How to Host a Server in 7 Days to Die

Hello Dev! Are you ready to learn how to host a server in 7 Days to Die? This game is a popular post-apocalyptic survival game where players must scavenge, craft, and build their way to survival. Hosting your own server can be a great way to play with friends or create a community of like-minded players. In this article, we will guide you through the process of setting up and hosting a server in 7 Days to Die in just 7 days.

Understanding 7 Days to Die Server

Before we get started, it’s important to understand what a 7 Days to Die server is and how it works. A server is simply a computer that is responsible for hosting the game and allowing other players to connect and play together. When you host a server, you have complete control over the game settings and can customize the game to your liking.

There are two types of servers in 7 Days to Die: dedicated servers and peer-to-peer servers. Dedicated servers are hosted on a separate machine, while peer-to-peer servers are hosted on one of the player’s machines. Dedicated servers offer better performance and stability, while peer-to-peer servers are easier to set up and require less technical knowledge.

Now that you understand the basics of 7 Days to Die servers, let’s get started with hosting your own server.

Day 1: Installing 7 Days to Die Server Files

The first step to hosting a 7 Days to Die server is to download the server files from the internet. You can download the server files either from the official 7 Days to Die website or from Steam. Once you have downloaded the server files, extract them to a folder on your computer.

Next, you will need to configure the server settings. Open the serverconfig.xml file located in the extracted folder and make the necessary changes. You can customize various settings such as the game mode, difficulty, and player limit. Save the changes and close the file.

Day 1 – FAQ

Question
Answer
What is a serverconfig.xml file?
The serverconfig.xml file is a configuration file that contains various settings for the 7 Days to Die server such as game mode, difficulty, and player limit.
Can I change the server settings later?
Yes, you can change the server settings later by editing the serverconfig.xml file.
How many players can join my server?
You can set the player limit in the serverconfig.xml file. The default player limit is 8.

Day 2: Port Forwarding

In order for other players to connect to your server, you will need to set up port forwarding on your router. Port forwarding allows external users to connect to your server by opening a specific port on your router.

The first step to port forwarding is to determine your router’s IP address. You can do this by opening the Command Prompt on your computer and typing “ipconfig”. Look for the “Default Gateway” IP address and write it down.

Next, open your web browser and type your router’s IP address into the address bar. This will bring up your router’s login page. Enter your username and password to access your router’s settings.

Once you are in your router’s settings, look for the “Port Forwarding” or “Virtual Server” section. Here, you will need to create a new port forwarding rule for port 26900 (UDP). Set the rule to allow both TCP and UDP protocols and save the settings.

Day 2 – FAQ

Question
Answer
What is port forwarding?
Port forwarding is the process of opening a specific port on your router to allow external users to connect to your server.
Do I need to do port forwarding for peer-to-peer servers?
No, you do not need to do port forwarding for peer-to-peer servers because the server is hosted on one of the player’s machines.
What is port 26900?
Port 26900 is the default port used by 7 Days to Die servers.

Day 3: Configuring Firewall

In addition to port forwarding, you will also need to configure your firewall to allow traffic to your server. Your firewall protects your computer from external threats by blocking incoming connections. However, in order for other players to connect to your server, you will need to allow traffic to port 26900 (UDP) on your firewall.

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The process of configuring your firewall varies depending on the firewall software you are using. In general, you will need to create a new rule that allows inbound traffic to port 26900 (UDP).

Day 3 – FAQ

Question
Answer
What is a firewall?
A firewall is a security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules.
What is inbound traffic?
Inbound traffic refers to network traffic that is directed towards your computer or server.
What is port 26900?
Port 26900 is the default port used by 7 Days to Die servers.

Day 4: Administering Your Server

Now that you have set up your server and configured your router and firewall, you are ready to administer your server. As the server administrator, you have complete control over the game settings and can customize the game to your liking.

To administer your server, you will need to connect to your server using the 7 Days to Die client. Once you are connected, you can use various commands to control your server.

Some common server commands include changing the game mode, teleporting players, and banning players. You can find a list of all server commands in the serveradmin.xml file located in the server files folder.

Day 4 – FAQ

Question
Answer
What is a server administrator?
A server administrator is a person who has complete control over a server and can customize the game settings.
How do I connect to my server?
You can connect to your server using the 7 Days to Die client. Click on “Join Game” and enter your server’s IP address and port number.
Where can I find a list of server commands?
You can find a list of server commands in the serveradmin.xml file located in the server files folder.

Day 5: Customizing Your Server

One of the best things about hosting your own server is that you can customize the game to your liking. From changing the difficulty level to adding new mods, the possibilities are endless.

To customize your server, you can use the serverconfig.xml file located in the server files folder. Here, you can change various settings such as game mode, difficulty, loot abundance, and more.

If you want to add mods to your server, you will need to download the mods from the internet and place them in the Mods folder in the server files folder. Make sure to enable the mods in the serverconfig.xml file by adding the mod names to the “Mods” section.

Day 5 – FAQ

Question
Answer
What are mods?
Mods are user-created modifications that add or change game content such as new items, blocks, or gameplay mechanics.
Can I customize the game difficulty?
Yes, you can customize the game difficulty by changing the difficulty setting in the serverconfig.xml file.
Can I use mods on my server?
Yes, you can use mods on your server. Simply download the mods from the internet and place them in the Mods folder in the server files folder.

Day 6: Server Maintenance

Hosting a server requires regular maintenance to ensure that it runs smoothly and efficiently. Some basic maintenance tasks include backing up your server files, updating the game, and monitoring the server logs.

To back up your server files, simply make a copy of the server files folder on your computer. This will ensure that you have a backup in case of a server crash or other issues.

To update the game, you will need to download the latest game update from the internet and install it on your server. You can also set up automatic updates using SteamCMD.

Monitoring the server logs is also important to ensure that everything is running smoothly. The server logs contain information about server events such as player connections, disconnections, and server crashes.

Day 6 – FAQ

Question
Answer
Why is server maintenance important?
Server maintenance is important to ensure that your server runs smoothly and efficiently.
What is a server log?
A server log is a file that contains information about server events such as player connections, disconnections, and server crashes.
How do I update my server?
To update your server, download the latest game update from the internet and install it on your server. You can also set up automatic updates using SteamCMD.
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Day 7: Launching Your Server

Congratulations, you have successfully set up and hosted your own server in 7 Days to Die! Now it’s time to launch your server and invite other players to join.

To launch your server, simply run the 7 Days to Die server executable file located in the server files folder. The server will start up and begin listening for incoming connections.

To invite other players to join your server, simply give them your server’s IP address and port number. They can then connect to your server using the 7 Days to Die client.

Day 7 – FAQ

Question
Answer
How do I launch my server?
To launch your server, simply run the 7 Days to Die server executable file located in the server files folder.
How do other players join my server?
Other players can join your server by entering your server’s IP address and port number in the 7 Days to Die client.
What if my server crashes?
If your server crashes, simply restart the server executable file to bring the server back online.

Final Words

Congratulations, Dev! You have learned how to host a server in 7 Days to Die in just 7 days. Hosting your own server can be a great way to play with friends or create a community of like-minded players. Remember to back up your server files regularly and keep your server up-to-date to ensure that it runs smoothly and efficiently.