How to Host The Forest Dedicated Server (2026 Guide)

To host The Forest dedicated server, install the free server (SteamCMD app 556450), run TheForestDedicatedServer.exe once, then edit Server.cfg in AppData\LocalLow\SKS\TheForestDedicatedServer\ds. Set serverName, serverPlayers, difficulty, initType and a Steam game server token for app 242760 in serverSteamAccount. Open UDP 8766, 27015 and 27016. The game is built for up to 8 players.

What do you need for a Forest dedicated server?

The Forest is Endnight's 2018 survival horror game, and this guide is for it, not the sequel. If you play Sons of the Forest, see how to host a Sons of the Forest dedicated server instead, since the two use different servers and saves.

The dedicated server is a free Windows program. It does not need a copy of the game, though every player does. Memory grows with the size of your base over time:

How do I install The Forest dedicated server?

1. Install SteamCMD, or find The Forest Dedicated Server under Tools in your Steam library.
2. Download it anonymously:

login anonymous
force_install_dir C:\forestserver
app_update 556450 validate
quit

3. Run TheForestDedicatedServer.exe once. It opens a console window and creates its config and save folders in C:\Users\<you>\AppData\LocalLow\SKS\TheForestDedicatedServer\ds\.
4. Close it, edit Server.cfg there (next sections), and start it again.

On Linux, the Windows server runs through Wine. It works, but it is the less trodden path.

How do I get the Steam token for serverSteamAccount?

The server needs a Steam game server login token to save the world and player progress reliably. Without one, it falls back to an anonymous login, and saves can fail.

1. Go to steamcommunity.com/dev/managegameservers and log in.
2. Enter app ID 242760. That is the game's ID, not the server's 556450.
3. Add a memo such as "Forest server" and create the token.
4. Paste the token into serverSteamAccount in Server.cfg.

Do not put your own Steam username or password there. Use one token per server.

What settings go in Server.cfg?

Server.cfg is plain text, one setting per line, with comments above each one. The settings that matter most:

serverIP 0.0.0.0
serverSteamPort 8766
serverGamePort 27015
serverQueryPort 27016
serverName Treehouse Crew
serverPlayers 8
enableVAC off
serverPassword crew-only
serverPasswordAdmin change-me-admin
serverSteamAccount YOURTOKENHERE
serverAutoSaveInterval 30
difficulty Normal
initType Continue
slot 1
veganMode off
vegetarianMode off
treeRegrowMode on
allowBuildingDestruction on
allowCheats off
targetFpsIdle 5
targetFpsActive 60

Endnight's own comments in the file explain each line. A full copy of the default file is in CubeCoders' template.

How does initType work, and why did my world reset?

initType is the setting that catches almost everyone:

• New starts a brand new world in the chosen slot every time the server starts.
• Continue loads the world saved in that slot.

Start the server once on New to create the world, then switch to Continue and leave it there. If you leave it on New, every restart wipes the slot and starts over. Change slot if you want to keep two worlds side by side.

How do I move an existing co-op save to the server?

If your group already has a world hosted from the game menu, you can carry it over:

1. Stop the server.
2. On the host's PC, open AppData\LocalLow\SKS\TheForest\ and find the save under your Steam ID's multiplayer folder, in the slot you played (Slot1 to Slot5).
3. Copy the contents of that slot folder into the matching slot inside the server's save folder under ds (or the folder set by saveFolderPath).
4. Set slot to that number and initType to Continue.
5. Start the server and check the world loads before anyone joins.

Keep a copy of the original save until you have confirmed everything made it across.

How do I use admin commands on a Forest server?

Admin commands work for players who entered the server's admin password when they joined. Type them in the multiplayer chat (press Enter). Kicks and bans take the player's SteamID64:

/save
/kick 76561198000000000
/ban 76561198000000000

Run /save before every restart or shutdown. The autosave interval is a safety net, not a replacement.

What ports does The Forest server use?

Forward all three to the server PC and allow TheForestDedicatedServer.exe through the Windows firewall. Router steps are in our port forwarding guide.

How do players join?

In The Forest, choose Multiplayer and join a game, then look for your server in the dedicated server list by its name and enter the password. Everyone must be on the normal public version of the game. Players on a Steam beta branch cannot join a server running the public build.

FAQ

How many players can join The Forest dedicated server?

The game is designed for up to 8 players. You can type a higher number into serverPlayers, but 8 or fewer gives the smoothest game.

Why does my Forest server start a new world every restart?

initType is still set to New. Change it to Continue after the first start.

Can I play on Peaceful on a dedicated server?

Yes. Set difficulty Peaceful, which has no enemy attacks, or use vegetarianMode on for enemies only at night.

Do I need to own The Forest to run the server?

No. The dedicated server is a free tool. Every player needs their own copy of the game.

Is this the same server as Sons of the Forest?

No. Sons of the Forest has its own dedicated server, config file and saves.

The easy option: host it with us

If you would rather not leave a Windows PC on for your group, our The Forest hosting starts at 9.99 USD a month for 4 GB, with 6 GB for a full group of 8 and 8 GB for huge bases. We make the Steam server token for you, and the panel sets the name, max players, difficulty, passwords and Init Type. Up to 10 friends can split the bill, each paying their own share, and new customers get 50% off the first month. Backups run before game updates. See how to back up a game server for good habits.