How to Host a Mordhau Server (2026 Guide)

To host a Mordhau server, download the free dedicated server (SteamCMD app 629800), start it once to create Game.ini, then set ServerName, MaxSlots, ServerPassword and AdminPassword under [/Script/Mordhau.MordhauGameSession] and your MapRotation lines under [/Script/Mordhau.MordhauGameMode]. Open UDP 7777 (game), 15000 (beacon) and 27015 (query). Admins log in with adminlogin <password> or go in Game.ini as Admins= PlayFab IDs.

What do you need to host a Mordhau server?

Mordhau is an Unreal Engine game, and player count drives both memory and CPU. Native server builds exist for Windows and Linux.

A fast CPU matters more than core count: 48 players swinging swords at once is a lot of hit detection for one thread. Players need their own copy of Mordhau; Steam and Epic Games Store PC players share community servers. Mordhau added crossplay with PlayStation and Xbox in 2024, but it is built around the game's own servers, so expect a community server to be a PC crowd.

How do I install the Mordhau dedicated server?

1. Install SteamCMD and download the server:

steamcmd +force_install_dir C:\MordhauServer +login anonymous +app_update 629800 validate +quit

2. Start it once so it creates its config files, then stop it:

MordhauServer.exe -log -Port=7777 -QueryPort=27015 -BeaconPort=15000

On Linux, run MordhauServer.sh with the same parameters.

3. Edit Game.ini in Mordhau\Saved\Config\WindowsServer\ (or LinuxServer).
4. Open the ports in your firewall and router.
5. Start the server again.

Only edit the ini files while the server is stopped. Mordhau writes its settings back to disk when it shuts down, so edits made while it runs get overwritten.

How do I configure Game.ini?

A working starting point for a Frontline server:

[/Script/Mordhau.MordhauGameMode]
PlayerRespawnTime=5.000000
BallistaRespawnTime=30.000000
CatapultRespawnTime=30.000000
HorseRespawnTime=30.000000
DamageFactor=1.000000
TeamDamageFactor=0.500000
MapRotation=FL_Grad
MapRotation=FL_Camp
MapRotation=FL_Taiga
MapRotation=FL_MountainPeak

[/Script/Mordhau.MordhauGameSession]
MaxSlots=48
ServerName=Our Frontline Server
ServerPassword=
AdminPassword=change-me
BannedPlayers=()

How do I set the map rotation?

Each MapRotation= line is one map, and the prefix sets the game mode. A wrong prefix means the map fails to load.

A duel server usually runs a short rotation of small FFA maps with a low MaxSlots, while a Frontline server mixes FL and INV maps with 48 slots. Admins can also switch maps live from the console.

What ports does a Mordhau server use?

Each server on the same machine needs its own set. If your server does not show in the browser, the query port is usually the one that is closed. Our port forwarding guide shows how to open them.

How do I add admins on a Mordhau server?

There are two ways:

1. Admin password. Set AdminPassword in Game.ini, join, open the console with the backtick key and type adminlogin yourpassword. You need to do this each time you join.
2. Permanent admins. Add Admins= lines under [/Script/Mordhau.MordhauGameSession], one per admin, using their PlayFab ID:

[/Script/Mordhau.MordhauGameSession]
Admins=ABCDEF1234567890
Admins=0987654321FEDCBA

The quickest route is to log in with the password once, then run AddAdmin with the player's name or PlayFab ID in the console, which adds them to the list for you. RemoveAdmin takes them off and AdminList shows who is on it. From there, admins can kick, ban and change maps from the console. Mordhau's community wiki lists the remaining server settings.

How do I add mods from mod.io?

Mordhau mods (maps, game modes, tweaks) are hosted on mod.io. Copy each mod's numeric ID from its mod.io page and add one line per mod under the game session section:

[/Script/Mordhau.MordhauGameSession]
Mods=1234567
Mods=2345678

Restart the server and it downloads them. Players download the mods automatically when they join. For a modded map, put its map name in MapRotation as its mod page describes. Add mods one at a time so you know which one broke if the server stops booting after a game update.

FAQ

Is the Mordhau dedicated server free?

Yes. It is a free download through SteamCMD with app ID 629800. You only pay for the machine it runs on.

How many players can a Mordhau server hold?

You set it with MaxSlots in Game.ini. Frontline and Invasion feel best around 48, while duel servers work at any size.

Why does my Game.ini keep resetting?

The server writes its settings back when it shuts down. Stop the server first, then edit Game.ini, then start it again.

Why does my map not load?

The map name needs the right mode prefix, like FL_Grad for Frontline or INV_Grad_0 for Invasion. A bare or mismatched name fails to load.

Can Epic Games Store players join my Mordhau server?

Yes. Steam and Epic players on PC use the same community servers.

The easy option: host it with us

If you would rather skip SteamCMD, ini files and port forwarding, you can rent a Mordhau server from us. The panel has max players from 1 to 60, server name, game password, admin password, default map and auto update, with both the native Linux build and the Windows build to switch between. Game.ini is in the file manager for rotations, admins and mods. It is ready minutes after you pay, with DDoS protection and 24/7 support from real people. New customers get 50% off the first month, and your clan can split the bill. Looking for other melee or military games? See military shooters with dedicated servers.