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The Forest Dedicated Server Setup Guide (2026)

The Forest Guide • Updated Aug 29, 2026

The Forest Dedicated Server Setup

The Forest dedicated server is straightforward when you keep the install, configuration, ports, and saves aligned. This guide follows the official server documentation; use the server.cfg reference for the exact settings after first boot.

Quick reference

  • Dedicated-server tool: Steam Tools or SteamCMD
  • Default ports: 8766, 27015, and 27016, TCP and UDP
  • Config: server.cfg
  • Windows path: C:\Users\<user>\AppData\LocalLow\SKS\TheForestDedicatedServer\ds\Server.cfg

1. Install the dedicated server

In the Steam client, open Library → Tools and install The Forest Dedicated Server. SteamCMD can also install the dedicated-server tool using the app ID documented by the community server guide:

steamcmd +login anonymous +app_update 556450 validate +quit

Keep the install directory explicit and allow Steam to finish updating before starting the server. A managed host may install the tool for you.

2. Start once and find server.cfg

Run the dedicated-server executable once. On Windows, the generated configuration is normally here:

C:\Users\<user>\AppData\LocalLow\SKS\TheForestDedicatedServer\ds\Server.cfg

Make a copy before editing. The file uses space-separated directives such as serverName My Server; it is not an INI file and should not be written with equals signs.

3. Set identity and access

Use a password before sharing the address. A safe first test includes a server name, game/query ports, player count, password, admin password, difficulty, and save initialisation:

serverIP 0.0.0.0
serverSteamPort 8766
serverGamePort 27015
serverQueryPort 27016
serverName My Forest Server
serverPlayers 8
serverPassword change-this
serverPasswordAdmin change-this-admin
difficulty Normal
initType Continue
slot 1
showLogs true

See the configuration guide for the setting meanings and the distinction between the player password and admin password.

4. Open firewall and router ports

Allow TCP and UDP 8766, 27015, and 27016. Home-hosted servers also need router forwarding to the machine's stable LAN address. Managed hosts normally handle the external mapping; see port forwarding and NAT.

5. Test persistence

  1. Start the server and confirm the name appears in the browser or join flow.
  2. Join from outside the host network if possible.
  3. Make a small world change and save.
  4. Stop and start the server, then confirm the same slot loads.
  5. Only then invite the full group or add community modifications.

Maintenance basics

  • Back up saves and server.cfg before updates and experiments.
  • Keep clients and the dedicated server on compatible builds.
  • Use a region close to the main group.
  • Do not install Oxide on a dedicated server unless a current official or provider-supported build explicitly says it is compatible; Endnight has documented dedicated-server incompatibility with Oxide in an official patch note.

Official reference

Use the official The Forest dedicated-server guide for current ports, paths, and directives.

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