◦ Optimized configs
◦ Industry-leading support
Sons of the Forest dedicated server setup (the easy way)
Want to run Sons of the Forest with your own rules, 24/7 uptime, and total control over gameplay? Setting up a dedicated server is easier than it sounds, and way more reliable than co-op peer-to-peer sessions.
Let’s walk through the fastest way to launch your own Sons of the Forest dedicated server using a VPS or your local PC, plus how to configure it, invite friends, and install mods.
Ready to jump into the Sons of the Forest?
If you already know what you need to evade the cannibals, you can get started right now. Our dedicated servers combine the best hardware with industry-leading support.
Minimum requirements and what to expect
Before you start, make sure your machine can handle the load. Here’s what you need for a stable Sons of the Forest server:
- OS: Windows 10/11 or Linux (Ubuntu/Debian)
- CPU: Quad-core 3.0+ GHz minimum
- RAM: 8 GB (16+ GB if you’re using mods or expect high player count)
- Storage: At least 10 GB free; SSD preferred
- Bandwidth: 5–10 Mbps up/down for private use, 20+ Mbps for public hosting
The dedicated server software is free to download via SteamCMD. Your only cost is the hosting, either through your own hardware or a rented server.
Step 1: Set up your VPS or dedicated machine
You’ve got two main options for hosting:
Host on a VPS or dedicated server
Using a virtual private server or an entire dedicated server gives you remote access and 24/7 uptime without keeping your own PC running. Look for a plan with at least 2 vCPU cores and 8 GB of RAM.
Choose your OS (Ubuntu is a popular option), set up SSH access, and make sure your firewall can be configured.
Host on your local machine (not recommended)
Running a dedicated server from your own PC can work, but it requires port forwarding and leaves your connection exposed. If you go this route, make sure:
- Your PC stays on while the server is running.
- Your firewall allows inbound traffic on required ports.
- Your router is configured to forward traffic correctly.
Step 2: Install SteamCMD and download the server
SteamCMD is Valve’s command-line tool for installing and updating dedicated servers.
- Download SteamCMD from Valve’s official page
- Extract it to a folder like C:\steamcmd or ~/steamcmd
- Open a terminal or command prompt and run:
Steamcmd - Once inside SteamCMD, run the following:
login anonymous
force_install_dir ./sotf_server
app_update 2465200 validate
quit
This installs the Sons of the Forest dedicated server to a new folder named sotf_server.
Step 3: Configure server settings
Inside the sotf_server directory, look for ServerConfig.json. This file controls your server’s name, rules, and player access.
Update these fields:
- “ServerName”: This will appear in the in-game server browser
- “Password”: Add a password for private sessions (optional)
- “MaxPlayers”: Default is 8, but you can increase it at your own risk
- “GameMode”: Use “normal”, “creative”, or “custom”
- “SaveSlot”: Choose a save slot number if you want multiple worlds
Optional settings include “Season” and “Difficulty”.
Pro tip: Use SaveInterval to reduce how often the game writes to disk, especially useful on SSDs or cloud machines.
Step 4: Open ports and launch the server
To allow players to join your server, you’ll need to open ports in your firewall and router:
- TCP/UDP: 8766, 27015, 27016
On Windows, allow the server .exe through Windows Defender Firewall. On Linux, use UFW:
sudo ufw allow 8766/udp
sudo ufw allow 27015/udp
sudo ufw allow 27016/udp
To launch the server:
- On Windows: run SonsOfTheForestDS.exe
- On Linux: use Wine or Proton (may require extra setup)
For easy logging and restarting, create a .bat file or shell script like:
@echo off
start SonsOfTheForestDS.exe -log
Step 5: Join the server and play with friends
Once the server is running, here’s how to join:
- Launch Sons of the Forest
- Click Multiplayer > Join
- Search for the server name you set in ServerConfig.json
- Or connect directly via IP if it’s a private server
If your server isn’t showing up, double-check the open ports, firewall rules, and whether the .exe has permission to communicate through the network.
How to mod your Sons of the Forest dedicated server
You can easily install mods using BepInEx, a modding framework compatible with most Sons of the Forest community mods.
Here’s how:
- Download the BepInExPack from Thunderstore
- Extract it into your server directory (same level as the .exe)
- Create a BepInEx/plugins folder if it doesn’t already exist
- Drop mod .dll files into plugins
- Restart the server
Make sure players also have the same mods installed client-side. Some mods won’t work unless both the server and players are running them.
Popular mods include:
- ServerSideMap: Adds an in-game GPS-style map
- Dedicated Admins: Adds permissions and remote admin controls
- Time Tweaks: Control sleep, day/night cycles, and more
Make sure each mod is compatible with your current game version, check Thunderstore for updated builds and installation notes.
FAQ: Sons of the Forest dedicated servers
Next steps for Sons of the Forest dedicated server setup
Hosting your own server gives you full control over gameplay, mods, and uptime, whether you’re playing with close friends or building a public community.
If you’re new to servers, try spinning one up locally or rent a simple VPS with open ports. From there, tweak your config, install mods, and start surviving the island on your terms.
Ready to jump into the Sons of the Forest?
If you already know what you need to survive the cannibals, you can get started right now. Our dedicated servers combine the best hardware with industry-leading support. Start your own, private quest today.
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.