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Playing with friends? Godlike.Host runs hosted 7 Days to Die servers from 10 data-center locations, with free DDoS protection.
To run a persistent 7 Days to Die PvP world, install Steam’s separate 7 Days to Die Dedicated Server (Steam app 294420), copy its shipped configuration file, set the V3 gameplay and visibility options, forward the required ports, and run the process under an account that can restart it after updates or crashes. The host computer does not need a game license; every person who joins does need the game.
This guide covers Windows 10/11 and Linux, including private and public PvP settings, crossplay limitations, firewall rules, administration security, mods, backups, and the common reasons a setting appears not to work.
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What a dedicated PvP server does
A dedicated server is a standalone process rather than a world hosted by a player’s game client. Once it is running, the world can remain available when the person who installed it logs out. You can host it on a spare PC, a Linux machine, or a managed server. Players still connect with their normal game clients.
- Server software: Steam app 294420, installed separately from the game client.
- Host license: The machine running the dedicated server does not need to own the game.
- Player license: Anyone joining must own the game on their platform.
- Supported hosts in this guide: Windows 10/11 and Linux.
Decide the server model before installing
Write down whether this is a private friends-only world, an unlisted community server, or a public listing. That decision affects the password, visibility value, slot count, crossplay choice and firewall exposure. Also decide whether you will run Navezgane, generate a random world, or preserve an existing save. Making those choices first prevents a public name, map and access policy from changing unexpectedly after players have joined.
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For a small private server, a spare always-on computer may be sufficient. A public or modded world needs more headroom and a restart and backup plan. A managed host can remove router configuration from the job, but it does not remove the need to choose compatible game branches, secure administrator credentials or keep clients synchronized.
Hardware, operating system and network requirements
Use an SSD and leave room for saves, backups, logs and any server-side mods. The figures below are the named baseline from the 7D2D Wiki (2026); actual demand rises with player count, world size and mods.
| Use case | Memory | Storage | Other considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum baseline | 6 GB free RAM | 15 GB SSD space | Fast CPU cores and stable upload are still required. |
| Comfortable for larger groups or modded play | 10–16 GB RAM | 25 GB or more on an SSD | Reserve additional capacity for backups and mod files. |
These are capacity starting points, not a promise of a particular player count. Monitor available memory and disk space as the save grows. A nearly full disk can prevent saves, updates or backups from completing even when the game process itself still starts.
A wired network connection is preferable. Your internet service must provide enough upload bandwidth for the number of simultaneous players, and the host should have a static address on the local network so router rules do not point at the wrong computer after a reboot. If your provider uses carrier-grade NAT, inbound forwarding may be impossible without a different connection or hosted endpoint.
Install the dedicated server
1. Install SteamCMD
Download and install SteamCMD for your operating system. Create a dedicated directory for the server files rather than placing them in a personal game-library folder. On Linux, create a separate unprivileged account for the service; do not run the game server as root. On Windows, choose a directory that the account running the service can read and write and that is easy to include in backup jobs.
2. Download app 294420
Open a terminal or command prompt in the SteamCMD directory and run:
steamcmd +login anonymous +app_update 294420 validate +quitOn systems where the launcher is a local script, use the corresponding executable, for example:
./steamcmd.sh +login anonymous +app_update 294420 validate +quitThe validate flag checks the downloaded files. Use it after the first installation or when an update appears to have left damaged or missing files. Keep the server and all connecting clients on compatible game builds. Run this command from a maintenance window once players are warned, rather than allowing an unattended update to interrupt an active PvP event.
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3. Copy the configuration file
Inside the dedicated-server directory, copy the shipped serverconfig.xml to a new file such as myserver.xml. Edit the copy, not the shipped file. A separate file protects your changes when the server package is updated and makes it easy to maintain more than one world.
Keep a known-good copy of the custom file with your backups. Before editing, stop the server cleanly; editing while the process is running can leave you unsure which values were loaded and can be overwritten on shutdown. Use a plain-text XML editor, preserve the existing element structure and check that every opening tag still has its closing tag.
4. Start the process with your copy
On Linux, launch:
startserver.sh -configfile=myserver.xmlOn Windows, use the supplied startdedicated.bat and point it at the copied configuration file. Keep the server directory and configuration path free of accidental permission restrictions, and test a manual start before creating an automatic service.
Read the startup output for the world name, port and configuration path. Join from a second account or an external network before announcing the address. This first test catches a wrong working directory, a typo in the config filename and firewall errors while the changes are still easy to undo.
Configure the PvP world in V3
Open myserver.xml in a text editor that preserves plain XML. The exact option names below are the important part; values should be chosen for the type of community you intend to run.
Identity and discoverability
- ServerName: Use a clear name that tells players whether the world is private, public, modded or crossplay.
- ServerDescription: State rules such as no teaming, raid windows, wipe dates or voice-chat expectations.
- Region and language: Set both accurately so the listing is useful to nearby players.
- ServerPassword: Set a password for a friends-only PvP server. Leave it empty only when you intentionally want an open public server.
Do not publish an address until the name, description and access policy agree. A password-protected server can still be listed, while an unlisted server may rely on direct connection details; these are separate decisions.
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The V3 reference uses these ServerVisibility values:
| Value | Meaning | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
2 |
Public | Anyone can find the listing and attempt to join, subject to capacity and password rules. |
1 |
Friends-only | Use for a controlled group that should not be broadly listed. |
0 |
Unlisted | Useful when players connect by direct address or another private arrangement. |
Set ServerMaxPlayerCount deliberately rather than accepting a value that conflicts with your hardware or crossplay plan. Configure reserved and administrator slots separately if your build exposes those options, and leave enough normal capacity for the people you expect to play. For crossplay, the slot count has an additional discovery constraint described below.
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World selection and generation
- GameWorld: Choose
Navezgane,RWG(randomly generated world), or an existing world. - WorldGenSeed: Set a known seed when you want a reproducible random map.
- WorldGenSize: Choose the generated map size with storage, generation time and travel distances in mind.
Changing generation values does not automatically transform an existing save. Treat a new seed, size or total-overhaul mod as a reason to create a fresh world unless the mod documentation explicitly says otherwise. Announce a wipe before replacing a world so players can move or archive their bases.
Gameplay rules belong in SandboxCode
In V3, gameplay choices such as loot, experience, day length, zombie speed and blood-moon behavior are carried in SandboxCode. Adding old XML properties that were removed from the current format has no effect. If a value appears to be ignored, first confirm that it is a current V3 setting and that it is encoded in the sandbox data rather than copied from an older tutorial.
Make one controlled change at a time and restart before testing it. Record the working value in your change log; this makes it easier to restore a known configuration after an update or mod experiment.
Forward ports and open the firewall
Give the host a static LAN address, then create router port-forwarding rules to that address. Allow the same traffic through the host operating system’s firewall.
| Purpose | Port and protocol | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Game connection | 26900 TCP and UDP | Yes |
| Adjacent game traffic | 26901–26902 UDP | Yes |
| Web dashboard | 8080 TCP | Optional administration interface |
| Telnet administration | 8081 TCP | Optional administration interface |
If you change ServerPort, move the adjacent UDP ports with it instead of continuing to forward the old numbers. Test from outside your home network; a connection that works only from the same LAN does not prove that internet forwarding is correct. Also check for carrier-grade NAT or a second router, both of which can prevent inbound connections even when the local rules look right.
Forward only the ports you actually use. The game ports are needed for players; dashboard and telnet ports are administrative conveniences and should remain closed when those interfaces are disabled.
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Enable PvP and decide on crossplay before launch
Player-versus-player rules
Set your desired PvP behavior in the current sandbox settings and document it in the server description. A password protects access, but it does not replace clear rules about teaming, bases, raids or wipes. Test with a second account or trusted player so you can confirm damage, loot and respawn behavior before advertising the address.
Crossplay constraints
ServerAllowCrossplay is false by default. Turn it on only after deciding how console and PC players will be accommodated. The V3 reference notes that crossplay discovery and joining depend on sanctions handling and a default-or-lower player-slot count. Raising ServerMaxPlayerCount can make a crossplay server disappear from console search. Therefore, choose the slot count and crossplay policy together, then publish the server name after both have been tested.
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If crossplay is not part of the plan, leave it disabled and avoid promising console access in the description. If it is required, change one related setting at a time, restart, and test discovery from the intended console and PC clients. A server that is reachable by direct address but absent from console search still has a discovery-policy problem.
Secure administration interfaces
The current reference lists TelnetEnabled=true by default. An empty telnet password restricts telnet to loopback, but exposing administration ports to the internet without strong credentials is unsafe.
- Set strong, unique credentials for telnet and dashboard access, or disable remote interfaces when you do not need them.
- Keep ports 8080 and 8081 off the public internet unless administration truly requires remote access.
- Restrict firewall rules to trusted administrator addresses where practical.
- Do not reuse the server password as an administrator credential.
Add only trusted 64-bit SteamIDs to serveradmin.xml. Verify each ID carefully and keep a private backup of the file. Remove former administrators promptly and restart after changes so you know the active process has loaded the revised file.
Keep the server running and recoverable
Linux
Run the process under the dedicated non-root account. For a quick test or small private server, use screen or tmux. For a production-style service, use systemd with an automatic restart policy such as Restart=always, and make sure the service starts after networking is available.
Windows
Use a restart loop or a service wrapper around startdedicated.bat. Confirm that the wrapper logs failures and does not launch multiple copies after a crash. Schedule maintenance reboots and game updates during announced off-hours.
Backups and updates
Back up world saves, myserver.xml, serveradmin.xml and the Mods directory. Retain more than one backup generation and store at least one copy away from the host disk. Run SteamCMD updates during a maintenance window, announce the restart, and update clients to a compatible build before players reconnect.
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Install and maintain mods
Place server-side mods in the root Mods/ folder. Total overhauls must match on every client; a mismatch causes an incompatible-version failure. Pin the game branch when a mod requires a particular build, and create a fresh world when the overhaul requires one.
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- Record each mod’s required game branch and version.
- Install the same client-side files for every player when the mod requires them.
- Update the server and clients as a coordinated change, not independently.
- Keep a clean backup from before each mod or branch change.
- Tell players exactly when a modded restart will occur and where the matching files are obtained.
Self-hosting versus managed hosting
Self-hosting is appropriate when you control the network and are comfortable maintaining the operating system. Managed hosting is faster for people who want a control panel, scheduled updates, backups and web-console administration without configuring a router.
| Decision area | Self-hosted machine | Managed server |
|---|---|---|
| Setup time | Install SteamCMD, configure the OS, firewall and router, then test connectivity. | Usually faster because the provider supplies the panel and network endpoint. |
| Recurring cost | No hosting fee, but you pay in hardware, electricity and your own maintenance time. | Recurring rental cost; verify the provider’s current game-version support and terms. |
| Files and branches | Maximum control over configs, branches, saves and mods. | Control depends on the plan and panel; confirm branch pinning and file access. |
| Networking and security | You own port forwarding, firewall rules, credentials and exposure. | The provider handles the network edge, while you still secure accounts and admin access. |
| Backups and restarts | You must schedule and verify them, and configure systemd or a Windows wrapper. | Often available as panel features; confirm retention and restore procedures. |
| Mods and crossplay | Flexible, provided branches and slot limits remain compatible. | Check that the panel supports your mod layout, game branch and crossplay slot policy. |
When comparing a managed 7 Days to Die hosting plan, check the advertised game build, whether you can select or pin a branch, how many backup generations are retained, and whether you can download your saves and custom configuration. A low monthly price is not useful if the panel cannot run the mod or crossplay policy your group needs.
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| Symptom | Likely cause | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Server works locally but not over the internet | Wrong LAN address, missing forwarding, firewall block or carrier-grade NAT. | Reserve the host’s LAN address, forward 26900 TCP/UDP and 26901–26902 UDP, allow them in the firewall, and test from an external network. |
| The server will not start after an update | Damaged files, a changed path or an incompatible mod. | Run SteamCMD with validate, inspect the startup output, and temporarily test with the backed-up clean configuration. |
| A changed setting has no effect | The process is reading another file, or the option is obsolete in V3. | Confirm the launch command uses myserver.xml, stop the server before editing, and move gameplay values into SandboxCode. |
| Server disappears from console search | Crossplay constraints are violated by the slot count or sanctions configuration. | Enable crossplay explicitly, use a default-or-lower player-slot count, and retest discovery. |
| Incompatible-version error | Server and client builds or mods do not match. | Update both sides together, pin the required branch, and verify every overhaul file. |
| Administration connection is refused | Dashboard or telnet is disabled, bound to loopback, blocked by the firewall or using the wrong port. | Check the relevant setting, 8080/8081 rules and credentials; do not expose the interface merely to make testing easier. |
| World resets or changes vanish | The wrong save/config path is being used, or a restore/update replaced files. | Stop the process, verify paths, restore the intended backup and keep the custom config outside the shipped template. |
| Players report lag or disconnects | Insufficient CPU, memory, disk headroom or upload capacity. | Compare the host with the 6 GB/15 GB minimum and 10–16 GB/25 GB comfortable baseline, then reduce load or move to stronger hardware. |
Pre-launch checklist
- Steam app 294420 is installed and validated.
- The server launches with a copied file such as
myserver.xml. ServerName, description, region, language and password match the intended audience.ServerVisibility, player slots, world and generation settings are deliberate.- V3 gameplay values are in
SandboxCode, not removed legacy XML properties. - 26900 TCP/UDP and 26901–26902 UDP are forwarded and allowed through the firewall.
- Crossplay and slot-count rules have been tested together.
- Admin IDs, credentials, backups and automatic restart behavior are configured.
- Server and clients use compatible game and mod branches.
- A second player has tested joining from outside the host’s LAN.
- Players have been told the maintenance schedule, rules and any required mod files.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the computer running the dedicated server need to own 7 Days to Die?
No. The dedicated server is Steam app 294420 and does not require the game license on the host. Every player who connects still needs the game on a supported platform.
Which ports should I forward?
Forward and allow 26900 on both TCP and UDP, plus 26901–26902 on UDP. If you change ServerPort, move the adjacent UDP ports with it. Dashboard and telnet administration use optional TCP ports 8080 and 8081.
Why did editing serverconfig.xml not change anything?
The server may be launching with a different file, or the property may have been removed in V3. Copy the shipped file to myserver.xml, launch with -configfile=myserver.xml, stop the process before editing, and put gameplay choices such as loot, XP and day length in SandboxCode.
How do I make the server private?
Set a ServerPassword and use the visibility value that matches your plan: 1 for friends-only or 0 for unlisted direct connections. Describe the rules in ServerDescription and test with an invited player.
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ServerAllowCrossplay is false by default, and crossplay discovery depends on sanctions handling and a default-or-lower player-slot count. Raising ServerMaxPlayerCount can remove the server from console search. Enable crossplay, choose a compliant slot count and retest discovery.
Can I run the Linux server as root?
The setup guidance recommends a dedicated non-root user. Use screen or tmux for a simple process, or systemd with Restart=always for an automatically recovered service.
What happens if my mod version differs from a player’s?
Total overhauls and other required client files must match. A mismatch produces an incompatible-version failure. Pin the required game branch, coordinate updates and create a fresh world when the overhaul requires one.
Do new world-generation settings alter an existing save?
No. A new seed or size does not automatically transform an existing world. Treat those changes, and any overhaul that requires it, as a reason to create a fresh world after making a backup.
The Bottom Line
Install Steam app 294420 with SteamCMD, run it from a copied configuration file, and put current V3 gameplay choices in SandboxCode. Forward 26900 TCP/UDP and 26901–26902 UDP, secure or disable the optional administration ports, and choose crossplay slots before publishing the server. Keep compatible branches on the server and clients, automate restarts, and back up the world and configuration so a PvP community can keep playing after crashes, updates or configuration mistakes.
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