Flameborn Hosting an Enshrouded server
Co-op session vs dedicated server, requirements, and the simplest way to play 24/7.
Enshrouded is built to be played together — up to 16 players in the same world. There are two ways to set that up: hosting a co-op session from the game, or running a dedicated server that stays online around the clock. This guide explains the difference, the requirements, and the two ways to get a dedicated server: do it yourself, or rent one.
Co-op session vs dedicated server
Both support up to 16 players. The real difference is where the world lives and when it's available.
| Co-op session | Dedicated server | |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Only while the host plays | 24/7, even when nobody's online |
| Where the world lives | On the host's PC | On the server |
| Network setup | Usually none | Port forwarding (self-hosted) or handled for you (host) |
| Cost | Free | Free (yourself) or a subscription (host) |
| Best for | Friends playing at the same time | A regular group or a community |
Players, crossplay & requirements
A server (co-op or dedicated) supports up to 16 players. On a dedicated server the world is saved server-side, so it keeps progressing even when the host is offline — handy for groups in different time zones.
Enshrouded is on PC (Steam) today, with the 1.0 release and consoles expected in autumn 2026; full crossplay is a stated goal, to be confirmed at launch. If you self-host, you'll need a machine left on 24/7 and the default ports 15636 / 15637 (UDP) open.
Two ways to get a dedicated server
1. Host it yourself. Free, but technical: a PC or VPS left on 24/7, SteamCMD, the enshrouded_server.json config and port forwarding. We walk through every step in the dedicated server tutorial.
2. Rent it from a host. A few euros a month, but turnkey: online 24/7, no network setup, mods and backups in a control panel. GPortal is Enshrouded's official host — see our GPortal vs self-hosting comparison.
The simple option: GPortal
Quick FAQ
Do I need a dedicated server to play co-op?
No. You can host a co-op session straight from the game (up to 16 players). But the world is only playable while you, the host, are online. A dedicated server stays up 24/7 instead.
How many players can join an Enshrouded server?
Up to 16 players, both for a hosted co-op session and a dedicated server.
Does the server need to stay on to keep our progress?
On a dedicated server the world is saved server-side and persists even when nobody is playing. With a hosted session, the host has to relaunch the game for others to join.
Can I move a solo world to a server?
Yes, by copying your local save files onto the server. The dedicated server tutorial covers exactly which files to transfer.
See the world-transfer steps →Is there crossplay between PC and consoles?
Multiplayer is live on PC. Consoles arrive with the 1.0 release expected in autumn 2026; full crossplay is a stated goal, to be confirmed at launch.
Do I have to do port forwarding?
If you self-host, yes — open UDP ports 15636 and 15637. With a host like GPortal there's nothing to configure; the network side is handled for you.
How much does a server cost?
Self-hosting is free aside from electricity or a VPS. A rented server is a few euros a month depending on slots and duration.
Compare hosting options →Can I install mods on the server?
Yes, through the community mod loader. GPortal integrates it directly in its control panel.