Which BeamNG Earth server do you mean?
The term BeamNG Earth server is used for both. Before changing a setting, identify the problem: can your own world load, or can you connect to the other players? A working multiplayer connection does not prove that your local world-data service is healthy.
Local world server · every player
This is the companion process launched by the BeamNG.Earth app. It fetches geographic data and prepares the world for your game. You need it for solo driving as well as multiplayer. It is not a public room for friends to join.
Player responsibility: keep the app running and verify terrain loads locally.
BeamMP server · the host
This is the multiplayer service with the BeamNG.Earth server plugin installed. It coordinates the session and distributes the client mod package. It does not replace the companion application on each participant’s computer.
Host responsibility: configure the server, plugin and player connection.
What each player needs
Use a compatible BeamNG.drive installation, the BeamNG.Earth player app and a BeamMP launcher. Match the app version with the host’s BeamNG.Earth package. Verify a solo Freeroam session before joining; that gives you a known working local setup.
The current application can start BeamMP with the game. If it asks about installing or locating the launcher, use the documented option appropriate to your setup. Windows, Linux and Steam Deck use different launcher acquisition paths; consult the official instructions instead of reusing a Windows executable procedure everywhere.
Join a BeamNG Earth server
Check the host’s version
Ask which BeamNG.Earth release the server uses. Download the matching player app and confirm the required game version. You do not need the host ZIP just to join.
Start through the BeamNG.Earth app
Let the app start its world server and the configured BeamMP launcher. If you already have a launcher, use the app’s existing-launcher option or the documented launcher setting.
Check: Both the world service and multiplayer launch path are available.
Open More → BeamMP in the game
Sign in using the options BeamMP presents, then look for the BeamNG.Earth category. These servers are separated from the ordinary list because players need the companion app.
Choose a server or use Direct Connect
Select a listed server, or enter the private address and port supplied by its host. This site does not maintain live server availability or publish unverified addresses.
Check: Joining a private session uses the host’s connection details, not your local world-server address.
Allow your world to load
After joining, your app still builds the nearby terrain. Check the loading status and keep the application open. If the connection succeeds but ground is missing, diagnose the world service separately.
Host a BeamNG Earth server
Begin with a BeamMP server environment that you control. The following outlines the developer’s package instructions; the README bundled with the exact release you download is the authority if configuration changes. Keep a copy of an existing configuration before replacing files.
Initialize the BeamMP server
Obtain BeamMP Server from its official project, place it in its own folder and run it once to create ServerConfig.toml and Resources. Stop it before installing the BeamNG.Earth package.
Add the matching server ZIP
Extract the official BeamNG.Earth-BeamMP-Server ZIP into that server folder. Its Resources directory merges with the existing one: client mod files go under Resources/Client and the plugin goes under Resources/Server.
Set the map and server identity
Set the map entry shown below in ServerConfig.toml. Follow the bundled instructions for your server name, selected port and your own BeamMP AuthKey. Keep the key private. The excerpt below is only the map field, not a complete configuration.
Choose visibility and configure host networking
Use the public/private settings described below. If players connect over the internet, the developer instructs hosts to forward the configured BeamMP server port for TCP and UDP to the host computer and allow it in the host firewall. Do not expose unrelated local world-service ports.
Start and inspect the log
Look for the plugin-loaded message below. Test the intended join path with a compatible player app before inviting a group. When updating, replace the host package as well as updating the players.
Map = "/levels/beamng_earth/info.json"
# Expected startup log message:
# [BeamNG.Earth] plugin loadedPublic listings, private sessions and network boundaries
With Private = false and the required AuthKey, the plugin can register the host in the BeamNG.Earth category. Private = true keeps it off the listing, so invited players use Direct Connect. Private visibility does not remove the server software’s normal authentication requirements.
Not appearing in the ordinary BeamMP list is expected for this integration. Check the dedicated category before treating the absence as a network failure. The developer’s server notes mark an older player-to-player shared-world feature as disabled; its historical port instructions are not basic joining requirements.
Scroll sideways to compare all columns →
| Connection | Purpose | What to configure |
|---|---|---|
| Game ↔ local world server | Builds the world on the player’s computer | Launch the companion app. This is not the server address you share with friends. |
| Player ↔ BeamMP host | Joins the multiplayer session | Use the host’s address and configured port; internet hosting needs the corresponding TCP/UDP reachability. |
| Optional compute sharing | Separate advanced world-building work | Not a prerequisite for ordinary multiplayer. Do not copy old shared-world port rules into the basic setup. |
Find the failing part of the session
Player: the BeamNG.Earth category is missing
Check that you started the compatible BeamNG.Earth app and its BeamMP path. The ordinary BeamMP list is not evidence that the integration has loaded. Review the current launcher instructions.
Player: connected, but the world is empty
Confirm the companion app is running and inspect its status or error output. Try the local Freeroam check. A multiplayer host does not download and build all terrain for you.
Host: the plugin message never appears
Recheck the extraction destination and Resources/Server structure. Confirm the host ZIP matches the intended release. Read the server log before changing router settings.
Host or player: Direct Connect fails
Verify the host is running, the supplied address and port are correct, and the host’s networking matches that port. Compare versions. A private server being absent from the list is normal and is not the connection error itself.
The setup worked before an update
Compare game, player-app and host-package versions together. Report the exact mismatch or error to the project community; do not assume a generic BeamMP mod fix applies to this companion-app integration.
Questions & answers
Is the local world server the multiplayer server?
No. Your local service builds map data. A BeamMP host connects players and runs the multiplayer plugin.
Do all players need the BeamNG.Earth app?
Yes. Receiving the client mod from BeamMP does not install the external application that builds each player’s world.
Can I run a private BeamNG Earth server?
The developer documents private visibility and Direct Connect. Use the server’s required authentication and networking setup even when it is not publicly listed.
Do players need the BeamMP server ZIP?
Only the host needs that package. Players need the compatible app and launcher.
Is multiplayer described as stable?
The project labels its BeamMP integration as in testing. Check the release notes and support directions for current limitations.
Where should I ask for help?
The BeamNG.Earth README directs integration and multiplayer questions to its own TGForever community. This guide’s contact email handles website feedback, not official mod support.
Official references
This independent guide explains the developer’s documentation. Game behavior has not been independently tested here; check the release you use for changes.
BeamNG.Earth multiplayer instructions ↗Joining, host configuration and the developer’s support channel.Server package README ↗The repository document packaged as BeamNG.Earth-README.md: files, map configuration, visibility and host network requirements.Official GitHub releases ↗Release assets, supported game version and changes.BeamNG.Earth player documentation ↗Player setup, platform support, updates and cache settings.