Core Keeper Dedicated Server Hosting Guide

This guide walks you through setting up a dedicated server for Core Keeper, so you and your friends can play together even when you’re offline. A dedicated server runs independently of the game client, providing a persistent world that stays online 24/7. You’ll need a Windows or Linux machine with a decent internet connection, and you’ll be using the SteamCMD tool to download the server files.

What You’ll Need

A PC running Windows 10/11 or a Linux distribution (Ubuntu 20.04+ recommended).
SteamCMD installed (we’ll cover that).
At least 4 GB of RAM (8 GB recommended for larger groups).
Port forwarding access to your router (if hosting publicly).
A stable internet connection with decent upload speed.

Step-by-Step

Install SteamCMD
For Windows, download SteamCMD from the official Valve website and extract it to a folder like C:\steamcmd. For Linux, open a terminal and run:
sudo apt update && sudo apt install steamcmd (Debian/Ubuntu) or use your distro’s package manager.
Create a dedicated folder for the server
Make a folder where the server files will live, e.g., C:\corekeeper-server on Windows or /home/youruser/corekeeper-server on Linux.
Download the Core Keeper server files
Open a terminal or command prompt in the SteamCMD folder and run:
steamcmd +login anonymous +force_install_dir +app_update 1963720 validate +quit
Replace <path-to-your-folder> with the full path. This downloads the dedicated server files (app ID 1963720).
Configure the server
In the server folder, you’ll find a DedicatedServer subfolder. Inside it, there’s a serverconfig.txt file. Open it with a text editor and set the following options:
- worldName=MyWorld – your world’s name.
- worldSeed= – leave blank for random.
- gameID= – leave blank for a random ID.
- maxPlayers=8 – adjust as needed (default 4).
- port=27015 – the port players will connect to.
- password= – set a password if you want to restrict access.
Start the server
On Windows, run CoreKeeperServer.exe from the DedicatedServer folder. On Linux, run ./CoreKeeperServer.bin.x86_64. The server will generate a world and start listening on the configured port.
Connect to the server
In Core Keeper, go to Join Game and enter the server’s IP address and port (e.g., 192.168.1.100:27015 for local, or your public IP for external players).
Port forwarding (for public hosting)
If you want friends outside your LAN to connect, you need to forward the server port (default 27015) in your router’s settings. Log into your router, find the port forwarding section, and add a rule for TCP/UDP port 27015 to your server’s local IP address.
Keep the server running
To keep the server running 24/7, you can use a process manager like screen on Linux or Task Scheduler on Windows. For Linux, run screen -S corekeeper before starting the server, then detach with Ctrl+A then D.

Common Mistakes

Wrong app ID: Using the game’s app ID (1621690) instead of the dedicated server app ID (1963720) will download the wrong files.
Not using force_install_dir: If you skip this, SteamCMD may install to its default folder, causing confusion.
Firewall blocking: Windows Firewall or your Linux firewall may block the server port. Make sure to allow inbound connections on the server port.
Port forwarding misconfiguration: Forwarding the wrong port or protocol (TCP vs UDP) will prevent connections.
Editing the wrong config file: There are multiple config files; make sure you edit serverconfig.txt in the DedicatedServer folder, not the one in the main folder.

Tips

Use a static IP address for your server machine to avoid IP changes that break port forwarding.
Regularly back up your world files (found in DedicatedServer\Worlds). Copy the folder to a safe location.
Set a password if you’re hosting publicly to avoid unwanted players.
Monitor server performance; if you have many players, consider upgrading RAM or CPU.
For Linux, run the server as a non-root user for security.

Troubleshooting

Server won’t start: Check that you’ve downloaded the correct files and that your system meets the minimum requirements. Look for error messages in the console. Make sure the port isn’t already in use.

Players can’t connect: Verify the server is running and listening on the correct port. Check your firewall and port forwarding. Try connecting locally first to rule out network issues.

Server lags: Ensure your internet upload speed is sufficient (at least 5 Mbps for 4 players). Close other bandwidth-heavy applications. Reduce maxPlayers if needed.

World not saving: Make sure the server is shut down gracefully (Ctrl+C or close the console) to trigger a save. Check that the World folder has write permissions.

SteamCMD errors: If SteamCMD fails to download, try running it as administrator (Windows) or with sudo (Linux). Also, ensure your system clock is correct.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I run a dedicated server on the same PC I play Core Keeper on?

Yes, but it will use additional resources. Ensure your PC has enough RAM and CPU to handle both the game and the server.

Do I need to purchase the game to host a dedicated server?

No, the dedicated server files are free to download via SteamCMD. However, players need to own the game to connect.

Can I use mods on a dedicated server?

Currently, Core Keeper dedicated servers do not support mods. The server runs vanilla only.

How do I update my server to the latest version?

Run the same SteamCMD command again to update the server files. Make sure to stop the server first to avoid corruption.

Can I host a server on a Raspberry Pi?

It’s not recommended. The server requires a 64-bit OS and at least 4 GB of RAM, which most Raspberry Pi models lack.

How do I change the world seed after the world is created?

You can’t change the seed of an existing world. You must delete the world files in the Worlds folder and start a new server with the desired seed.

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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