Watch the video:
0:00 - Intro/Explanation
0:15 - Download 7 Days to Die Dedicated Server
1:56 - Open the Dedicated Server folder
2:06 - Customizing your server
4:22 - Start your 7 Days to Die Server
4:54 - Joining your 7 Days to Die Server
5:26 - Firewall
7:18 - Port Forwarding
9:28 - How is this free?
10:07 - Saving & Closing server
10:38 - Telnet & RCON
11:39 - Web DashboardWhere do I get the server?
The 7 Days to Die Dedicated Server should show up on Steam under Tools as other dedicated servers do.
You can also download it using SteamCMD. For simplicity sake I’ll be using Steam to get it, but SteamCMD is below should you wish to use that.
Valve have an official page talking about 7 Days to Die, and even though it was written with the older version in mind, most settings & ideas should still work. You can find it here.
Is this really free?
Yes.
As long as your computer is on, running the server and connected to the internet: People should be able to join you over the internet if you’ve set everything up properly. It’s great.
Downloading 7 Days to Die Dedicated Server
Downloading the 7 Days to Die Dedicated Server is easy using SteamCMD. This can be done on a computer even without Steam installed - or even an account that owns the game.
We’ll use SteamCMD to get the dedicated server files.
- Download SteamCMD for Windows here.
- Extract into a folder where you’ll install the server.
- Copy the following command and save it into a file called
update.bat. We will use this file to download our server, and in the future when updates are released: Updating it.1steamcmd.exe +login anonymous +app_update 294420 +quit - Run the file, and wait for the downloads to complete.
Preparing to launch server
Navigate into SteamApps\common\7 Days to Die Dedicated Server.
In here you will find startdedicated.bat. This can be used to start your server.
The configuration for your server can be found as serverconfig.xml, in the same folder.
Server Configuration Files
Everything is within serverconfig.xml.
Change everything under <!-- Server representation -->, such as: ServerName, ServerDescription, ServerWebsiteURL, ServerPassword, Region and Language.
<!-- Networking --> should be fine as-is, unless you’re running mutliple servers from the same computer.
<!-- Slots --> and <!-- Admin interfaces --> deserve at least a quick look.
Everything beyond this is your preference for fine-tuning your server, drop rates and more.
IMPORTANT: TelnetEnabled is enabled by default. Make absolutely sure that you set a TelnetPassword, to make sure your RCON console is secure (a place to remotely run commands).
Launching server
Now that we’ve configured everything, you should be able to launch up your server. Start your startdedicated.bat file.
Saving & Closing server
Your server runs as long as the window is open on your computer, your computer is powered on, and is connected to the internet.
To save and close your server, you should use the RCON server – telnet, which we set a password for previously:
- Open a new PowerShell or CMD window
- Enter
telnet 127.0.0.1 8081 - Wait for the connection to succeed.
- Use
saveworldto save your game. - Use
shutdownto exit your server.
Closing your server without running one of the exit commands is not recommended.
Letting others join your new 7 Days to Die server
This is simpler said than done. There are 2 sections and both need to be done to let friends over the internet play.
Open the server to LAN (Others on your local network)
To let someone on the same local network (router) as you play: You need to allow the 7 Days to Die server through your firewall.
We need to open ports 8777 and 27015. If you set a custom port above, then forward that.
If you’re using a third-party antivirus with a firewall; you’ll need to look into how to open the ports.
If you’re using Windows Firewall (by default) then run the following commands in an Administrator Powershell window.
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If you want RCON to work remotely (from computers other than your own) use the following:
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If you ever wish to remove your Firewall rules for this, run the command: Remove-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName "7 Days to Die Server"
This will open all of the ports and allow people on the same local network as you to connect to your server while it’s running.
All you need is your local IP address.
To get your local IP:
- Run the following in a terminal/CMD/powershell window:
ipconfig - Find the way you’re connected to the internet, for example
Ethernet adapter Ethernet - Find the
IPv4address and copy it - For example, your local IP is
192.168.1.10
Other devices can use this local IP address to connect to your server. Note: This is a LOCAL IP, and your server is not yet accessible over the internet or even routers outside of your own… That’s where we need to
Port Forward
Using your Local IP address we found above (and allowed ports through to) - We need to send traffic from these two ports to our computer.
If you’re using multiple routers in a chain before your computer reaches your fiber box/access box: You’ll need to port forward each router to the next until you finally port forward to your computer.
Port forwarding varies wildly from router to router, and you can look up guides specifically for your router. Essentially you’ll need to forward ports 26900 through 26903 for both TCP and UDP. If you have an option to choose both TCP/UDP it may be a good idea.
On some routers you can enter ports comma-separated such as 26900,26901,26902,26903, or enter a range such as 26900-26903, and even select TCP/UDP instead of needing to create a rule for each type.
Let’s say you have just ONE router between you and the internet (Example: You’re connected directly to the fiber box), you’ll port forward as follows:
- Ports:
26900-26903 - Type:
TCP/UDP - Destination:
192.168.1.10
Keep in mind if you want RCON working, then you’ll also need to forward 8080-8082 as well.
Now you’re done port forwarding.
Letting others join
At this point you’ve allowed local traffic and over the internet to reach your 7 Days to Die server. All you need to do is let others join by checking the Server Browser in-game, or by getting your external IP address by Google searching “What is my IP”.
Usually it’ll take 5 to 15 minutes for it to show in the public server list, but to join immediately you’ll need to connect using the Direct Connect button on the Join Game page. You will need to do this anyway if you told the server not to show on the public list in the configuration files (It doesn’t show on the list by default).
In the Address area you’ll be typing in 127.0.0.1 and 26900 in the port area, if you’re connecting on the same computer, you’re hosting the server on.
Otherwise you can enter in the local ip address if it’s on the same network, or the external ip address, if you connect into someone over the Internet.
It all depends on your current setup. When you click OK, it should be added to your list and you can select it followed by connect to launch up your game.
Now you can join and play as you like.
Have fun!
