Hello Devs! If you’re a fan of 7 Days to Die, you may be interested in hosting your own private server. By hosting your own server, you can customize the game to your liking and play with your friends without the limitations of public servers. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of hosting a private server in just 7 days. Let’s get started!
Day 1: Preparations
The first step in hosting a private server is to prepare your computer. You’ll need a dedicated computer with a strong internet connection and at least 8GB of RAM. It’s also recommended to have a separate computer for playing the game, as hosting a server can be resource-intensive. Ensure that your computer meets the minimum requirements for running 7 Days to Die.
Next, you’ll need to download and install the 7 Days to Die Dedicated Server from the SteamCMD tool. You can find step-by-step instructions on the official 7 Days to Die Wiki.
Once you’ve installed the server, you’ll need to adjust the settings to your liking. You can configure the server name, password, game difficulty, and more. We recommend testing different configurations until you find one that suits your playstyle.
Finally, create a new folder on your computer to save your server data. This folder will contain all the data related to your server, including player data, world saves, and configuration files.
FAQ:
Question |
Answer |
|---|---|
Do I need to have the game installed on my server computer? |
No, the dedicated server does not require the game to be installed. |
Can I change the game settings while the server is running? |
Yes, you can change the game settings at any time by editing the configuration files and restarting the server. |
How many players can join my server? |
This depends on your computer’s resources and internet connection. We recommend starting with a small number of players and gradually increasing as you test your server’s performance. |
Day 2: Port Forwarding
In order for other players to join your server, you’ll need to forward the necessary ports on your router. The default port for 7 Days to Die is 26900, but you can change this in the server configuration files. Check your router’s manual for instructions on port forwarding.
Once you’ve forwarded the ports, you’ll need to provide your public IP address to other players. You can find your public IP address by searching “What is my IP” on Google. Alternatively, you can use a service like No-IP to create a custom domain name that points to your public IP address.
It’s important to keep your server up-to-date with the latest patches and updates. Check for updates regularly and apply them as soon as they become available.
FAQ:
Question |
Answer |
|---|---|
How do I check if my ports are forwarded correctly? |
You can use online port-checking tools to verify that the necessary ports are open. You can also ask a friend to join your server to test if it’s accessible from outside your network. |
Do I need to forward any other ports? |
The default port for SteamCMD is 27017, so you may need to forward this port as well if you’re having issues with the server starting up. |
Can I use a VPN to host my server? |
Yes, using a VPN can help protect your server from DDoS attacks and improve performance. However, it may also introduce additional latency and may require additional configuration. |
Day 3: Mods and Plugins
One of the biggest advantages of hosting your own server is the ability to use mods and plugins. Mods can add new content, gameplay mechanics, and quality-of-life improvements to the game, while plugins can provide additional functionality such as anti-cheat measures or server management tools.
You can find a wide variety of mods and plugins on the 7 Days to Die Mod Launcher or Nexus Mods. Simply download the mod/plugin files and place them in the “Mods” or “Plugins” folder in your server directory. You’ll also need to add the corresponding lines to the server configuration file.
Make sure to only use mods and plugins from reputable sources. Installing malicious mods/plugins can compromise your server’s security and stability.
FAQ:
Question |
Answer |
|---|---|
Can I use multiple mods at the same time? |
Yes, you can use as many mods as your computer can handle. However, be aware that some mods may conflict with each other and cause issues. |
Can I create my own mods/plugins? |
Yes, 7 Days to Die supports modding and plugin development. You can find resources and tutorials on the official 7 Days to Die website. |
What are some recommended mods/plugins? |
This depends on your playstyle and preferences. Some popular mods include Valmod, Ravenhearst, and Darkness Falls. Some popular plugins include Alloc’s Server Fixes and Umod. |
Day 4: Server Settings
Now that you’ve set up your server and installed mods/plugins, it’s time to fine-tune your settings. The server configuration file contains a plethora of settings that can be customized to your liking, including game difficulty, block durability, and zombie spawn rates.
We recommend experimenting with different settings until you find the perfect balance for your server. Keep in mind that some settings may impact performance, so make sure to monitor your server’s resource usage.
It’s also important to enforce rules and regulations on your server to ensure a fair and enjoyable experience for all players. You can set up server-specific rules in the configuration file or use plugins to enforce them automatically.
FAQ:
Question |
Answer |
|---|---|
Can I change the server settings while the server is running? |
Yes, you can adjust the settings at any time by editing the configuration file and restarting the server. |
How do I prevent cheating on my server? |
You can use plugins such as EAC or VAC to detect and prevent cheating. You can also set up server-specific rules and enforce them manually or with plugins. |
What are some recommended server settings? |
This depends on your playstyle and preferences, but some popular settings include increasing block durability for more challenging gameplay, increasing loot spawn rates for faster progression, and reducing zombie spawn rates for a more relaxed experience. |
Day 5: Backups and Restores
One of the biggest risks of hosting your own server is the possibility of losing all your data due to hardware failure or other issues. That’s why it’s important to regularly backup your server data to a separate location.
You can use tools such as FTP or WinSCP to access your server files and copy them to an external drive or cloud storage. We recommend creating backups at least once a week or after major changes to your server.
If you do experience data loss, you can restore your server from your most recent backup. Simply copy the backup files back to your server directory and start the server.
FAQ:
Question |
Answer |
|---|---|
How do I create a backup of my server data? |
You can use FTP or WinSCP to access your server files and copy them to a separate location. You can also use plugins such as Alloc’s Backup System to automate the backup process. |
How often should I create backups? |
We recommend creating backups at least once a week or after major changes to your server. |
How do I restore my server from a backup? |
Simply copy the backup files back to your server directory and start the server. Make sure to delete any conflicting files before restoring. |
Day 6: Server Management
Running a successful server requires more than just technical knowledge. You’ll need to manage your community, enforce rules, and keep your players engaged.
You can use plugins such as Discord Integration or CSMM to improve communication and management. These plugins allow you to send server notifications, track player activity, and more.
You should also be active in your community and listen to feedback from your players. Consider hosting events or creating custom content to keep your players engaged and interested in your server.
FAQ:
Question |
Answer |
|---|---|
How do I communicate with my players? |
You can use in-game chat or external tools such as Discord or Teamspeak. Plugins such as Discord Integration can automatically send notifications to your Discord server. |
What are some effective ways to manage my server? |
Plugins such as CSMM or Alloc’s Server Fixes can help automate server management tasks. Creating a website or forum for your server can also help with communication and organization. |
How do I handle rule-breakers or toxic players? |
Enforce your server rules consistently and fairly. Use plugins such as EAC or VAC to detect and prevent cheating. If a player continues to break the rules despite warnings, consider banning them from your server. |
Day 7: Launch Day
Congratulations, your server is now ready to launch! Make sure to announce your server to your friends and on social media to attract players. Consider offering incentives such as starter kits or custom rewards for early adopters.
Monitor your server closely during the early days and make adjustments as necessary. Address any issues that arise swiftly and fairly to maintain a positive and active community.
Remember to have fun and enjoy your server with your friends and fellow players!
FAQ:
Question |
Answer |
|---|---|
How do I attract players to my server? |
Announce your server on social media and gaming forums. Consider offering incentives such as starter kits or custom rewards. Engage with your community and listen to their feedback. |
What should I do if my server becomes too popular? |
Consider increasing the number of player slots or upgrading your computer’s resources. You can also create multiple servers or use a hosting service to handle the traffic. |
What are some common issues that may arise? |
Common issues include server crashes, hardware failures, and players breaking the rules. Address these issues swiftly and fairly to maintain a positive and active community. |