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. This guide covers 7 Days to Die 1.0 Full Release and later versions.
Prepare the host
- Update OS, drivers, and time sync; enable a static IP and forward the game/telnet ports (default: 26900-26903, 8080-8082).
- 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.
- Enable crossplay access: ensure UDP ports 26900-26903 are open for PC, PlayStation, and Xbox connections.
Install and configure
- Download the dedicated server files for 7 Days to Die 1.0+ via SteamCMD or Steam Library > Tools > 7 Days to Die Dedicated Server.
- Fill out
serverconfig.xml: name, description, world seed, difficulty, drop rules, claim settings, EAC toggle, and crossplay settings.
- Configure crossplay: set
GameMode to support cross-platform play, ensure CrossplayEnabled is true in serverconfig.xml for 1.0.
- 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.
- For crossplay servers: ensure adequate bandwidth for console connections (minimum 10 Mbps upload recommended).
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 remote testers from different platforms (PC, PlayStation, Xbox) to confirm crossplay connectivity.
- Test EAC (Easy Anti-Cheat) status: disable
EACEnabled if running modded server, enable for vanilla.
Launch and maintain
- Publish connection info, mod requirements, and restart times in one pinned message. Include crossplay platform support.
- 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.
- Stay updated on 7 Days to Die patches via official announcements and Steam news.
Related Articles