7 Days to Die Server Setup Checklist
Tags: setup, checklist, hosting
Run through this list before inviting players. It keeps installs consistent and avoids the “server is up but no one can connect” scramble.
Prepare the host
- Update OS, drivers, and time sync; enable a static IP and forward the game/telnet ports.
- Create a dedicated service account, set strong passwords for telnet/FTP/RCON, and restrict access to admins.
- Harden the firewall: allow only the game port, telnet/RCON from trusted IPs, and block unused services.
Install and configure
- Download the dedicated server files and verify integrity after the first launch.
- Fill out
serverconfig.xml: name, description, world seed, difficulty, drop rules, claim settings, and EAC toggle.
- Document any custom XML tweaks so you can reapply them after future patches.
Baseline performance
- Start conservative: view distance 8–10, 12–16 slots, and moderate
MaxSpawnedZombies and MaxSpawnedAnimals.
- Place the save directory on fast SSD storage and monitor CPU/disk spikes during the first hour.
- Set scheduled restarts and a simple log rotation to avoid massive output files.
Smoke test
- Join locally, run a Tier 1 quest, and trigger a blood moon to confirm spawning and loot rules.
- Validate that backpacks drop correctly, claims work, and map downloads at expected speeds.
- Invite one remote tester to confirm ping and routing from outside your LAN.
Launch and maintain
- Publish connection info, mod requirements, and restart times in one pinned message.
- Keep a minimal "known issues" list and note the date of each config change for easy rollback.
- Back up the save folder daily and before every mod or version update. See Backups & Disaster Recovery for detailed backup strategies.
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