How to Update Your 7 Days to Die Server
Update your 7DTD server cleanly, check what version you're running, and handle the version mismatch problem so players can reconnect right after an update.
Before You Update
Check what's changing. 7DTD updates range from minor hotfixes to major Alpha releases that can break mods or require world wipes. Check patch notes at thefunpimps.com or the official Discord before hitting update.
Questions to ask before updating:
- Is this a minor patch or a major version bump?
- Do your mods support the new version?
- Does the patch notes mention save compatibility?
How to Update
From your DustBowl.Games control panel, use the Update button. It runs:
steamcmd +login anonymous +app_update 294420 validate +quit
The validate flag checksums all game files and replaces any corrupted or modified ones. It doesn't delete your serverconfig.xml, Mods/, or UserData/ — only the game binary and Data/ files.
Always stop the server before updating. An in-progress save can corrupt when SteamCMD replaces game files mid-session. Use the shutdown console command for a clean stop, then update.
Checking the Current Version
The server prints its version on every startup. Look in the console or log file:
Game version: Alpha 21.2 (b30)
You can also check mid-session from the console:
version
The Version Mismatch Problem
After updating the server, every player must update their game client to the same version before joining. Mismatched client/server versions result in:
Your game version doesn't match the server version.
This is not a connection error — it's an intentional block. Both sides must match exactly.
Post in your community Discord before updating. Give players a heads-up: "Updating server tonight — update your client before joining." This avoids the flood of "can't connect" reports.
Mods After an Update
Minor patches (build number bumps, e.g., b27 to b30) usually don't break mods.
Major version bumps (e.g., Alpha 20 to Alpha 21) almost always break mods. The mod authors need to update their code. After a major update:
- Check every installed mod's Nexus page or Discord for compatibility notes
- Don't expect mods to work until the mod author posts an update
- If you're running an overhaul mod, wait for the overhaul team to release a compatible version before updating the base game
Running the server with broken mods can cause crashes or corrupted saves.
World Wipes After Major Updates
Major Alpha updates sometimes change the world generation or chunk format in ways that cause visual corruption or crashes on existing saves. The patch notes will say if this is the case. When in doubt, back up and test — if existing chunks load fine and you don't see console errors about chunk format, you're probably okay.