How to Set Up a Neverwinter Nights: Enhanced Edition Dedicated Server

Overview

Neverwinter Nights: Enhanced Edition dedicated servers are distributed as a ZIP archive by Beamdog — no SteamCMD or Steam account is required. The server binary is approximately 350 MB and runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS.

Download the Server

Download the latest server archive from:

https://nwn.beamdog.net/downloads/

Select the archive for your platform:

Extract the archive to a permanent server directory, for example C:\NWNServer\ on Windows.

Install a Module

The server requires a module to launch. Modules are .mod files placed in the modules directory:

• Windows: %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Neverwinter Nights\modules\
• Linux: ~/.local/share/Neverwinter Nights/modules/

Copy your .mod file to that directory before starting the server. The server will fail to start if the module is missing or the name does not match.

Popular sources for modules: Neverwinter Vault

Starting the Server

Minimum viable launch command:

nwserver.exe -module "Module Name" -servername "My Server" -publicserver 1 -port 5121

• The -module argument is the filename without the .mod extension.
• Module names with spaces must be wrapped in quotes.
• -publicserver 1 registers the server with the master server so it appears in the NWN:EE server browser.
• -port 5121 is the default; omit it if you are using the default port.

Server Browser Visibility

For the server to appear in the in-game server browser:

1. Set -publicserver 1 in your startup command.
2. Open UDP and TCP port 5121 in your firewall (primary game port).
3. Open the additional master server ports listed in the port forwarding article.

Players can also connect directly using your IP and port without needing master server listing.

Build Version Matching

Clients must match the server's build version for direct connect to work. When Beamdog releases a patch, download the updated server ZIP and replace your existing server files. Clients update automatically through the Beamdog Launcher or Steam.

Post-Install Checklist

1. Download the server ZIP from nwn.beamdog.net/downloads/.
2. Extract to your server directory.
3. Place your .mod file in the modules directory.
4. Open port 5121 (UDP and TCP) in your firewall.
5. Launch with -module, -servername, and -publicserver 1.
6. Verify the server appears in the NWN:EE server browser within 1–2 minutes.

Related

• NWN:EE Server Port Forwarding
• NWN:EE Server Configuration
• Loading Modules on a NWN:EE Server
• NWN:EE Dedicated Server Troubleshooting