The Forest Server Guides
The Forest dedicated server setup, Server.cfg reference, difficulty modes, admin management, save slot management, world settings, Linux hosting, and troubleshooting guides.
How to Set Up a The Forest Dedicated Server
Step-by-step guide to downloading and launching a The Forest dedicated server using SteamCMD, generating your Server.cfg, and configuring a GSLT token for persistent browser listing.
The Forest Dedicated Server Port Forwarding
All three ports required for a The Forest dedicated server: Steam communication on 8766, game traffic on 27015, and query on 27016. Includes UFW and Windows Firewall examples.
The Forest Server.cfg Reference
Complete reference for The Forest's Server.cfg file — auto-generated location, all settings with defaults and descriptions, and how to configure your GSLT token.
The Forest Server Difficulty and Game Modes
Configure difficulty (Peaceful, Normal, Hard, HardSurvival) and enemy behaviour modes including veganMode, vegetarianMode, realisticPlayerDamage, and creative mode enemy toggles.
The Forest Server Admin Management
How to set up admin access on a The Forest dedicated server, authenticate as admin in-game via the multiplayer chat, and use all available admin commands including kick, ban, save, and restart.
The Forest Server Save Management
Managing The Forest dedicated server saves: how save slots work, configuring initType and slot, the default save location, custom paths, autosave intervals, manual saves, and backup procedures.
The Forest Server World Settings
Configure The Forest's world behaviour settings: tree regrowth, building destruction, structure hole resets, creative mode enemies, and realistic player damage.
Running a The Forest Dedicated Server on Linux
How to install and run a The Forest dedicated server on Linux using SteamCMD, configure Server.cfg at the correct Unity path, open firewall ports with UFW, and set up a systemd service for automatic startup.
The Forest Dedicated Server Troubleshooting
Solutions for common The Forest dedicated server problems: not appearing in the browser, connection failures, save errors, admin commands not working, crashes, high CPU usage, and VAC configuration.
Run your own The Forest server.
Rent a private The Forest server on real hardware — full control-panel access, your mods, your configs, your rules. It's your server; run it your way.
Don't want to run it yourself? Our managed services & consulting team will set it up and keep it running for you — game servers, Windows, Linux, and cloud, from 10+ years of MSP work.