Greetings, Dev! If you’re reading this article, chances are you’re either planning to start your own Survive the Nights (StN) server or you’re already running one. Either way, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about StN server hosting, from setting up your server to optimizing its performance.
Table of Contents
- Setting Up Your Server
- Choosing a Hosting Provider
- Configuring Your Server
- Optimizing Performance
- Managing Your Server
- Backing Up Your Server
- Troubleshooting Tips
- FAQ
1. Setting Up Your Server
The first step to hosting your own StN server is to set up a dedicated server computer. This computer will run as the server, allowing other players to connect and play on your server. Here’s how to get started:
Choose a Dedicated Server Computer
To get started, you’ll need a dedicated server computer that meets the minimum system requirements for StN. Here are the recommended specs:
| Operating System | Windows 7 SP1 64-bit or later |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i7-3770K or better |
| Memory | 16 GB RAM |
| Graphics | Nvidia GeForce GTX 760 or better |
| Storage | 50 GB available space |
If you’re not sure where to start, we recommend choosing a pre-built server computer from a reputable vendor such as Dell or HP.
Set Up Your Network
Once you have a dedicated server computer, you’ll need to set up your network to allow other players to connect to your server. Here’s how:
- Connect your server computer to your router or switch.
- Configure your router or switch to allow incoming connections on the StN server port (default is 7777).
- Configure your server computer’s firewall to allow incoming connections on the StN server port.
- Configure your StN server software to use the correct IP address and port for your server.
Congratulations! Your StN server is now set up and ready to accept players.
2. Choosing a Hosting Provider
If you don’t want to set up your own dedicated server computer, you can choose a hosting provider to host your StN server for you. Here are some things to consider when choosing a hosting provider:
Server Location
The location of your server can have a significant impact on your players’ ping and latency. Make sure to choose a hosting provider that has servers located close to your players.
Server Specs
Make sure to choose a hosting provider that offers servers with specs that meet the minimum requirements for StN.
Server Management
Some hosting providers offer managed servers, which means they will handle all of the server management tasks for you. This can be a good option if you don’t have experience managing servers.
Price
Of course, price is always a consideration. Make sure to compare prices between different hosting providers to find the best deal.
3. Configuring Your Server
Once your server is set up, you’ll need to configure it to your liking. Here are some things you might want to configure:
Game Settings
You can configure the settings for your StN server using the server’s configuration files. Some settings you might want to change include:
- Game difficulty
- Day/night cycle duration
- Weather settings
Server Rules
You might want to create a set of rules for your server to ensure that players behave appropriately. Make sure to communicate these rules to your players so they know what is expected of them.
Plugins and Mods
You can enhance your StN server by installing plugins and mods. Some popular plugins and mods include:
- Anti-cheat plugins
- Admin tools plugins
- New weapons and items mods
4. Optimizing Performance
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for your players, you’ll want to optimize your server’s performance. Here are some tips:
Monitor Performance
Use a tool like Task Manager or Resource Monitor to monitor your server’s CPU, memory, and network usage. If you notice any spikes or dips in performance, take action to address the issue.
Reduce Server Load
You can reduce your server’s load by limiting the number of players who can connect to your server at once or by reducing the tick rate of your server.
Use Optimal Settings
Make sure to use optimal settings for your server’s configuration files. You can find recommended settings in the StN server documentation or by asking other server admins.
Use High-Quality Hardware
If you’re hosting your own server, make sure to use high-quality hardware that meets or exceeds the minimum requirements for StN.
5. Managing Your Server
Managing your StN server can be challenging, but there are tools available to help. Here are some tools you might want to use:
STN Server Manager
STN Server Manager is a free tool that allows you to manage your StN server from a web interface. With STN Server Manager, you can easily start, stop, and restart your server, manage your server’s settings, and more.
RCON Tools
RCON tools allow you to remotely manage your StN server by sending RCON commands. Some popular RCON tools include:
- RustAdmin
- Rcon.io
- WebRcon
Discord Bots
You can use Discord bots to automate tasks on your StN server and to communicate with your players. Some popular Discord bots for StN include:
- STN Discord Bot
- Survive the Nights Bot
- STNCommander
6. Backing Up Your Server
Backing up your StN server is essential to ensure that you don’t lose any progress or data in the event of a server failure. Here are some tips for backing up your server:
Use Automatic Backups
Some hosting providers offer automatic backups as part of their service. If your hosting provider offers this, make sure to enable it.
Create Manual Backups
You can also create manual backups of your server by copying the server’s save files to a separate location.
Store Backups Off-Site
Make sure to store your server backups off-site to protect them from physical damage or theft. You can use cloud storage services like Dropbox or Google Drive to store your backups.
7. Troubleshooting Tips
Even the best server setups can experience issues from time to time. Here are some troubleshooting tips:
Restart Your Server
Often, simply restarting your server can fix minor issues. Use your server management tool to restart your server.
Check Logs
Check your server’s logs to see if there are any error messages or warnings. You can usually find your server’s logs in the server’s installation folder.
Ask for Help
If you’re experiencing issues that you can’t resolve on your own, don’t hesitate to ask for help. There are many resources available for StN server admins, including forums, Discord servers, and Reddit communities.
FAQ
What is Survive the Nights?
Survive the Nights is a multiplayer survival game set in a post-apocalyptic world. Players must scavenge for resources, build shelters, and fend off zombies and other threats.
What are the minimum system requirements for Survive the Nights?
The minimum system requirements for Survive the Nights are:
| Operating System | Windows 7 SP1 64-bit or later |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i5-2500K or better |
| Memory | 8 GB RAM |
| Graphics | Nvidia GeForce GTX 560 or better |
| Storage | 20 GB available space |
How many players can connect to a Survive the Nights server?
Survive the Nights servers can support up to 36 players.
Can I host a Survive the Nights server for free?
You can technically host a Survive the Nights server for free using a spare computer and an internet connection, but this is not recommended due to the high system requirements for the game and the potential for performance issues.
What are some popular mods and plugins for Survive the Nights?
Some popular mods and plugins for Survive the Nights include:
- Zomberry Admin Tools
- STN Better PvP
- STN Custom Server Messages
Congratulations, Dev! You now have all the information you need to become a master StN server admin. Good luck and have fun!