides and launch examples point to

ProjectWar\Binaries\Win64\TheFrontServer.exe. 

How to Confirm SteamCMD Finished Correctly

You want both of these to be true:

• SteamCMD shows the app completed (example in output):
  • App '2612550' fully installed (or equivalent success line)
• The binary exists at:
  • C:\TheFrontServer\ProjectWar\Binaries\Win64\TheFrontServer.exe

If either is missing, stop here. Do not move to ports or configs yet.

Where Admins Get Stuck (Real-World Failure Points)

These cause “installed but nothing works” setups:

• No force_install_dir → files install somewhere else.
• Wrong AppID → you get the wrong package (client vs server).
• Permissions / antivirus blocks → SteamCMD cannot write or validate files (common on Windows).
• Not enough disk space → install stops mid-way.

Fix path

• If you suspect corruption: rerun the same install command with validate.
• If the binary is missing, confirm the AppID and installation path, then run validation. Before a clean reinstall, back up the active save directory, configuration files, and launch scripts.

Important Clarification About “No Registry Entries”

The Front server files do not need special Windows paths and do not depend on registry settings. They install where you point SteamCMD with force_install_dir.

What SteamCMD Does Not Do

SteamCMD will not:

• Generate ServerConfig_.ini
• Configure server name, ports, or player limits
• Make the server publicly visible

Installing The Front Dedicated Server on Linux (SteamCMD + LinuxGSM)

Let’s discuss how to install the Front dedicated server on Linux. When comparing Linux dedicated servers, check distribution availability, administrative access, and the resources your world needs.

Why LinuxGSM Is the Right Tool on Linux

LinuxGSM is not just an installer. It is an operations wrapper.

It handles:

• SteamCMD installation and updates
• Managed start and stop routines; stopping attempts a graceful shutdown but can fall back to terminating the session.
• Log separation and rotation
• Controlled restarts after updates

Linux Dedicated Server AppID (Mandatory)

Linux uses a separate server AppID.

Linux Dedicated Server AppID: 2334200

Using the Windows AppID on Linux can fail depot selection or install incompatible files if platform selection is overridden. Use AppID 2334200 for the native Linux server.

How the Linux Install Flow Works

LinuxGSM manages the full flow for you.

• LinuxGSM installs SteamCMD automatically
• SteamCMD downloads AppID 2334200
• Files install into a Linux filesystem layout
• You start the server through LinuxGSM scripts

There is no GUI and no registry dependency.

To install LinuxGSM, create a dedicated account with sudo adduser tfserver, then switch to it with su - tfserver. Run curl -Lo linuxgsm.sh https://linuxgsm.sh && chmod +x linuxgsm.sh && bash linuxgsm.sh tfserver, followed by ./tfserver install. Complete the dependency and installation prompts before starting the server.

Linux File Paths vs Windows Paths

Linux paths do not mirror Windows.

Windows

C:\TheFrontServer\ProjectWar\Binaries\Win64\TheFrontServer.exe

Linux (LinuxGSM Default)

/home/<user>/serverfiles/ProjectWar/Binaries/Linux/TheFrontServer

• No .exe
• No Win64 directory
• Case-sensitive paths

If you search for Windows-style paths on Linux, you will think the install failed.

What LinuxGSM Actually Controls

LinuxGSM provides structured control.

• ./tfserver start
• ./tfserver stop
• ./tfserver restart
• ./tfserver update

It also:

• Captures stdout and crash logs
• Prevents double-starts
• Warns on missing dependencies

Running the binary directly bypasses these protections.

Linux-Specific Server Pitfalls

These problems commonly appear in Linux-specific forms.

File Ownership

• SteamCMD run as root
• Server run as a normal user
• Result: saves or logs may fail if the runtime user lacks write permission

Fix:

• Use one non-root user for install and runtime

Missing System Libraries

• Minimal distros lack required runtime components
• Server exits without clear errors

Fix:

• Use a Linux distribution currently listed by LinuxGSM for The Front, such as Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, Debian 11, or Enterprise Linux 8
• Avoid stripped-down images

Firewall Defaults

• An active UFW configuration with a default deny-incoming policy blocks ports that have not been explicitly allowed
• Server starts but never registers

Fix:

• Explicitly allow required UDP ports

Anonymous SteamCMD on Linux

For The Front:

• Anonymous SteamCMD installs work
• Game ownership is not required
• LinuxGSM defaults to anonymous login

Anonymous login is the supported SteamCMD installation method for this free server tool.

Logged-in installs do not add stability here.

How Linux Differs Operationally From Windows

Linux is not just different syntax.

Linux

• You control update timing
• You read logs instead of watching a console
• You manage permissions and restarts

Windows

• Faster first launch
• Fewer permission traps
• Less automation by default

When Linux Is the Right Choice

Linux makes sense if:

• You want automation
• You run long-lived worlds
• You are comfortable with logs and CLI

Linux may be less suitable if:

• You want click-to-run hosting
• You avoid terminal work
• You troubleshoot by guessing

Verify Before Moving Forward

Do not continue until these checks pass:

• AppID 2334200 installed
• Binary exists at ProjectWar/Binaries/Linux/
• LinuxGSM can start and stop the server cleanly

Confirm that the latest save completed and the server process exited before copying files or updating. A stop command alone does not prove that the final world state was saved.

Core Configuration Files Explained (ServerConfig_.ini Without Guesswork)

This section explains exactly how server configuration works in The Front dedicated server.

Common configuration failures occur when admins edit the wrong file, use the wrong filename, or place valid settings where the server never reads them.

What the Server Config File Controls

The main config file controls server identity, access, and gameplay rules.

It is used for:

• Server name and description
• Password
• Admin permissions
• XP and progression rates
• PvE or PvP behavior
• Chat and mail permissions

Configuration can include network settings, while the launcher and management tool can also supply startup arguments.

Discovery depends on effective settings, successful initialization, and reachability; do not assume that the INI can never affect it. Keep important values consistent and verify which settings the instance actually uses.

Exact Filename Matters

Configuration depends on the launch method. Older community wrappers use ServerConfig_.ini, while manager profiles may use ServerConfig_<name>.ini selected through -ConfigServerName. The INI examples below apply only to workflows that load those files; a raw SteamCMD installation may require settings in the launch command.

One filename used by older community wrappers is:

ServerConfig_.ini

Key Rules:

• Exact spelling
• Case-sensitive on Linux

The active server instance may ignore a configuration file with the wrong filename or directory.

Where ServerConfig_.ini Lives

The Front commonly uses the TheFrontManager directory for its main server configuration, while hosting panels may use provider-specific paths.

Windows

A common Windows configuration path is <server_root>\TheFrontManager\ServerConfig_.ini.

Linux

On Linux, use the configuration path and launch parameters specified by LinuxGSM or your hosting panel. Copying a manager-generated INI into a TheFrontManager directory does not establish that the server reads it.

Why ServerConfig_.ini Is Not Created Automatically

SteamCMD installs the files distributed with the server package; creating a custom manager profile is a separate step.

This is expected behavior.

The server:

• Does not necessarily create or load ServerConfig_.ini on first launch
• If a profile is missing or not loaded, inspect initialization logs and effective launch settings; do not assume a particular fallback behavior.

You must:

• Set supported values in the launch command or
• Generate a profile through the game client’s Server Manager and use a launch workflow that loads that profile

If your workflow uses an INI, confirm that the selected file exists and is loaded; otherwise, apply supported settings through the launch command.

Common ServerConfig_.ini Settings

Identity

• ServerName – Server browser name
• ServerTitle – Description text
• ServerPassword – Leave blank for public servers

Administration

• ServerAdminAccounts – Steam64IDs separated by semicolons

Gameplay

• PlayerAddExpRate – XP multiplier
• ServerFightModeType
  • 0 = PvP
  • 1 = PvE

Communication

• IsCanChat – Enable chat
• IsCanMail – Enable mail

What a Steam64ID Is

Admin permissions require Steam64IDs.

• 17 digits
• Copy the complete steamID64 value returned for the intended account; do not validate it using a fixed prefix.
• No spaces

How to get it:

• Visit steamid.io
• Paste your Steam profile URL
• Copy the steamID64 value

Config File vs Launch Parameters (With Examples)

Config File

ServerName=My Server

PlayerAddExpRate=1.5

Launch Command

Save the following as start-server.bat in C:\TheFrontServer. Its launch structure follows a reported Windows v1.5.10 test; verify the arguments on your installed build.

@echo off

cd /d "C:\TheFrontServer"

"C:\TheFrontServer\ProjectWar\Binaries\Win64\TheFrontServer.exe" ProjectWar_Start?DedicatedServer?MaxPlayers=8 -server -game -log -unattended -ConfigServerName=myserver -ServerName=MyServer -Port=7777 -BeaconPort=7778 -QueryPort=27015 -ShutDownServicePort=7779 -QueueThreshold=8

Run the file and inspect initialization logs. These port numbers are examples: match the firewall rules to your selected game, beacon, and query ports, and keep shutdown-service access restricted to the management path.

Open Standard Mode’s server browser in a compatible client, refresh, clear restrictive filters, and join the configured server name. Test from another internet connection. Create progress, confirm a completed save, restart cleanly, and verify persistence before inviting players.

Why Settings Fail Without Errors

This is where most admins get stuck.

Common Causes:

• Editing the wrong folder
• Editing a duplicate file
• Syntax errors
• Panel overwriting the file
• Putting launch-only values into the config

Panels like Pterodactyl and TCAdmin may regenerate configs on restart.

Safe vs Risky Changes (By Impact)

Low-Impact Changes

• ServerName
• ServerTitle
• ServerPassword

Privileged Access

• Admin Steam64IDs – grant only to trusted accounts and verify the intended permissions.

Medium-Risk

• XP and gameplay values

High-Risk

• Syntax errors
• Copy-pasted settings from other games

Change one value at a time. Restart once. Verify once.

INI Syntax Rules (Strict)

• Section headers use brackets: [BaseServerConfig]
• Use consistent Key=Value formatting
• Boolean settings commonly use 1 for enabled and 0 for disabled
• Lists use semicolons
• Comments start with ;

Malformed keys, values, or sections may cause the affected settings to be ignored.

How to Verify the Config Is Active

After Restart:

• Server name matches ServerName
• Password works
• Admins have permissions

If none change, check the selected profile, loading errors, duplicate arguments, and panel rewriting before concluding that the file was not read.

Always Back Up Before Editing

Before any edit:

• Copy the active profile and launch script, including any named INI and management-tool configuration.
• Edit the original
• Restart the server
• Verify changes

The Front Dedicated Server Launch Parameters (What Each One Really Does)

Launch syntax differs between raw server binaries and community wrappers. The ProjectWar and ?Listen examples below describe legacy wrapper syntax; the Windows example above uses ProjectWar_Start?DedicatedServer. Follow the syntax used by your selected launcher.

The launch command combines a map token with dash-prefixed arguments.

1) Map token

The Windows example above uses:

ProjectWar_Start?DedicatedServer?MaxPlayers=8

ProjectWar_Start identifies the map; the question-mark options belong to the same token. MaxPlayers is a configured value, not a measured capacity guarantee.

Some community launchers use a different argument sequence, including ProjectWar and ?Listen. Preserve the exact sequence required by the selected launcher; do not mix it with the Windows example above.

2) Execution flags

Preserve -server -game and other execution flags supplied by the selected launcher. The Windows example includes -unattended to avoid interactive error dialogs on a headless host.

3) Ports (REQUIRED for reliable visibility)

The Front commonly uses four separately assigned port values:

• -port=GAME_PORT
• -BeaconPort=BEACON_PORT
• -QueryPort=QUERY_PORT
• -ShutDownServicePort=SHUTDOWN_PORT

4) -OutIPAddress when required by your network setup

• Use this when the server advertises the wrong address or when NAT, multiple network adapters, or another network configuration requires an explicit public IP.
• It can help correct visibility problems caused by an incorrectly advertised address.

Launch parameters by category (with real meaning)

Execution mode

• -server
• -game

These decide “server mode vs not server mode.” Keep them.

Identity (Visibility in Browser)

• -ServerName="Your server name"
• -ServerPassword="password"
• -ServerAdminAccounts=STEAM64ID;STEAM64ID
• -ConfigServerName=<instance_name> – preserve the configured instance identity.
• -UserDir="<instance_data_path>" – use a separate data root for each instance and confirm where it saves.
• Retain -ServerID only if the current launcher documents and uses it.

Networking

• -OutIPAddress=YOUR_PUBLIC_IP
• -port=27022 (example base)
• -BeaconPort=27023
• -QueryPort=27030 (varies by setup; the key is consistency + firewall open)
• -ShutDownServicePort=27024

Important: QueryPort is UDP in most setups. If you open the base port and forget QueryPort, the server can run and still stay invisible.

Logging

• -log
• log=log.log
• -locallogtimes

Windows often shows a console window. Linux typically writes to files or stdout, depending on how you start it.

Performance

These show up in real community launch lines. Use them only after baseline works.

• -Game.MaxFrameRate=35 (a value found in community examples, not a verified stability recommendation)
• -ansimalloc (memory allocator flag used in examples)
• Parallel tick flags appear in multiple templates: -EnableParallelCharacterMovementTickFunction -EnableParallelCharacterTickFunction -UseDynamicPhysicsScene

If your server is not visible yet, do not add performance flags. Fix ports and IP first.

Don’t copy bloated commands blindly

People copy a 20-flag command, then:

• One flag overrides config
• Ports conflict
• Steam listing breaks
• Troubleshooting becomes guesswork

Start with:

• Map string
• -server -game
• Four ports
• -OutIPAddress
• Logging

Then add one change at a time.

The Front Dedicated Server Ports Explained (And Why Servers Don’t Show Up)

Let’s break down how The Front handles ports internally, why it needs more than one, and why opening “almost everything” still leaves many servers invisible.

Why The Front Uses Multiple Ports

The Front does not communicate over a single socket.

It separates responsibilities across multiple ports, each with a specific role:

• Gameplay traffic
• Server discovery and listing
• Backend coordination
• Graceful shutdown

A blocked query or discovery port may prevent listing, while other blocked ports can affect joining or server-management functions.

Query-port and registration problems are common causes of a server running without appearing publicly.

How The Front Assigns Server Ports

Configurable Server Ports

Each function uses a clearly defined port.

One documented example looks like this:

• Game Port – 27022 (UDP)
• Beacon Port – 27023 (UDP)
• Shutdown Service Port – 27024 (management endpoint; a Windows v1.5.10 test observed TCP bound to loopback, so do not forward it publicly by default)
• Query Port – 27030 (UDP)

You set these directly in launch parameters.

This model is predictable and easier to debug.

Port values can differ between self-hosted configurations, community templates, and managed hosting providers. Use the exact Game Port, Beacon Port, Query Port, and Shutdown Service Port defined for your server rather than assuming a universal offset pattern.

If you forward ports manually, account for the externally required ports and protocols defined by your current server configuration.

Why Opening “Some” Ports Is Not Enough

One possible visibility failure pattern is:

• Game port available → gameplay traffic may work
• Query or discovery port blocked or mismatched → public listing may fail

Admins assume the server is broken.

Steam discovery depends on the query port.Gameplay depends on the game port.

Common Failure Scenarios

Server Runs But Never Appears

• Query port blocked or mismatched

Server Appears, But Players Disconnect

• Possible Cause: A blocked or mismatched beacon or gameplay port

Remote Shutdown or Restart Commands Fail

• Check whether the installed server supports the selected management method, then verify its configured endpoint, protocol, and permitted management access; do not assume public shutdown forwarding is required.

Multiple Servers On One Machine Conflict

• Duplicate or overlapping port assignments

The Front Dedicated Server Port Forwarding (Home vs Datacenter)

Let’s clear up the networking layer that breaks more servers than bad configs ever will.

Firewall Rules vs Port Forwarding

These two get confused constantly.

• Firewall rules allow or block traffic at the host, router, or provider layer.
• Port forwarding translates traffic arriving at a NAT gateway to the intended internal address and port.

Opening ports in Windows Firewall or UFW does nothing if packets never arrive.Port forwarding maps incoming traffic to the server, while router, provider, and host firewalls can filter traffic at different points along that path.

Home Network vs Datacenter: What Changes

The behavior is completely different.

Datacenter / VPS

• The server may have a directly routed public IP
• Provider routers, virtual networks, NAT gateways, or security groups may still sit in front of the server
• You may need to manage provider firewalls, security groups, NAT rules, and the host firewall
• Traffic reaches the server only when each required network layer permits it

Home network

• Router sits in front of the server
• Server uses a private IP (192.168.x.x, 10.x.x.x)
• Router must forward ports to that private IP
• Firewall rules alone are not enough

Home-hosting visibility problems commonly occur when router forwarding, upstream NAT, or CGNAT is overlooked.

What Port Forwarding Actually Does

Port forwarding tells your router:

“When traffic hits my public IP on these ports, send it to this machine.”

For The Front, this means forwarding the externally required ports and protocols from your current server configuration to the internal IP of the server machine.

If even one required port is missing, registration can fail.

CGNAT and Double NAT (Plain Language)

Some ISPs do not give you a real public IPv4 address.

Instead:

• Your router gets a private IP from the ISP
• The ISP shares one public IP across many customers

This is called CGNAT.

How to spot it:

• Your router’s WAN IP does not match your public-IP result, which may indicate CGNAT, double NAT, a VPN, or another upstream router
• Traditional inbound IPv4 port forwarding usually does not work without a public mapping
• Traditional inbound IPv4 tests usually fail when no public port mapping is available

If you are behind CGNAT:

• Traditional public IPv4 hosting will not work through CGNAT without a workaround
• Use a public IP, supported IPv6, VPN or tunnel with inbound connectivity, or an external server

Possible alternatives include requesting a public IP, using supported IPv6, selecting a VPN with port forwarding, using a suitable tunnel, or renting an external server.

Why Public IP Detection Matters for The Front

The Front must advertise a reachable address to Steam.

If:

• The server reports a private IP
• Or the wrong public IP
• Or ports are blocked upstream

Steam listing fails.

This is why servers often:

• Accept direct LAN connections
• But never appear publicly

How to Test From Outside Your Network

Do not rely only on local tests.

Use External Checks:

• Ask a friend to try connecting
• Use an external game client, a game-server query tool, packet capture, or a UDP-aware scanner
• Test from a mobile hotspot, not the same Wi-Fi

If external traffic cannot reach the server, the game cannot fix it.

The One Rule That Prevents Endless Debugging

If your server is on a home network:

• You must forward ports on the router
• You must confirm you are not behind CGNAT
• You must test from outside your LAN

Fixing “The Front Dedicated Server Not Showing Up”

Follow the checklist in order. Common visibility issues involve ports, Steam registration, or IP binding.

First: Running vs Registered

These are not the same thing.

• Running means the process started.
• Registration, query responses, and browser display are separate checks; registration alone does not prove that a client can see or join the server.

A server can run perfectly and still stay invisible.

Step 1: Required UDP Ports

Check game, beacon, and query endpoints against the current launcher and actual process bindings. Opening only the gameplay port may leave discovery or joining incomplete. Treat the shutdown service separately and restrict it to the management path.

Example Port Configuration

• Game Port: 27022
• Beacon Port: 27023
• Shutdown Service Port: 27024 in this example; verify protocol and binding, and restrict management access.
• Query Port: 27030 ← example discovery/query port

Allow the externally required ports and protocols shown in the current manager-generated configuration or hosting-panel template.

A blocked or mismatched query or discovery port can prevent the server from appearing publicly.

Step 2: Verify Ports Are Actually Open

External Test

Local tests are not enough.

1. Test the configured ports from a separate external network with a UDP-aware tool or live game client.
2. Enter your public IP
3. Test the query port defined in your current server configuration first
4. Interpret UDP scan results cautiously because an inactive service may appear closed and a filtered port may appear open|filtered

If external traffic cannot reach the configured query port, review the provider firewall, host firewall, NAT, and port-forwarding rules.

Check From the Server Itself

Windows

netstat -ano

Linux

sudo ss -tulpn

Confirm that the server is listening on the ports configured for that instance.

Step 3: Set OutIPAddress

The server must advertise an address that external players and discovery services can reach. An incorrectly advertised private address can prevent public discovery or joining.

When OutIPAddress May Be Needed

• VPS or cloud servers that use NAT or advertise the wrong address
• Servers with multiple network adapters
• VPNs or overlay networks

How to Set It

Add this to your launch command:

-OutIPAddress=YOUR_PUBLIC_IP

How to Find Your Public IP

Visit: https://whatismyipaddress.com/

Use the IPv4 address shown.Do not use 192.168.x.x, 10.x.x.x, or 127.0.0.1.

Check for CGNAT (Home Hosting Trap)

Compare:

• Router WAN IP
• IP shown on whatismyipaddress.com

If they do not match, investigate CGNAT, double NAT, VPN routing, or another upstream gateway.

Traditional inbound IPv4 port forwarding may not work without a public mapping, but a public IP, supported IPv6, VPN port forwarding, or a suitable tunnel can provide alternatives.

Step 4: Steam Query Visibility

The query endpoint supplies server information, while successful registration, reachable discovery traffic, compatible clients, and browser filters also affect visibility. Gameplay and beacon reachability must be tested separately for joining.

Common Failures

• Query port closed
• TCP opened instead of UDP
• Query port mismatches launch parameters
• Two servers using the same query port

Result

• Server runs
• Players can’t find it

Check the configured query port first.

Step 5: Steam API Initialization

The Steam API must load successfully.

What Breaks It

• Wrong AppID for the platform
• Missing steam_api files
• Windows server files on Linux or vice versa

Correct AppIDs

• Windows Server AppID: 2612550
• Linux Server AppID: 2334200

Verify Installed AppID

Windows

C:\TheFrontServer\steamapps\appmanifest_2612550.acf

Linux

/home/user/thefrontserver/serverfiles/steamapps/appmanifest_2334200.acf

Confirm that the correct manifest and executable exist; unrelated app manifests can coexist in the same Steam library.

Re-validate Server Files

Windows

C:\SteamCMD\steamcmd.exe +force_install_dir "C:\TheFrontServer" +login anonymous +app_update 2612550 validate +quit

Linux

steamcmd +force_install_dir /home/user/thefrontserver/serverfiles +login anonymous +app_update 2334200 validate +quit

Stop the instance and back up customizations before validation. Validation can replace modified Steam-distributed files as well as reacquire missing or corrupted files; use the same installation path and AppID as the original install.

Step 6: Check the Logs

Log Locations

Windows

C:\TheFrontServer\ProjectWar\Saved\Logs\

Linux

/home/user/thefrontserver/serverfiles/ProjectWar/Saved/Logs/

LinuxGSM

/home/tfserver/logs/

Step 7: Check for Port Conflicts

Another process using a configured port can prevent the server from binding correctly or interfere with public discovery.

Windows

netstat -ano | findstr "<QUERY_PORT>"

Linux

sudo lsof -i :<QUERY_PORT>

If a process already owns the port:

• Stop it, or
• Change the conflicting endpoint to an unused value, then update its corresponding launcher, firewall, and NAT rules; change other endpoints only if they also conflict:

-Port=<GAME_PORT> -BeaconPort=<BEACON_PORT> -QueryPort=<QUERY_PORT> -ShutDownServicePort=<SHUTDOWN_PORT>

Managing and Updating The Front Dedicated Server Safely

Let’s discuss how to manage and update the Front dedicated server safely.

Update Methods: SteamCMD vs LinuxGSM

SteamCMD (Windows + manual Linux installs)

• For routine updates, rerun SteamCMD with the same installation directory and AppID using app_update without validate. Use validate for an initial installation or when repairing missing or corrupted Steam-managed files.
• Updates replace files affected by the release; validation can also overwrite customized files that belong to the distributed package.
• Configs and saves usually stay untouched, but this is not guaranteed.

LinuxGSM

Use ./tfserver update during a maintenance window. LinuxGSM checks for an available update and can restart a running instance when one is applied. It does not replace an explicit save, backup, and post-update join test; review any scheduled update jobs before relying on unattended updates.

Why Major Updates Can Affect Dedicated Servers

The Front left Early Access with its Version 1.0 release on October 30, 2025. Major updates can:

• Change internal config behavior
• Add or remove settings
• Alter save handling
• Break assumptions from older builds

This can happen without crashing the server.

What Admins See

• Server starts normally
• Gameplay rules feel different
• Settings appear ignored
• Worlds behave unpredictably

Protection

• Always back up:
  • Saved/ (world data)
  • Config files
• Never update blindly on a live server
• Read patch notes before restarting

Safe Update Procedure (Recommended)

• Announce downtime.
• Request a world save through the verified admin interface or SaveWorld command, then confirm completion in logs or save-file updates.
• Stop the server and confirm the process has exited.
• Back up the active world and player data, profiles, management configuration, and launch scripts.
• Update through SteamCMD or LinuxGSM.
• Restart and inspect initialization and discovery logs.
• Join from an external compatible client and confirm the intended world and player progress.
• Allow players back in only after these checks pass.

When to Restart and When Not To

Restart Required

• After updates
• After config edits
• After launch parameter changes
• After SteamCMD validation

Do NOT Restart

• During world saves
• During peak activity
• Repeatedly after crashes without checking logs

Forced termination or restarting during an active save can increase the risk of incomplete save data.

Log Management and Disk Growth

The Front writes logs continuously.

If Unmanaged

• Logs grow silently
• Disk fills up
• Server crashes unexpectedly

Best Practices

• Check log size weekly
• Rotate or delete old logs
• Keep only logs needed for troubleshooting

LinuxGSM

• Handles log rotation automatically

Manual installs

• You must manage this yourself

Disk exhaustion is a common failure that looks like a “random crash.”

Backups, Saves, and World Persistence

Let’s break down how to protect your world data, keep player progress safe, and recover cleanly when something goes wrong.

Essential Backup Contents

At minimum, back up world and player data, configuration files, launch scripts, and any panel settings needed to recreate the instance.

Required

• World saves
• Player progression
• Server configuration files

Locate the Active Data and Configuration

• ProjectWar/Saved is one possible runtime-data location, not a universal save root. Check UserDir, the selected instance identity, and files updated by a confirmed save.
• Back up the complete related world and player data, together with the configuration profile actually loaded, launch scripts, and panel settings.
• Losing active save data without a recoverable backup can make world and player progress unrecoverable. Preserve the actual loaded configuration rather than assuming every instance uses ServerConfig_.ini.

Optional Full-Server Backup Contents

Optional contents for a full-server backup include:

• Server binaries
• Engine files
• SteamCMD files

SteamCMD can usually reinstall the current server package. Retaining binaries may help preserve a known build, but do not assume an older build will remain downloadable or compatible with updated saves.

When to Take Backups

Always back up:

• Before game updates
• Before config changes
• Before restarts after crashes

Never assume you can “fix it later.”Updates and forced restarts are common moments for data loss when backups are missing or disk writes are interrupted.

Backup Frequency (Realistic Guidance)

• Small Private Servers: once per day
• Public Servers: every 4–6 hours
• High-Activity Worlds: before and after peak playtime

Disk space is cheap. World resets are not.

Offline vs Online Backups

Offline Backups

• Request SaveWorld or use the verified save control, then confirm the write has completed.
• Stop the server and confirm the process has exited.
• Copy the active data, profiles, and launch scripts into a dated backup outside the installation directory.
• Confirm the archive opens and contains the intended files, then restart.
• For LinuxGSM backups, enable stoponbackup="on" if using its managed stop-and-backup behavior.
• A live file copy can capture inconsistent data even if no obvious save is underway. Use an application-consistent backup or snapshot method whose restore behavior you have tested; otherwise schedule an offline backup.

Where to Store Backups

Never keep backups only on the same disk. Keep an offline or isolated backup and regularly test recovery.

Use:

• A second disk
• External storage
• Cloud storage

Naming and Retention That Actually Works

Bad backup naming makes restores painful.

Use Clear Names

thefront_world_2026-01-05_18-00.zip

Retention

• Keep the last 3–5 daily backups
• Keep at least one weekly snapshot

Delete old backups on a schedule. Full disks cause silent crashes.

Restoring a World

• Stop the destination server and preserve its current files before restoring.
• Restore the complete related world and player data to the verified active save root, together with the intended configuration and launcher identity.
• Use a compatible server build and restore file ownership or permissions as needed.
• Start the server and verify characters, inventory, bases, and world state through a client.
• Save, restart cleanly, and confirm persistence before reopening access.
• Recovery returns the state captured by that backup; changes made afterward are not recovered. Do not assume Standard and Adventure saves are interchangeable.

Performance Optimization That Actually Works

Treat the following community-suggested settings as experiments, and retain them only when measurements show an improvement on your server.

Server FPS and Tick-Rate Testing

The Front uses Unreal Engine’s server tick model.Server frame timing affects engine processing, but a frame-rate cap should not be treated as a verified network tick rate.

What Happens in Practice:

• An uncapped server may attempt to process simulation updates as quickly as the workload and engine permit
• CPU utilization may increase during AI, physics, and simulation-heavy activity
• Tick timing becomes uneven under load

What to Test

• If the server supports the frame-rate setting, compare its default behavior with a controlled cap; 35 appears in community templates but is not a verified optimum
• Compare CPU utilization, frame timing, and player experience before and after applying the cap
• Retain the cap only if monitoring shows a measurable improvement under load

What May Not Help

• Uncapped FPS
• High caps like 60+ “for smoothness”

Retain a frame-rate cap only when testing shows a measurable stability benefit.

Physics and Threading: What Actually Helps

Do not assume that an additional threading flag improves the installed server build. Compare the unchanged launcher with one optional change at a time, using similar workloads and measurements. Keep a flag only if it produces a repeatable benefit without reducing stability.

Workloads to Include in Threading Tests

• Player count is high
• AI populations are dense
• Bases are large and active

Conditions to Monitor During Threading Tests

• Player count is low
• CPU has weak single-core performance
• Thermal or power limits throttle boost clocks

Undocumented threading flags can add overhead or complicate troubleshooting, so test one change at a time with monitoring enabled.

Save Intervals: Performance vs World Safety

World saves are heavy operations.

During a save:

• Simulation may pause or slow briefly depending on world size and storage performance
• Disk I/O spikes
• CPU utilization may increase temporarily

If Saves Run too Often

• You get micro-stutters
• Tick delays increase
• Players feel lag during combat or building

If Saves Run too Rarely

• Crashes cause large rollbacks

Balanced Approach

• Moderate save intervals
• Avoid forcing saves during peak activity

Save operations can contribute to temporary performance drops, especially on large worlds or slower storage.

When Optimization Backfires

Over-tuning can make instability harder to diagnose, especially when several settings are changed at once.

Common Causes:

• Multiple flags changed at once
• Flags copied from other Unreal Engine games
• No monitoring of CPU, RAM, or disk I/O

Typical Pattern

• Server feels faster after restart
• Instability appears hours later
• Desyncs, lag spikes, or crashes follow

That delay hides the real cause.

Settings You Should Not Touch Blindly

Do not change these unless you understand their impact:

• Low-level engine threading flags
• Aggressive physics overrides
• Experimental Unreal Engine parameters
• Client-side performance flags applied to servers

These do not compensate for weak hardware or oversized worlds.

What Actually Improves Performance Long-Term

Servers that stay smooth over time share the same traits:

• Strong single-core CPU performance
• Frame-rate settings retained only after a measured benefit on the installed build
• Controlled save frequency
• Clean update and restart practices
• Real monitoring, not guesswork

If a change cannot be measured, it is not an optimization.

Running The Front Dedicated Server on Network-Optimized Infrastructure

A successful The Front dedicated server setup gives players a world they can join and return to with their progress intact. Start with the correct platform package, confirm the active configuration, and test connectivity and save persistence. Keep that foundation reliable with recoverable backups, controlled updates, and measured resource planning.

For a long-running community, the infrastructure matters alongside the configuration. Choose a location close to your players, sufficient CPU and memory for your world, and fast storage for save operations. Check actual connection quality rather than judging a host by bandwidth alone. For a public community, consider DDoS-protected dedicated servers as part of your availability planning.

At RedSwitches, we provide dedicated server configurations with SSD or NVMe storage, full administrative access, and locations across multiple regions. That gives you the flexibility to choose suitable resources and manage the operating system, firewall, and maintenance around your community’s needs.

Explore our dedicated server configurations to find a foundation for your world. Configure it carefully, verify it through real gameplay, and give your players a server they can keep coming back to.