Sons of the Forest: Server Configuration Guide

Comprehensive guide to configuring and optimizing your Sons of the Forest dedicated server. Learn ServerSettings.ini parameters, gameplay customization, and performance tuning for the best multiplayer experience.

Configuration File Location

Server Files Structure

dedicatedserver.cfg Configuration

Basic Server Settings

# dedicatedserver.cfg

# Server Identity
IpAddress 0.0.0.0
GamePort 8766
QueryPort 27016
BlobSyncPort 9700
ServerName "My Sons of the Forest Server"
ServerPassword ""

# Player Settings
MaxPlayers 8
SaveSlot 1

# Network Settings
EnableVACBan true
ServerSteamAccount ""

# Game Settings
GameMode Normal
Difficulty Normal
SaveMode Continue

# Admin Settings
AdminPassword "your_admin_password_here"

Key Parameters Explained

ServerSettings.ini Configuration

Complete Configuration Example

[GameSettings]
# Survival Settings
DayLength=30
NightLength=15
StartingSeason=Spring

# Resource Settings
TreeRegrowthSpeed=1.0
AnimalRespawnRate=1.0
ItemRespawnRate=1.0

# Combat Settings
EnemyDamage=1.0
EnemyHealth=1.0
EnemyArmor=1.0
EnemyAggression=1.0
PlayerDamage=1.0

# Building Settings
StructureDecay=true
StructureDecayRate=1.0
BuildingRestrictions=false

# Gameplay Settings
FriendlyFire=false
PvP=false
DropItemsOnDeath=true
RespawnPenalty=true

# Weather Settings
WeatherIntensity=1.0
SeasonalWeather=true

# Performance Settings
MaxAICount=50
DrawDistance=1.0
ShadowQuality=Medium

Gameplay Customization

Difficulty Presets

EnemyDamage=0.5
EnemyHealth=0.5
EnemyAggression=0.3
PlayerDamage=1.5

EnemyDamage=1.0
EnemyHealth=1.0
EnemyAggression=1.0
PlayerDamage=1.0

EnemyDamage=1.5
EnemyHealth=1.5
EnemyAggression=1.5
PlayerDamage=0.75

Performance Optimization

Server Performance Settings

Network Optimization

# Launch parameters for better network performance
-batchmode -nographics -high

# Recommended system settings
TickRate=60
NetworkUpdateRate=30
MaxPacketSize=1400

Gameplay Customization Options

Survival Settings

Combat Modifiers

# Easy Combat (Casual Players)
EnemyDamage=0.5
EnemyHealth=0.7
EnemyAggression=0.5
PlayerDamage=1.5

# Hardcore Combat (Experienced Players)
EnemyDamage=2.0
EnemyHealth=2.0
EnemyAggression=2.0
PlayerDamage=0.5

# PvP Focused
PvP=true
FriendlyFire=true
DropItemsOnDeath=true
RespawnPenalty=true

Season and Weather Configuration

Seasonal Settings

# Spring Start (Easier)
StartingSeason=Spring
SeasonLength=7  # Days per season
SeasonalWeather=true

# Winter Start (Harder)
StartingSeason=Winter
SeasonLength=10
WeatherIntensity=1.5

# No Seasons (Static)
SeasonalWeather=false
WeatherIntensity=0.5

Weather Effects

• Spring: Moderate weather, good resource availability
• Summer: Hot, increased water needs, more animals
• Autumn: Cooling, resource preparation time
• Winter: Cold, reduced resources, survival challenge

Building and Base Settings

Structure Configuration

# Permanent Structures
StructureDecay=false
StructureDecayRate=0.0
BuildingRestrictions=false

# Realistic Decay
StructureDecay=true
StructureDecayRate=1.0
BuildingRestrictions=true

# Rapid Decay (PvP)
StructureDecay=true
StructureDecayRate=2.0
BuildingRestrictions=false

Admin Configuration

Admin Commands Setup

# Enable admin mode
AdminPassword="SecurePassword123"

# Common admin commands
/godmode - Toggle invincibility
/additem [item_id] [amount] - Spawn items
/teleport [x] [y] [z] - Teleport
/settime [hour] - Change time of day
/weather [type] - Change weather
/save - Force save world

Admin Permissions

Backup Configuration

Automated Backup Script

#!/bin/bash
# sotf_backup.sh

BACKUP_DIR="/backups/sotf"
SAVE_DIR="/home/steam/sotf/Saves/Multiplayer"
DATE=$(date +%Y%m%d_%H%M%S)

# Create backup
mkdir -p "$BACKUP_DIR"
tar -czf "$BACKUP_DIR/sotf_save_$DATE.tar.gz" "$SAVE_DIR"

# Keep last 7 days
find "$BACKUP_DIR" -name "sotf_save_*.tar.gz" -mtime +7 -delete

echo "Backup completed: sotf_save_$DATE.tar.gz"

Common Configuration Issues

Optimize your Sons of the Forest server for the perfect survival experience. Host your SOTF server with Supercraft for pre-configured optimal settings.