How to Host a V Rising Server (2026 Guide)

To host a V Rising server, install the free V Rising Dedicated Server (SteamCMD app 1829350), set a name and save in ServerHostSettings.json, pick a rules preset such as StandardPvE or StandardPvP, and open UDP ports 27015 (game) and 27016 (query). Gameplay rules like clan size and raid windows live in a second file, ServerGameSettings.json. The default player cap is 40.

What do you need to run a V Rising dedicated server?

The server is a separate free tool from Stunlock Studios. Nobody needs to buy an extra copy of the game for it, but every player who joins needs their own. You need:

• A Windows PC or server that can stay on (the tool is a Windows build; Linux hosts usually run it through Wine).
• SteamCMD, or the V Rising Dedicated Server entry in the Tools section of your Steam library.
• Enough memory for your group and your castles (see the table below).
• A router you can port forward, if you host at home.

Memory follows player count and how much is built, since every castle, servant and container stays loaded:

How do I install the V Rising server with SteamCMD?

1. Download SteamCMD from Valve and extract it to a folder such as C:\steamcmd.
2. Run this to download the server files:

steamcmd +force_install_dir C:\VRisingServer +login anonymous +app_update 1829350 validate +quit

3. Open the install folder. Stunlock ships a start_server_example.bat. Copy it to start_server.bat so updates do not overwrite your edits.
4. Edit the copy so it points at a data folder you control:

VRisingServer.exe -persistentDataPath .\save-data -serverName "My V Rising Server" -saveName "world1" -logFile ".\logs\VRisingServer.log"

5. Run it once. The server creates save-data\Settings and save-data\Saves. Stop it with Ctrl+C before editing settings so it saves cleanly.

Re-run the same SteamCMD line whenever V Rising patches. Clients and server must be on the same version or players cannot join. Stunlock's dedicated server instructions on GitHub list every option for the current 1.1.x build.

What is the difference between ServerHostSettings.json and ServerGameSettings.json?

V Rising splits settings into two JSON files, both in save-data\Settings:

• ServerHostSettings.json is the server itself: name, password, ports, player cap, save name, autosaves, listing and RCON.
• ServerGameSettings.json is the rules of the world: PvE or PvP, clan size, castle raid windows, blood drain, crafting speed, loot rates and dozens more multipliers.

The server loads its built in defaults first, then applies your files on top, so you only need to include the keys you change. Command line arguments like -serverName override the file.

The host settings worth knowing:

A minimal file for a private group:

{
  "Name": "Night Shift PvE",
  "Description": "Friends only, no raids",
  "Port": 27015,
  "QueryPort": 27016,
  "MaxConnectedUsers": 10,
  "Password": "changeme",
  "SaveName": "world1",
  "GameSettingsPreset": "StandardPvE",
  "ListOnSteam": true,
  "ListOnEOS": true
}

How do I choose PvE or PvP presets?

Presets are ready made rule sets that ship with the server in VRisingServer_Data\StreamingAssets\GameSettingPresets. Set the file name (without .json) as GameSettingsPreset. Common choices:

• StandardPvE for a relaxed world where castles cannot be raided.
• StandardPvP for full PvP with sieges.
• Variants such as StandardPvP_WeekendSiege or DuoPvP_NoSiege that limit when castles can be attacked or how big clans are.

Open the folder to see the full list for your build. If you want custom rules, leave GameSettingsPreset empty and write a ServerGameSettings.json instead. A preset wins over your custom file, so do not set both and wonder why your changes are ignored.

The custom keys most groups change:

{
  "GameModeType": "PvP",
  "ClanSize": 3,
  "CastleDamageMode": "TimeRestricted",
  "CastleHeartDamageMode": "CanBeDestroyedOnlyWhenDecaying",
  "BloodDrainModifier": 1.0,
  "CraftRateModifier": 1.5
}

• GameModeType is PvP or PvE.
• ClanSize defaults to 4. Most PvP communities run 2 to 4 so big groups cannot steamroll everyone.
• CastleDamageMode takes Always, Never or TimeRestricted. With TimeRestricted, raids only happen in the windows you set, which is how clans keep sieges to evenings when people are online.

Changing rules on a running world changes them for everyone, so back up the save first. Our V Rising server settings explained guide goes key by key.

What ports does a V Rising server use?

Both UDP ports must be forwarded for the server to appear in the browser. Direct Connect works with only the game port. If you have never forwarded a port, see how to port forward a game server.

To enable RCON, add this block to ServerHostSettings.json (the password cannot be empty):

"Rcon": { "Enabled": true, "Password": "a-long-password", "Port": 25575 }

RCON supports commands like announce, announcerestart and shutdown, handy for warning players before a restart.

How do I make myself admin and move an existing save?

Admin: add your SteamID64 to save-data\Settings\adminlist.txt, one per line, and restart. In game, enable the console under Options > General, press the tilde key and type adminauth. You can then use kick, banuser and the rest. Bans are stored in banlist.txt in the same folder. More in our V Rising admin commands guide.

Existing save: your client saves sit in %USERPROFILE%\AppData\LocalLow\Stunlock Studios\VRising\CloudSaves\<SteamID>\v4\ (or Saves\v4). Copy the session folder to save-data\Saves\v4\ on the server, set SaveName to the folder name, and leave GameSettingsPreset empty so the save keeps its original rules.

How do players join?

1. Open Online Play in V Rising.
2. Tick Display all Servers & Settings and search the server name, or click Direct Connect and paste IP:27015.
3. Enter the password.

The list can take a few minutes after a restart. Direct Connect skips the wait. PC players on Steam and Epic can share a server; PS5 players cannot join PC servers.

FAQ

How many players can join a V Rising server?

The default MaxConnectedUsers is 40. Clan size is a separate rule in ServerGameSettings.json, so you can run 40 slots with clans of four.

Do I need to own V Rising to host a server?

No. The dedicated server is a free tool (SteamCMD app 1829350). Every player who joins needs their own copy of the game.

Why are my ServerGameSettings.json changes ignored?

Usually because GameSettingsPreset is set in ServerHostSettings.json, which loads the preset instead. Clear it, restart, and your custom file applies.

Can PS5 players join a PC V Rising server?

No. There is no crossplay between PC and PS5. Steam and Epic players on PC can play together.

How do I wipe a V Rising server?

Change SaveName to a new name to start a fresh world, or delete the old save folder. Keep a copy if you might want the old castles back.

The easy option: host it with GamezServers

If you would rather skip SteamCMD, port forwarding and keeping a PC on, our V Rising server hosting sets all of this up for you and is ready minutes after you pay. The panel covers the server name, description, password, game and difficulty preset, save name, autosaves, RCON and Steam or Epic listing, and ServerGameSettings.json is open in the file manager for custom rules. A V Rising BepInEx server type is there for mods.

New customers get 50% off the first month, DDoS protection is on every plan, and a clan can split the bill so each member pays their own share. Cancel anytime.