Sons of the Forest Server Setup Guide

This guide walks you through setting up a dedicated Sons of the Forest server, so you and your friends can play together without relying on a single player hosting. You’ll learn how to install the server, configure its settings, and manage it for a smooth multiplayer experience. You’ll need a Windows or Linux machine with a decent internet connection and a copy of the game (for the client).

What You’ll Need

A PC or dedicated server running Windows 10/11 or a Linux distribution (Ubuntu 20.04+ recommended).
SteamCMD installed (the command-line tool for downloading Steam server files).
At least 8 GB of RAM (16 GB recommended for larger groups).
Port forwarding access on your router (if hosting publicly).
A copy of Sons of the Forest (client) to connect and test.

Step-by-Step

Install SteamCMD – Download SteamCMD from the official Valve site. On Windows, extract it to a folder like C:\steamcmd. On Linux, use wget to fetch the tar, then extract and run steamcmd.sh.
Download the server files – Open SteamCMD and run:
```
login anonymous
force_install_dir ./sotf-server
app_update 2465200 validate
quit
```
This downloads the dedicated server files into the sotf-server folder.
Locate the server executable – After downloading, navigate to the server folder. On Windows, you’ll find SonsOfTheForestDS.exe. On Linux, it’s SonsOfTheForestDS.
Configure server settings – In the server folder, create a file named ServerConfig.cfg (or edit the existing one). Use a text editor to set options like:
```
ServerName="My SOTF Server"
ServerPassword=""
ServerPasswordAdmin="adminpass"
ServerMaxPlayers=8
ServerPort=8766
ServerSteamPort=8767
ServerVisibility=1
```
Save the file.
Start the server – Run the executable. On Windows, double-click it or run from command prompt. On Linux, use ./SonsOfTheForestDS. The server will generate world files and start listening.
Forward ports – On your router, forward TCP/UDP ports 8766 and 8767 to your server’s local IP. Also forward UDP 27015-27016 for Steam query (if needed). This allows external players to connect.
Test connection – From the game’s main menu, select “Join” and enter your server’s public IP (or local IP if testing on the same network). Use the port if required (e.g., 192.168.1.10:8766).
Manage the server – Use the admin password (set above) to access admin commands in-game (e.g., open chat with F and type /admin). You can also run commands from the server console.

Common Mistakes

Forgetting to forward ports – Without port forwarding, friends outside your network can’t connect.
Using the wrong executable – Ensure you run the dedicated server, not the game client.
Editing the config while the server is running – Changes won’t take effect until restart.
Not updating the server – After game updates, run app_update 2465200 validate again to keep the server in sync.
Setting max players too high – The game may become unstable with more than 8 players; stick to 4-8 for performance.

Tips

Use a static IP for your server machine to avoid connection issues after router reboots.
Set a strong admin password and share it only with trusted moderators.
Consider using a tool like AMP or Pterodactyl for easier management, but manual setup works fine.
Back up your world files regularly – they are stored in the server folder under Saves.
Monitor server performance; if CPU usage is high, reduce the number of animals or enemies via config options.

Troubleshooting

Server won’t start – Check that you have enough disk space and that the executable isn’t blocked by antivirus. Run as administrator (Windows) or use chmod +x (Linux).
Friends can’t connect – Verify port forwarding is correct and that your firewall allows inbound traffic on those ports. Test using a port checker online.
Server appears offline – Ensure the server is still running and that you’ve set ServerVisibility=1 for public listing. For private, share the IP directly.
Game crashes on join – Make sure your game version matches the server version. Update both.
High ping/lag – Reduce max players, close other bandwidth-heavy apps on the server, or move the server closer to your region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to own Sons of the Forest to host a server?

Yes, you need at least one copy of the game, but the server files themselves are free via SteamCMD. You don’t need a second copy to host.

Can I run the server on a Linux machine?

Yes, the dedicated server supports Linux. Use the same SteamCMD steps but with the Linux executable.

How do I update my server?

Run SteamCMD again with app_update 2465200 validate. This will download the latest files. Restart the server after updating.

Can I set a password for my server?

Yes, set ServerPassword in the config file. Players will need to enter it when joining.

Why can’t I see my server in the public list?

Check that ServerVisibility=1 is set and that ports are forwarded correctly. It may take a few minutes to appear.

How many players can join?

The default is 8, but you can adjust it in the config. Performance may degrade with more than 8 players, so test.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.

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