Vintage Story Server Commands & Admin Setup

This guide covers the essential server commands and admin setup steps for Vintage Story, a sandbox survival game. You’ll learn how to grant admin rights, use the in-game console and chat commands, configure server files, and troubleshoot common issues.

Background: How Vintage Story Server Administration Works

Vintage Story uses a client-server model where a dedicated server (or a player-hosted server) runs the world. Admin commands are executed either through the in-game chat window (prefixed with /) or through the server console. The game distinguishes between server operators (admins) who have full control and regular players. Admin rights are managed by the server owner using a simple command, and all commands are defined in the game’s built-in command system, which can be extended with mods.

How to Grant Admin Rights

To make a player an admin, you must be the server owner or already have admin privileges. Run this command in the chat or console:

/grant <playername> admin

Replace <playername> with the exact in-game name of the player. To revoke admin, use /revoke <playername> admin. The player must be online for the command to work. If you are setting up a dedicated server for the first time, you can also edit the serverconfig.json file to add the player’s UID (unique ID) to the AdvertiseServers or AdminList field, but the in-game command is the most reliable method.

Essential Server Commands List

Here are the most useful admin commands, grouped by purpose. All commands are typed in chat or console, and many accept a player name argument.

• World and time: /time set day, /time set night, /time set <hour> (e.g., /time set 12), /weather set clear, /weather set rain.
• Player management: /teleport <player> <x> <y> <z> or /tp <player> <player> to teleport one player to another. /kill <player> kills a player. /ban <player> bans, /kick <player> kicks.
• Inventory and items: /give <player> <itemcode> <quantity> (e.g., /give playername game:stick 5). /clearinventory <player> clears a player’s inventory.
• World editing: /setblock <blockcode> <x> <y> <z> places a block. /fill <x1> <y1> <z1> <x2> <y2> <z2> <blockcode> fills a cuboid.
• Server info: /list shows online players, /save forces a world save, /stop shuts down the server.

To see all available commands, type /help in chat. Many commands have sub-options; use /help <command> for details.

Setting Up a Dedicated Server: Step-by-Step

If you are running a dedicated server (not just hosting from the main menu), follow these steps:

1. Download the dedicated server package from the official Vintage Story website (or use the Steam tool if you have the game). It’s a separate download from the client.
2. Run the server executable (e.g., VintagestoryServer.exe on Windows). The first launch creates a serverconfig.json file in the server folder.
3. Edit serverconfig.json with a text editor. Set "Port" to your desired port (default 42420), set "WorldName", and adjust "MaxPlayers".
4. Start the server again. The console will show a seed and world creation. To add an admin, use the console command /grant <playername> admin while the player is connected.
5. Configure port forwarding on your router to allow external connections if you want others to join over the internet.

If you are using a hosting provider, they usually provide a web panel to run commands and edit config files.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

Here are frequent issues admins face and their solutions:

• Command not recognized: Ensure you have admin rights (check with /status). Some commands require the player to be online.
• Player can’t join: Check the server port is open, the firewall allows traffic, and the server is not full. Verify the player’s client version matches the server version.
• World doesn’t load: If the server crashes on startup, check the server-main.log file in the server folder for errors. Common causes: corrupted world backup, insufficient disk space, or incompatible mods.
• Admin rights lost after restart: If you granted admin via a mod that doesn’t persist, or if you edited the config incorrectly, re-grant admin. The adminlist in serverconfig.json is the persistent method.

Comparison: Chat Commands vs. Console Commands

Both chat and console execute the same commands, but there are differences:

• Chat commands are typed by a player in the game chat with a / prefix. They are visible to other players (unless the server has hideChatCommands enabled in config).
• Console commands are typed in the server console window (or hosting panel). They are not visible to players and are useful for remote administration.

For a dedicated server, the console is often the only way to run commands if you are not in-game. Some commands, like /stop, are best run from the console.

Safety and Security Tips

Running a server exposes your machine to the internet. Follow these practices:

• Use a strong password for the server admin account (if you have one) and avoid sharing the server console.
• Keep the server updated to the latest version to patch security vulnerabilities.
• Back up your world regularly by copying the World folder in the server directory.
• Don’t execute commands from untrusted sources; a malicious player could trick you into running a command that gives them admin.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I give someone admin on my Vintage Story server?

Use the command /grant <playername> admin in the chat or console while the player is online. If you are the server owner, you have admin by default. For a dedicated server, you can also add the player’s UID to the adminlist in serverconfig.json.

What is the command to teleport a player to me?

Type /teleport <playername> <yourx> <youry> <yourz> or use /tp <playername> <playername> to teleport one player to another. You can find your coordinates with /pos.

How do I change the time of day on my server?

Use /time set day or /time set night to toggle, or /time set <hour> (0-24) for a specific hour. The command affects all players.

Why are my commands not working?

First, check that you have admin rights by typing /status. If you see “Not admin”, you need to be granted admin. Also ensure you are typing the command exactly as shown, including the slash, and that the player name is spelled correctly.

Can I run commands from the server console?

Yes, any command you can type in chat (without the slash) can be typed in the server console. This is useful when you are not in the game.

How do I ban a player permanently?

Use /ban <playername> to ban them. To unban, use /unban <playername>. Bans are stored in the server’s bannedplayers.txt file.

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