Backing Up and Restoring Your HogWarp Server
Protect your HogWarp server's player data by regularly backing up the Data directory and restoring it when needed.
Backing Up and Restoring Your HogWarp Server
HogWarp stores all server state and player data in a single directory. Regular backups protect against data loss from server crashes, failed updates, or accidental deletion.
What to Back Up
All HogWarp server data lives in the Data/ directory, located in the same folder as HogWarpServer.exe. This includes:
- Player character data and progress
- Server world state
- Any server-specific configuration stored at runtime
The server binary (HogWarpServer.exe) and its supporting files do not need to be backed up separately — they can always be re-downloaded from GitHub. Focus your backup strategy on the Data/ directory.
Creating a Manual Backup
Stop the Server First
Always stop the server before taking a backup to avoid capturing a partially-written state:
# Stop via panel, or manually:
kill $(pgrep -f HogWarpServer)
Wait for the process to exit completely.
Copy the Data Directory
# Create a timestamped backup
cp -r /home/container/Data/ /home/container/backups/Data-$(date +%Y%m%d-%H%M%S)/
Or archive it as a compressed file:
tar -czf /home/container/backups/hogwarp-data-$(date +%Y%m%d-%H%M%S).tar.gz -C /home/container Data/
Restart the Server
wine HogWarpServer.exe > server.log 2>&1 &
Automated Backups
For regular automated backups, use a cron job:
# Edit crontab
crontab -e
# Add this line to back up daily at 3 AM
0 3 * * * kill $(pgrep -f HogWarpServer) && sleep 5 && tar -czf /home/container/backups/hogwarp-$(date +\%Y\%m\%d).tar.gz -C /home/container Data/ && wine HogWarpServer.exe > /home/container/server.log 2>&1 &
Note: Automated backup scripts that stop and restart the server will cause brief downtime. Schedule them during off-peak hours.
DustBowl.Games Panel Backups
DustBowl.Games customers can use the built-in backup feature in the Wisp/Pterodactyl panel:
- Open your server in the panel
- Navigate to the Backups tab
- Click Create Backup
- The panel will snapshot your entire server directory including
Data/
Panel backups run without you needing to stop the server manually. Schedule these regularly through the panel's automated backup settings.
Restoring from a Backup
Stop the Server
kill $(pgrep -f HogWarpServer)
Restore the Data Directory
From a directory copy:
# Remove current Data directory
rm -rf /home/container/Data/
# Restore from backup
cp -r /home/container/backups/Data-20260427-030000/ /home/container/Data/
From a tar archive:
rm -rf /home/container/Data/
tar -xzf /home/container/backups/hogwarp-data-20260427.tar.gz -C /home/container/
Restart the Server
wine HogWarpServer.exe > server.log 2>&1 &
Backup Retention
Keep at least the last 7 daily backups. Older backups can be pruned to save storage:
# Delete backups older than 7 days
find /home/container/backups/ -name "hogwarp-*.tar.gz" -mtime +7 -delete