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The Front Connection Failed Fix - The Front Wiki

The Front Guide • Updated Jan 15, 2026

The Front Connection Failed: Fix Dedicated Server Join Errors

"Connection failed" usually means the server is running but the client cannot complete the network handshake. This is almost always a port, launch parameter, or version mismatch issue.

Symptoms

  • Players get "Connection failed" after clicking Join.
  • The server shows online locally but not for remote players.
  • Server appears in the list but refuses connections.

Quick Fix Checklist

  • Confirm the server was updated via SteamCMD (app ID 2612550).
  • Make sure all four ports are open: port, BeaconPort, QueryPort, ShutDownServicePort.
  • Verify -OutIPAddress matches your public IP.
  • Ensure TheFrontManager/ServerConfig_.ini exists and is spelled correctly.

Verify the Launch Command

The Front uses multiple ports. Keep them sequential to simplify firewall rules:

start "" "C:\TheFront\ProjectWar\Binaries\Win64\TheFrontServer.exe" ProjectWar ProjectWar_Start ?Listen?MaxPlayers=8 -server -game -QueueThreshold=8 -ServerName="My Front Server" -ServerAdminAccounts=STEAM64ID -OutIPAddress=YOUR_PUBLIC_IP -ServerID=1 -port=7777 -BeaconPort=7778 -QueryPort=7779 -ShutDownServicePort=7780 -log

Confirm ServerConfig_.ini Loads

Create a folder named TheFrontManager in the server directory and add ServerConfig_.ini inside it. If the folder or file name is wrong, the config will not load.

[BaseServerConfig]
ServerName="Your server name"
ServerPassword=
ServerTitle="Short description"
PlayerAddExpRate=1

Open Ports and Firewall Rules

  • Allow TheFrontServer.exe through your firewall.
  • Forward the base port plus three additional ports (example: 7777-7780).
  • If players can join locally but not remotely, this is almost always port forwarding.

Update and Version Match

Make sure the dedicated server is updated to the same version as clients:

steamcmd +login anonymous +app_update 2612550 validate +quit

Still Failing?

  • Check ProjectWar/Saved/Logs for startup errors.
  • Try connecting with a direct IP entry instead of the server browser.
  • Temporarily remove custom settings to test a default configuration.

Community Resources

Keep your squads connected. Host your The Front server with Supercraft for managed ports, auto-updates, and backups.

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