How to Make a 7 Days to Die Server in 2026

How do you create a dedicated 7 Days to Die server, hosted or on your own PC? SteamCMD, ports, and serverconfig.xml, step by step.

Published on 27 août 2026

Want to survive horde nights with your own crew on a persistent world, with your own loot and difficulty settings? A dedicated 7 Days to Die server runs independently of any single player. Here's how to set one up, both ways.

The two ways to create a 7 Days to Die server

Option 1: host with a provider

You rent a 7 Days to Die server from a specialised host. It runs 24/7, comes with a panel for files and backups, and includes DDoS protection. See our [7 Days to Die server cost guide](/en/guides/7-days-to-die/7-days-to-die-server-cost) for real prices from €12.99/month.

Option 2: run the server on your PC

You install the free dedicated server tool via SteamCMD and run it at home. Your PC needs to stay on 24/7, you expose your home network, and you manage port forwarding and config files yourself.

Which option should you choose?

For a persistent world your group plays over weeks, go with a host. A dedicated plan starts around €13/month and removes the always-on requirement, port forwarding and DDoS risk entirely.

Creating a 7 Days to Die server with a host (recommended)

Choose your plan based on player count and CPU

For 1-4 players, an entry tier is enough. Horde nights lean on CPU, so for 8+ players, favor a tier with more dedicated cores — see our [hosting comparison](/en/games/7-days-to-die) for the full breakdown.

Order and access the panel

After ordering, you receive panel access by email. Your server appears in Stopped status, ready to configure.

Set your server name, password and world settings

Most panels expose the key serverconfig.xml fields directly: server name, max players, and world/difficulty settings.

Start the server and connect

Start it from the panel, then connect in-game via the server browser or direct IP if your host provides one.

Set up automatic backups

Confirm your host's backup schedule before investing real hours into a base — horde nights are exactly when things can go wrong.

Creating a 7 Days to Die server on your own PC

Install SteamCMD

Download SteamCMD and extract it to a folder, e.g. C:\steamcmd.

Download the dedicated server files

Run: steamcmd +force_install_dir /path/to/7dtd-server +login anonymous +app_update 294420 validate +quit. That's AppID 294420, the '7 Days to Die Dedicated Server' tool — a separate download from the game itself (AppID 251570). Expect a 10-15 GB download.

Open your ports

7 Days to Die needs TCP 26900 and UDP 26900-26902 forwarded and allowed through your firewall by default.

Rename and edit your config file

Never edit the default config file directly — copy it under a unique name (e.g. myserver.xml) and point -configfile= at it when launching. Set your server name, max players and optional password here.

Launch and keep it running

Start the server with your renamed config file. Your PC needs to stay on and awake for the world to stay accessible.

Not built for 24/7 uptime

Frequently asked questions about creating a 7 Days to Die server

What ports does 7 Days to Die need forwarded?

TCP 26900 and UDP 26900-26902 by default. Hosted plans handle this automatically.

What is the 7 Days to Die dedicated server's Steam AppID?

294420 — a separate free download from the main game (AppID 251570). You don't need to own the game on the machine running the server.

Should I edit the default 7 Days to Die config file directly?

No — rename it to something unique to your server first, then point the server launch command's -configfile= flag at your renamed copy. This avoids losing settings on an update.

Our recommendation

Ready to launch your 7 Days to Die server?

Here are the best 7 Days to Die hosting deals right now, promo codes included. Still unsure? Our quiz finds the ideal host for you in under 2 minutes.

MyBox 8

Minestrator

13.99€/month

-10% with code HOSTMYGAME

Max players:4

Mods:

Specifications

RAM:8GB(DDR4)

Compatible games

7 Days to Die

Features

✓Anti-DDoS protection
✓SmartBackup automatic backups
✓Web panel
✓French support 7j/7

See offer

Survivant - 4 joueurs

NitroServ

12.99€/month

-20% with code HOSTMYGAME