Welcome, Dev, to this comprehensive guide on 7 Days to Die Alpha 20 server hosting. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know to get started with hosting your own server for this popular post-apocalyptic survival game. Whether you’re a seasoned server admin or a newbie looking to set up your first server, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s dive in.
Section 1: Introducing 7 Days to Die Alpha 20
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of server hosting, let’s take a brief look at what 7 Days to Die Alpha 20 is all about. This game, developed by The Fun Pimps, is a unique blend of survival horror and first-person shooter genres, set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies. Players must scavenge for resources, craft tools and weapons, build fortifications, and defend against hordes of undead enemies while trying to survive as long as possible.
7 Days to Die Alpha 20 features several improvements and new features compared to previous versions, including updated graphics and lighting, new weapons and enemies, and a revamped skill system. It also introduces several server-side changes, which we’ll cover in more detail in the following sections.
Section 2: Why Host Your Own 7 Days to Die Alpha 20 Server?
If you’re a fan of the game, you may have already played on some public servers or joined a friend’s private server. But have you ever considered hosting your own server? Here are some reasons why you might want to:
- Full control over server settings: When you host your own server, you can customize everything from difficulty settings to loot drops to player limits.
- Privacy and security: By running your own server, you can ensure that only people you trust have access to it. You can also set up security measures to protect against hackers and cheaters.
- Community building: Hosting a server can be a great way to bring together a group of friends or like-minded players to share the game experience.
- Flexibility: With your own server, you can play the game how you want, with whoever you want, whenever you want.
Now that you know why you might want to host your own server, let’s move on to the technical details.
Section 3: System Requirements for 7 Days to Die Alpha 20 Server Hosting
Before you start setting up your server, it’s important to make sure your system meets the minimum requirements. Here’s what you’ll need:
Minimum Requirements |
Recommended Requirements |
|---|---|
OS: Windows 7 or higher, or Linux (64-bit) |
OS: Windows 10 64-bit |
CPU: 2.4 GHz Dual Core |
CPU: 3.0 GHz Quad Core |
RAM: 6 GB |
RAM: 8 GB |
Storage: 4 GB free space |
Storage: 8 GB free space |
Bandwidth: 5 Mbps up/down |
Bandwidth: 10 Mbps up/down |
Note that these are just the minimum/recommended requirements for the server software itself. You’ll also need to factor in any additional resources required by any mods or plugins you want to use, as well as any client-side requirements for players connecting to your server.
Section 4: Setting Up Your 7 Days to Die Alpha 20 Server
Step 1: Download and Install the Server Software
The first thing you’ll need to do is download the 7 Days to Die Alpha 20 server software from the official website. You can choose between a dedicated server or a peer-to-peer server (which allows you to play and host on the same machine). For this guide, we’ll assume you’re setting up a dedicated server.
Once you’ve downloaded the server software, extract it to a folder on your system. You should see several files, including a batch file for starting the server, a config file for server settings, and a folder for server data.
Step 2: Configure Your Server Settings
Before you start your server, you’ll need to configure some basic settings. Open up the serverconfig.xml file in a text editor and make any changes you want. Here are some of the most important settings:
<property name="ServerName" value="My Server"/>: Set the name of your server.<property name="ServerPort" value="26900"/>: Set the port your server will run on (you may need to forward this port on your router if you want people outside your network to connect).<property name="ServerMaxPlayerCount" value="8"/>: Set the maximum number of players allowed on your server.<property name="ServerPassword" value="" />: Set a password for your server (optional).<property name="ServerPublic" value="false" />: Set whether your server will be listed on the public server browser (set to “false” to keep it private).<property name="TelnetEnabled" value="false" />: Set whether Telnet (a remote console for managing your server) is enabled.<property name="GameName" value="Navezgane" />: Set the game world you want to use (either “Navezgane” or “RandomGen”).<property name="GameName" value="Navezgane" />: Set the game world you want to use (either “Navezgane” or “RandomGen”).
Save your changes and close the file.
Step 3: Start Your Server
To start your server, simply double-click the startdedicated.bat file in your server folder. The server will launch in a console window, and you should see some logs as it initializes.
Congratulations, your server is now running! Of course, there’s still a lot more you can do to customize and manage your server, which we’ll cover in the next sections.
Section 5: Customizing Your 7 Days to Die Alpha 20 Server
Now that your server is up and running, it’s time to start tweaking it to your liking. Here are some of the most common customizations:
Changing Game Settings
There are many other game settings you can change beyond the basics we covered in the previous section. These include things like enemy difficulty, loot drop rates, and crafting times. To change these settings, you’ll need to edit the serverconfig.xml file again. Look for the <gameprefs /> section, and you’ll find all the options you can set. Make your changes and save the file.
Installing Mods and Plugins
One of the great things about hosting your own server is that you can add mods and plugins to enhance your game experience. There are many mods and plugins available for 7 Days to Die Alpha 20, from simple quality-of-life improvements to complete overhauls of the game mechanics. To install a mod or plugin, simply download it from the modding community website and place it in the Mods folder in your server directory. Make sure you also enable it in the serverconfig.xml file by adding a new line like this: <property name="ModNames" value="MyMod" />.
Managing Players and Admins
As a server admin, you have the power to kick, ban, and promote players as you see fit. To do this, you’ll need to use the in-game console or the remote console (if enabled). Here are some of the most common commands:
kick <playername>: Kicks a player from the server.ban <playername>: Bans a player from the server.promote <playername>: Promotes a player to admin status.demote <playername>: Demotes a player from admin status.
You can also adjust the permissions of admins by editing the Permissions.xml file in your server directory.
Section 6: FAQ
Q: Can I run a server on a VPS or dedicated hosting?
A: Yes, you can. However, you’ll need to make sure your hosting provider allows game server hosting, and you may need to use a remote console or other tools to manage your server.
Q: How many players can my server support?
A: This depends on several factors, including your system specs, the game settings, and the number of mods and plugins you’re using. With a powerful enough system and optimized settings, you can support dozens of players, but for most home setups, 8-16 players is a good maximum.
Q: Can I play on my own server?
A: Yes, you can. Simply connect to your own IP address or use “localhost” as the server address.
Q: Can I backup my server data?
A: Yes, you should regularly backup your server data to prevent data loss in case of a crash or other issue. Simply copy the entire server directory to another location.
Q: Can I run a password-protected server?
A: Yes, you can. Simply set a password in the serverconfig.xml file.
Conclusion
That’s it for our guide on 7 Days to Die Alpha 20 server hosting. We hope you found this article helpful and informative. Remember, hosting your own server can be a great way to enjoy the game with friends and customize the experience to your liking. If you have any questions or feedback, feel free to leave a comment below.