To set up an Enshrouded dedicated server, download the server files with SteamCMD (app ID 2278520), run enshrouded_server.exe once, set the server name, player slots and user-group passwords in enshrouded_server.json and restart. The steps below take you through it in order, from system requirements to ports, difficulty settings and backups. If you prefer a ready-made server, our Enshrouded server hosting is online within minutes, with DDoS protection and monthly cancellation. With your own dedicated server you can play with up to 16 friends without the host needing to be online; the server runs 24/7 and saves your progress automatically.
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System requirements
Enshrouded is fairly demanding for a server. According to Keen's FAQ, the server process uses about 4.4 GB of RAM when idle plus up to 100 MB per player, and no more than 6 GB in total. For a machine that only runs the server, Keen recommends 16 GB of RAM, with 6 cores at 3.2 GHz for 4 to 6 players or 8 cores at 3.7 GHz for 16 players. The server files take about 13 GB and Keen recommends 30 GB of free SSD space. Officially the dedicated server only supports Windows; Keen plans Linux support. In our tests at the 1.0 release it started under Wine but not under GE-Proton 10-34.
Installation via SteamCMD
- Install SteamCMD on your server.
- Download the server files:
steamcmd +force_install_dir C:\enshrouded +login anonymous +app_update 2278520 validate +quit - Launch
enshrouded_server.exe. On the first run a default configuration file is created. - Open
enshrouded_server.jsonand adjust the server name (name) and player slots (slotCount, 1 to 16). Set passwords per user group inuserGroups, with a different password for each group. - Restart the server to apply the changes.
Ports and firewall
The server uses UDP query port 15637 by default (queryPort in the config); current versions no longer use the separate game port 15636. Make sure this port is open in your firewall. On a Windows VPS use Windows Firewall, on Linux use ufw allow 15637/udp.
World and difficulty
In enshrouded_server.json you configure the difficulty level. You can adjust enemy strength, resource drop rates and the death penalty among other things. Each server generates a unique procedural world on the first start.
Frequently asked questions
Can Enshrouded run on Linux?
The dedicated server is officially available for Windows only. Running it on Linux via Proton or Wine is sometimes possible, but not officially supported. For the best stability we recommend running it on Windows.
How many players can an Enshrouded server handle?
The current maximum is 16 players. The developer has indicated this may be increased in the future. More players means more RAM and CPU, so keep that in mind when choosing your server.
How do I back up the world?
The world files are located in the server's savegame folder. Copy this folder regularly to a safe location. After an update or crash you can restore the folder and restart the server.
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