Native Linux Server with Management Scripts

Tags: linux, automation, hosting

A lean Linux install with a couple of shell scripts is often all you need. This setup runs under systemd, captures logs, and keeps backups rotating.

Layout

• Install the server under /opt/7dtd owned by a non-root user.
• Use tmux or screen for the server session so you can attach for console commands.
• Store saves in /opt/7dtd/saves on SSD storage.

Service script (systemd)

• ExecStart: launch your start script (wraps 7DaysToDieServer.x86_64 with the right -configfile).
• Restart=on-failure with a short delay.
• LimitNOFILE=65535 to avoid socket/file descriptor issues.

Backup script

• Tar the Saves/ directory daily with a timestamp; keep 7–14 copies.
• Run backups outside horde nights to avoid stutters; store them on a second disk or remote share.

Monitoring

• Tail logs/output_log_dedi.txt for errors after each update.
• Use cron to send a Discord or email ping after restarts and backups.

Updating

• Stop the service, run SteamCMD update, validate, then restart.
• Test mods in a staging directory before pushing to production.