Core Keeper dedicated server: Set up, management, and troubleshooting
Running a Core Keeper server puts you in charge of the world, the rules, and the uptime. Whether you’re modding, inviting a tight-knit crew, or hosting a 24/7 public realm, a dedicated server gives you the freedom that peer-to-peer hosting can’t match.
Let’s break down everything from setup and connection to advanced server management, troubleshooting, and when it’s time to consider VPS or dedicated hosting.
Ready to explore your very own underground?
Fire up that server and find your way out.
Why run a Core Keeper dedicated server?
Hosting your own server gives you:
- Full control over access, passwords, and save files
- The ability to keep your world online 24/7, whether you’re playing or not
- Better stability and performance than local peer-to-peer sessions
- Automation options for backups, mods, and admin scripts
- An easy way to scale multiplayer beyond what your personal machine can handle
Core Keeper dedicated server requirements
Core Keeper is lightweight, but your setup still needs to meet minimum specs to keep things running smoothly.
Windows system requirements
- OS: Windows 10 or newer
- CPU: Dual-core Intel or AMD
- RAM: 2GB minimum (4GB or more for smoother multiplayer)
- Storage: SSD with at least 2GB free
- Network: Wired connection preferred; broadband required
Linux system requirements
- OS: Ubuntu 20.04+, CentOS 7+, or equivalent
- CPU: Dual-core x86_64
- RAM: 2GB minimum
- Tools: screen or tmux for managing headless sessions
- Dependencies: Install libstdc++6, libgcc1, and libc6 as needed
How to set up a Core Keeper dedicated server
You can host a Core Keeper server through Steam GUI or SteamCMD. Both get you the same files—just choose the interface you’re more comfortable with.
1. Download the dedicated server
You’ve got two routes here:
- Steam (GUI): In your Steam Library, go to Tools, then find Core Keeper Dedicated Server and install it like a normal game.
- SteamCMD (CLI):
login anonymous
force_install_dir ./core-keeper-server
app_update 1963720 validate
Either method installs the server binary and creates the necessary folders.
2. Configure the server
Open or create a serverconfig.json file in your server’s root directory. Here’s a basic template:
{
“world”: “DedicatedWorld”,
“worldFolder”: “DedicatedWorldSaves”,
“gameID”: “yourServerName”,
“password”: “securepassword”,
“autoSave”: true
}
You can also set the port, disable admin commands, or configure save intervals. The world folder must match an existing save or the server will create a new one.
3. Run the server
Launching the server looks slightly different on each OS.
Windows:
Run CoreKeeperServer.exe. To use a custom config, pass flags like this:
CoreKeeperServer.exe –world DedicatedWorld –world-folder DedicatedWorldSaves
Keep the console open to monitor logs and activity.
Linux:
Use screen or tmux to keep your session alive:
chmod +x CoreKeeperServer.x86_64
screen -S corekeeper ./CoreKeeperServer.x86_64 -batchmode -nographics -logfile
If you see log output in your terminal, the server is running. Ctrl+A, then D will detach your session.
🐳 Advanced Option: Run via Docker
Developers and admins now use Docker containers for clean, scalable deployments.
Community-maintained Docker images are available on Docker Hub under core-keeper-dedicated.
Running your server in Docker helps with automation, backups, and isolated environments.
4. Join your Core Keeper server
Once your Core Keeper server is up and running on a rented dedicated server, connecting is simple—as long as you have the IP address and port.
- From the main menu, select Join Game → Dedicated Server
- Enter the IP address of your rented server, plus the port (default is 27015)
- Enter the password you set in serverconfig.json
Your hosting provider should supply the public IP in your control panel or welcome email. If you’re using a managed server, they may also offer a dashboard where you can monitor uptime and manage ports.
Firewall and port access
Most hosting providers pre-configure basic firewall rules, but make sure UDP port 27015 is open. If you’re not sure:
- Check your host’s firewall or network settings
- Add an inbound rule for UDP 27015 if it’s missing
- Reboot the server or restart the firewall service if needed
Using a custom domain (optional)
For easier access, you can point a subdomain (like play.yourdomain.com) to your server’s IP address using an A record. This makes it easier to share your server with friends or a community.
Once connected, players will see the world and settings you configured—no need for peer-to-peer connections or manual server launching.
Core Keeper server management tips
Daily ops can be hands-off, but these practices help you stay in control.
Server controls
- Use the launch window (Windows) or terminal (Linux) to monitor logs and player connections
- Restart the server manually or automate it with scripts
- Ban or kick players using admin commands or config settings (no GUI yet)
Backups and saves
- Save files live here on Windows:
%USERPROFILE%\AppData\LocalLow\Pugstorm\Core Keeper\Save - Backup by copying the entire world folder
- Automate daily backups with cron jobs (Linux) or Task Scheduler (Windows)
Mods and server plugins
Modding isn’t officially supported, but there are community-made tools. Just make sure client and server are in sync:
- Use BepInEx or other Unity mod frameworks
- Mods must be installed on both server and client
- Watch for version mismatches after Core Keeper updates
⚠️ Note: As of version 0.6 (May 2025), Core Keeper added anti-cheat integration and updated internal mod hooks. This broke compatibility with several community plugins. Always check that your mods are compatible with the latest game version, and follow mod developer updates before installing.
Troubleshooting Core Keeper servers
Here’s how to handle the most common issues without nuking your setup.
Players can’t connect:
- Make sure they’re using the correct IP and password.
- Check your port forwarding (UDP 27015).
- Whitelist the server in any antivirus or firewall settings.
- Restart the router if it’s been up for weeks.
Server crashes or won’t start:
- Check for typos in serverconfig.json
- Run the server directly to catch error messages in the terminal.
- Update your OS and dependencies.
- Validate server files with Steam or reinstall if corrupted.
World not loading:
- Confirm the world folder exists and is spelled correctly.
- Make sure it’s not locked by another process.
- Try a new world to see if the save is corrupt.
- Check file permissions, especially on Linux.
Local vs rented game servers – where should you host?
You can run a Core Keeper dedicated server from your own PC or rent remote hosting from a provider, but the right choice depends on how often you play, how many people join, and how much downtime you can tolerate.
Hosting locally (on your gaming PC or a home server) is free and gives you full control, but it comes with tradeoffs:
- Your server goes offline when your PC sleeps, reboots, or loses internet.
- You’ll need to manage firewall settings, port forwarding, and network stability.
- Hosting and playing on the same machine can cause lag, especially with mods or large worlds.
- Power or network outages can corrupt save files or cause rollbacks.
Rented servers, on the other hand, offer major advantages, especially for long-term multiplayer:
- Always-on: Your world stays online 24/7 without relying on your local connection.
- Better performance: Dedicated hardware means no slowdowns when hosting and playing.
- Fewer headaches: No need to deal with router config, port forwarding, or IP changes.
- Scalable: Easily upgrade RAM, CPU, or storage as your player base grows.
- Managed support: With hosting providers like Liquid Web, you get OS-level support and proactive monitoring.
For quick sessions with friends, local hosting might be fine. But if you’re building a world you want to last, or inviting others to play when you’re offline, a rented server is the smarter choice. It gives you more stability, fewer surprises, and room to scale when you need it.
Hosting Core Keeper on a VPS or dedicated server
If you’re hosting for just a few friends and comfortable with basic command-line tools, a VPS can handle Core Keeper with no problem. But once you want 24/7 uptime, more players, or better performance, it’s worth jumping to a dedicated server.
When VPS is enough:
- You’re hosting fewer than 4–6 players.
- You only run the server while you’re online.
- You’re okay managing occasional slowdowns.
When to use a dedicated server:
- You need 24/7 uptime for public or private multiplayer.
- You’re managing backups, mods, and multiple worlds.
- You want guaranteed CPU and memory resources for smooth gameplay.
- You prefer a control panel, root access, or fully managed support.
With a dedicated server, you can set up your Core Keeper world once and forget about it—no reboots, no dropped sessions, no memory bottlenecks.
FAQs about Core Keeper dedicated servers
Can I run the server and play on the same machine?
Yes, as long as your system meets the minimum requirements.
Do I need a Steam account to host?
Yes—either to download via Steam or access SteamCMD.
Is Mac supported?
Not officially. You’d need to use a Windows or Linux VM.
Is there a control panel?
No official one, but you can use RDP (Windows) or SSH (Linux) to manage remotely.
How many players can join?
There’s no hard limit, but performance drops after 8–10 without serious CPU/RAM resources.
Next steps for setting up a Core Keeper dedicated server
Hosting your own Core Keeper server unlocks better uptime, control, and multiplayer stability. Whether you’re just getting started or scaling to a larger community, this guide gives you the groundwork for smooth setup and server management.
When you’re ready to upgrade to a dedicated server—or upgrade your server hosting—Liquid Web can help. Our dedicated server hosting options have been leading the industry for decades, because they’re fast, secure, and completely reliable. Choose your favorite OS and the management tier that works best for you.
Click below to explore dedicated server options or start a chat with one of our experts to learn more.
Ready to explore your very own underground?
Fire up that server and find your way out.
Additional resources
How to start selling Minecraft servers →
Turn a hobby into a side-hustle
Latency and rage-quitting →
Liquid Web’s industry study on latency and gaming
Dedicated vs. listen servers →
Pros and cons of each so you can decide what you need
Alex Napier is an Affiliate Program Manager at Liquid Web and a gaming marketing specialist. He blends data with creativity to build engaging communities. Outside of work, Alex enjoys exploring new games, crafting tabletop worlds, and connecting with the gaming community.