What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more

Install Asylum as a server-and-client overhaul, not as a cosmetic modlet. Use the separate 7 Days to Die Dedicated Server Steam application (app ID 294420), select the game branch required by your Asylum release, stop and back up the server, copy the mod’s top-level folder into the server root’s Mods/ directory, and have every player install the identical release and game build. Asylum changes world generation, points of interest, zombie spawning and progression, so plan on creating a new world. Treat EAC as release-specific: verify the current Asylum release notes before deciding whether it must be disabled.

What you need before installing Asylum

Asylum is a large 7 Days to Die overhaul. The installation is straightforward only when the server, clients, mod files and save all agree. Prepare these items first:

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
  • A dedicated-server installation: the server is a separate Steam tool, app ID 294420; installing only the normal game client does not create a dedicated server.
  • The exact Asylum release: obtain it from the project’s current publisher-controlled channel. Before downloading, confirm the release’s supported 7 Days to Die build, installation notes and EAC policy. The community installation material currently available does not establish one permanent official download URL.
  • A matching game branch: the dedicated server and every client must run the build required by that Asylum release. Do not let Steam update one component while the others remain on an older branch.
  • Administrative access: you need permission to stop the service, edit files, change firewall or NAT rules and read the server log.
  • Storage for a second world: keep a backup of the existing save and configuration before replacing anything. A fresh Asylum world should be treated as a separate deployment.
  • Enough memory: community planning figures are 12 GB for four players, 16 GB for eight and 20 GB for 16. These are estimates from the 7D2D Wiki, not official minimum requirements, and actual use varies with world size, view distance, entity counts and other settings.

Match the server, game and mod versions

Install the separate dedicated-server tool

  1. Open Steam’s Library and switch the filter to show Tools.
  2. Install 7 Days to Die Dedicated Server, app ID 294420. It is separate from the playable 7 Days to Die client.
  3. Open the dedicated server’s Steam properties and select the branch specified by the Asylum release notes. If the release names a beta, experimental or legacy branch, select that exact branch rather than assuming the default branch is correct.
  4. Set the same branch for every player’s game client. A server-client version mismatch can prevent a connection before the mod is even loaded.

Confirm the build before copying files

Write down the game version shown by the server and by one client, then compare it with the Asylum release notes. The mod’s version, the 7 Days to Die build and any required dependencies must all be compatible. If the publisher has moved Asylum to a new release, do not combine its files with an older server branch simply because both can start.

Download and inspect the Asylum package

Use the mod publisher’s current release channel, such as its maintained release page or announcement community, and read the installation notes attached to the exact version you downloaded. Verify three details before proceeding:

#1 Best Overall
Haxtec Metal DND Dice Set, 7 Pcs Antique Polyhedral Dice for Table Games
  • Premium PU Leather Dice Bag Included Each Haxtec metal dice set comes with a high-quality, durable PU leather dice bag with quick open and close drawstring design for easy dice storage and carrying
  • Solid Zinc Alloy Heavy Metal Dice Each die is cast from solid zinc alloy for a satisfying heft that plastic dice can’t match – built to last for years of tabletop gaming without chipping or fading
  • Easy to Read with Smooth Rounded Edges Numbers are deeply engraved with high contrast for quick reading at a glance, and every edge is smoothly rounded with no sharp points for comfortable rolling
  • Why Some Dice Are Slightly Smaller (Smart Weight Management) D4, D6, D8 are intentionally sized at 14-16mm – this keeps the total dice set weight comfortable (105g, 3.7oz) while still being fully readable; full-size metal dice would be 150-180g (5.3-6.3oz), which many players find too heavy for long sessions
  • Classic Antique Bronze Vibe & Perfect DND Gift Electroplated and deliberately worn for an ancient, battle-worn bronze tone that never goes out of style – an ideal D&D gift for players, dice goblins, and TTRPG collectors, perfect for rogue, warlock, or barbarian characters
  • the supported 7 Days to Die build or branch;
  • whether the package is intended for a dedicated server and clients, and whether additional dependencies are listed;
  • the current EAC requirement and any special launch or configuration instructions.

Do not rely on an old mirror or an unlabeled archive. Extract the download to a temporary directory and inspect its first level. You are looking for the mod’s top-level folder, not an extra wrapper directory created by the archive. For example, if the archive expands to Asylum and that folder contains the mod’s files, the destination should be Mods/Asylum. If it expands to Asylum-v1.x/Asylum, copy the inner mod folder so that the server does not end up with Mods/Asylum-v1.x/Asylum.

Stop the server and make a recoverable backup

Never replace an overhaul or its configuration while the server process is running. A clean backup gives you a way back if the wrong branch, package or world is selected.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
  1. Warn connected players and shut down the server through the host control panel or the server console. Wait until the process has fully exited.
  2. Copy the complete save directory to storage outside the live server folder. Include the world folder and player data, not only a screenshot or a configuration export.
  3. Back up the server configuration files, including the file that contains settings such as ServerMaxPlayerCount, EACEnabled and ServerAllowCrossplay.
  4. Record the current game branch, server path, port rules and installed mod folders. This inventory makes rollback and troubleshooting faster.

Keep the old save untouched. Because Asylum changes biome generation, point-of-interest placement, zombie spawn tables and progression, loading a vanilla or differently modded save into it is not a safe migration plan.

Put the mod in the dedicated server’s Mods directory

Find the correct server root

The server root is the directory containing the dedicated-server executable and its configuration and save folders. It is not necessarily the folder containing your personal game client. A managed host normally exposes this root through a file manager or SFTP; a self-hosted installation uses the directory selected when the Steam tool was installed.

Rank #2
Haxtec Metal DND Dice Set, 7 Pcs Blue Polyhedral Dice for Table Games
  • Complete 7-Piece Copper Blue Enamel Dice Set Includes D20, D12, D10, D%, D8, D6, D4 – each die features hand-enameled blue coating with bright electroplated copper edges for a stunning, high-end look that resists wear and keeps its shine for years
  • Premium PU Leather Dice Bag Included Each set comes with a high-quality, durable PU leather dice bag with quick open and close drawstring design for easy dice storage and carrying
  • Easy to Read with Smooth Rounded Edges Numbers are deeply engraved with high contrast for quick reading at a glance, and every edge is smoothly rounded for comfortable rolling
  • Solid Zinc Alloy & Smart Size Management Each die is cast from solid zinc alloy for a satisfying heft. D4, D6, D8 are intentionally sized at 14-16mm to keep total weight comfortable (105g, 3.7oz) while fully readable; full-size metal dice would be 150-180g (5.3-6.3oz), which many players find too heavy
  • Perfect DND Gift for Players & Collectors The regal copper and blue enamel combination is ideal for wizards, druids, or rogues – a great D&D gift for dice goblins, DND lovers, and TTRPG players

Create the Mods directory when necessary

At the server root, create a directory named exactly Mods if it does not already exist. General 7 Days to Die server guidance uses this root-level directory for modlets and server-side mod folders.

Copy the top-level Asylum folder

  1. Extract the Asylum archive locally.
  2. Locate the package’s top-level mod folder—the folder that directly contains the mod files.
  3. Copy that folder into the server root’s Mods/ directory.
  4. Check the final path. It should look like <server-root>/Mods/<Asylum-folder>/..., not <server-root>/<Asylum-folder> and not a double-nested archive path.
  5. For a managed host, upload the same folder through the provider’s mod manager, file manager or SFTP tool, preserving names, capitalization and subdirectories.

Do not rename internal files, merge two Asylum versions or copy only selected assets. If the release includes dependencies, place each required folder in Mods/ exactly as its instructions specify.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Decide how to handle Easy Anti-Cheat

EAC is a compatibility decision for the specific Asylum release, not a universal 7 Days to Die setting. A community Asylum installation guide says EAC must be disabled, but that statement is not corroborated here by an identified official release page. Before launch, check the publisher’s current release notes or announcement channel and follow that version’s instruction.

If the release requires EAC to be off, disable it in the server configuration and use the corresponding client launch option or launcher instruction supplied by the project. If the release supports EAC, leave it enabled unless another documented requirement says otherwise. Do not guess: an incorrect EAC state can produce connection failures or prevent the server from loading the mod correctly.

Rank #3
HEIMDALLR Liquid Core Dice Set with First Ever LED Display Case - 7-PC Hand-Painted Sharp Edge DND Dice Set with Gift Dice Box - Resin Dungeons and Dragons Dice Set (D&D Dice Set) (Aurora)
  • Mesmerizing Liquid Core Dice Set: Elevate your D&D adventures with our mesmerizing liquid core dice set. Crafted from high-quality, non-toxic resin, these polyhedral D&D dice feature a swirling, turbulent liquid core that creates a truly unique gaming experience.
  • Celestial-Inspired Design: Immerse yourself in the starry heavens with our sharp edge resin dice set, available in 5 stunning colors inspired by the stars. Each die boasts a custom Norse font reminiscent of ancient Futhark runes, and is meticulously hand-painted and polished for sharp edges and gleaming faces.
  • Illuminated Presentation: Unveil your role playing dice in style with our first-of-its-kind LED display dice box. These LEDs, positioned under each die, create a subtle glow when the box is opened, enhancing the premium look and feel. The box's Norse style celestial-themed artwork inlaid with gold foil makes it a perfect holiday gift.
  • Perfect for D&D Enthusiasts: These d and d dice are designed with readability in mind, ensuring you never struggle to decipher a roll during critical moments. Each set contains 7 polyhedral dice, including D4, D6, D8, D10, D12, D20, and D%, making them perfect for D&D adventures. The set is slightly larger than standard 16 mm dice to ensure that they stand out on the table.
  • Heimdallr Guarantee: Backed by the legendary Heimdallr guarantee, our dnd dice sets are crafted for your satisfaction. If you're not completely happy with your purchase, contact us, and we'll do our best to make it right—no questions asked.

Cross-platform settings are a separate concern

The official 7 Days to Die Help Center’s cross-play guidance lists these values for cross-platform compatibility: ServerMaxPlayerCount up to 8, ServerAllowCrossplay=True, EACEnabled=True and IgnoreEOSSanctions=False. Those values describe the official cross-play configuration, not an Asylum-specific guarantee. If Asylum requires EAC to be disabled, cross-play may no longer be available; confirm the interaction with the mod’s current release notes before promising console or cross-platform access.

Configure ports, firewall and resources

Open the ports your host actually uses

A current hosting guide lists TCP port 26900 and UDP ports 26900–26903 as common dedicated-server ports. Treat these as a starting point, not a universal rule: the server configuration and hosting provider may use different values. Forward the configured ports from the router to the server’s local address, allow them through the operating-system firewall and make sure the host’s external firewall permits them. Players should connect using the public address and configured port, not an old address from the vanilla server.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Leave headroom for the overhaul

Asylum’s community planning figures are:

Planned concurrent players Community memory estimate How to interpret it
4 12 GB Community estimate, not an official minimum; reserve additional headroom for the operating system and other services.
8 16 GB Community estimate; monitor actual usage during dense areas and events.
16 20 GB Community estimate; verify that the host can also provide adequate CPU time and fast persistent storage.

Memory alone does not guarantee a stable server. Watch CPU saturation, disk latency, swap usage and the server’s tick or update behavior after players enter populated areas. On a managed plan, choose a configuration that lets you increase RAM and CPU without rebuilding the world.

Start the server and verify that Asylum loads

  1. Start the dedicated server from the host panel, Steam tool or your normal service wrapper.
  2. Wait for initialization to finish instead of joining immediately after the process appears.
  3. Open the server log and search for the mod loader’s initialization messages and the Asylum folder name. Also look for red error entries, missing dependencies, duplicate versions or path errors.
  4. Confirm that the server advertises the expected game build, player limit, EAC state and port.
  5. Stop and correct the installation if the log shows that the folder was ignored. The most common causes are a misplaced Mods/ directory, an extra archive level, a mismatched game branch or an incomplete upload.

Log inspection is an operational check, not proof that every feature is working. After the server starts, connect with an administrator account, generate the new world and test spawning, a nearby point of interest and basic progression before inviting the full group.

Rank #4
Haxtec Metal DND Dice Set, 7 Pcs Red Polyhedral Dice for Table Games
  • Complete 7-Piece Silver Red Enamel Dice Set Includes D20, D12, D10, D%, D8, D6, D4 – each die features hand-enameled red coating with bright electroplated silver edges for a stunning, high-end look that resists wear and keeps its shine for years
  • Premium PU Leather Dice Bag Included Each set comes with a high-quality, durable PU leather dice bag with quick open and close drawstring design for easy dice storage and carrying
  • Easy to Read with Smooth Rounded Edges Numbers are deeply engraved with high contrast for quick reading at a glance, and every edge is smoothly rounded for comfortable rolling
  • Solid Zinc Alloy & Smart Size Management Each die is cast from solid zinc alloy for a satisfying heft. D4, D6, D8 are intentionally sized at 14-16mm to keep total weight comfortable (105g, 3.7oz) while fully readable; full-size metal dice would be 150-180g (5.3-6.3oz), which many players find too heavy
  • Perfect DND Gift for Players & Collectors The bold silver and red enamel combination is ideal for barbarians, fighters, or rogues – a great D&D gift for dice goblins, DND lovers, and TTRPG players

Generate a new Asylum world

Create a new world after the mod is installed and the server has started cleanly. Asylum changes biome generation, POI placement, zombie spawn tables and progression; an existing vanilla or differently modded world can contain data that the overhaul does not expect.

  1. Choose the server’s new-world or world-generation option rather than selecting the old save.
  2. Use the world-generation settings recommended by the Asylum release notes. Do not assume a seed or world size from another version remains valid.
  3. Let generation complete before stopping the server. Large worlds can take time and produce substantial disk activity.
  4. Join with one test player and verify that the starting area, map, quests and progression behave as documented.
  5. Once the test is successful, record the new save name and add it to the backup schedule.

If you need to preserve the old vanilla world, leave it in the backup location and create a separate server instance or save slot for Asylum. Do not overwrite the only copy.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Prepare every player’s client

Every connecting player needs the identical Asylum release and the same 7 Days to Die build as the server. The mod-specific installation guidance reports asset-bundle failures when client and server versions differ.

  1. Have each player select the same Steam game branch used by the server.
  2. Have each player download the exact Asylum release, including any listed dependencies.
  3. Install the client mod folder in the game client’s own root-level Mods/ directory, following the release’s client instructions. Do not copy the server directory over the client directory.
  4. Remove older Asylum folders or duplicate versions so only the intended release is active.
  5. Apply the release-specific EAC instruction consistently on every client.
  6. Join only after the server has generated its new world and passed the log check.

When a player receives an asset-bundle, missing-file or version-mismatch error, compare the exact archive name, file dates, game branch and EAC state on that player’s machine with the working server and another client. Reinstalling the same archive is safer than copying individual files from a different installation.

Best Value
HEIMDALLR Liquid Core Dice Set with First Ever LED Display Case - 7-PC Hand-Painted Sharp Edge DND Dice Set with Gift Dice Box - Resin Dungeons and Dragons Dice Set (D&D Dice Set) (Fenrir's Shadow)
  • Mesmerizing Liquid Core Dice Set: Elevate your D&D adventures with our mesmerizing liquid core dice set. Crafted from high-quality, non-toxic resin, these polyhedral D&D dice feature a swirling, turbulent liquid core that creates a truly unique gaming experience.
  • Celestial-Inspired Design: Immerse yourself in the starry heavens with our sharp edge resin dice set, available in 5 stunning colors inspired by the stars. Each die boasts a custom Norse font reminiscent of ancient Futhark runes, and is meticulously hand-painted and polished for sharp edges and gleaming faces.
  • Illuminated Presentation: Unveil your role playing dice in style with our first-of-its-kind LED display dice box. These LEDs, positioned under each die, create a subtle glow when the box is opened, enhancing the premium look and feel. The box's Norse style celestial-themed artwork inlaid with gold foil makes it a perfect holiday gift.
  • Perfect for D&D Enthusiasts: These d and d dice are designed with readability in mind, ensuring you never struggle to decipher a roll during critical moments. Each set contains 7 polyhedral dice, including D4, D6, D8, D10, D12, D20, and D%, making them perfect for D&D adventures. The set is slightly larger than standard 16 mm dice to ensure that they stand out on the table.
  • Heimdallr Guarantee: Backed by the legendary Heimdallr guarantee, our dnd dice sets are crafted for your satisfaction. If you're not completely happy with your purchase, contact us, and we'll do our best to make it right—no questions asked.

Self-hosting versus managed hosting

Both deployment models can run an overhaul, but they solve different operational problems. Use the following criteria before choosing where to place the server:

Decision area Self-hosted server Managed host
Steam branch control Full control over app 294420, game branches and update timing; you must perform the changes. Control depends on the provider’s branch selector and supported versions; confirm that the required Asylum branch is available.
RAM and CPU headroom Uses your hardware; upgrades may require replacing components or the machine. Usually selectable as a plan or upgrade; check whether the advertised RAM is dedicated and whether CPU limits are shared.
Ports and firewall You configure router forwarding, local firewall rules and a stable address. The provider supplies an external address and firewall controls, but some ports or inbound rules may be restricted.
Backups You create, test and store backups yourself. Automated snapshots may be available; verify retention, restore procedure and whether saves and configurations are both included.
Restart scheduling Configure a service manager, scheduled task or script. Often available in a control panel; confirm that scheduled restarts do not interrupt world generation or updates.
Mod upload Direct filesystem access makes exact folder placement easy. File manager, SFTP or a mod installer may simplify uploads, but nested archives and unsupported versions remain your responsibility.
Fresh-world support You can keep old and new saves in separate directories and test freely. Ask whether the panel permits a second save or instance and whether a restore can recover the pre-Asylum world.
Technical support You diagnose logs, networking and hardware. Support can address host infrastructure, but may not troubleshoot an unofficial overhaul’s content errors.

A managed service is useful when you need persistent storage, public networking, scheduled restarts and automated backups without maintaining hardware. Self-hosting is preferable when branch selection, filesystem access and custom monitoring matter more than convenience.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Troubleshooting common installation failures

The server starts, but Asylum is not listed in the log

  • Confirm that Mods is directly under the dedicated server root.
  • Check for an extra archive directory, such as Mods/Asylum-release/Asylum.
  • Verify that the upload completed and that file names and capitalization were preserved.
  • Remove duplicate or obsolete Asylum folders.
  • Confirm that the server branch is the one required by the release.

Players fail with an asset-bundle or version error

  • Compare the server and client game-build numbers.
  • Compare the exact Asylum release and dependencies.
  • Have the affected player remove the old client folder and reinstall the complete matching package.
  • Check that EAC is configured consistently with the release instructions.

The old world behaves incorrectly or will not load

Stop trying to repair the save as an installation step. Restore the backup, keep it on the vanilla or previously supported setup, and create a separate new world for Asylum. Its generation and progression changes are the reason a fresh world is recommended.

Players cannot see or reach the server

  • Confirm the configured port rather than assuming the defaults.
  • Check TCP 26900 and UDP 26900–26903 only if those are the ports shown by your configuration or host documentation.
  • Verify router forwarding, the operating-system firewall and any provider firewall.
  • Test from outside the host’s local network; local clients can connect through a different path and hide a forwarding error.
  • Check that a scheduled restart or branch update did not change the address or stop the service.

The server crashes or runs out of memory

Inspect the log around the first error, not only the final crash line. Reduce concurrent players or demanding settings temporarily, stop unrelated services, and monitor memory, CPU and swap. If usage approaches the available RAM, move to a host or machine with more headroom; the 12/16/20 GB figures are planning estimates, not a promise that every configuration will fit.

Pre-launch checklist

  • Dedicated Server app 294420 is installed separately from the game client.
  • The server and all clients use the Asylum-required game branch.
  • The exact Asylum release and dependencies came from the current publisher channel.
  • The server is stopped and the old save and configuration are backed up.
  • The mod’s top-level folder is directly inside the server root’s Mods/ directory.
  • EAC follows the current Asylum release instruction, with cross-play implications understood.
  • Configured ports are allowed through the host, firewall and NAT rules.
  • Memory and CPU have headroom for the planned player count.
  • The server log shows mod initialization without missing-file or duplicate-version errors.
  • A new world has been generated and tested.
  • Every player has the same game build, Asylum release, dependencies and EAC setting.
  • Backups include the new save and its configuration before regular play begins.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.