Enshrouded Dedicated Server Guide

Enshrouded offers thrilling survival adventures in a shrouded world, but hosting a dedicated server elevates the experience by keeping your world persistent and accessible 24/7. Unlike in-game hosting, a dedicated setup runs independently, supporting more players, mods, and custom rules without relying on a single player’s connection. This guide walks you through every aspect, from initial setup to advanced optimization, ensuring your server runs smoothly for friends or communities.

Why Choose a Dedicated Server?

Dedicated servers provide unmatched reliability. Your world stays online even if the host disconnects, preventing progress loss or session interruptions. They support up to 16 players, custom permissions via user groups, and mod integration for tailored gameplay. Ideal for clans or public lobbies, these servers demand proper hardware, network configuration, and maintenance.

• Persistent Worlds: Builds, quests, and resources persist indefinitely.
• Higher Stability: No performance dips from host activities.
• Customization: Passwords, slots, and admin controls at your fingertips.
• Mod Support: Enhance with community content seamlessly.

Hardware and Network Prerequisites

Before diving in, assess your setup. A dedicated server needs a stable machine with at least 8GB RAM, a quad-core CPU, and 20GB SSD storage for the game files and saves. For 16 players, aim for 16GB RAM and a strong internet upload speed (10Mbps+).

Network-wise, forward key ports: UDP/TCP 15636 (game) and 15637 (query). Use your router’s admin panel to assign static IP to the server machine and create port forwarding rules. Test visibility with tools like canyouseeme.org.

Installing the Server on Windows

Windows offers native support, making it beginner-friendly. Use Steam or SteamCMD for installation.

1. Install via Steam: Open Steam Library > Tools > Search “Enshrouded Dedicated Server” (App ID: 2278520) > Install.
2. SteamCMD Method (Headless): Download SteamCMD, create a folder (e.g., C:\enshrouded-server), run:

   steamcmd +login anonymous +force_install_dir "C:\enshrouded-server" +app_update 2278520 validate +quit

3. First Launch: Run enshrouded_server.exe. It generates enshrouded_server.json. Close after “Host_Online” appears.

Verify in Steam: View > Game Servers > Favorites > Add IP:15637 (local IP).

Configuring Server Settings

The enshrouded_server.json file controls everything. Edit with Notepad++ or VS Code. Here’s a sample configuration:

{  "name": "My Enshrouded Realm",  "password": "securepass",  "slotCount": 16,  "gamePort": 15636,  "queryPort": 15637,  "saveDirectory": "./savegame",  "logDirectory": "./logs",  "ip": "0.0.0.0",  "userGroups": {    "Admin": { "password": "adminpass", "permissions": [1,2,3] },    "Friend": { "password": "friendpass", "permissions":  }  }}

• name: Appears in server browser; avoid spaces.
• slotCount: 1-16 players.
• userGroups: Define roles (Admin: full control; Guest: limited).
• Ports: Match your forwarding rules.

Save and relaunch. Monitor console for errors like port conflicts.

Firewall and Port Management

Windows Firewall blocks inbound traffic by default. Create rules via PowerShell (Admin):

New-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName "Enshrouded Game" -Direction Inbound -Protocol UDP -LocalPort 15636 -Action AllowNew-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName "Enshrouded Query" -Direction Inbound -Protocol UDP -LocalPort 15637 -Action Allow

On routers, log in (often 192.168.1.1), forward 15636-15637 UDP/TCP to server IP. For Linux (ufw):

sudo ufw allow 15636/udpsudo ufw allow 15637/udp

Linux Server Setup with Wine or Proton

Linux users leverage Wine for compatibility. Install SteamCMD, then:

1. Create /home/user/enshrouded-server.
2. Run SteamCMD with Windows platform force: steamcmd +@ShutdownOnFailedCommand 1 +@NoPromptForPassword 1 +force_install_dir /home/user/enshrouded-server +@sSteamCmdForcePlatformType windows +login anonymous +app_update 2278520 +quit
3. Install Wine: sudo apt install wine.
4. Run: wine enshrouded_server.exe.

For persistence, create a systemd service:

[Unit]Description=Enshrouded ServerAfter=network.target[Service]WorkingDirectory=/home/user/enshrouded-serverExecStart=/usr/bin/wine enshrouded_server.exeRestart=always[Install]WantedBy=multi-user.target

Enable: sudo systemctl enable enshrouded.service.

Using Hosting Providers

Skip self-hosting hassles with providers like IONOS or Liquid Web. They handle hardware, DDoS protection, and auto-port opening.

• Steps: Choose plan (Windows/Ubuntu), RDP/SSH in, install via SteamCMD, edit JSON, launch.
• Pros: 99.9% uptime, easy scaling, mod uploads via FTP.
• Custom Domains: Use .gg for branded addresses.

Adding Mods and Automation

Mods go in /mods folder. Restart server to load. For automation, use batch files (Windows) or scripts (Linux).

Windows .bat example:

@echo offcd /d "C:\enshrouded-server"enshrouded_server.exe

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Logs in /logs help diagnose crashes. Update via SteamCMD regularly.

Optimizing for Performance

Tune JSON for efficiency: Set saveDirectory to SSD, limit slots if RAM-constrained. Use tools like MSI Afterburner for monitoring. For large groups, consider cloud VPS scaling.

FAQs

How many players can join?

Up to 16, set via slotCount.

Do I need a static IP?

Dynamic works with DDNS services; static preferred for stability.

Can I run mods on dedicated servers?

Yes, place in /mods and ensure clients match.

What’s the default query port?

UDP 15637.

How to auto-restart on crash?

Use systemd (Linux) or Task Scheduler (Windows).