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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesThe Forest dedicated server uses a plain-text Server.cfg file, plus optional startup parameters. The file is generated after the dedicated server is launched for the first time. On Windows, the Steam tutorial places it at C:UsersUSERAppDataLocalLowSKSTheForestDedicatedServerdsServer.cfg. Edit that file for persistent settings, but inspect the server’s startup arguments whenever a change appears to be ignored: a command-line parameter takes precedence over the matching value in Server.cfg.
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Find or generate Server.cfg
Start the dedicated server once before looking for its configuration. The first launch creates the file under the Windows account that runs the server. The documented location is:
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Replace USER with the Windows account name used by the server process. If the file is not there, confirm that the dedicated-server build has actually completed an initial launch and that you are checking the same account’s AppDataLocalLow directory. A server started by a service or a different administrator account can create its files in that account’s profile instead.
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Server.cfg is ordinary text. Make a backup copy before editing, use a plain-text editor, and preserve the existing parameter names and file syntax. Do not save it as a rich-text document or change the filename extension.
Understand which setting wins
The Steam dedicated-server tutorial states: “Note: Command line parameters overwrite matching entries defined in the config file.” This precedence explains most cases in which an apparently correct edit has no effect.
- Stop the server cleanly.
- Open the active
Server.cfgand record the value you want. - Inspect the shortcut, script, service definition, or hosting-panel startup field used to launch the server.
- Find any command-line parameter that sets the same option. Remove it or change it there if the file should control the value.
- Save the configuration, start the server, and test from a fresh connection or world load.
Editing a second copy of the file cannot override a parameter supplied at launch. The configfilepath option also allows a different configuration file to be selected, so verify which file the process is actually loading before troubleshooting individual values.
Network and lobby settings
A reachable server needs a consistent address, three server ports, and any required router forwarding. The configuration fields documented for this job are:
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| Parameter | What it controls |
|---|---|
serverIP |
The IP address used by the dedicated server. |
serverSteamPort |
The Steam networking port. |
serverGamePort |
The gameplay connection port. |
serverQueryPort |
The server-query port used for discovery and status queries. |
serverName |
The name displayed for the lobby. |
serverPlayers |
The maximum number of players allowed. |
serverPassword |
The password required for a player connection. |
serverPasswordAdmin |
The password used for administration. |
enableVAC |
Enables or disables Valve Anti-Cheat. |
Forward the ports that the file uses
When the server is behind a home router, forward the configured Steam, game, and query ports to the computer running the dedicated server. Use the same protocol and port values shown in the active configuration and keep the server computer’s local address stable. The documentation identifies the three port fields but does not establish one universal numeric assignment for every installation, so do not forward arbitrary ports: use the values in your own file or startup configuration.
After forwarding, test from outside the local network. A local connection can succeed even when internet clients cannot reach the forwarded ports. If discovery fails, check all three fields, the router rule, the host firewall, and any command-line overrides before changing the game settings.
Choose a name, capacity, and protection
serverName changes the lobby label; it does not change the machine’s address. Set serverPlayers to the intended maximum, then use serverPassword when the world should be private. Keep serverPasswordAdmin separate from the player password so ordinary players cannot use the administrative credential. enableVAC controls the Valve Anti-Cheat setting and should be treated as a server-wide policy choice rather than a per-player option.
World creation, saves, and automatic saving
Four settings determine how a server starts and protects its world: difficulty, initType, slot, and serverAutoSaveInterval.
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| Parameter | Documented values or behavior |
|---|---|
difficulty |
Peaceful, Normal, Hard, or HardSurvival. |
initType |
New starts a new world; Continue loads an existing world. |
slot |
Selects save slot 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5. |
serverAutoSaveInterval |
15 minutes is the documented minimum; 30 minutes is the documented default/common interval. |
Continue an existing world
- Stop the server and back up the current save directory.
- Set
initTypetoContinue. - Set
slotto the slot containing the world you intend to load, from 1 through 5. - Leave the difficulty consistent with the world you want to continue unless you deliberately intend to change it.
- Start the server and confirm that the expected world and player progress are present before allowing players to build.
Using initType set to New when you meant to continue, or selecting the wrong slot, can make the server appear to have lost a save. Stop rather than creating more progress if the expected world does not appear; recheck the initialization type, slot, save path, and startup overrides.
Set an autosave interval deliberately
The documented minimum for serverAutoSaveInterval is 15 minutes, while 30 minutes is the common/default value cited in the settings reference. Choose an interval that matches the server’s activity and your tolerance for lost progress after a crash. A shorter interval creates more frequent save operations; a longer interval leaves a larger recovery gap. Keep an independent backup routine as well, because autosaving is not the same as retaining multiple historical copies.
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Move saves with saveFolderPath
saveFolderPath points the server at a custom save location. A custom path is useful when the default profile directory is not included in your backup plan or when the server runs under a restricted account. Change the path only after creating the destination and granting the server account access to it. Then stop and restart the server and verify that a test save appears in the new location before deleting or relocating the original data.
Gameplay switches
The dedicated-server settings reference documents the following gameplay controls:
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| Setting | Effect |
|---|---|
veganMode |
Runs the world with no enemies. |
vegetarianMode |
Removes enemies during daytime. |
resetHolesMode |
Resets structure holes when the world loads. |
treeRegrowMode |
Regrows 10% of cut trees when players sleep. |
allowBuildingDestruction |
Controls whether buildings can be destroyed. |
allowEnemiesCreativeMode |
Controls enemy behavior in Creative Mode. |
allowCheats |
Controls whether cheats are allowed. |
realisticPlayerDamage |
Controls realistic player-damage behavior. |
These switches affect everyone using the world. Agree on them before opening a public lobby, and document intentional exceptions in your server notes so a later configuration change is not mistaken for corruption. The exact accepted on/off syntax is the syntax already used by your generated file; copy that form rather than inventing a new one.
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Load a different configuration
The configfilepath option was added to let an administrator select a different configuration file. This is useful for separate test and production profiles, but it also creates a common failure mode: an administrator edits the default Server.cfg while the launch command points somewhere else. Record the selected path in the startup documentation and verify it after updates.
Set idle and active frame-rate targets
targetFpsIdle and targetFpsActive provide separate server frame-rate targets for idle and active operation. They are targets, not a promise that the machine will sustain those rates under load. If players report simulation problems after changing them, remove any command-line duplicates first, then return to conservative values and observe the server while players are connected.
A safe edit-and-restart workflow
- Announce maintenance and stop new connections.
- Stop the dedicated server cleanly so it is not rewriting the file or save while you edit.
- Copy
Server.cfgand the save directory to a dated backup location. - Open the active file, confirm the parameter names, and change only the values required for this maintenance window.
- Check the launcher for duplicate command-line parameters, including a different
configfilepath, a save-path override, or a Steam account-token parameter. - Save the file as plain text with the same filename.
- Start the server and watch its log or console for a successful initialization.
- Test the lobby name, password behavior, player limit, connectivity, and selected world before announcing that the server is back.
- Record the working settings and the restart time so the next update can be compared against a known-good state.
Why a change is being ignored: troubleshooting branches
| Symptom | Checks to make |
|---|---|
| The edited value has no effect. | Look for a matching startup parameter; command-line values override the file. Confirm that configfilepath is not selecting another file, then restart. |
| The file cannot be found. | Launch the dedicated server once, check the documented AppDataLocalLowSKSTheForestDedicatedServerds path, and verify the Windows account running the process. |
| Internet players cannot connect. | Compare serverSteamPort, serverGamePort, and serverQueryPort with router forwarding and host-firewall rules. Test from outside the local network. |
| The server starts the wrong world. | Check initType, slot, saveFolderPath, and any startup overrides. Use Continue and the correct slot for an existing save. |
| Progress seems to disappear after a restart. | Verify the autosave interval, allow the server to shut down cleanly, and confirm that the active save directory is the one being backed up. |
| An administrator cannot perform server actions. | Check serverPasswordAdmin, keep it distinct from the player password, and ensure the credential being supplied matches the active configuration. |
Steam server authentication and token security
Steam authentication uses a Game Server Login Token in serverSteamAccount or through its equivalent startup parameter. Treat this token like a password: do not publish it in screenshots, paste it into public support posts, or commit it to a shared configuration repository. If the token is exposed, replace it through the account-management process rather than continuing to run with a leaked credential.
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Because a startup parameter can override the file, protect both the configuration and the launch script. Limit access to the Windows account that runs the server, and remove tokens from ordinary player-facing documentation.
Self-hosting or managed hosting?
The same settings concepts apply whether the server runs on your own machine or on a managed host. The practical difference is who operates the surrounding infrastructure.
| Decision area | Self-hosted server | Managed server |
|---|---|---|
| Configuration and files | Direct control of Server.cfg, save folders, launch parameters, and backups. |
Control depends on the host’s file manager, panel, and permission model. |
| Networking and uptime | You handle router forwarding, firewall rules, power, and internet availability. | The provider operates the public network and machine; you still configure the game settings. |
| Backups and saves | You choose the backup schedule and retention policy. | Backup tools and retention depend on the service; verify them before relying on the host. |
| Logs and restarts | Full access to the console, logs, scripts, and operating-system restart tools. | A control panel may simplify restarts while exposing fewer system-level controls. |
| Cost model | Uses your existing hardware, connection, electricity, and maintenance time. | Requires a recurring hosting payment; current prices and included features vary by provider. |
Choose self-hosting when file-level control and custom automation matter more than convenience. A managed service can reduce router and uptime work, but confirm that it exposes the parameters you need, supports token handling safely, permits save downloads, and provides a restart and recovery path.
Check settings after dedicated-server updates
The update history records the addition of configfilepath, gameplay switches, and the idle/active FPS controls. A newer dedicated-server build can therefore change which parameters are available or how they are interpreted. After an update, compare the generated or documented settings with your backup, review startup arguments, and test a non-critical save before returning the server to normal players. Keep the previous configuration and save backup until the updated build has loaded the intended world and accepted the required network and gameplay settings.
Configuration checklist
- Locate or generate
Server.cfgat the documented Windows path. - Back up the configuration and save directory before editing.
- Check startup parameters because they override duplicate file entries.
- Confirm the server IP and all three configured ports.
- Forward the Steam, game, and query ports when using a router.
- Set the lobby name, player limit, player password, administrator password, and VAC policy.
- Use the documented difficulty value and choose
NeworContinueintentionally. - Select the correct save slot from 1 through 5.
- Keep
serverAutoSaveIntervalat or above the documented 15-minute minimum. - Protect
serverSteamAccountand any equivalent startup token. - Verify custom paths and frame-rate targets after updates.
Bottom line
Most Forest dedicated-server problems come down to one of three mismatches: editing the wrong configuration file, leaving a command-line override in place, or loading the wrong save path and slot. Establish which file and launch parameters are active, configure the network and world settings together, protect the Steam token, and validate the result with a clean restart and a test connection.
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