Server problems and how to fix them

Server not showing in the lobby

The server is running, but nobody can find it in the game's server list.

• It's still registering. A new server can take a few minutes to appear, so give it five minutes and refresh the list.
• It isn't set to register with the lobby. With that setting off, an ACC server only shows up on your own network. Switch it on and restart the server.
• The game has been updated and the server hasn't. A version mismatch can stop the server appearing at all. Update the server and restart it.
• Nobody can reach it. An AC EVO server only appears in the list if it can be reached from the internet, so closed ports hide it. See My friends can't connect.
• It never reached the lobby. Look in the server's log for the lobby server error.

"Couldn't connect to the lobby server" (RegisterToLobby)

The ACC server log shows RegisterToLobby TCP connection failed, couldn't connect to the lobby server. The server tried to tell Kunos's lobby that it exists, and couldn't get through.

• It was a one-off. The server tries again, and if a later attempt works you can ignore the error.
• Your PC can't look up the lobby's address. This is a DNS problem, and your ports have nothing to do with it. Set the PC's DNS server to a public one, such as 1.1.1.1, and restart the server.
• Something on the PC stops the server connecting out. Antivirus and firewall programs can do this. Allow the server program, then restart it.
• The lobby itself is having trouble. If everything else checks out, wait a while and try again.

Ping shows "--" in the server list

The server is listed, but the ping column shows -- and nobody can join. The game can see the server but can't reach it on its UDP port. Kunos's server handbook puts it plainly: if a server never gets a ping value, its UDP port can't be reached.

• Only the TCP port was forwarded. Forward each of the server's ports for both TCP and UDP. ACC sets its TCP and UDP ports separately, and Stintwise lists both on the server's page.
• The router rule and the server use different port numbers. Make them match.
• Windows Firewall or antivirus blocks UDP. Allow the server program for both TCP and UDP.
• An online port checker said the port was open. Most only test TCP, because UDP sends nothing back to confirm it, so they can pass while UDP is still closed.

My friends can't connect

The server is running, and may even be listed, but your friends time out when they try to join. Something between them and your PC is turning them away.

• The ports aren't forwarded. Switch on UPnP in your router (or network firewall) and in Stintwise, or forward each of the server's ports, TCP and UDP, to this PC. Give the PC a fixed address on your network so the rule keeps pointing at it.
• Windows Firewall or antivirus is blocking the server. The router rules can be right and the PC can still refuse the connection. Allow the server program in any antivirus you run.
• Your provider uses CGNAT. Some providers share one public address between several customers, and then nobody outside can connect in, whatever you set on your router. To check, compare the internet address on your router's status page with the one a "what is my IP" website shows. If they're different, you're behind CGNAT or a second router. Your provider may be able to give you a public address.
• There are two routers. If your provider's box is a router and yours sits behind it, forwarding on one isn't enough. Put the provider's box in modem or bridge mode, or forward the ports on both. UPnP only reaches the router your PC is connected to.
• You tested from home. A test from your own network can't show any of this. Ask a friend to try, or join from a laptop on your phone's mobile data.

AC EVO server won't start

You press Start and the AC EVO server stops straight away, or never comes up.

• The processor doesn't have AVX2. The AC EVO server needs it. On a PC or virtual machine without AVX2, the server exits the moment it starts and leaves an empty log. Run it on a machine whose processor has AVX2. On a virtual machine, set the processor type to pass the host's processor through, so AVX2 shows up inside it.
• Another program has taken one of its ports. An AC EVO server uses a game port and a status port. If either is in use, it may not appear in the list, or may stop. Give the server different ports, or close the other program.
• The server is older than the game. After an AC EVO update, update the server too and restart it.
• The Steam account doesn't own AC EVO. The server only downloads for an account that owns the game.

Still stuck? Tell us what you see and we'll help.