How to Host a Ground Branch Dedicated Server (V1.0 Guide)

To host a Ground Branch server, install the free dedicated server with SteamCMD (app 476400), launch GroundBranchServer-Win64-Shipping.exe once so it creates its config files in GroundBranch/ServerConfig, then set your name and slots in Server.ini, your rotation in MapList.ini and your admins in Admin.ini. Open UDP 7777 for the game and UDP 27015 for the query port, and the server shows in the in game browser. The official server build is Windows only, so Linux hosts run it under Wine.

What you need

Ground Branch left Early Access with V1.0 on July 16, 2026. Co-op is built for up to 8 players against AI, while PvP fills 16 slots as 8v8. The AI is the expensive part: a co-op mission full of enemies costs the server more than 16 humans in a PvP round, which is why BlackFoot suggests 8 or fewer players in co-op.

Step 1: Install with SteamCMD

steamcmd +force_install_dir C:\GBServer +login anonymous +app_update 476400 validate +quit

On Linux, add +@sSteamCmdForcePlatformType windows before +app_update so SteamCMD downloads the Windows build, then run it with a 64 bit Wine prefix. Re-run the same command after every game patch. Players on a newer build cannot join an older server.

Step 2: First launch

Start the server with explicit ports so you know what to open:

GroundBranch\Binaries\Win64\GroundBranchServer-Win64-Shipping.exe MultiHome=0.0.0.0 Port=7777 QueryPort=27015 -log

On first boot it generates Server.ini, Admin.ini, MapList.ini, Ban.ini, Vote.ini and TeamKill.ini in GroundBranch\ServerConfig\. Stop it once it has finished starting. Edit those files only while the server is stopped.

Step 3: Set up Server.ini

The core of the file:

ServerName=Friday Night Room Clearing
ServerMOTD=<b>Co-op night</b><br>No friendly fire jokes.
MaxPlayers=8
MaxSpectators=2
ServerPassword=
SpectatorOnlyPassword=

ServerName is what players search for in the browser. MaxPlayers is your slot count; use 8 for co-op and 16 for PvP. ServerPassword locks the server for a private squad, and SpectatorOnlyPassword lets streamers or referees watch without taking a slot. ServerMOTD shows on the whiteboard in the ready room and accepts <b> and <br> tags.

Step 4: Build a map rotation

MapList.ini pairs a map with a mission (game mode) on each line. The pattern is:

MapList=/Game/GroundBranch/Maps/<Folder>/<Map>?Mission=/Game/GroundBranch/Mission/<Folder>/<Mission>?<options>

Options after the mission set things like round time and frag limits for that entry. Co-op modes are Terrorist Hunt, Intel Retrieval and Defuse; PvP modes include Team Elimination, Hostage Rescue, Deathmatch, Defend and DTAS. The easiest way to get the paths right is to copy an existing line from the generated file and change only the map and mission names. Our Ground Branch config guide goes through each file line by line.

Step 5: Add admins

Add one line per admin to Admin.ini:

Admins=(Name="YourName",UniqueId="76561198000000001",ContactInfo="",Group="Owner")

UniqueId is the player's Steam64 ID, and Group must match an AdminGroups entry in the same file that lists which commands that group can use. Admin groups can only be changed in the file, while the admin list itself can also be edited in game.

Step 6: Open the ports

Forward UDP 7777 and UDP 27015 to the server machine and allow the server through the firewall. If you run a second server on the same machine, give it its own Port and QueryPort values and forward those too. For router steps, see how to port forward a game server.

Step 7: Workshop mods

Ground Branch supports Steam Workshop content made with the official mod kit. The server loads mods from its Workshop folder, and players who join get a mod sync window that downloads what they are missing. Expect a longer first join when you add maps or items. Server side missions and game mode scripts do not need a download at all.

Sizing the server

CPU matters as much as memory. AI pathing and line of sight checks run on one main thread, so a fast core keeps enemies reacting on time.

Hosting without the homework

A GamezServers Ground Branch server installs the dedicated server and keeps it updated for you. Server Name, Max Players, Automatic Updates and a Validate Server Files repair option are in the control panel, and MapList.ini, Admin.ini and the rest of ServerConfig are in the file manager or over SFTP. It has its own address, so nothing to port forward, and your squad can split the bill with each member paying their share.

FAQ

Is the Ground Branch dedicated server free?

Yes. It is a free SteamCMD download (app 476400) and does not need a game license. Players still need their own copy.

What ports does Ground Branch use?

UDP 7777 for the game and UDP 27015 for the query port by default. Both must be open for players to see and join the server.

Is there a Linux Ground Branch server?

No official Linux build. Linux hosts run the Windows server under Wine, which works well in practice.

How many players can a Ground Branch server hold?

Up to 16. Use 8 for co-op against AI and 16 for 8v8 PvP.

Why can't players join after an update?

The server is on an older build. Run the SteamCMD update again, or restart a hosted server with auto update on.