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.
The Forest Server World Settings
Beyond difficulty and enemy toggles, The Forest exposes several settings that control how the world itself behaves — tree regrowth, building durability, and save-state reset behaviour. All settings are in server.cfg.
treeRegrowMode
treeRegrowMode on
| Value | Effect |
|---|---|
on |
When players sleep, 10% of previously cut trees regrow in their original locations |
off |
Trees never regrow — deforestation is permanent |
Default is on. For long-term servers this prevents the map from becoming completely stripped of resources. Turn off if you want the world to reflect permanent player impact.
allowBuildingDestruction
allowBuildingDestruction on
| Value | Effect |
|---|---|
on |
Cannibals and mutants can attack and destroy player-built structures (walls, traps, shelters) |
off |
Enemy attacks do not damage player buildings — bases are indestructible |
Default is on, which creates the intended gameplay tension. Set off for servers focused on creative building or for players who want raids to feel less punishing.
resetHolesMode
resetHolesMode off
| Value | Effect |
|---|---|
off |
Structure holes (doors, openings cut into walls) persist when a save is loaded |
on |
All holes in structures are reset when the save loads |
This setting was introduced to address a bug where improperly saved hole data caused structural inconsistencies. Enable it if players report structures looking wrong after server restarts. Generally leave off unless you are experiencing issues.
allowEnemiesCreativeMode
allowEnemiesCreativeMode off
Controls whether enemies spawn when the server is in Peaceful difficulty or when Creative mode is active.
| Value | Effect |
|---|---|
off |
No enemies in Peaceful or Creative mode (default, intended behaviour) |
on |
Enemies spawn even in Peaceful/Creative |
This is an edge-case setting — most servers should leave it off. It exists for servers that want a specific mixed experience.
realisticPlayerDamage
realisticPlayerDamage off
| Value | Effect |
|---|---|
off |
Standard damage model |
on |
Fall damage and certain hits deal significantly more damage — a substantial fall is lethal |
Pairs naturally with difficulty HardSurvival for servers aiming for a true survival-horror experience. Not recommended on Normal difficulty as it creates an unfamiliar damage curve for new players.
Recommended Configurations
Hardcore survival:
treeRegrowMode off
allowBuildingDestruction on
realisticPlayerDamage on
resetHolesMode off
Relaxed co-op builder:
treeRegrowMode on
allowBuildingDestruction off
realisticPlayerDamage off
resetHolesMode off
Standard (defaults):
treeRegrowMode on
allowBuildingDestruction on
realisticPlayerDamage off
resetHolesMode off
allowEnemiesCreativeMode off
All changes take effect on the next server restart.