How to Host an Enshrouded Dedicated Server

Enshrouded supports up to 16 players in a single persistent world. Hosting a dedicated server ensures that the world state (buildings, terrain changes, flame altars) is constant and not dependent on one player's PC being online.

Prerequisites

• OS: Windows 10/11 (Linux requires Proton/Wine as there is no native binary yet).
• CPU: Strong multi-core processor (Ryzen 5 / Intel i5 Gen 10+).
• RAM: 16GB System RAM (Server uses ~4-6GB).
• Network: Fiber connection recommended for 16 players.

Installation via SteamCMD

1. Download SteamCMD

Download and extract SteamCMD for Windows.

2. Install the Server Files

Open a command prompt in your SteamCMD folder and run:

steamcmd +login anonymous +app_update 2278520 validate +quit

App ID 2278520 is the Enshrouded Dedicated Server.

3. First Launch & Config

Navigate to steamapps/common/EnshroudedServer/ and run enshrouded_server.exe. It will close immediately but generate a config file.

Open enshrouded_server.json and customize:

{
  "name": "My Enshrouded Server",
  "password": "secretpassword",
  "saveDirectory": "./savegame",
  "logDirectory": "./logs",
  "ip": "0.0.0.0",
  "gamePort": 15636,
  "queryPort": 15637,
  "slotCount": 16
}

Port Forwarding (Critical)

Enshrouded uses a specific range of ports. You must forward these in your router for friends to join:

• 15636 (TCP/UDP) - Game Traffic
• 15637 (TCP/UDP) - Query Protocol

Linux Hosting (Wine/Proton)

Since Enshrouded does not have a native Linux server yet, you must run it via Wine or Docker. This adds overhead and complexity. Ideally, stick to Windows or rent a professional Enshrouded server that handles the Wine translation layer for you.