How to Install and Start Your 7 Days to Die Dedicated Server

Overview

7 Days to Die dedicated servers run native 64-bit Linux binaries inside containerized environments on DustBowl Warden. The dedicated server package is distributed through Steam using dedicated server App ID 294420 (distinct from the game client App ID 251570).

In DustBowl Warden, server instances include automated SteamCMD updates, web console streaming, in-browser configuration editors, and point-in-time snapshot recovery.

System Prerequisites

To ensure smooth horde night physics and voxel terrain streaming:

• Memory: Minimum 8 GB RAM for 1 to 4 players; 12 to 16 GB RAM recommended for full 8+ player sessions or 8k/10k random generation worlds.
• Storage: At least 35 GB NVMe disk space to accommodate game binaries, generated world seeds, and expanding player region saves.
• Network Ports: TCP port 26900 and UDP ports 26900 through 26902.

Warden Directory Architecture

DustBowl Warden organizes the 7 Days to Die filesystem as follows:

/home/container/
├── 7DaysToDieServer.x86_64     # Server binary
├── serverconfig.xml            # Primary server configuration
├── adminconfig.xml             # Admin permissions, whitelist, and ban registry
├── Mods/                       # Custom mods, overhauls, and XML tweaks
├── Data/Worlds/                # Pregenerated world maps (Navezgane, Pregen8k, etc.)
└── .local/share/7DaysToDie/
    └── Saves/                  # Persistent player progression and chunk saves

First-Time Provisioning in DustBowl Warden

1. Log into your dashboard at DustBowl Warden (https://warden.dustbowl.games).
2. Select your 7 Days to Die server instance.
3. Open the Startup Parameters tab:
   • Server Name: Set your public server title.
   • Game World: Choose a pregenerated world (e.g., Pregen8k) or generate a new procedural world (RWG).
   • Max Players: Set your concurrent player slots (up to 16+).
   • Server Password: Set an optional join password.
   • Auto Update: Set to true to validate App ID 294420 on boot.
4. Navigate to the Console tab and click Start.
5. During first boot, the server extracts terrain data, generates the navigation mesh, and broadcasts availability.

Useful Interactive Tools

• Test connection parameters with the Direct Connect URL Generator.
• Plan horde nights and server restart schedules with the 7DTD serverconfig.xml Generator
• Plan maintenance with the Server Wipe & Restart Schedule Planner.
• Generate custom launch parameters with the Game Server Startup Script Generator.