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Set up a dedicated Enshrouded server

Step-by-step self-hosting with SteamCMD, config and port forwarding.

Want to run the server on your own machine or a VPS? Here's the full self-hosting path. It's free, but you'll need a computer left on 24/7. Prefer something turnkey? Jump to renting a server instead, or read the overview first.

Requirements

  • OS — Windows is native. There's no native Linux build; on Linux it runs through SteamCMD + a compatibility layer (Wine/Proton), which is more technical.
  • RAM — around 4–6 GB for a small group, 12–16 GB for a full 16-player server.
  • Storage — keep ~30 GB free.
  • Ports — UDP 15636 and 15637 open and forwarded.

Step by step

  1. 1

    Install SteamCMD

    Download SteamCMD (Valve's command-line tool) and unzip it into a dedicated folder, e.g. C:\enshrouded-server. Run steamcmd.exe once so it self-updates.
  2. 2

    Download the dedicated server

    In SteamCMD, run login anonymous then app_update 2278520 validate. Enshrouded's dedicated-server App ID is 2278520. It downloads a few GB.
  3. 3

    First launch (generates the config)

    Run enshrouded_server.exe once: it creates enshrouded_server.json, then you can close it.
  4. 4

    Edit enshrouded_server.json

    Open the file and set the server name, password, slot count (up to 16) and the roles/permissions. Save.
  5. 5

    Open and forward the ports

    Allow UDP 15636 and 15637 in your firewall, then forward them on your router to the machine's local IP.
  6. 6

    (Optional) Move your solo world

    Stop the server. Copy your solo save (your local Enshrouded savegame folder and world file) into the server's savegame folder, then restart — your group keeps the progress.
  7. 7

    Launch and join

    Start enshrouded_server.exe again. In-game, go to Servers → Add by IP, enter your public IP, the port and the password.

That's a lot of moving parts — and your PC has to stay on. If you'd rather skip all of it:

Admins, whitelist & roles

Player permissions live in the roles section of enshrouded_server.json: define admin and member roles, each with its own password, to control who can build, invite or manage the world.

Self-hosting FAQ

How much RAM do I need?

Roughly 4–6 GB for a few players, and 12–16 GB for a full 16-player server, on top of what your OS uses.

Windows or Linux?

Windows is the simplest (native build). Linux works via SteamCMD plus a compatibility layer (Wine/Proton) but is more involved — most rented hosts handle this for you.

How do my friends find the server?

Share your public IP and port. In-game they use Servers → Add by IP. If you self-host behind a router, port forwarding must be set up first.