Host a Sons of the Forest server without port forwarding (CGNAT, Starlink)

Host a Sons of the Forest server without port forwarding

Install HaruHost on a Linux machine with the one-command install, which runs it as a service, and choose Tunnel when you create the server. The server gets a public address through one of HaruHost's regions, with no router setup, even behind CGNAT, Starlink or mobile internet, and friends find it in the game's server list by its Lobby Name.

When you need it

Your internet provider shares one public address between customers (CGNAT), as many mobile, Starlink and fiber providers do.
You can't change the router, for example in student housing.
You don't want to open ports on your home network or show your home address.

Turn it on

Install HaruHost on Ubuntu, on a spare PC, a mini PC or a home server, with the one-command install.
Create the Sons of the Forest server and choose Tunnel on the Connection step. For an existing server, turn the Tunnel on from its Details tab.
Pick a region, or Closest region (automatic).
Start the server. It shows in the game's server list at the Tunnel's address, and friends search its Lobby Name.

Regions

Relays run in Europe, North America, South America, Asia, Africa and Oceania. See the Tunnel page for the full list.

Questions

Does the Tunnel add lag?

Traffic takes a detour through the relay, so pick the region closest to most players. For a home server behind CGNAT it is often the only way players can connect at all.

Do players see my home address?

No. They connect to the relay's address, and the relay passes the game traffic to your server.

Related guides

How friends join Set up on Linux

Everything HaruHost does for Sons of the Forest