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Sons of the Forest Server Wiki
34 guides to help you master Sons of the Forest
🚀 Host a Sons of the Forest ServerUse this hub for the PC dedicated server: install the server, configure the documented JSON file, open the right UDP ports, protect saves, and diagnose co-op issues. The game supports up to eight players in the documented dedicated-server configuration; provider slot labels do not change that limit.
Dedicated Server Setup
Install app 2465200, find the user-data directory, create a private first boot, and test persistence.
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SteamCMD Installation
Install and update the dedicated-server app with the correct SteamCMD command.
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dedicatedserver.cfg JSON
Use real keys for ports, player limit, saves, modes, and documented custom settings.
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Ports & Port Forwarding
Open UDP 8766, 27016, and 9700 on home or hosted infrastructure.
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Owners & Private Access
Understand the difference between Password and ownerswhitelist.txt.
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Console & Admin
Use the in-game developer console carefully and understand the no-RCON boundary.
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Backup & Restore
Back up the actual SonsOfTheForestDS data directory before updates and repairs.
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Save File Location
Find client and dedicated-server paths before migrating or repairing a world.
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Co-op Save Sync Fix
Diagnose rollbacks, wrong data paths, build mismatches, and interrupted saves.
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Scheduled Restarts
Plan maintenance and crash recovery without inventing an RCON workflow.
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RAM & Hardware
Size a host from real eight-player workload measurements, not unsupported tables.
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Performance
Separate client FPS, server load, storage, saves, and network symptoms.
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Server Not Showing
Work through browser visibility, address, firewall, and version checks.
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Troubleshooting
Use a structured path for connection, save, and startup failures.
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Server Cost & Pricing
Compare current offer snapshots, self-hosting, billing terms, and backups.
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