SOTF Co-op Server Quick-Start Checklist

Everything you need to get a Sons of the Forest dedicated server up and running. Check off each step as you complete it. Progress saves in your browser.

Progress 0 / 25 steps

1. Install with SteamCMD

Install SteamCMD on your server machine

Run SteamCMD and log in anonymously: login anonymous

Set install directory: force_install_dir ./sotf-server/

Download the server: app_update 2465200 validate

Wait for "Success" message — installation complete

SteamCMD one-liner (Linux):

steamcmd +login anonymous +force_install_dir ./sotf-server +app_update 2465200 validate +quit

2. Configure dedicatedserver.cfg

Locate or create dedicatedserver.cfg in the server root directory

Set SaveSlot (default: 1) — each slot is a separate world

Set GameMode: Normal, Hard, Peaceful, or Custom

Set MaxPlayers (maximum: 8)

Set Password and AdminPassword (can leave empty for public)

Critical gotcha: SaveMode

After the very first server launch, you MUST change SaveMode from New to Continue — otherwise the server will wipe your world on every restart. This is the #1 most common mistake new admins make.

After first launch: change SaveMode to "Continue" in dedicatedserver.cfg

3. Open Required Ports

Open port 8766 UDP (GamePort — primary game traffic)

Open port 27016 UDP (QueryPort — Steam server browser)

Open port 9700 UDP (BlobSyncPort — world/save sync)

Verify all three are forwarded through NAT/router if behind one

See our SOTF Port Reference for detailed firewall commands. Behind double-NAT or LAN? Add SkipNetworkAccessibilityTest: true to config.

4. Admin Setup

Get your SteamID64 (use our Steam ID Converter tool)

Create ownerswhitelist.txt with your SteamID64 (one per line)

Place ownerswhitelist.txt in the Saves directory (not server root!)

ownerswhitelist.txt location:

Linux: ~/.config/unity3d/Endnight/SonsOfTheForest/Saves/ Windows: %AppData%\..\LocalLow\Endnight\SonsOfTheForest\Saves\

Use our ownerswhitelist.txt Generator to create this file easily.

5. First Launch

Start the server: ./SonsOfTheForestDs (Linux) or SonsOfTheForestDs.exe (Windows)

Wait for 'Server started' log message

Connect from your game client via the in-game server browser or direct IP

Change SaveMode to Continue in config (do this after world is created!)

6. Test Connection

Verify server appears in Steam server browser or connect by IP:8766

Test admin commands: type 'cheatstick' in chat, press F1

Test that saves persist after a server restart

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