What is a port, and which ones does my game use?
Short answer: A port is the number after the colon in your server address. It tells the game which server on a machine is yours. Some games also use a second port (usually the game port plus 1) for the server browser. Your ports are on the Network page. If you need an extra one, open a ticket.
Before you begin
Section titled “Before you begin”- You need: access to the Network page of your server.
What this guide covers
Section titled “What this guide covers”- What ports are
- Game ports and query ports
- Getting an extra port
What a port is
Section titled “What a port is”One machine runs many game servers, all sharing one IP address. Each server listens on its own number, the port. Your address 203.0.113.10:2456 means “machine 203.0.113.10, server on port 2456”.
Some terms you might see:
- Game port: the port players join on. This is the one in your address.
- Query port: answers “who’s online?” requests from the in-game server browser. Often the game port plus 1. Players don’t join on it; the one time you type it is when adding your server to your Steam favourites.
- RCON port: lets admin tools send commands to the server remotely (only some games).
- UDP / TCP: two kinds of network traffic. Most games use UDP. You don’t need to choose: we set this up for you.
- Go to [Game Panel] > [Your Server] > Network.
- The port marked Primary is your game port: the one in your address.
- Any other ports listed are extras your game uses (for example the query port).
Getting an extra port
Section titled “Getting an extra port”Extra ports (for example for a voice server, a web map or a plugin) are added by our team. Open a ticket saying what the port is for. See How to contact support with useful diagnostic information.
Expected result
Section titled “Expected result”You know which port players use and what any other ports are for.
Common mistakes
Section titled “Common mistakes”- Joining with the query port. Always use the Primary port.
- Copying ports from a guide for a different host. Use the ports on your Network page.
Troubleshooting
Section titled “Troubleshooting”| What you see | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| “Address already in use” in the console | The game is trying to use a port that isn’t yours | Undo port changes in your config files |
| Server works by address, not in the browser | Query port not set or not reachable | See My server is not showing in the game browser |
When to contact support
Section titled “When to contact support”Contact support if you need an extra port, or if the Network page shows no ports. See How to contact support with useful diagnostic information.
Related guides
Section titled “Related guides”Last reviewed: 2026-10-05 · Applies to: Game Panel (hici 0.4.2)