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Learn how to fix common issues with your s&box game server—from server listings and versions to games and maps → Find out more
10 November 20263 min read0 Views0 helpful
Introduction
Is your s&box game server missing from the server list, are players unable to join, or does the wrong game start? In most cases, there's a simple reason. Here we'll cover the most common issues and how to fix them quickly.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
After startup, the server usually needs one to three minutes to load the game and map. On the first startup, it also downloads packages. Make sure to search for the exact server name from your startup parameters.
Your server gets a new Steam ID every time it starts. Search for it by name in the server list instead.
The game and server versions may not match. Update s&box through Steam. If the issue persists, contact our support team.
Check the Game Package field in your startup parameters. Enter the exact, lowercase identifier of a public package, such as facepunch.sandbox, then restart the server.
s&box uses a lot of memory, and demanding games need even more. Check usage in Overview and Statistics, and upgrade your server if needed.
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Navigation
s&box
Issues and solutions
The first place to check whenever something goes wrong is your game server's console. For s&box, it displays logs only: you can see which game and map your server is loading and whether any errors occur.
Connection
Server doesn't appear in the server list
After each startup, your server needs a little time to load the game and map—usually one to three minutes. It will only appear in the server list once they're loaded. On the first startup or after switching to a new game, it also downloads the required packages, which can take a few extra minutes.
Also check under Overview to make sure your server is online, and search the server list for the exact server name you entered in the startup parameters.
Saved server or lobby ID no longer works
s&box connects players through the Steam network. Your server gets a new Steam ID every time it starts, so a previously saved connection or lobby ID won't work after a restart. Instead, search for your server by name in the server list.
Unable to join, versions don't match
s&box is updated very frequently. Players whose game version doesn't match the server's version can't join. Update your game to the latest version through Steam and try again. If the issue persists even with the latest game version, contact our support team.
Game and map
Wrong game or server doesn't start properly
In the Configuration tab, check the Game Package field under Startup parameters. The identifier must exactly match the package on sbox.game, use the format organisation.name, and be entirely lowercase, for example, facepunch.sandbox. The package must also be public. If the field is empty, your server automatically starts Sandbox (facepunch.sandbox).
You need to restart your server after every change. You can check whether the correct package is loading right in the console.
Map setting isn't applied
The same applies to Map Package: enter the exact, lowercase identifier of a public package, for example, facepunch.flatgrass. Some games include their own map or manage map changes themselves, so they ignore your setting. If you leave the field empty, the game loads its default map.
Performance
Server lags or crashes
s&box uses a relatively large amount of memory. Even a server running Sandbox with just a few players uses several gigabytes. More demanding games from the library need even more. Keep an eye on usage in Overview and under Statistics. If memory usage is constantly at its limit, upgrading your server can help.
If a specific game from the library is unstable, try facepunch.sandbox as a comparison. If the server runs stably with it, the issue is very likely with the game itself.
DDoS and other network threats
Game servers can be targeted by attacks that flood them with traffic, causing lag or dropped connections. ZAP-Hosting provides built-in protection systems to protect your server from common attacks. If you suspect an attack, contact our support team.
Preventive measures
Regular backups can save you a lot of stress. We already back up your game server automatically every day. With the ZapX Pass, you can also create your own backups at any time and restore them with a click—with ZapX Pass Pro, you can even schedule them automatically.
Conclusion
These steps should help you resolve the issue. For instructions on setting up your game, map, and server name, see our guide to server configuration. If the issue persists, don't hesitate to contact our support team—we're here for you every day! 🙂
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