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How to release game ports in UFW

Game servers need to receive connections on specific ports. In Ubuntu, UFW allows you to open only what is necessary without disabling the VPS Gamer's entire firewall.

Before activating the firewall​

Allow SSH access:

sudo ufw allow OpenSSH

Keep the current session open and test a second SSH connection after enabling UFW.

1. Check the status​

sudo ufw status verbose

If Status: inactive appears, the firewall is deactivated.

2. Activate UFW​

sudo ufw enable

Confirm with y when prompted.

3. Free up a TCP port​

Example for Minecraft Java on port 25565:

sudo ufw allow 25565/tcp

4. Free up a UDP port​

When the game requires UDP:

sudo ufw allow 27015/udp

Port 27015 is used by several Steam-based servers, but each game has its own requirements.

5. Release TCP and UDP​

For an application that uses both protocols:

sudo ufw allow 30120/tcp
sudo ufw allow 30120/udp

Check in the game documentation if both are really necessary.

6. Free up a break​

sudo ufw allow 27015:27020/udp

Intervals increase the exposed surface. Prefer specific ports when possible.

7. Restrict by IP address​

To allow an administrative port only from a trusted IP:

sudo ufw allow from SEU_IP to any port 8080 proto tcp

Replace YOUR_IP with your authorized public address.

8. List the numbered rules​

sudo ufw status numbered

The output shows the protocol, origin, and a number for each rule.

9. Delete a rule​

By number:

sudo ufw delete NUMERO_DA_REGRA

Or repeating the rule:

sudo ufw delete allow 25565/tcp

List again because the numbering changes after each deletion.

How to find out if the game is listening​

sudo ss -lntup

A rule in the firewall does not start the server. The game process needs to be active and listening on the same port and protocol.

Common problems​

The door is released, but appears closed​

Check that the server is running, that it listens on the correct address, and that there is another firewall or network rule.

Can I use ufw disable to test?​

This temporarily removes protection from all ports. Prefer reviewing the specific rule and logs.

Do I need to open all Steam ports?​

No. Only release the ports required by the dedicated server and features you have enabled.

If you need help with VPS Gamer, open a ticket with Nice Hosting support.