Forest Dedicated Server Commands & Admin Guide

This guide explains the essential admin commands for a dedicated Forest server, covering how to grant admin privileges, use cheat commands, and manage your server effectively. You’ll learn the exact commands for common tasks like teleporting, spawning items, and managing players, plus how to set up admin access for your server.

Background: Why Admin Commands Matter

Running a dedicated Forest server gives you full control over your game world, but that control only becomes useful when you know how to use the built-in admin tools. The Forest uses a client-side command system, meaning commands are typed in the chat console (press / to open it) and are executed by the player who types them. However, for a dedicated server, you need to explicitly grant admin rights to players before they can use most commands. Without admin status, the game ignores most cheat commands, even if you type them correctly.

How Admin Rights Work on a Dedicated Server

On a dedicated server, admin rights are not automatic for the host. You must add players to the admin list in the server configuration file. The file is named ServerConfig.txt and is located in the server’s root folder (the same folder where the server executable runs). To grant admin, edit this file and add the Steam64 ID of each player you want to make admin, one per line, under the Admins section. The Steam64 ID is a 17-digit number you can find by entering a player’s Steam profile URL into a SteamID converter website.

After editing the file, restart the server for changes to take effect. Once a player is on the admin list, they can use all cheat commands by typing them in the chat console. Non-admin players can still use some basic commands like save and load, but most commands will be ignored.

Essential Admin Commands

Here are the most commonly used admin commands. Replace [playerName] with the in-game name of the player you are targeting (case-insensitive, but spaces must be exact).

• Teleport to player: goto [playerName] – instantly moves you to the specified player’s location.
• Teleport player to you: bring [playerName] – instantly moves the specified player to your location.
• God mode: godmode on or godmode off – makes you invulnerable to damage.
• Give item: give [itemName] [amount] – spawns an item into your inventory. For example, give log 10 gives you 10 logs.
• Spawn animal: spawnanimal [animalName] [amount] – spawns a specified animal near you, e.g., spawnanimal deer 5.
• Set time of day: settime [hour] – sets the in-game clock to a specific hour (0-24). For example, settime 12 sets noon.
• Add item to player: additem [playerName] [itemName] [amount] – gives an item directly to another player.
• Save world: save – manually saves the game. This is important before doing risky admin actions.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

Commands not working: If you type a command and nothing happens, the most likely cause is that you are not listed as an admin in ServerConfig.txt. Double-check that the Steam64 ID is correct and that the server was restarted after editing. Also, ensure you are typing the command in the chat console (press / to open it) and not in the regular chat box (press Y).

Player name with spaces: If a player’s name contains spaces, you must type it exactly as it appears, including spaces. For example, goto John Doe works, but goto JohnDoe does not.

Item names not recognized: The item names are case-sensitive and must match the internal game IDs. For example, give stick 5 works, but give Stick 5 does not. A full list of item IDs is available in the game’s wiki or community resources.

Comparison: Dedicated vs. Hosted Server Commands

If you are playing on a non-dedicated (peer-to-peer) server, the host has admin rights automatically and can use the same commands without editing any files. However, on a dedicated server, the admin list is separate. The commands themselves are identical; only the setup differs. One advantage of a dedicated server is that admin rights can be granted to multiple players, while a hosted game only gives admin to the host. Also, dedicated servers run 24/7, so admin commands can be used even when the host is offline, as long as the server process is running.

Safety and Backup Before Admin Actions

Before using teleport commands or spawning items, always save the game with save. Teleporting a player who is in the middle of combat or inside a cave can cause them to fall through the world or get stuck. Similarly, spawning large numbers of animals or items can cause lag or crashes. If something goes wrong, you can use the load command to revert to the last save, but that will also revert any progress made since the save. It is also a good practice to back up your server’s save files periodically by copying the SaveData folder to a safe location.

Alternatives: Using Mods and Plugins

If you find the built-in commands limited, you can install mods like The Forest Admin or ServerTools that add more advanced features such as player management, building protection, and custom commands. These mods require a mod loader like BepInEx and are installed on the server. They can be useful for large communities, but they also add complexity and may break with game updates. For most servers, the built-in commands are sufficient.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find my Steam64 ID? Go to your Steam profile in a web browser, look at the URL – it will end with a 17-digit number. If your profile uses a custom URL, you can use a SteamID converter website to get the 64-bit ID.

Can I use admin commands without being on the admin list? No, on a dedicated server, you must be added to the Admins list in ServerConfig.txt. Otherwise, the game will ignore most commands.

What is the command to give myself a weapon? Use give [itemName] [amount]. For example, give axe 1 gives you a crafted axe. For a list of item names, check the game’s wiki.

How do I teleport to my friend who is in a cave? Use goto [playerName]. It will teleport you to their exact coordinates, even if they are underground. Be careful, as you may end up inside a wall if the cave is narrow.

Can I kick or ban players with admin commands? Yes, you can use kick [playerName] and ban [playerName] to remove a player from the server. These commands are case-sensitive and must be typed exactly.

Why does my server not save when I use the save command? The save command works only if you are an admin. Also, ensure the server has write permissions to the save folder. If it still fails, check the server logs for errors.

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