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How to Make a 7 Days to Die Dedicated Server: Step-by-Step

Set up a 7 Days to Die dedicated server with SteamCMD, configure its settings, open the right network access, and test local and remote connections.
Length4 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team
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To make a 7 Days to Die dedicated server, install the separate server tool (Steam app 294420) with SteamCMD, configure a copy of serverconfig.xml, allow the configured network traffic, then launch and test the server. The current setup guide covers Windows and Linux; the exact settings and ports should come from the files supplied with your installed server build.

Choose self-hosting or managed hosting

Self-hosting gives your group direct control over server settings and administration. You are also responsible for keeping the server process running, maintaining its files and saves, applying updates, and making it reachable over your network. A managed host is an alternative if you would rather have a service provide the server environment; the available sources do not establish a particular provider as best.

Consideration Self-hosted server Managed hosting
Server process and updates You maintain and update them. The service provides the server environment; exact responsibilities depend on the service.
Configuration and mods You control the installation and settings. Controls and compatibility depend on the service.
Network access You arrange firewall access and, when needed, router forwarding. Access is provided through the service; setup varies by provider.
Administration You handle ongoing server and save maintenance. Some system administration is shifted to the service, but the scope varies.

Install the dedicated-server files

The dedicated server is a separate Steam app from the game client: the server tool is app 294420, while the base game is app 251570. The current setup guide uses SteamCMD to install or update the server and covers both Windows and Linux. Follow its current platform-specific instructions rather than reusing an older command without checking it.

Use the guide’s SteamCMD installation route to download the dedicated-server tool, not the client app. Match the server build or branch to the version used by the players who will connect. If you already have server files, identify their install directory before moving on so that your configuration and saves remain with the intended installation. Current dedicated server setup guide

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Configure a separate server settings file

Keep a separate copy of serverconfig.xml for this server. The installed server build’s supplied file is the authority for current default values and property names. The official wiki’s configuration example is identified as Alpha 20.5 b2, so use it to understand the kinds of settings available, not as proof that its defaults match a newer build. Official server configuration reference

  1. Copy the config: make a working copy of serverconfig.xml in the server installation and retain an untouched copy for reference.
  2. Name and access: set the server name and decide whether to use a password or make the server visible as appropriate for your group.
  3. Player capacity: choose the player limit your group needs.
  4. World options: select the world settings your players will use.
  5. Port and networking: inspect the current config comments and set the server port and relevant networking properties. Do not assume that an older sample’s values are universal.

For the property names and an example launch command, consult the official configuration page and the official dedicated server reference, while keeping the version qualification in mind.

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Make the server reachable

For players on the same machine or local network, start by checking local access. For players outside the host network, allow the configured game traffic through the host firewall. If the server machine is behind a NAT router, forward the relevant configured ports to that machine as well.

The official wiki lists ServerPort 26900 as a default and documents visibility and protocol controls. That reference does not make 26900 a universal recipe: requirements can vary with the installed version, selected protocol, and network arrangement. Use the settings in your current config and identify the protocol and ports the server is actually using before changing firewall or router rules. Official networking and configuration reference

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Launch and verify the server

  1. Start the server with your selected config. Use the dedicated launch command for the installed build and point it at the copy of serverconfig.xml you configured. The official wiki includes an example command; confirm its syntax against your version’s files. Official dedicated server reference
  2. Check startup output. Confirm that the server process starts and that it is loading the intended settings rather than a different config.
  3. Test locally. Try connecting from the host or another device on the same network before troubleshooting external access.
  4. Test from outside the network. If remote play is the goal, ask a player on a different network to try connecting.

If a test fails, check the server process, selected configuration, configured port, host firewall, router forwarding, and whether the chosen protocol works with the network arrangement. A port rule alone cannot be assumed to resolve every connection problem.

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Maintain the installation

  • Keep the server files, configuration copy, and save data organized together or clearly documented.
  • Before updating, preserve the configuration and save data so you can restore them if needed.
  • After an update, verify that the server and connecting clients are on compatible builds.

The available setup references do not establish a universal hardware minimum or update schedule; requirements depend on the server build and how it is used.

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