RuneScape: Dragonwilds FREE Dedicated Server Guide

Is this free?

Yes. SteamCMD downloads the server for free without a Steam account. Keep the hosting PC on and connected while people play.

This guide covers 64-bit Windows. Jagex recommends 2 GB RAM plus 1 GB per player. Leave additional memory for the game if you’re playing on the same PC. Linux users can use Jagex’s Docker image .

Downloading the dedicated server

1. Download SteamCMD for Windows and extract it into C:\SteamCMD.
2. Save the following as update.bat beside steamcmd.exe. In File Explorer, enable View → Show → File name extensions so it doesn’t become update.bat.txt.

update.bat

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@echo off cd /d "%~dp0" steamcmd.exe +force_install_dir "C:\GameServers\Dragonwilds" +login anonymous +app_update 4019830 +quit pause

3. Run update.bat and wait for SteamCMD to report that app 4019830 installed successfully.

This installs the server in C:\GameServers\Dragonwilds. If you change the path, use your chosen folder throughout this guide.

Using Steam instead

In your Steam Library, enable the Tools filter, then install RuneScape: Dragonwilds Dedicated Server. If it isn’t listed, use SteamCMD above.

Right-click the tool → Properties and add -log -NewConsole under Launch Options. Open Manage → Browse local files and use that folder for the following steps.

First launch

For a SteamCMD installation, save this as start.bat inside C:\GameServers\Dragonwilds:

start.bat

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@echo off cd /d "%~dp0" RSDragonwildsServer.exe -log -NewConsole pause

Run start.bat once to generate the configuration files, or launch the Steam tool if you installed it there.

Stop the server before editing its configuration. It overwrites changes made while running. After closing the console, check Task Manager to confirm the server has stopped.

Configuring your server

Open this file inside the server installation:

1	RSDragonwilds\Saved\Config\WindowsServer\DedicatedServer.ini

If the file is missing, copy the template from RSDragonwilds\Saved\Config\Linux into WindowsServer if present. Otherwise, create the WindowsServer folder and file, add the section header below, and enter each setting as Setting=value on a separate line.

In the game, copy your Player ID from the bottom of Settings.

Edit the following fields under [/Script/Dominion.DedicatedServerSettings], as documented in Jagex’s configuration template . Keep the rest of the file intact.

Leave ServerGuid alone; the server generates it.

For friends on other platforms, keep PlatformPolicy=Crossplay as described in the Windows 1.0 walkthrough .

Save the file, then run start.bat or launch the Steam tool again.

Windows Firewall

The default game port is 7777 UDP. Open PowerShell as Administrator and run:

1	New-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName "Dragonwilds Server UDP 7777" -Direction Inbound -LocalPort 7777 -Protocol UDP -Action Allow

Windows allows outbound traffic by default. If you use another firewall, allow inbound UDP 7777 there too.

Run ipconfig in a terminal. Under your active Ethernet or Wi-Fi adapter, find the IPv4 Address, for example 192.168.1.10.

On another PC connected to the same router, open Dragonwilds and use Direct IP Connection with that address and port 7777.

Port forwarding

Reserve the server PC’s local IP in your router’s DHCP settings so it doesn’t change. Then create this port-forwarding rule:

Router menus vary; look for Port Forwarding, NAT, or Virtual Server. With two routers, forward through both. If your ISP uses CGNAT, ask it about a public IPv4 address; a rule on your own router cannot forward through the ISP’s NAT.

Find your public IPv4 address by searching what is my IP on the server PC with any VPN disconnected. Have a friend outside your network use Direct IP Connection with that address and port 7777. Use the local address when connecting from home.

Joining your server

Open Worlds → Public and search for the exact world name, including capitalization. Imported saves keep their existing world names.

You can also share the invite code from the pause menu. Friends enter it in the world browser, a feature added in version 1.0 .

Backups and existing worlds

Stop the server, then copy RSDragonwilds\Saved\SaveGames and DedicatedServer.ini somewhere outside the installation before updates or world changes.

To bring over a world from the Steam version:

1. Exit that world and stop the dedicated server.
2. Back up both save folders.
3. Open %LOCALAPPDATA%\RSDragonwilds\Saved\SaveGames in File Explorer and find the world’s .sav file.
4. Move the server’s existing saves into a separate backup folder, then copy your chosen .sav into its RSDragonwilds\Saved\SaveGames folder. Keep its original filename.
5. Start the server and check your progress loaded correctly.

For Custom or Creative settings, create and enter the world in the game first, then transfer its save. See Jagex’s world management instructions .

Updating and troubleshooting

Stop the server, back up its saves, and run update.bat again. Steam installations update through Steam. Restart the server afterward; its version must match the game clients.

• Executable not found: check the filename in the server folder. The Windows 1.0 walkthrough uses RSDragonwildsServer.exe; Jagex’s March guide calls it RSDragonwilds.exe.
• Not listed: check versions, OwnerId, and the exact world name you’re searching for.
• Listed but won’t connect: check UDP 7777 in the firewall and router, then test from outside your home network.
• Settings won’t stick: stop the server fully before editing the INI file.
• Server logs: open RSDragonwilds\Saved\Logs\RSDragonwilds.log in the installation folder.