Server Update Guide
Vein updates can shift balance and stability quickly, so patching should follow a controlled deployment flow with immediate rollback capability.
Manual Update (SteamCMD)
Use the specific Dedicated Server App ID (2131400), not the game ID.
Auto-Update Script (Linux)
Save this as update_vein.sh:
Make it executable with chmod +x update_vein.sh.
Automatic Updates
If hosted on a managed panel, restarting the server usually triggers a check against Steam. Look for "Success! App '2131400' fully installed" in the console.
Update Window Checklist
Schedule updates during low concurrency and validate both technical and gameplay readiness before reopening. Patch notes often highlight content changes but understate compatibility risk with existing saves or admin configuration.
- Pre-update: Snapshot config and save data with a clearly labeled restore point.
- Post-update: Confirm startup completion, admin access, and stable player reconnect behavior.
- Stability gate: Keep observation mode active through one full peak period.
Operational Checklist
Treat this topic as a repeatable server operation, not a one-time change. Schedule changes during lower traffic, announce maintenance windows, and keep a rollback snapshot before each update. If your server is modded, validate changes on a staging copy first so startup logs, world loading, and player joins are confirmed before production rollout.
Validation Steps
- Capture baseline metrics: Record CPU, RAM, and average player ping before changes.
- Apply one change at a time: Avoid batch edits that make root-cause analysis difficult.
- Review logs after restart: Check for version mismatch and dependency warnings immediately.
- Run a real join test: Confirm fresh clients can connect and complete core gameplay actions.
- Observe for at least 24 hours: Validate behavior under peak load, not only right after reboot.
Performance and Stability Notes
Most hosting incidents come from resource spikes combined with configuration drift. Keep restart cadence predictable, review world/save growth weekly, and cap optional systems that generate extreme entity counts. When performance drops, compare with your last known-good baseline and revert recent high-risk changes quickly to reduce downtime.
Backup and Rollback Policy
Use automated daily backups plus pre-change snapshots for risky operations. Keep at least one off-node copy and test restore procedures routinely. A practical retention strategy is 7 daily, 4 weekly, and 2 monthly restore points. If a change causes instability, roll back first, stabilize service, and then reattempt with a narrower test scope.
Game-Specific Hosting Notes
- Experimental updates: Keep controlled rollout windows and verify save compatibility.
- Admin permissions: Audit privilege assignments after patches to prevent accidental escalation.
- World integrity: Validate persistence after restarts and crash recovery before reopening.