How to Configure an Enshrouded Server and Import Your World

To configure an Enshrouded dedicated server, install the server files (Steam app ID 2278520), start the server once so it creates enshrouded_server.json, then set the name, user-group passwords, query port and player slots in that file and restart. This guide walks you through each step, from the requirements to connecting and importing your own world. If you prefer a ready-made server, our Enshrouded server hosting is online within minutes, with DDoS protection and monthly cancellation. A dedicated server lets up to 16 players explore the Shroud together without depending on the host's PC being online.

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Requirements

• RAM: Keen recommends 16 GB for the complete server machine, including the operating system. Its separate process-memory estimate is about 4.4 GB when idle plus up to 100 MB per player; this is not a capacity guarantee for every world.
• CPU: Keen recommends 6 cores (12 threads) at 3.2 GHz for 4 to 6 active players, or 8 cores (16 threads) at 3.7 GHz for 16 players.
• Storage: at least 30 GB free SSD space is recommended for the installation, with additional space for worlds and backups.
• Port: 15637 is the default query port. Keen also refers to Steam's required ports. Use the assigned address and port when renting hosting.

Installation

1. Select Enshrouded in the game panel, or install via SteamCMD (app ID 2278520) on a VPS.
2. Start the server to generate the default configuration.
3. Edit enshrouded_server.json with your preferred settings:

   {
     "name": "My Enshrouded Server",
     "saveDirectory": "./savegame",
     "logDirectory": "./logs",
     "ip": "0.0.0.0",
     "queryPort": 15637,
     "slotCount": 16
   }
   

   This example shows the basic fields. Configure access separately in userGroups, with a different password for each enabled group and only the permissions you want to grant. Use Keen's current roles example; the old top-level password field only migrates legacy settings and is not the current way to define new group access.

4. Restart the server.

Connecting

In Enshrouded, select "Join", enable dedicated servers in the server filter and search for your server name. If it does not show up, add it as a favorite in the Steam client under View > Game Servers > Favorites, using your IP and query port (IP:15637). Favorites appear at the top of the in-game server list. The password is required if set.

World import

Enshrouded 1.0 was released on 15 October 2026. Its release notes give the local Windows save folder as %USERPROFILE%/Saved Games/keen games/Enshrouded/default. The character and world menus now have separate local and Steam Cloud tabs, so select the correct source. Before importing, stop your server and back up its worlds and enshrouded_server.json. Transfer the intended world data into the directory configured by saveDirectory, not character data. The dedicated server stores world progress; character progress stays with each player. When 1.0 first loads a save created in version 0.8 or earlier, it backs it up and converts it to the new format. See Keen's 1.0 release notes for the format and folder changes.

Performance tips

• Monitor actual CPU and memory use with your normal group and world; the official recommendations are a starting point rather than a measured limit for your particular save.
• Keep backup copies before updates and confirm that the server and clients use compatible game versions.
• In the current HostValues default configuration, AUTO_UPDATE is enabled. With that option enabled, the Wine image runs SteamCMD at startup. If you have disabled it, a restart alone does not establish that an update was installed; check the setting and startup log.

How many players can join?

The dedicated server supports up to 16 players. Set slotCount between 1 and 16; actual performance depends on the server machine and workload.

Can I adjust difficulty settings?

Yes. The server configuration allows adjusting enemy difficulty, resource rates and day/night cycle length. Check the enshrouded_server.json for all available options.

Does Enshrouded support mods?

Check each mod maintainer's explicitly supported game and server versions before installing it, and back up your world. A game update does not establish that every community mod is compatible.

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Official sources checked on 16 October 2026: Dedicated Server Configuration, Server Roles Configuration, Recommended Server Specifications, Dedicated Server FAQ and 1.0 release notes.