Steam – The server list from source engine games only show very few servers

garrys-modsteamteam-fortress-2

Both Gmod and TF2 only show me like 10 servers, yet games like tabletop simulator shows all server available, so i know there is a problem with source games.

I tried lowering max ping and clear download cache, but nothing happens.

Best Answer

All source games use the same algorythm of discovering servers:

  • the game asks valve's masterserver for a server list, receiving a list of IP addresses

  • the game now sends an A2S_INFO UDP packet to each server in a list, at a maximum rate of 250-5000 pings per minute.

  • every servers responds with an UDP response packet containing some useful information

Why this happens

Most likely, your internet connection have issues with UDP packets: packet loss, extreme delaying, restrictive filter, etc etc. - packets between you and internet servers lost.. somehow.

What you can do

1. Decrease server query rate

Rate is guessed by steam client, but it's also configurable in

Settings -> In-game -> In-Game Server browser: Max pings / minute

Settings -> In-game -> In-Game Server browser: Max pings / minute

2. Hit refresh servers button again

With my 3G connection it takes multiple clicks, and from 5 to 30 seconds before servers in TF2 client start to appear.

3. Troubleshoot network issues

Anti-virus, firewall or other software may interfere, try disabling it.

Bad hardware (notably your router) can interfere - try connecting to internet directly (if your pc connected to isp through router)

If none helps, you can call your ISP's customer support.

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