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Enshrouded Server Guide
Complete setup guide for your survival action RPG server
Getting Started
Welcome to Enshrouded! This guide covers everything you need to host a dedicated server for you and your friends in the world of Embervale.
What you'll need:
- Control panel login credentials
- Enshrouded on Steam
- Up to 16 players can join a server
Step 1: First-Time Setup
- Log in to your control panel
- Set your Server Name
- Set a Server Password (required for private servers)
- Configure max players (up to 16)
- Click Start to launch your server
First start: The server needs to generate the world on first launch. This may take a few minutes. Watch the console for "Server is ready" message.
Server Configuration
Enshrouded uses a JSON configuration file. Access it through your control panel's config editor or file manager.
Configuration File: enshrouded_server.json
| Setting | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
name | Server name shown in browser | Enshrouded Server |
password | Password to join (blank = public) | blank |
saveDirectory | Path to world save folder | ./savegame |
logDirectory | Path to log files | ./logs |
ip | Bind IP address | 0.0.0.0 |
gamePort | Game connection port | (auto-assigned) |
queryPort | Steam query port | (auto-assigned) |
slotCount | Maximum players (1-16) | 16 |
Example Configuration
Here's a sample enshrouded_server.json:
{
"name": "My Enshrouded Server",
"password": "mypassword",
"saveDirectory": "./savegame",
"logDirectory": "./logs",
"ip": "0.0.0.0",
"slotCount": 16
}
World & Save Management
World Saves
Enshrouded saves are stored in the savegame directory. The world is persistent and shared by all players.
- Auto-save: The game saves automatically at regular intervals
- World size: The map is fixed-size, not procedurally generated
- Shared progress: World progress is shared across all players
Backing Up Your World
- Stop the server
- Download the entire
savegamefolder - Store the backup safely
- Restart the server
Character Data: Unlike some games, Enshrouded stores character progress on the server, not locally. If you wipe the server, characters are lost!
Multiplayer Gameplay
Joining Your Server
- Launch Enshrouded
- Select Play → Join
- Search for your server name or use Direct Connect
- Enter the password if required
- Create or select a character
Co-op Features
- Shared world: All players explore the same persistent world
- Individual inventory: Each player has their own items and equipment
- Skill builds: Each player has independent skill progression
Performance Optimization
Server Performance Tips
- Player count: More players = more load. Start with your expected count, not max 16
- Base complexity: Extremely large bases with many objects can impact performance
- Regular restarts: Restart the server periodically to clear memory
Client Performance Tips
- Lower graphics settings if experiencing lag in multiplayer
- Reduce view distance in dense base areas
- Close background applications while playing
Recommended specs: Enshrouded dedicated servers run well with 8GB+ RAM for up to 16 players.
Troubleshooting
Can't find server in browser
- Wait 2-3 minutes after server starts
- Verify your server ports are open in the control panel
- Try direct connect using your server IP
- Check that server name is set correctly
"Connection Failed" or timeout
- Verify server is running in control panel
- Check server console for errors
- Ensure password is entered correctly
- Try restarting both server and game client
Character missing or wrong server
- Characters are saved per-server, not globally
- Verify you're connecting to the correct server
- Check if server save was accidentally reset
Lag or rubberbanding
- Check server's network performance in control panel
- Reduce player count if server is overloaded
- Restart the server to clear memory
- Players should check their own internet connection
"Version Mismatch" error
- Update Enshrouded on Steam
- Update the server in your control panel
- Both client and server must be on the same version
