How to Host a BYOND Server: A Complete Guide for Devs

Welcome Devs! Hosting a BYOND server is an excellent way to create and share your games with other passionate gamers. The process may seem daunting at first, but with our comprehensive guide, you can quickly and easily set up your BYOND server and start enjoying the fruits of your labor. In this article, we will guide you through the entire process from start to finish, giving you step-by-step instructions and helpful tips along the way.

Requirements for Hosting a BYOND Server

Before you dive into hosting your own server, there are a few things you will need to have in place. Here are the minimum requirements:

Once you have these requirements in place, you can move on to setting up your BYOND server.

Setting up Your BYOND Server

Step 1: Create a BYOND Account

The first step in hosting a BYOND server is to create an account on the BYOND website. If you already have an account, you can skip this step.

Step 2: Download and Install BYOND

Once you have created your account, you will need to download and install BYOND on your computer. You can download the latest version of BYOND from the official website.

Step 3: Launch BYOND and Set up Your Game

After installing BYOND, you will need to launch the BYOND software and set up your game. Here is how to do it:

Step 3.1: Create a New Project

The first thing you need to do is create a new project. This will be the container for your game files and modules. To create a new project, follow these steps:

1. Launch BYOND, and click on “Create a New Project” from the main menu.
2. Enter a name for your project, and choose a folder location for it.
3. Click “Finish” to create your project.

Step 3.2: Add Your Game Files

Next, you need to add your game files to the project folder. Here is how to do it:

1. Open your project folder, and create a new folder called “game”. This is where you will store your game files.
2. Copy your game files into the “game” folder.
3. Launch BYOND, and click on “Open Project” from the main menu.
4. Select your project folder, and click “Open”.

Step 3.3: Add Your Modules

You also need to add your modules to the project folder. Here is how to do it:

1. Create a new folder in your project folder called “modules”.
2. Copy your modules into the “modules” folder.
3. Launch BYOND, and click on “Project Options” from the main menu.
4. Click on the “Modules” tab, and add your modules by clicking on the “Add” button.

Step 3.4: Test Your Game in Single-Player Mode

Before you can host your game on a server, you need to test it in single-player mode to make sure everything is working correctly. Here is how to do it:

1. Launch BYOND, and open your project.
2. Click on “Single Player” from the main menu.
3. Choose your character, and start your game.
4. Test your game to make sure everything is working correctly.

Hosting Your BYOND Server

Step 1: Setting up Port Forwarding

The first thing you need to do is set up port forwarding on your router to allow external traffic to your server. Here is how to do it:

1. Log in to your router’s administration panel.
2. Navigate to the port forwarding section.
3. Create a new port forwarding rule for port 1500.
4. Enter your computer’s static IP address as the destination.
5. Save your changes.

Step 2: Configuring Your BYOND Server

Next, you need to configure your BYOND server to connect to the internet. Here is how to do it:

1. Launch BYOND, and open your project.
2. Select “Open Server” from the main menu.
3. Enter a name for your server, and choose a port number.
4. Check the “Public” checkbox to allow external connections to your server.
5. Click “OK” to start your server.

Step 3: Connecting to Your BYOND Server

Now that your BYOND server is up and running, you need to connect to it. Here is how to do it:

1. Launch BYOND, and click on the “Games” tab.
2. Select your game from the list, and click on “Join”.
3. Enter the IP address of your server, followed by a colon and the port number (e.g., 192.168.0.1:1500).
4. Click “OK” to connect to your server.

FAQs

Q: Can I host multiple BYOND servers on one computer?

A: Yes, you can host multiple BYOND servers on one computer. Simply create a new project for each game, and configure each server to use a different port number.

Q: Do I need a dedicated server to host a BYOND server?

A: No, you do not need a dedicated server to host a BYOND server. You can use your own computer to host the server, as long as it meets the minimum requirements.

Q: Can I host my BYOND server on a cloud server?

A: Yes, you can host your BYOND server on a cloud server. Simply follow the same steps as you would for hosting on your own computer, but make sure to configure your cloud server’s firewall and security settings appropriately.

Q: Is hosting a BYOND server expensive?

A: No, hosting a BYOND server is not expensive. You only need to pay for your internet connection and any additional hardware you may need, such as a router or modem.

Q: What are some common issues that can occur when hosting a BYOND server?

A: Some common issues that can occur when hosting a BYOND server include connectivity issues, performance issues, and security issues. To avoid these issues, make sure to follow the steps in this guide carefully, and regularly monitor your server for any potential problems.

Q: How do I troubleshoot issues with my BYOND server?

A: If you are experiencing issues with your BYOND server, the first step is to check your server logs for any error messages. You can also try restarting your server, checking your internet connection, and verifying that your port forwarding and firewall settings are configured correctly.

That’s it, you’re done! Congratulations on setting up your very own BYOND server. We hope this guide has been helpful in getting you started. Happy gaming!