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

The reliable way to start a Conan Exiles roleplay server is to install Funcom’s Conan Exiles Dedicated Server from Steam’s Library > Tools, configure the INI files, forward the ports your players need, and publish clear roleplay rules before accepting applications. A technically reachable server is only the foundation: character approval, conflict boundaries, moderation and event procedures determine whether the community actually feels like roleplay.

This guide takes you from an empty machine to a controlled opening, including remote networking, administrator access, mod compatibility, onboarding and the decisions to make if you are considering managed hosting instead of running the server yourself.

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

Decide how the server will be operated

A dedicated server runs separately from the game client. Funcom’s private-server guidance assumes an additional computer for the server, so decide where that machine will live before installing anything.

Home-hosted machine

A computer in your home gives you direct access to the files, INI settings, world saves and mods. You are also responsible for keeping it powered on, applying updates, configuring the firewall and router, making backups and responding when the connection or machine fails. Your public connection and upload capacity become part of the player experience.

#1 Best Overall
Sale
Compressed Air Duster,130000RPM Super Power Cordless Air Duster,Rechargeable Brushless Blower,3 Gear Adjustable Blower with LED Light,Dust Remover for Computer/House/Outdoor/Car
  • Powerful Turbo Fan:CAGIWIRU Electric Air Duster have reached speed up to 130000RPM,Can efficient remove dust and debris.With LED light and Three Adjustable Speed to meet with different cleaning tasks.
  • With Attached USB C Fasting Charging cable.Charing 3 hours,Enjoy up to 240 minutes of use on the lowest setting, For third speed can use for 25mins.with four charging options to meet with your needs.
  • Wide Application: attached 5 different nozzles,making it suitable for a variety of scenes, such as car,pet, pc, keyboards, and other electronic devices. It also serves for office and home clean duster.
  • Handy Design & Portable:Cordless air duster electric nozzle is Light weight and small size, design and comfortable to hold and space saving, convenient to carry around. You can put it in your room or inside the car without taking up space.
  • Economical &Reusable: Built durable materials with a long-lasting battery,our CAGIWIRU air duster it's a sustainable alternative to disposable air cans.

Colocated or otherwise self-managed hardware

A machine in a data center can provide a more consistent connection while preserving file-level control. You still manage the operating system, Conan Exiles branch, backups, restarts, firewall rules and administrator access. Confirm that you can reach the machine’s console or recovery tools before committing your world to it.

Managed hosting

A managed host can remove much of the machine maintenance and networking work. The trade-off is that you must verify its current Conan Exiles support, region, player-slot limits, INI and mod control, backup and restore tools, restart automation, RCON access and network protection. Prices and provider capabilities change, so compare those items directly rather than assuming every plan supports the same server branch or mod workflow.

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

Install the official dedicated-server application

Use Funcom’s supported server tool rather than trying to turn an ordinary game session into a permanent public server.

  1. Open Steam’s Library and choose Tools. Find and install Conan Exiles Dedicated Server. The tool is separate from the normal game installation.
  2. Locate the dedicated-server installation folder. You will edit two configuration files there: Engine.ini and ServerSettings.ini. Make a copy of each file before changing it so you can restore a known-good configuration.
  3. Set the server identity and connection password in Engine.ini. Under the [OnlineSubsystem] section, add or edit the server name and password entries. A descriptive name helps players distinguish your world from similarly named servers.
[OnlineSubsystem]
ServerName=Your RP Server Name
ServerPassword=Choose-a-connection-password

Use a password only if you want a private test or application-only opening. If you publish a public server, explain whether the password is temporary and how approved players receive it.

  1. Set administrator access in ServerSettings.ini. Under [ServerSettings], set AdminPassword. This is the credential used by the in-game administrator flow, so do not reuse a personal account password or post it in a public channel.
[ServerSettings]
AdminPassword=Use-a-separate-admin-password
  1. Launch the server directly. Use StartServer.bat or ConanSandboxServer.exe from the server installation. Funcom notes that launching from the Steam client can produce DLL error dialogs; the batch file or executable is the practical launch route.
  2. Leave the process running while you perform the first connection test. Do not add a large mod collection or recruit a full player base until an unmodified server starts reliably and can be reached from the network where your players will connect.

Open only the network access you need

Players outside your local network cannot use a private LAN address. They need the host’s external address, and the router must forward the relevant traffic to the computer running the server. The host firewall must allow the same traffic; forwarding on the router alone is not enough.

Function Protocol Default port When it is needed
Game connections UDP 7777 Required for players to join the game server.
Server-browser pinger UDP 7778 Use when you want the server-browser ping function to work.
PC server query UDP 27015 Use for PC server-query traffic and browser discovery that depends on it.
RCON administration TCP 25575 Open only if you enable and use remote console administration.

These are Funcom’s documented defaults. If you change a port in your configuration or hosting panel, make the firewall and router rules match the new value. Add only the rules required by the features you actually use; an unused RCON rule is unnecessary exposure.

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.
Rank #2
EVEO® Screen Cleaner Spray Kit (Streak-Free) TV Screen Cleaner for Smart TV, Lcd, LEd, Oled | Computer Screen Cleaner Spray and Wipe Microfiber Cloth - TV, Monitor, Laptop, iPad, Car - 6.7oz 1 Pack
  • Screen Cleaner is Your Screen’s New Bestfriend! - EVEO is proud to present a screen cleaner that’s perfectly suited for your TV. Meet your new screen cleaner, computer screen cleaner, laptop cleaner, iPad cleaner, Macbook,tv cleaner or any other electronic device. Our screen cleaner spray and wipe along with the included plush microfiber cloth, easily removes dust, fingerprints & other smudges on the screen’s surface. Clean effectively for a streak-free screen
  • Gentle on your Screens - Our screen cleaner spray and wipes is compatible to be used even for the most sensitive LCD, LED, CRT, and OLED screens in proper use. Be at ease knowing that this product is compatible with all the major brands: LG, SONY, Samsung, Sharp, iPad, iPhone, Android screens, Kindle, PC monitors - we’ve got you covered! Can be used as LCD screen cleaner, tv cleaner, smart tv screen cleaner, and more
  • Premium Super Soft Plush Microfiber Cloth - Included in this efficient screen cleaning kit. This screen cleaner spray and wipe has our signature plush microfiber cloth specially designed to comply with screens and monitors and leave them streak-free. Has been shown to effectively absorbs stubborn stains, zero streaks, and no fiber shedding. Always use this together with our screen cleaner for the best results
  • Easy-to-Use Screen Cleaner Kit + microfiber cleaning cloth - The EVEO Screen Cleaning Kit will easily be your new favorite tool when it comes to taking care of the things you love most, quick and easy solution for a streak-free screen. Simply screw on the sprayer gun on the screen cleaner bottle. Spray the cleaning liquid onto the microfiber cloth, then wipe the screen until desired cleanliness & shine is achieved.
  • Quality Screen Care Kit Worth Purchasing - Enjoy a convenient Screen Cleaner anytime, anywhere you need it. Your satisfaction is our top priority. We stand behind the quality of our products and that’s why, you shouldn’t be worrying at all. We manufacture the Best Screen Cleaner. and can be used for laptop cleaning kit, laptop screen cleaner, tv screen cleaner for smart tv. MacBook screen cleaner, monitor cleaner or screen cleaner spray for electronic devices with microfiber cleaning cloth

Configure the router

  1. Give the server computer a stable address on your home network, using a DHCP reservation or another method that prevents the internal address from changing.
  2. Create forwarding rules for the required defaults in the table, targeting that internal address. Choose UDP or TCP exactly as documented for each service.
  3. Save the router configuration, then add matching inbound rules in the computer’s operating-system firewall.
  4. Restart the server and test from outside the host’s LAN. A test performed from the same network can succeed even when internet forwarding is wrong.

Verify discovery and joining

First check whether the server appears in the in-game browser. If it does not, try a known player connecting through the external address and the game port. Test with someone who is not on the host’s home network when possible. Record whether the failure is discovery only or a failure to establish a game connection; the two symptoms point to different router, pinger, query or firewall rules.

Write the roleplay constitution before opening applications

Configuration makes a server run, but governance makes it playable. Publish a concise ruleset before inviting strangers so applicants can decide whether your style suits them and moderators have a consistent standard to apply.

State the intended PvE and PvP boundaries

Describe whether the world is primarily PvE, open PvP, or a mixture with designated conflict areas. Explain when combat is allowed, whether consent is required for character-driven fights, how attackers may pursue a retreating character, and which actions count as exploiting a rules gap. If raids are part of the concept, state whether they are always allowed or limited to scheduled windows.

Define character and faction approval

Explain the application fields, age or maturity expectations, naming rules and the information a faction leader must provide. Decide whether staff approve every character, only major factions, or only applications that affect the wider setting. Include a process for changing a character concept after play begins so players do not have to abandon an established story for a minor correction.

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

Separate in-character and out-of-character conduct

Give concrete examples of metagaming, powergaming and forced outcomes. Clarify which communication channels are in character, how players should signal an out-of-character clarification, and whether voice chat is mandatory during events. A rule that says “play fairly” is less useful than a short example of the behavior moderators will stop.

Set building, naming and immersion standards

Cover location restrictions, structures that obstruct roads or important landmarks, offensive names, signage and modern-language references. If the setting allows anachronisms for comedy or special events, identify those exceptions rather than leaving every case to moderator discretion.

Rank #3
Sale
BladeHawks RGB Gaming Mouse Pad Extra Large Extended 31.5x12 Inch-Black | LED mouse pad with 14 lighting modes, covers keyboard & mouse, anti-slip rubber base, waterproof surface, USB powered
  • 【Large size】:Measuring 800 x 300 mm/ 31. 5×12 inches, which is wider and taller than others. Large mouse pad can perfectly fit your keyboard and mouse of any size, and there is also ample space for peripherals such as phones, tablets, etc.
  • 【LED backlight mouse pad】:Blade Hawks RGB mouse pad provides 7 static modes and 7 dynamic modes will give you the options you are looking for. Power-off memory function remembers the last lighting mode you selected. The super glow fiber Chroma will give you a colorful gaming setup that you want.
  • 【Anti-slip rubber base】:Made from Natural rubber, this gaming mousepad will firmly grip your desktop, allowing you to enjoy the ultimate precision in the games you are most passionate about. It also comes with a texture that enhances this ability even further.
  • 【Smooth and waterproof surface】: Micro-textured cloth surface, for extremely precise mouse control and a smooth movement. When liquid splashes on the gaming mouse pad, it forms water droplets and slides down. Will not delay your work or gameplay.
  • 【Plug and play】: This mouse and keyboard pad is powered by USB, plug and play, no driver required. One button control light modes. Press one time to change the lighting mode, press twice to change the brightness, press and hold about 3 seconds turn ON/OFF.

Explain griefing, harassment and evidence

Define prohibited behavior independently of whether it occurs during roleplay. State how players submit screenshots, video or chat logs, who can see reports, and how quickly staff normally acknowledge them. Distinguish an in-character consequence from personal harassment, targeted obstruction or repeated rule-breaking.

Limit moderator powers transparently

List which staff may teleport, spawn items, change settings, inspect logs or intervene in an active scene. Require staff to record interventions that affect a dispute or valuable items. Players should know who can make an emergency decision and which actions require a second moderator or an after-the-fact review.

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

Define wipes, seasons and appeals

State whether characters and buildings persist between seasons, what triggers a wipe, how much notice players receive and what happens to approved applications afterward. Publish an appeal route that is separate from the moderator who issued the original action. This prevents a permanent ban or faction dispute from becoming an informal argument in a public chat channel.

Plan events before recruiting

Choose a small opening event that tests your rules without requiring every system to be perfect. Publish its start time, expected duration, participation requirements and what happens if a player disconnects. A short test gives moderators a chance to observe queueing, scene boundaries and conflict escalation before the world is crowded.

Configure administrator access safely

Once the server is running, use the admin password from ServerSettings.ini with the in-game Make Me Admin flow. Grant this ability only to people who need it, and keep the credential out of public applications, screenshots and shared rule documents.

RCON can provide remote administration without joining the game, but add it after the base server is stable. If you use it, restrict access to trusted administrators, protect the RCON credential separately from the player password, and open its documented TCP rule only when the feature is enabled. Record who performed consequential actions such as item spawning, emergency teleporting or configuration changes.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #4
Sale
Vaydeer Wrist Rest for Keyboard and Mouse, Computer Ergonomic Wrist Support Pad, Soft Memory Foam Arm Cushion for Desk, Palm Hand Office Laptop Typing
  • 【Softer and More Comfortable】Vaydeer wrist rest has unique diamond pattern, which is the combination of softness and aesthetics. The materials of wrist rest are improved into higher quality memory foam and covered with silky smooth lycra. The computer wrist rest makes you as comfortable and cushiony as like rest your wrists on clouds.
  • 【Ergonomic Wrist Saver】The wrist rests for keyboard and mouse comes with a 17.32×3.15×0.83 inch keyboard wrist pad and a 5.94×3.15×0.83 inch mouse wrist support. Based on ergonomic design, the unique concave shape is the perfect fit for your wrist joints. The wrist rest pad fits most computer keyboards and laptops, improve hand and wrist posture, release your wrist and arm stress.
  • 【Non-Slip Rubber Bottom】Featuring an anti-skid silicone base on the bottom, this wrist keyboard support stays firmly in place on your desk, preventing the padding from sliding around, ensuring stable and consistent wrist support during extended computer sessions.
  • 【Better Experience & Pain Relief】Our keyboard arm rest is beneficial to alleviate the soreness caused by direct contact and friction between your arm and a hard desk surface, reducing the risk of wrist fatigue or carpal tunnel. The soft texture of memory foam can evenly distribute the pressure around your wrists and provide good support with just enough give.
  • 【Helpful in Multiple Scenarios】Whether you're working, studying, writing, typing, gaming, this keyboard and mouse rest combo is an essential accessory to add comfort and support to your hands and wrists. It’s also a great gift for men, women, family, friend, coworker, gamer, teacher, etc.

Add mods as a compatibility contract

Mods affect every connecting client. The server administrator places each mod’s .pak file in the dedicated server’s ConanSandbox/Mods/ directory and maintains the server’s mod list. Every player must have the same mods in the same load order. A player who is missing one file, using a different version or loading the right files in another order can fail to connect or experience broken content.

Use a small, version-pinned starting collection

  1. Choose only mods that support the Conan Exiles branch you are running and that serve a clear roleplay need.
  2. Copy the .pak files into the server’s ConanSandbox/Mods/ directory and set the load order deliberately.
  3. Distribute the exact collection and order to your test players. Keep a written manifest so a replacement administrator can reproduce it.
  4. Test the collection on a copy of the world before changing the live server. Confirm that characters can connect, key assets load and the world saves normally.
  5. Back up the world and configuration before every mod change. Announce the restart window and the required client changes before players attempt to join.

Microsoft-store client downloads

Funcom documents an auto-download path for Microsoft-store clients. When you configure it, the download-port offset and connection or bandwidth limits are adjustable settings. Tell players whether your server expects automatic downloads or a manual collection, and keep the limits high enough for a first-time install without allowing an uncontrolled download service to overwhelm the host connection.

Recover from a mod mismatch

If an otherwise healthy player cannot join after a mod change, compare the client’s files and load order with the server manifest. Remove stale versions, install the exact current files, and restart both the client and server before testing again. If several players fail at once, roll back to the last backed-up collection rather than changing multiple mods simultaneously; isolating one change is faster than guessing.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

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 the public listing and onboarding flow

Use a descriptive, reasonably unique server name that communicates the setting without pretending to be an official server. Before publishing it, prepare one page containing the platform, region, rules link, mod list, application steps, communication channels, restart schedule and whether characters persist between seasons.

Recruit a founding group

Begin with a small group whose schedules overlap. Ask them to test ordinary travel, a quiet conversation, a contested scene and an administrative report. This reveals whether your rules explain real situations and whether staff can respond without pausing every scene for a ruling.

Publish support instructions

Give players a short connection checklist: confirm the correct server listing, install the exact mod collection and load order, restart after updates, and report the full error or symptom rather than only saying that the server is broken. Include the planned restart period so players do not interpret routine maintenance as an unexplained wipe.

Best Value
Sale
Under Desk Cable Management Tray No Drill, Metal Mesh Cable Management Under Desk with Clamp Mount, 2 Hole Cable Tray with Wire Management and Cord Organizer for Home Office Standing Desk
  • 【No Drill Mounted】Cable management tray can be assembled in as little as 3 minutes or less-simply. Side clips easily clampe the edge of desk, pass through the holes on the sides, and secure excess cables with baskets. Desk cable management supports inward or outward installation to meet your needs in different scenarios, and provides you with great convenience when collecting and organizing wires.
  • 【Rubber Pad Protects Desk】Wire organizer under desk built-in soft rubber pads on the clamp protect your desk from scratches, so you will not damage your furniture or office.
  • 【Sturdy and Beautiful】Cord management under desk is made of high-quality carbon steel and holds about 15 lbs. The wire basket has 2 holes on each side of the tray to enable your cables to pass freely. Cable baskets are suitable for desk thickness use from 0.4" to 2.4".
  • 【Space Saving & Keep Organized】Desk cable management tray holds all your power cords, outlet strips, USB hubs and computer transformers hidden from your feet, and the data cables will not enter the vacuum cleaner to keep your desk clean and tidy. Desk wire organizer is also suitable for use in the kitchen and outdoors.
  • 【Reduce Safety Risks】Cable tray under desk keeps all plugs away from your kids, no more worry about tripping. Using 2 holes wire tray saves extra space, helps you easily cabling and wire protection. The mesh design is not easy to accumulate dust, but avoids safety accidents caused by messy wires.

Run a controlled opening event

Choose an event with a clear end time and a moderator assigned to watch technical issues. Keep a record of disconnects, rule questions, accidental exploits and scenes that required staff intervention. Afterward, update the rules and onboarding page once, then announce the changes so early players are not operating from conflicting versions.

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

Choose between self-hosting and managed hosting

The important comparison is operational control, not a headline monthly price. Use the following questions when evaluating a managed plan against your own machine.

Decision area Self-hosted server Managed-hosting question
Machine responsibility You provide and maintain the additional computer. Does the host remove operating-system and machine maintenance, and what remains your responsibility?
INI and mod control You can edit the server files and maintain the mod directory directly. Can you edit Engine.ini and ServerSettings.ini, upload .pak files and control load order?
Backups and restoration You design the backup schedule and store copies yourself. How often are backups made, how long are they retained and can you restore a specific world version?
Updates and restarts You choose the update time and perform the restart. Does the panel automate updates and scheduled restarts while allowing you to defer a breaking change?
Capacity Your hardware and connection determine practical capacity. What player-slot limits apply, and can the plan handle your intended opening and event peaks?
Region and latency The server is located wherever your machine and connection are located. Which regions are available, and can your core player group reach the selected location reliably?
Remote administration You can configure RCON and other administration access yourself. Is RCON supported, which port and access controls are available, and can you retain the logs?
Network protection You handle router rules, firewall policy and connection incidents. What DDoS or network support is included, and how are incidents communicated?
Game-branch support You must keep the installed server tool on a compatible Conan Exiles branch. Does the host support the current branch and let you control the timing of updates?

If a provider cannot answer these questions clearly, do not move an established roleplay world there until you have tested a disposable copy and restored it successfully.

Troubleshoot the problems that stop an opening

The server starts but nobody outside the house can join

  • Confirm that the server process is still running and that the computer’s internal address has not changed.
  • Check that the router forwards the required game traffic to the correct internal address.
  • Check the host firewall for a matching inbound rule and protocol.
  • Have a player on another network test the external address; do not rely only on a same-LAN test.

The server is not visible in the browser

Separate browser discovery from direct joining. Verify the pinger and PC-query rules you chose to use, then test a known player connection. A server can be reachable while absent from a browser list if discovery traffic is blocked or the listing has not refreshed.

Steam shows a DLL error when launching

Close the Steam-launched process and start the server with StartServer.bat or ConanSandboxServer.exe from the dedicated-server installation. Those are Funcom’s documented practical launch methods.

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

Players receive a mod error

Compare the server manifest with the client’s installed files and load order. Remove old versions, install the exact collection, restart and test with one player before reopening the server. If the failure began after an update, restore the last known-good backup and investigate the changed mod individually.

Remote administration does not work

Confirm that RCON is enabled, the administrator is using the correct credential, and the TCP rule is forwarded to the server computer. Keep RCON closed when you are not using it and never confuse the RCON credential with the ordinary player connection password.

Opening checklist

  • Dedicated Server is installed from Steam Library > Tools.
  • Engine.ini contains the intended server identity and connection-password setting.
  • ServerSettings.ini contains a separate administrator password.
  • The server starts through the batch file or executable without relying on the Steam-client launch path.
  • Router and firewall rules match only the features you enabled.
  • An external player has completed a real connection test.
  • The rules cover PvE/PvP boundaries, applications, factions, griefing, raids, moderator powers, evidence, appeals, wipes and events.
  • The mod manifest, file versions and load order are documented and tested on a world copy.
  • Backups, restart windows and rollback ownership are assigned to named staff.
  • The public listing explains platform, region, rules, mods, applications, communication and character persistence.
  • A small founding group has completed a test event and received the revised rules.

Operate it as a community, not just a process

After launch, treat every technical or moderation change as part of the server’s social contract. Announce restarts before they happen, record significant administrator interventions, preserve backups before mod updates and explain rule changes with examples. Review the first event with both players and moderators, then adjust one policy at a time so you can tell whether the change solved the original problem. A stable dedicated server, predictable governance and a reproducible mod list give roleplayers the confidence to invest in characters and long-running stories.

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.

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