Your world should stay online when you close the game. Your friends should not wait for the host to log in. That is why Sons of the Forest dedicated servers matter. You run the world on a separate server process, so the save, rules, and access stay consistent.

This guide walks you through a clean Windows install with SteamCMD, the exact UDP ports you must open, and the few dedicatedserver.cfg settings that actually change gameplay and stability. 

You will learn the fastest way to fix the self-test roadblock and the “server not showing” issue without guessing. You will also get a Linux option with Docker, so you can host headless and keep updates simple. 

Quick Answer: To set up a Sons of the Forest dedicated server in 2026, install the dedicated server tool with SteamCMD using App ID 2465200, open UDP ports 8766, 27016, and 9700, run StartSOTFDedicated.bat, edit dedicatedserver.cfg, add owners in ownerswhitelist.txt, and test the server from an outside network. Windows is the safest setup path. Linux works through unofficial Wine/Docker containers, not a native Linux server build.

Key Takeaways

• A dedicated server keeps your world online even when you close the game.
• Install the server with SteamCMD using App ID 2465200.
• First boot creates your config folder in LocalLow.
• Your main config file is dedicatedserver.cfg.
• Your admin list lives in ownerswhitelist.txt.
• With the default config, open these UDP ports: 8766, 27016, 9700.
• Set LanOnly = false if you want public listing and internet joins.
• Common port forwarding problems include CGNAT, double NAT, hairpin NAT, wrong firewall rules, and forwarding to the wrong LAN IP.
• Test the real join path with a phone hotspot or a friend’s network.
• If outsiders can join but you cannot at home, use the LAN tab (hairpin NAT).
• Use a simple update.bat to patch safely, validating every time.
• Back up saves + config before every update to avoid losing the world.

What is a Sons of the Forest Dedicated Server?

A dedicated server runs your multiplayer world as a separate server program. The world stays available as long as the server stays on. Players join the server, not your PC session. You get one shared save, one ruleset, and one place to manage access.

Dedicated vs Peer-to-peer Hosting

Peer-to-peer hosting ties the world to one player.

• The session ends when the host quits or crashes.
• The host’s PC becomes the bottleneck for CPU, memory, and upload.
• Friends lose momentum because they can only play on the host’s schedule.

A dedicated server breaks that dependency. If you want the broader hosting difference, RedSwitches’ guide on dedicated vs non-dedicated servers explains how uptime, control, and shared resources change between both models. 

• The server stays online while the server process runs.
• Saves happen on the server, not on one player’s machine.
• You control passwords, admins, and who gets kicked or banned.

When You Should Run Dedicated Servers For Sons Of The Forest

Run a dedicated server when you want consistency.

• Your friends play at different times.
• You want a Sons of the Forest private server with a password.
• You want fewer disconnects caused by the host’s Wi-Fi, PC load, or Steam hiccups.
• You want one stable world instead of “new host, new save, new rules” every week.

Sons of the Forest Dedicated Server Requirements 2026

Performance problems often come from under-sized hosts, while setup failures usually come from ports, firewall rules, or NAT issues. Many people still treat it like a simple co-op lobby.

Then the world starts hitching during saves, enemies rubber-band, and friends drop mid-fight.

Practical sizing for 2–8 players

Use this as a practical baseline. It keeps the server smooth without wasting money.

CPU (most important)

• Favor strong single-core speed. Game servers live and die on main-thread time.
• A modern 4-core CPU with strong single-core speed is usually enough for small vanilla groups, but 6+ strong cores give better headroom for full 8-player worlds, long sessions, and other services.
• Avoid old low-clock office CPUs. They “work,” then stutter under load.

RAM

• Start at 8 GB for small groups.
• Plan 12–16 GB if you run other services on the same box or want headroom for long sessions.
• Low RAM shows up as stutter and slow recovery after spikes.

Storage

• Use SSD. NVMe is even better.
• An HDD may work for light testing, but SSD or NVMe storage is safer because saves, loads, logs, and backups can create noticeable disk stalls.
• Storage speed impacts world loads, save writes, and “pause-like” hitches.

Network

• Stable upload beats big download numbers.
• A clean route with low packet loss matters more than raw bandwidth.
• Home hosting fails when upload gets shared with calls, streaming, or other devices.

Pick Where To Host

Option	Uptime	Cost	Setup work	Port forwarding	Best for
Self-host PC	Depends on you	Lowest	Medium	Usually yes	Small friend groups, quick tests
VPS	Good if resources are not heavily shared	Low–mid	Medium	No home router forwarding, but OS and provider firewall rules still apply	Always-on world, light admin work
Dedicated machine	Strongest performance isolation	Mid–high	Low–medium	No home router forwarding, but provider firewall rules still apply	Stable performance, long-term worlds

If you want stronger CPU isolation, NVMe storage, and fewer home-network problems, use a quality VPS or rented dedicated server. If you are comparing both options, this dedicated server vs VPS guide explains when bare metal makes more sense than virtualized hosting. 

Before You Start

Use this checklist now. It saves you from repeating the same fixes later.

• You have admin access on the server (Windows admin or sudo on Linux).
• You can log into your router.
• You set a DHCP reservation for the server LAN IP (so the IP does not change).
• You have your SteamID64 ready for admin access.
• You can test a join from outside your home network (a phone hotspot works).

Windows Setup, Sons of the Forest Dedicated Server Steamcmd

This path gives you the fastest clean install and the easiest updates.

Folder Layout That Stays Clean

Keep SteamCMD, server files, and backups separate.

• C:\SteamCMD\
• C:\SOTF-Server\
• C:\Backups\

Install Steamcmd

• Download SteamCMD.
• Extract it into C:\SteamCMD\.
• Run it once so it downloads its support files.

Install the Dedicated Server Tool

The dedicated server tool uses Steam App ID 2465200 and can be installed with anonymous 

SteamCMD login. 

steamcmd.exe +login anonymous ^

  +force_install_dir “C:\SOTF-Server” ^

  +app_update 2465200 validate ^

  +quit

What each part does:

• +login anonymous logs in without a Steam account.
• +force_install_dir sets the install folder.
• +app_update 2465200 validate installs or updates the dedicated server tool and checks files.
• +quit exits SteamCMD.

First Boot To Generate Sons Of The Forest Server Files

• Go to C:\SOTF-Server\
• Run StartSOTFDedicated.bat once.
• Close it after it generates the LocalLow folder and config files.

Update Routine You Will Keep Using

Create an update.bat file and run it before restarts and after patches.

@echo off

cd /d C:\SteamCMD

steamcmd.exe +login anonymous ^

  +force_install_dir “C:\SOTF-Server” ^

  +app_update 2465200 validate ^

  +quit

echo Done.

pause

Ports, Firewall, And Router Port Forwarding

Most failed Sons of the Forest dedicated server setup attempts die here. The server runs. You think it works. Then friends cannot see it, cannot join it, or get stuck on connect. Fix ports once, and you stop chasing ghosts.

Required UDP Ports

With the default dedicatedserver.cfg setup, open these ports as UDP, not TCP.

• 8766/UDP — Game traffic
• 27016/UDP — Steam query and server listing
• 9700/UDP — BlobSync traffic

If you change any port in dedicatedserver.cfg, you must match the same port in your firewall and router rules. One mismatch breaks listing or joining.

“27015” And Random Port Ranges

For the default Sons of the Forest dedicated server config, start with UDP ports 8766, 27016, and 9700 before opening wider Steam port ranges.

Use the defaults above unless you changed ports inside dedicatedserver.cfg.
If the server lists and friends can join on the default setup, you do not need extra game ports.

Windows Firewall Rules

Create inbound rules for each UDP port. Use PowerShell as Administrator. The commands below use Microsoft’s New-NetFirewallRule cmdlet to create inbound UDP firewall rules. 

New-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName “SOTF UDP 8766” -Direction Inbound -Protocol UDP -LocalPort 8766 -Action Allow

New-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName “SOTF UDP 27016” -Direction Inbound -Protocol UDP -LocalPort 27016 -Action Allow

New-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName “SOTF UDP 9700” -Direction Inbound -Protocol UDP -LocalPort 9700 -Action Allow

What success looks like:

• You see three new inbound rules in Windows Firewall.
• The rules show Enabled = Yes.
• Temporarily check third-party firewall or antivirus rules if Windows Firewall looks correct but external joins still fail.

If you use a VPS or a host, also open the same UDP ports in the provider firewall or security group. Many people forget this step and blame the game.

Router Port Forwarding Checklist

Do this in this order. Do not skip the IP reservation step.

1. Find the server LAN IP
   • Run ipconfig on the server.
   • Copy the IPv4 address for the active adapter.
2. Reserve the IP (DHCP reservation)
   • Lock that IPv4 to the server’s MAC address in the router.
   • This prevents the IP from changing after a reboot.
3. Forward each UDP port to that IP
   • Forward 8766/UDP → server LAN IP
   • Forward 27016/UDP → server LAN IP
   • Forward 9700/UDP → server LAN IP
   • If your router asks for “external” and “internal” port, use the same number for both.
4. Test from outside your home network
   • Ask a friend to join from a different connection.
   • Or use your phone hotspot and join from a second device.

This is the difference between “LAN works” and “public server works.”

The 4 Common Reasons Port Forwarding Fails

CGNAT (no public IPv4)
Your router does not get a real public IPv4 address. Normal router-side IPv4 port forwarding will not work until you get a public IPv4, use a tunnel/VPN workaround, or move to hosted server hardware.

Double NAT (two routers)
You have a modem-router and your own router. You forward on the wrong device or on only one device.

Hairpin NAT (NAT loopback)
Your server works for outsiders, but you cannot join your own public listing from the same home network.

ISP Blocks Inbound Ports
Some ISPs block inbound traffic or restrict it on certain plans.

Fast Tests That Tell You The Cause

Use these questions. They point you to the right fix fast.

• Can a friend join from another network?
  • Yes → your server works. Your issue is local join behavior or listing filters.
  • No → your port path still fails.
• Can you join from a phone hotspot?
  • Yes → your router forwarding is likely fine. Hairpin NAT explains why LAN joins fail via public listing.
  • No → you still have a firewall, forwarding, or CGNAT problem.
• Does the router show a public WAN IP?
  • If the WAN IP looks like 10.x.x.x, 100.64.x.x, 172.16–31.x.x, or 192.168.x.x → you are behind CGNAT or another NAT layer. Port forwarding will not work until you get a public IPv4 or move hosting.

If CGNAT blocks hosting, a Sons of the Forest server host removes most home network limits.

Self-Test On Startup

The self-test can stop startup if config, public IP detection, or required UDP port checks fail. Treat it like a signal, not a final verdict.

What the Self-Test Checks

The server tries to confirm it can see the required UDP ports from the outside. If it fails, it may refuse to continue or show port warnings. This is why your server can “run” but never appear as Sons of the Forest server hosting listings for other players.

If your ISP uses CGNAT, normal public IPv4 accessibility tests usually fail until you get a public IPv4 or use a supported workaround.

This happens often with home networks.

• You forwarded ports, but the test still flags 27016 as closed.
• Your ISP uses CGNAT, so normal public IPv4 accessibility tests usually fail until you get a public IPv4 or use a supported workaround.
• Your router handles NAT in a way that breaks the test even when outsiders can join.

Do not toggle random settings first. Confirm the network path with an external join test.

Skip Network Accessibility Test Rules

Use this setting with discipline.

• Fix ports first.
• Confirm a real external join test (friend network or hotspot).
• Toggle SkipNetworkAccessibilityTest only as an expert workaround after checking ports, firewall rules, public IP status, and external join behavior.

If you skip the test too early, you can hide real network problems and waste hours later when friends still cannot join your dedicated server for Sons of the Forest.

Sons Of The Forest Dedicated Server Settings You Should Change First

Start with a safe baseline. Do not touch every knob. Most server issues come from two mistakes: bad JSON edits and wrong LAN/public settings. Fix the core first, then tune stability.

Where The Config Lives

After you run StartSOTFDedicated.bat once, the game creates your config folder under LocalLow.

Typical path on Windows:

• C:\Users\<YourUser>\AppData\LocalLow\Endnight\SonsOfTheForestDS\

Files you will touch:

• dedicatedserver.cfg (main server config)
• ownerswhitelist.txt (admin/owner SteamIDs)

These files control your Sons of the Forest dedicated server settings and who can manage the server.

Core Settings

These are the only settings you must get right on day one.

ServerName

• Use a unique name. It helps your friends filter fast in the browser.
• Avoid special characters that can break search filters.

Password

• Set a password if you want a Sons of the Forest private server.
• Keep it simple and share it outside public chats.

MaxPlayers

• Keep it at 8 unless the game updates the limit.
• Do not “overbook” with wishful thinking. It causes churn and crashes.

LanOnly

• true = LAN only. No public listing. No outside joins.
• false = public listing and internet joins, as long as ports are open.

LanOnly is one of the key settings that affects public visibility, but ports, firewall rules, NAT, and Steam listing behavior also matter.

SaveSlot

• Treat this like “world slot.”
• Pick a number and stick to it. Changing it loads a different world.

SaveMode

• Use Continue if you want the same world to load every boot.
• Use New only when you intentionally want a fresh world. It can overwrite the existing save on that SaveSlot if left enabled.

GameMode

• Set the difficulty you want from the start.
• If you plan custom rules, use Custom and start a new save so settings apply clean.

A clean core config prevents the most common “wrong world loaded” and “server not found” problems in a Sons of the Forest dedicated server.

Stability Settings

Use simple rules. Do not chase perfect numbers.

SaveInterval

• Lower interval = safer progress, more frequent save writes.
• Higher interval = fewer save spikes, more progress at risk.

Practical baseline:

• Use 600 seconds if your group values smoothness and you trust stability.
• Use 300 seconds if your group hates losing progress after crashes.

IdleTargetFramerate

• Keep it low when nobody plays. It reduces CPU load.
• A value like 5 works well for most hosts.

ActiveTargetFramerate

• Do not chase 120 FPS server ticks.
• Use the default 60 unless your host struggles, then step down.

If the host struggles, lowering ActiveTargetFramerate may reduce CPU pressure, but test after changing it because results vary by machine and world state.

LogFilesEnabled

• Keep logs off for normal play.
• Turn logs on during troubleshooting, then turn them back off.

Logs help you debug join failures and crash loops during a Sons of the Forest dedicated server setup, but they can grow fast and clutter storage.

Move Saves And Configs Off C: (Optional Power Move)

Do this if you care about clean backups and fast migrations.

Why it helps:

• You keep saves and configs away from system folders.
• You can back up one directory and restore clean.
• Moving your Sons of the Forest server files becomes a copy job, not a scavenger hunt.

Use a launch argument to set a new user data path:

• Create a shortcut or edit your start script to add:
  -userdatapath “D:\SOTF\UserData”

Then store:

• dedicatedserver.cfg
• ownerswhitelist.txt
• Saves folder

This setup makes “move to a new host” simple later, especially if you switch to Sons of the Forest dedicated server hosting.

Admin Access And Server Control

Do not hand out owner access like candy. One bad admin ruins the world. Keep control tight.

Ownerswhitelist.txt Done Right

Rules that work:

• Put one SteamID64 per line.
• Keep the list short. Two owners is enough for most groups.
• Do not paste display names as “IDs.” Use real SteamID64 only.

Owners can:

• Kick players
• Ban players
• Control server-level actions and admin tools

Treat this file as your keys to the server. If someone should not have full control, do not add them.

Private Server Rules That Stop Drama

Set expectations early. It saves your time later.

Password policy

• Share the password only with people you trust.
• Change it if randoms join once.

Owner access policy

• Give owner rights only to people who understand the rules.
• Keep one “main” owner who controls config changes.

Kick and ban expectations

• Kick for griefing, harassment, or repeated rule-breaking.
• Ban for repeat offences or anyone who ruins saves on purpose.

This is how you keep a stable, dedicated server Sons of the Forest experience without constant resets.

How To Join Your Sons Of The Forest Private Server

Most join problems come from using the wrong browser filter or trying too fast after first boot. Follow this flow and you will join clean.

Join Steps In-Game

1. Open Multiplayer → Join
2. Set Source: Dedicated
3. Type your server name in the filter
4. Select the server
5. Enter the password
6. Click Join

If you do not see the server instantly, do not change settings yet. Give the listing time to refresh.

Direct Checks When The Server Does Not Show

Run these checks in order. Do not jump around.

• Wait 60–120 seconds after first boot
  The first startup takes longer. The listing can lag behind.
• Confirm the ports are open
  Your Sons of the Forest dedicated server needs 8766/UDP, 27016/UDP, 9700/UDP.
  If one is blocked, the server may run but not list.
• Confirm LanOnly is correct
  • LanOnly = true hides it from public listing.
  • LanOnly = false allows public listing, if port forwarding works.
• Test from a different network first
  Use a phone hotspot or ask a friend.
• Home networks often fail local “public listing” joins because of hairpin NAT. 
• Outsiders can join while you cannot from the same LAN. That is normal.

If your friends can join from outside but you cannot from home, stop changing ports. Your server works. Join via LAN tab when you are on the same network.

Sons Of The Forest Dedicated Server Linux

You can run a Sons of the Forest dedicated server Linux setup, but you need to understand what that really mean. The game does not ship a native Linux binary for the dedicated server tool. Linux hosting works through compatibility layers.

What “Linux Support” Means in Real Life

Here is the reality:

• The dedicated server tool ships as a Windows build.
• SteamDB lists the Sons of the Forest Dedicated Server tool as Windows-supported, so Linux setups should be treated as community workarounds.
• Linux usually runs it through Wine or a Wine-based container setup.
• Popular community Docker setups wrap Wine to make the Windows server easier to run on Linux, but they remain unofficial and can break after image or game updates.

For Linux users, Docker is usually the cleanest workaround. For lowest risk, Windows remains the safer supported path. 

Docker Compose 

This example uses the community Docker image that packages the Wine runtime and the server.

Create a docker-compose.yml file:

services:

  sotf-dedicated:

    image: jammsen/sons-of-the-forest-dedicated-server:latest

    container_name: sotf-dedicated

    restart: unless-stopped

    environment:

      PUID: 1000

      PGID: 1000

      ALWAYS_UPDATE_ON_START: true

      SKIP_NETWORK_ACCESSIBILITY_TEST: true

    ports:

      – “8766:8766/udp”

      – “27016:27016/udp”

      – “9700:9700/udp”

    volumes:

      – ./sonsoftheforest:/sonsoftheforest

What this does:

• Maps the required UDP ports to your host.
• Persists saves and config inside ./sonsoftheforest so you do not lose worlds on rebuild.
• Updates the server on every container start if ALWAYS_UPDATE_ON_START is true.

Start it:

docker compose up -d

Then watch logs:

docker logs -f sotf-dedicated

This is one of the cleaner Linux workaround paths because the container manages much of the Wine setup.

Linux Gotchas

These issues cause many failed Linux setups.

Wrong protocol

• You opened TCP rules. The server needs UDP.
• Fix: open 8766/udp, 27016/udp, 9700/udp in your firewall and provider security rules.

Missing volumes

• No volume mapping means your container can wipe saves on rebuild.
• Fix: bind-mount a folder and back it up.

File permission issues

• Wrong UID/GID breaks save writes and config creation.
• Fix: set PUID and PGID to a real user that owns the mapped folder.

Restart loops after updates

• A bad update or a mismatched config can loop the container.
• Fix: pull logs, validate the config JSON, roll back from backups, then restart.

If you want fewer moving parts and fewer home network problems, use Sons of the Forest dedicated server hosting on a quality VPS or dedicated machine instead of fighting NAT, consumer routers, and shared uplinks.

Backups, Saves, And Moving Your World

A wiped or corrupted world can end a group’s interest fast, so treat backups like part of the setup, not an extra.

What To Back Up

Back up these items together. If you miss one, restores get messy.

• Saves folder
  This is your world and progression state.
• dedicatedserver.cfg
  This is your rules, ports, slots, and server identity.
• ownerswhitelist.txt
  This is your admin control. Losing it creates “nobody can manage the server” chaos.
• Any mod loader files (if used)
  If you use a loader or custom files, back up the loader folder and any config files it creates.

If you run Sons of the Forest dedicated server hosting on a remote machine, you still need your own backups. Do not trust “we do backups” without keeping your own copy.

Backup Schedule That Works

Use a schedule you will actually follow.

• Daily backup
  One backup per day is enough for most groups.
• Backup before every update
  Patch day can break mods, configs, or compatibility. Back up first, update second.
• Keep rolling copies
  Keep at least 7 days. More if you play daily.
• Keep one off-box copy
  Store one copy outside the server machine. A second disk or cloud drive works.

Best practice: do not update the server without a recent backup you know how to restore.

Move The Server To A New Machine

This is how you migrate without losing the world.

1. Stop the server clean
   • Do not copy live files during a save cycle.
2. Copy saves + config
   • Copy the Saves folder.
   • Copy dedicatedserver.cfg.
   • Copy ownerswhitelist.txt.
   • Copy mod files if you use them.
3. Keep the same SaveSlot mapping
   • If SaveSlot changes, you will load a different world.
   • Match the SaveSlot value in the new dedicatedserver.cfg.
4. Boot the server and test
   • Join yourself first.
   • Confirm the right world loads.
   • Confirm you have owner access.
5. Invite friends only after the test
   • Do not turn migration into a live event.
   • Fix issues before the group joins.

This workflow prevents “wrong world loaded” disasters during a Sons of the Forest dedicated server setup migration.

Performance Tuning For Smoother Gameplay

Most practical performance tuning focuses on reducing CPU, disk, and network spikes.

What Causes Lag on SOTF Servers

Common sources of stutter and rubber-banding include CPU spikes, disk stalls, packet loss, weak upload, overloaded hosts, and mod issues.

• CPU thread spikes
  Game servers rely on consistent tick time. One slow core causes hitching.
• Save spikes (disk stalls)
  Slow storage pauses the server during writes. HDD makes this worse.
• Network jitter and packet loss
  Your bandwidth can look fine while your server still lags. Packet loss ruins fights.

Changes That Make A Real Difference

These are the first settings and host-side checks worth testing before you blame the game.

SaveInterval trade-offs

• Lower interval protects progress but increases save frequency.
• Higher interval reduces save load but risks more lost progress in a crash.

Practical baseline:

• 300 seconds for groups that value progress safety.
• 600 seconds for groups that value smooth play.

Idle settings trade-offs

• Keep idle FPS low when nobody plays.
• It reduces heat, power, and random background spikes.

Target framerate trade-offs

• Keep ActiveTargetFramerate at a sane level.
• If the host struggles, lower it instead of letting it stutter.

Stop running other heavy apps on the host

• Do not stream, render, or game on the same machine if you want stable ticks.
• Close browser tabs that eat RAM and CPU.
• Stop background sync tools that hammer disk.

If you want “set it and forget it” performance, move off home hosting. Many home connections and consumer routers are less consistent than rented hosting for 24/7 public servers.

Signs You Outgrew Self-Hosting

These signs mean you hit the ceiling.

• Rubber-banding during fights even with low ping.
• Saves hitch the server and players feel a pause.
• Friends get timeouts at peak hours when your home network gets busy.

When your group grows, a dedicated box gives steady performance and 24/7 uptime.

Mods And Updates

Mods can improve the game. Mods can also destroy your server. Treat them like code changes.

Mod Rules For Dedicated Servers Sons Of The Forest

Use rules that prevent slow-motion disasters.

• Add one mod at a time.
• Track a mod list in a text file.
• Match client and server mod expectations.
• Expect breakage after game updates.
• Remove the last mod you added when crashes start.

If a mod does not state dedicated server support, treat it as risky because it may desync clients or break saves.

Update Safety Plan

Do this before every important update.

1. Backup
2. Update server
3. Boot test
   • Join once.
   • Confirm world loads.
   • Confirm basic play works.
4. Roll back from backups if needed
   • Restore saves and config.
   • Restart clean.

This process reduces the risk of world loss. Skipping it makes rollback harder if an update causes problems.

Scripts And Run-On-Boot

Scripts remove human error. They keep your server consistent, even when you forget steps.

Windows Scripts

update.bat

@echo off

cd /d C:\SteamCMD

steamcmd.exe +login anonymous ^

  +force_install_dir “C:\SOTF-Server” ^

  +app_update 2465200 validate ^

  +quit

echo Update complete.

pause

start.bat with log output

@echo off

cd /d C:\SOTF-Server

StartSOTFDedicated.bat >> C:\SOTF-Server\logs\sotf.log 2>&1

Create the logs folder once:

• C:\SOTF-Server\logs\

Restart-on-crash loop (simple)

@echo off

:loop

echo Starting server…

cd /d C:\SOTF-Server

StartSOTFDedicated.bat

echo Server stopped. Restarting in 10 seconds…

timeout /t 10 /nobreak

goto loop

This is simple, but it keeps your Sons of the Forest dedicated server SteamCMD workflow cleaner after updates and crashes.

Windows Run-On-Boot

Use Task Scheduler so your server starts after reboot.

• Open Task Scheduler
• Create New Task
• Set Run whether user is logged on or not
• Set Run with highest privileges
• Trigger: At startup
• Action: Start a program
  • Program: your start.bat or restart loop bat
• Set Start in to C:\SOTF-Server
• Save and test with a manual run

Linux Scripts

Docker restart policy

• Use restart: unless-stopped in Compose.
• It restarts after a crash and after reboot.

Start on boot

• Easiest: enable Docker to start at boot, then use Compose with restart policy.
• If you want strict control, use a systemd unit that runs:
  • docker compose up -d

This keeps a Sons of the Forest dedicated server Linux setup online without babysitting.

Troubleshooting Table

Use this when something breaks. Match the symptom to the likely cause before changing random settings.

Symptom → Likely Cause → Fix

Symptom	Likely Cause	Fix
Server fails self-test	Ports blocked, wrong protocol, CGNAT	Open UDP ports, confirm WAN IP is public, test join from hotspot
Server starts but does not list	QueryPort blocked, LanOnly true	Open 27016/UDP, set LanOnly false, restart
LAN works, internet join fails	Router forwarding missing, double NAT	Add DHCP reservation, forward UDP ports, fix double NAT chain
Friends see server, cannot connect	GamePort blocked, wrong port forwarded	Confirm 8766/UDP forwards to the right LAN IP
You cannot join your own public listing at home	Hairpin NAT	Join via LAN tab at home, test from hotspot for real validation
Wrong world loads	SaveSlot mismatch	Match SaveSlot to the right folder, restart
Save corruption signs	Crash during save, disk issues	Restore from last good backup, increase backup frequency
Server freezes under load	CPU spikes, disk stalls, other apps running	Stop heavy apps, move to SSD/NVMe, lower target FPS

Two-Minute Recovery Steps

Do these steps before you rewrite configs.

• Backup saves now.
• Validate files with SteamCMD update + validate.
• Recheck only the key settings:
  • Ports
  • LanOnly
  • SaveSlot
  • Password
• Restart clean and test join from a different network first.

Sons Of The Forest Dedicated Server Hosting

Home hosting can work for small groups, but sleep settings, router limits, ISP restrictions, and shared household traffic can interrupt the server.

Clear Reasons To Rent Instead Of Home Hosting

• CGNAT blocks forwarding
  You can’t open normal inbound IPv4 ports on many home ISPs. There is usually no router-only fix on your side, so you need ISP help, a public IP, a tunnel/VPN workaround, or rented hosting.
• You want 24/7 without leaving your PC on
  A server should not depend on your electricity, updates, and random reboots.
• You want stable performance for groups
  Dedicated resources reduce competition from gaming, streaming, browser tabs, OS updates, and background sync tools.
• You want a server closer to your players
  Location cuts ping and reduces packet loss. That matters in fights and busy bases.

If your goal is a reliable Sons of the Forest server, renting stops the home-network problems that waste hours.

What To Look For In A Host

Pick based on what actually impacts gameplay.

• Consistent CPU time
  Game servers hate noisy neighbors and burst limits. You need steady ticks.
• NVMe storage
  Saves write fast. Loads feel snappy. Save hitches drop.
• DDoS protection
  Public servers can receive malicious or unusual traffic spikes. DDoS protection reduces downtime risk.
• Support that understands game ports
  You want someone who knows UDP rules, NAT issues, and how Steam query ports behave.

For long-running worlds, a quality dedicated server or well-provisioned VPS can be smoother than a busy home PC or overloaded shared host.

For long-term worlds, choose hosting with strong single-core CPU, SSD/NVMe storage, DDoS protection, and a location close to your players.

FAQ

Q. What ports does a Sons of the Forest dedicated server use?

Open these as UDP:

• 8766/UDP
• 27016/UDP
• 9700/UDP

Match any port changes you make in dedicatedserver.cfg to your firewall and router rules. These are the default ports listed for the dedicated server config: GamePort 8766, QueryPort 27016, and BlobSyncPort 9700.

Q. Where are Sons of the Forest server files stored?

After first boot, config files show up under LocalLow on Windows:

• C:\Users\<YourUser>\AppData\LocalLow\Endnight\SonsOfTheForestDS\

Key files include:

• dedicatedserver.cfg
• ownerswhitelist.txt

Q. Can I install a Sons of the Forest dedicated server with SteamCMD without buying the tool?

Yes. You can install the dedicated server tool through SteamCMD with an anonymous login. You do not need to buy anything for the server tool itself. The Steam App ID for the Sons of the Forest Dedicated Server tool is 2465200.

Q. Can I run a Sons of the Forest dedicated server on Linux?

Yes, but Linux hosting is unofficial and usually runs the Windows server tool through Wine or a Wine-based Docker container. You still must open the same UDP ports.

Q. Why does the server self-test fail?

Common causes:

• Ports are not forwarded or blocked by a firewall.
• You opened TCP rules instead of UDP.
• Your ISP uses CGNAT, so inbound checks fail by design.
• Some routers fail the check even when outsiders can join.

Confirm with a real external join test before you chase settings.

Q. Why can friends join but I cannot from the same network?

That is usually hairpin NAT. Many routers cannot loop you back into your own public IP from the same LAN.

Fix:

• Join via the LAN browser when you are at home.
• Test the public join path from a phone hotspot to confirm the server works.

Q. How do I make a Sons of the Forest private server?

In dedicatedserver.cfg:

• Set a Password
• Keep MaxPlayers at a sane number
• Keep ownerswhitelist.txt short and trusted

For a private internet server, set a password and keep LanOnly = false. Use LanOnly = true only for LAN-only play.

Q. How do I move my save to a new host?

• Stop the server clean.
• Copy the Saves folder and these files:
  • dedicatedserver.cfg
  • ownerswhitelist.txt
• Keep the same SaveSlot on the new server.
• Boot test and join once before inviting friends.