Core Keeper dedicated server setup guide

Core Keeper is a mining and crafting adventure set in an enormous underground cavern. Up to 8 players can explore, farm, build and fight bosses together. While the built-in hosting works for casual play, a dedicated server keeps the world available around the clock so your group can progress at their own pace.

System requirements

• RAM: 2 to 4 GB. Explored map size is the main factor. A well-explored world with all biomes uncovered uses more memory than a fresh one.
• CPU: 2 cores. The server is not CPU-heavy, but pathfinding for large mob groups benefits from solid single-thread speed.
• Storage: 1 to 2 GB for the server, plus save data that grows as you explore. NVMe storage makes world saves near-instant.
• Network: Port 27015 UDP open. Low latency matters for boss fights where timing is tight.

Installation via SteamCMD

1. Install SteamCMD on your server, or select Core Keeper from the HostValues game panel.
2. Download the dedicated server: app_update 1963720 validate.
3. Open port 27015 UDP in your firewall.
4. Run the server with ./CoreKeeperServer on Linux. A Game ID is printed to the console on first start. Players use this ID to connect.
5. Alternatively, configure direct IP connect so players use your server's IP address and port instead of the Game ID.

World and server settings

The server configuration is stored in ServerConfig.json. Important options:

• maxPlayers: Set between 2 and 8. Larger groups put more strain on mob spawning and tile updates.
• worldName: The display name for your world. Does not affect the save file name.
• worldSeed: Set a specific seed to control world generation, or leave blank for random.
• gameMode: Choose between normal and hard. Hard mode increases enemy health and damage.

Boss progression and seasonal content

Core Keeper features a sequence of bosses that gate access to new biomes and crafting tiers. On a dedicated server, different players can tackle bosses at different times without waiting for the host. The game also receives seasonal events and content updates. Keep your server updated to give players access to new items and holiday events.

Crafting and farming automation

One of Core Keeper's strengths is its automation systems. Players build elaborate conveyor networks, automated smelters, and irrigation setups. On a dedicated server, these systems keep running even when the builders are offline, which means resources accumulate and farms produce around the clock. This is a major draw for groups that want to log in to a well-stocked base each session.

From a server perspective, complex automation adds tile update load. If you notice tick rate drops, check whether one player has built an exceptionally large conveyor network. Spreading factories across different map areas distributes the load more evenly.

Backups and world management

The world save file grows as exploration progresses. A fresh world is a few megabytes. After 50+ hours of play with 8 players uncovering the full map, expect save files in the hundreds of megabytes. Back up before every game update, because patches occasionally adjust world generation in ways that affect existing saves. On NVMe storage, copying the save folder takes under a second.

Performance optimization

• The world file grows as players explore. Back up your save regularly, especially before updates.
• Large automated farms with many conveyor belts and sprinklers can cause tick delays. Spread automation across multiple areas rather than concentrating everything in one chunk.
• Restart the server daily to clear accumulated memory. A simple cron job handles this automatically.
• On HostValues, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X gives you the single-thread performance that keeps the game loop running at a stable tick rate.
• Keep an eye on the number of active entities. Core Keeper spawns mobs across explored territory, and large explored maps can have hundreds of mobs ticking at once. If performance dips, consider clearing distant mob-heavy areas.

DDoS protection is included on all HostValues plans, keeping your server reachable even if someone decides to target it after a particularly salty boss fight.

How do players connect to the server?

By default, the server prints a Game ID on startup. Players enter this ID in the "Join Game" menu. For direct IP connections, configure the server to accept them and share your IP address and port with your group.

Can I transfer an existing world to a dedicated server?

Yes. Copy the world save folder from your local game directory to the server's save location. The dedicated server picks it up on the next start. All player progress tied to that world carries over.

Does Core Keeper support mods on servers?

Mod support is limited compared to games like Minecraft. Some quality-of-life mods exist through community mod loaders, but the base game does not have official mod support for servers yet. Check the game's community pages for current mod compatibility.

How much RAM for 8 players?

Budget 3 to 4 GB for a full lobby of 8 on a well-explored world. A fresh world with 2 to 3 players runs comfortably on 2 GB. Use the RAM calculator to find the right plan.

Start your underground adventure on a HostValues VPS with NVMe storage and DDoS protection included.