How to Host a 7 Days to Die Server in 2026
7 Days to Die dedicated servers have a few moving parts — RAM sizing, SteamCMD install, serverconfig.xml settings, port forwarding and world generation. This guide walks through every step from a fresh machine to a live server your friends can join.
RAM requirements — size it right from the start
7 Days to Die is heavier than it looks. The minimum for a functional dedicated server is 8 GB — enough for a small group on a 4096 map with no mods. For a comfortable experience, 12 GB is the recommended tier: it handles a Navezgane or 6144 random gen map with overhaul mods without running tight. If you're running Darkness Falls or Ravenhearst with 10+ players, go to 16 GB.
Install the server via SteamCMD (app ID 294420)
The 7 Days to Die dedicated server is Steam app ID 294420. Install SteamCMD, then run: `+force_install_dir /opt/7dtd +login anonymous +app_update 294420 validate +quit`. The initial download is around 4–6 GB. Subsequent updates are incremental. The server binary is `7DaysToDieServer.x86_64` on Linux.
Configure serverconfig.xml
The main configuration lives in `serverconfig.xml` in the server directory. The key settings to change before first boot: `ServerName` (your server's display name), `ServerPort 26900` (default UDP port), `ServerPassword` (leave blank for public), `GameWorld` (Navezgane for the fixed map, or RWG for random gen), `GameName` (used as the save folder name), and `ServerMaxAllowedPlayers` (default 8, raise as needed). Always take a backup of this file before editing.
Open ports — UDP 26900, 26902 and 8080
7DTD uses three ports that all need to be open: UDP 26900 (primary game port), UDP 26902 (game discovery and Steam relay), and UDP/TCP 8080 (the built-in web control panel, optional but useful). Without 26900 and 26902, players cannot connect or see the server in the Steam browser. Port 8080 only needs to be open if you use the web dashboard.
First world generation — wait it out
On the very first start, 7DTD will generate the world before accepting any connections. For a 4096 random gen map this takes 5–10 minutes. For an 8192 map it can take 15–20 minutes. This is normal — do not restart the server during generation. The log will show 'GameServer.Start' when it's ready for players.
Add mods via Nexus Mods or the 7DTD Mod Manager
7 Days to Die mods use a folder-drop system. Create a `Mods/` folder inside the server directory if it doesn't exist. Drop mod folders (each containing a `ModInfo.xml`) into `Mods/`. Popular sources are Nexus Mods and the 7DTD Mod Launcher. Overhaul mods like Darkness Falls and Ravenhearst ship as self-contained archives with their own install instructions. Players need matching mods on their client to connect.
Manage and maintain your server
7DTD's built-in web control panel (port 8080) gives you a live map, player list, and console access in the browser. For remote console (Telnet), set `TelnetEnabled true` and `TelnetPort 8081` in serverconfig.xml. Schedule restarts with cron or a systemd timer — most servers restart daily or before Blood Moon events to clear memory. Keep the server updated when Alpha patches drop, as version mismatches prevent players from connecting.
FAQ
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