Connecting directly to a Dedicated Server

Since version 0.9.1.11736 (???) it is now possible to connect directly to your server using the IP. Here's a short guide on how to do it.

OUTDATED / REDUNDANT

Don't follow this guide - since Dark Energy released you don't have to do anything at all.

Prerequisites

Make sure your server is reachable from either LAN or the Internet

I can't guarantee that your server will be visible on the Internet, so please make sure that your network doesn't have double NAT or CGNAT and if you're capable of port forwarding ports 7777 and 27015.
Note that these are default ports, so check your configuration beforehand.

If it's CGNAT, call/ask your Internet service provider if they can help with port forwarding ports 7777/27015. Port 7777 probably uses UDP, while 27015 apparently uses both TCP/UDP (???), as it is used for queries for Server Browser, but don't call me on that.

Launch the game with launch parameter

-DirectConnect

You can tweak launch parameters by right clicking your game in Library and choosing Properties.


Upon launching the game and heading towards Server Browser, you'll find Direct Connect option under the server list.

Connecting to a server

Upon pressing "Direct Connect" you'll be greeted with a prompt:

Enter server's IP address alongside with your port, or use the default port - 7777

Example:

127.0.0.1:7777

Note that you don't have to use your external IP in order to connect to yourself - use loopback address 127.0.0.1 instead
If you're hosting on the same machine and if don't know your external IP address, you can always search it up in your browser with "what's my IP"

What if server has a password?

The syntax is a bit different.
Add ?pw=YOURPASSWORDGOESHERE after your port.
If your password exceeds the character limit, you can avoid it by pasting the password into the text field.
Remember to replace example text with your own password.
Example:

127.0.0.1:7777?pw=nugget123

[Jobove]

Really saved my life <3

[E4Na5ir]

<3

[Pee Warmer]

> Shame it doesn't work due to 'Fleming'

See if your IP is correct and if you can forward your ports outside. Steam relays/SDR are not enabled on Dedicated servers, so if it doesn't work due to "Fleming" error then surely enough your configuration is faulty.

[Wendigo]

Shame it doesn't work due to 'Fleming'
Guess we have to wait for the devs to fix their mistake