Welcome, Dev! If you’re reading this, chances are you’re looking for tips on how to set up and optimize your Conan Exiles dedicated server. This guide will take you through everything you need to know, from the basics of server hosting to advanced configurations and troubleshooting.
1. What is a Conan Exiles Dedicated Server?
Before we dive into the specifics of hosting your own Conan Exiles server, let’s first define what we mean by a dedicated server. A dedicated server is a gaming server that is hosted on a remote machine, rather than on your personal computer. This means that you can run the server 24/7 without having to leave your computer turned on.
In the case of Conan Exiles, a dedicated server allows you to play with your friends or other players in a persistent world that is always online. This means you can set up your own rules, mods and configurations to create a unique Conan Exiles experience.
2. Why Host a Conan Exiles Dedicated Server?
There are several reasons why you might want to host your own Conan Exiles dedicated server:
- You can customize the game to your liking, by adding mods and changing the rules
- You can play with your friends or other players in a private, controlled environment
- You can improve your gaming experience by reducing lag and increasing performance
Overall, hosting your own server gives you more control over your gaming experience and allows you to create a more immersive and enjoyable gameplay.
3. How to Host a Conan Exiles Dedicated Server?
Setting up a dedicated server for Conan Exiles can be a bit intimidating if you haven’t done it before. However, the process is not as difficult as it may seem, and with this guide, you’ll be up and running in no time.
Step 1: Choose Your Server Hosting Provider
The first step in hosting your own Conan Exiles dedicated server is to choose a server hosting provider. There are many hosting providers out there, but not all of them are created equal.
Some of the factors you should consider when choosing a provider include:
- The provider’s reputation and track record
- The provider’s pricing and plans
- The provider’s server locations
- The provider’s customer support
Once you’ve decided on a provider, you will need to sign up for an account and choose your server location and plan.
Step 2: Install and Configure Conan Exiles Server
Once you have signed up for a hosting plan, the next step is to install and configure Conan Exiles server. This involves downloading the game files and setting up the server settings.
Here’s a quick overview of the steps you’ll need to follow:
- Download the Conan Exiles Server files
- Set up port forwarding on your router
- Configure the server settings
- Start the server
We’ll go into more detail on each of these steps in the following sections.
Step 2.1: Download Conan Exiles Server Files
The first step in setting up your Conan Exiles dedicated server is to download the server files. You can download the files from the Steam Tools section.
Once you have downloaded the files, extract them to a folder on your computer.
Step 2.2: Set up Port Forwarding on Your Router
In order to allow players to connect to your server, you will need to set up port forwarding on your router. This involves forwarding the necessary ports to your server’s IP address.
The ports you will need to forward for Conan Exiles are:
- 27015 (UDP)
- 7777 (UDP)
You can find instructions on how to set up port forwarding for your specific router model on the manufacturer’s website.
Step 2.3: Configure Server Settings
Once you have set up port forwarding, the next step is to configure the server settings. This involves editing the ServerSettings.ini file in the ConanSandbox\Saved\Config\WindowsServer folder.
Here are some of the settings you can configure:
Setting |
Description |
|---|---|
ServerName |
The name of your server |
ServerPassword |
The password players will need to enter to join the server (leave blank for public server) |
MaxPlayers |
The maximum number of players allowed on the server |
AdminPassword |
The password required to access admin commands |
Difficulty |
The difficulty level of the game (0 = lowest, 3 = highest) |
You can find a full list of server settings in the ServerSettings.ini file.
Step 2.4: Start the Server
Once you have configured the server settings, you can start the server by running the ConanSandboxServer.exe file in the ConanSandbox\Binaries\Win64 folder.
Once the server is up and running, players can connect to it using your server’s IP address and the port you forwarded earlier.
4. Advanced Configurations and Optimizations
Now that you have your Conan Exiles dedicated server up and running, it’s time to explore some of the advanced configurations and optimizations that can make your server run smoother and provide a better gameplay experience.
4.1: Modding Your Server
One of the great things about Conan Exiles is the ability to add mods to your server to customize the game to your liking. You can find a variety of mods on the Steam Workshop or on other modding sites.
To add a mod to your server, simply subscribe to it on the Steam Workshop and then add the mod ID to the ActiveMods list in the ServerSettings.ini file.
4.2: Configuring Performance Settings
Performance is key when it comes to running a dedicated server. Here are some tips on configuring your server for optimal performance:
- Lower the view distance
- Reduce the number of allowed corpses
- Disable ambient creature spawns
- Limit the number of simultaneous connections
- Limit the number of simultaneous players
4.3: Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the best configurations, you may still encounter some issues when running your Conan Exiles dedicated server. Here are some common issues and how to troubleshoot them:
- “Server not responding”: This usually means there is a networking issue. Try restarting the server and checking your network settings.
- “Connection timeout”: This can be caused by a firewall or port forwarding issue. Make sure the required ports are open and forwarded correctly.
- “Server crashes”: This can be caused by a variety of issues, including mods, corrupted game files, or server settings. Try disabling mods or verifying game files to see if that resolves the issue.
5. Conclusion
Hosting your own Conan Exiles dedicated server can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to create a unique gameplay experience for yourself and your friends. With the tips and configurations outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to setting up and optimizing your own Conan Exiles server.
FAQ
Q. How much does it cost to host a Conan Exiles dedicated server?
A. The cost of hosting a Conan Exiles dedicated server varies depending on the provider and the plan you choose. Prices can range from $5 to $50 per month.
Q. Can I play single player on a dedicated server?
A. Yes, you can play single player on a dedicated server. Simply start the server with the MaxPlayers set to 1.
Q. Do I need a powerful computer to host a Conan Exiles server?
A. No, you don’t need a powerful computer to host a Conan Exiles server. The server requirements are relatively low, and most hosting providers offer plans with dedicated server resources.
Q. Can I still play on my server while it’s hosting?
A. Yes, you can play on your server while it’s hosting. Simply connect to the server using your local IP address.