SoulmaskHow to Host a Soulmask Dedicated Server (2026 Guide)
Host a Soulmask dedicated server: SteamCMD apps 3017310 and 3017300, ports 8777 and 27015, -pve or -pvp, GameXishu.json and RAM for up to 70 players.
Updated Oct 3, 2026 · 6 min read
On this page
- What do you need for a Soulmask server?
- How do I install a Soulmask server with SteamCMD?
- What do the Soulmask launch options mean?
- How do I choose PvE or PvP?
- How do I change Soulmask server settings?
- What ports does a Soulmask server need?
- How do I use admin and GM commands?
- How do I add Workshop mods?
- How do players join a Soulmask server?
- FAQ
- The easy option: host it with GamezServers
To host a Soulmask dedicated server, install the free server with SteamCMD (app 3017310 for Windows, 3017300 for Linux), edit StartServer.bat to set the name, passwords, max players and -pve or -pvp, and open UDP 8777 (game) and 27015 (query). Deeper rules like harvest rates live in GameXishu.json. One server holds up to 70 players, but plan on at least 12 GB of RAM.
What do you need for a Soulmask server?
Soulmask reached version 1.0 in April 2026, and it is one of the heaviest survival servers you can run. The world, every building and every recruited tribesperson stay simulated, and memory climbs the longer the server runs.
- A Windows or Linux machine that can stay on, with plenty of RAM.
- SteamCMD. The server is free and does not need a copy of the game; every player needs their own.
- Port forwarding if you host at home.
| Group | RAM | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small group, up to about 6 | 12 GB | Commonly sits near 11 to 12 GB soon after start |
| Regular group or small public server | 16 GB | Room for big settlements |
| 30+ players, or mods | 24 GB | Busy community servers |
A scheduled restart every day or two keeps memory in check.
How do I install a Soulmask server with SteamCMD?
- Install SteamCMD.
- Download the server. For Windows:
steamcmd +force_install_dir C:\SoulmaskServer +login anonymous +app_update 3017310 validate +quit
For Linux, use app 3017300 and a Linux path.
- Open
StartServer.bat(or the shell script on Linux) in the install folder. It launches the server binary fromWS\Binaries\Win64\with the map name and options. - Start the server once, let it finish loading, then stop it so it generates its settings files.
A typical Windows launch line looks like this:
WS\Binaries\Win64\WSServer-Win64-Shipping.exe Level01_Main -server -log -UTF8Output -forcepassthrough -PORT=8777 -QueryPort=27015 -EchoPort=18888 -SteamServerName="Mask Bearers PvE" -MaxPlayers=20 -PSW="changeme" -adminpsw="a-long-admin-password" -pve -saving=600 -backup=900
Level01_Main is the original Cloud Mist Forest map.
What do the Soulmask launch options mean?
| Option | What it does |
|---|---|
-SteamServerName= |
Name shown in the server list |
-MaxPlayers= |
Player cap, up to 70 |
-PSW= |
Join password. Remove it for an open server |
-adminpsw= |
Admin password for the in game GM panel |
-pve or -pvp |
Combat rules: co-op building or raids between tribes |
-saving= |
Seconds between saves to the in memory database |
-backup= |
Seconds between writes to world.db on disk |
-initbackup |
Copies world.db every time the server starts |
-mod="ID1,ID2" |
Steam Workshop mod IDs to load |
-PORT= / -QueryPort= |
Game and query ports |
-EchoPort= |
Local console port used by management tools |
How do I choose PvE or PvP?
Add -pve or -pvp to the launch line and restart. This sets the server's combat preset:
- PvE suits groups who want to build big settlements and fight bosses together without raids.
- PvP turns tribes against each other, with raids and territory fights.
Pick before your group settles in. Switching an established world from PvE to PvP changes the rules on everyone's base overnight.
How do I change Soulmask server settings?
The detailed rules live in GameXishu.json:
WS\Saved\GameplaySettings\GameXishu.json
The file only appears after the first full start. Stop the server, edit it, and start it again. It covers harvest rates, XP, crafting speed, combat damage, tribesman behaviour, building rules and more. Small groups usually raise gathering and XP rates so progression fits a few hours a week. Our Soulmask dedicated server settings explained guide goes through the file key by key.
The world itself is saved in:
WS\Saved\Worlds\Dedicated\Level01_Main\world.db
Back up that file before big changes or updates. To move a world between machines, stop both servers and copy world.db across.
What ports does a Soulmask server need?
| Port | Protocol | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 8777 | UDP | Game traffic (-PORT) |
| 27015 | UDP | Steam query and server list (-QueryPort) |
| 18888 | TCP | Local echo console (-EchoPort), keep it closed to the internet |
Forward the two UDP ports. The Soulmask wiki's private server page has the full parameter reference. If you are new to router settings, see how to port forward a game server.
How do I use admin and GM commands?
Set -adminpsw on the launch line. In game, open the console and type:
gm key a-long-admin-password
That unlocks the GM panel, where admins can spawn items, fix stuck players, teleport and run events.
How do I add Workshop mods?
Add -mod="ID1,ID2" with the Steam Workshop IDs, separated by commas, and restart. When the server runs mods, joining players are asked to subscribe to the same mods before they can enter. Mods add memory on top of an already heavy server, so size up first.
How do players join a Soulmask server?
- Open Online Game from the main menu.
- Search the server name in the list, or click Connect to the server directly at the bottom.
- Enter
IP:8777and the password if there is one.
The list can be slow to show a server after a restart, so direct connect is quicker.
FAQ
How many players can join a Soulmask server?
Up to 70, set with -MaxPlayers. RAM is the real limit, so most private servers set a lower cap.
How much RAM does a Soulmask server need?
At least 12 GB for a small group and 16 GB for a regular group. Memory rises the longer it runs, so restart now and then.
Where is GameXishu.json?
In WS\Saved\GameplaySettings\. It is created on the first full start, so start the server once before looking for it.
How do I switch a Soulmask server to PvE?
Add -pve to the launch options (or replace -pvp) and restart.
Do I need to own Soulmask to host a server?
No. The dedicated server is a free SteamCMD download. Every player needs their own copy of the game.
The easy option: host it with GamezServers
Soulmask's memory needs are the main reason groups rent rather than self host. Our Soulmask server hosting is ready minutes after you pay and runs the Cloud Mist Forest map. The panel sets the server name, join and admin passwords, max players, save and backup intervals and auto updates, and the Extra Arguments field takes -pve, -pvp and -mod. GameXishu.json is in the file manager, and scheduled restarts from the panel keep memory in check.
| Plan | RAM | Price a month |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | 12 GB | 29.99 USD |
| Standard | 16 GB | 39.99 USD |
| Pro | 24 GB | 59.99 USD |
New customers get 50% off the first month, and a tribe can split the cost so each player pays their own share.
Skip the setup. Your own Soulmask server.
Then $29.99/mo. Just trying it? $7.50 for 3 days