How to Host Your Own Enshrouded Dedicated Server

Want to explore Enshrouded 1.0 with your friends? In this guide, we will walk through the whole process, from downloading the server files to connecting for the first time.

If you prefer to skip the technical setup, you can rent an Enshrouded server from DatHost. We handle the setup and server maintenance for you.

1 - Download the Dedicated Server

Open Steam and sign in.

1. Go to your Library.
2. Find the option to show Tools in your Library filters.
3. Search for Enshrouded Dedicated Server.
4. Select it and click Install.
5. Wait for the installation to finish.

2 - Start the Server for the First Time

Before changing any settings, start the server once so it can create its configuration file.

1. In your Steam Library, right-click Enshrouded Dedicated Server.
2. Select Properties.
3. Open Installed Files.
4. Click Browse to open the installation folder.
5. Find and double-click enshrouded_server.exe.
6. A command window should open. Give the server time to start.

The first launch creates a configuration file named enshrouded_server.json in the same folder as the server executable. Look at the command window or log file for a message similar to:

[Session] 'HostOnline' (up)!

This indicates that the server has finished starting. Keep the command window open. Closing it will stop the server.

3 - Configure Your Server

1. Close the server command window to stop the server.
2. Open the server installation folder again.
3. Find enshrouded_server.json.
4. Right-click the file and choose Open with → Notepad.

The file contains settings that control how your server works. The main ones to understand are:

• name: The name displayed in the server browser.
• saveDirectory: The folder where the server stores world saves.
• logDirectory: The folder where the server stores logs.
• ip: The IP address the server binds to. The default, 0.0.0.0, is intended to listen on all available IPv4 interfaces.
• queryPort: The server's query port. The default is 15637.
• slotCount: The maximum number of players. The supported range is 1–16.
• gameSettingsPreset: The gameplay difficulty preset, such as Default, Relaxed, Hard, Survival, or Custom.

What about the server password?

Enshrouded uses user groups to manage passwords and player permissions. Set a password for the group your friends will use, then share it with them privately.

Make sure their group has the right permissions to build, use containers, and manage the world. Always use the correct configuration format to avoid errors.

4 - Allow the Server Through Windows Firewall

Windows Firewall might block players from connecting to your server. To fix this, allow the server through the firewall and only open the ports you need.

1. Open the Windows start menu and search for windows defender firewall.
2. Click allow an app or feature through windows defender firewall.
3. Find Enshrouded dedicated server in the list and allow it on the network profiles you need.
4. Can't find it? Click allow another app, browse to enshrouded_server.exe, and add it to the list.
5. Click OK to save your changes.

For a home server, allow connections on your private network. Keep windows firewall enabled and only open the ports your server needs.

5 - Configure Your Router if Friends Are Connecting Over the Internet

If your friends are joining from outside your home network, you may need to set up port forwarding on your router. This directs incoming connections to the computer running your Enshrouded server.

5.1 Find your server computer's local IP address

On the computer running your server:

1. Press Windows + R, type cmd, and press Enter.
2. Type ipconfig and press Enter.
3. Find your active network connection and look for IPv4 Address (for example, 192.168.1.100).
4. Write down this address. It's your computer's local IP, not your public IP.

To keep this address from changing, set up a DHCP reservation for your computer in your router's settings, if available.

5.2 Find the required ports

The default Enshrouded query port is UDP 15637.

Start with the query port specified in your enshrouded_server.json.

5.3 Create the port-forwarding rule

If you need to set up port forwarding:

1. Log in to your router through its admin page or app.
2. Look for Port Forwarding, NAT, or Virtual Server.
3. Add a new port forwarding rule.
4. Enter your server computer's reserved local IP address.
5. Enter the required port number and protocol for Enshrouded.
6. Save your changes.

6 - Start the Server and Connect to It

Once you've finished configuring the server and network, it's time to test everything.

1. Run enshrouded_server.exe again.
2. Wait for the HostOnline message or equivalent startup confirmation.
3. Leave the server running.
4. Open Enshrouded on your gaming computer.
5. Select Join from the main menu.
6. Open the server filters and enable Show dedicated server.
7. Search for your server name.
8. Select the server and enter the appropriate password if prompted.

If the server doesn't appear in the list, you can try adding it to your Steam favourites:

1. Open Steam.
2. Select View → Game Servers.
3. Open the Favorites tab.
4. Click the + button.
5. Enter the server's IP address and query port in the format IP:PORT.
6. Add the server and check the Enshrouded server browser again.