To run an Enshrouded dedicated server on Linux, download the server with SteamCMD (app ID 2278520), start the Windows server binary through Proton or Wine, set your options in enshrouded_server.json and open UDP port 15637. This guide covers each step, plus world settings, backups and keeping the server running after you log out. 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, build and fight together without relying on a host player being online.
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Server requirements
Keen's published recommendations are for a complete server machine: 16 GB RAM and at least 30 GB free SSD space, with 6 CPU cores at 3.2 GHz for 4 to 6 players or 8 cores at 3.7 GHz for 16 players. These are recommendations, not verified minimums. Its FAQ separately reports about 4.4 GB idle process memory plus up to 100 MB per player. Actual demand depends on activity and the world.
Installation on Linux
- Install SteamCMD and create a dedicated user for the server.
- Download the server:
steamcmd +force_install_dir /home/enshrouded/server +login anonymous +app_update 2278520 validate +quit - The server binary needs Proton or Wine to run on Linux. At the 1.0 release (15 October 2026) the server started under Wine in our tests but not under GE-Proton 10-34, so try Wine first.
- Edit
enshrouded_server.jsonin the server directory. Setname,slotCount(1 to 16) andqueryPort(default 15637). Set distinct passwords and permissions insideuserGroups; the old top-level password is not the current group configuration. - Start the server and open UDP port 15637 in your firewall:
ufw allow 15637/udp
World and gameplay settings
The JSON config file controls difficulty presets, enemy scaling, resource multipliers, day/night length and tombstone behavior. You can choose between Default, Relaxed, Hard and Survival presets, or define custom values for each parameter.
Connecting and managing players
Players find the server in the in-game server browser after enabling dedicated servers in the server filter. If it does not appear, they add it as a favorite in the Steam client under View > Game Servers, using the IP and query port. The server saves world progress automatically. Permissions are assigned to user groups in userGroups. The password a player uses determines the group; canKickBan controls kick and ban permission.
Backups and persistence
World saves are stored in the server directory under savegame. Set up a cron job or a simple script to copy this folder to a backup location daily. If a world becomes corrupted after a crash, you can restore from the latest backup by replacing the savegame folder and restarting the server. Run the server process inside tmux or as a systemd service so it survives SSH disconnects and reboots.
Can I run Enshrouded on a Linux VPS?
Yes, but the dedicated server is a Windows application. You need Proton or Wine to run it on Linux. In our tests at the 1.0 release the server ran under Wine, while GE-Proton 10-34 crashed at startup with a Steamworks error.
How much RAM does an Enshrouded server need?
Keen recommends 16 GB RAM for the whole server machine. That is different from its FAQ's process-memory estimate of about 4.4 GB idle plus up to 100 MB per player. Neither figure guarantees capacity for a particular building-heavy world; monitor actual use and keep headroom.
Does the world reset when I update the server?
No. Updates preserve your world save. However, it is always wise to back up the save folder before applying a major patch, in case the update changes terrain generation in ways that affect existing bases.
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