Install via SteamCMD
Barotrauma's dedicated server is a separate SteamCMD app — AppID 1026340. You do not need to own the game on the server host account. The game only validates connecting clients.
Open SteamCMD and run:
login anonymous
app_update 1026340 validate
quit
That downloads the dedicated server to steamapps/common/Barotrauma Dedicated Server/ (or wherever your SteamCMD install path points).
What's in the Server Directory
After install you'll find:
| Path | What it is |
|---|---|
DedicatedServer.exe (Windows) / DedicatedServer (Linux) |
The server binary |
Data/ |
Game data — don't touch |
Submarines/ |
Built-in and custom sub files |
Mods/ |
Locally installed mods |
Servers/ |
Generated on first run — holds per-server config, saves, and permissions |
First Run
Windows:
DedicatedServer.exe
Linux:
./DedicatedServer
On first run the server creates Servers/<ServerName>/ and writes a default serversettings.xml. It then starts listening and registers with Steam.
Your server will appear in the in-game server browser within a few minutes. If it doesn't show up, check that UDP port 27015 is open — see How to Open Ports for Your Barotrauma Server.
Keeping It Running
For unattended servers on Linux, wrap the binary in a screen or tmux session:
screen -S barotrauma
./DedicatedServer
# Ctrl+A, D to detach
On Windows, just leave the console window open or use a service wrapper like NSSM.
After Installation
- Configure the server: How to Configure Your Barotrauma Server
- Set up admins: How to Add Admins and Set Permissions
- Start a campaign: How to Start and Manage a Campaign