How to Make an Enshrouded Server in 2026

How do you create a dedicated Enshrouded server, hosted or on your own PC? Step-by-step setup, ports, and configuration.

Published on 27 août 2026

Want to explore the Shroud with friends on your own persistent world instead of relying on someone always being online to host? A dedicated Enshrouded server keeps your world running around the clock. Here's how to set one up, both ways.

The two ways to create an Enshrouded server

Option 1: host with a provider

You rent an Enshrouded server from a specialised host. It runs 24/7, comes with a web panel for files, restarts and backups, and includes DDoS protection. This is the option almost every group beyond 2 players ends up using — see our [Enshrouded server cost guide](/en/guides/enshrouded/enshrouded-server-cost) for real prices from €12.99/month.

Option 2: run the server on your PC

You install the dedicated server via SteamCMD and run it at home. Free on the software side, but your PC has to stay on the whole time, you expose your home network, and you configure port forwarding yourself. Realistic for a quick test with 1-2 friends, not for a persistent world.

Which option should you choose?

For anything beyond a short test, go with a host. A dedicated Enshrouded plan starts around €13/month and removes the always-on requirement, the port-forwarding hassle and the DDoS risk entirely.

Creating an Enshrouded server with a host (recommended)

Choose your plan based on player count

Enshrouded caps at 16 players. For 1-4 players, an entry tier (€12.99-13.99/mo) is enough. For 5-8, step up one tier. For the full 16-player cap, compare NitroServ's slot-based pricing against Minestrator's RAM tiers in our [hosting comparison](/en/games/enshrouded) — the cheaper option depends on your exact group size.

Order and access the panel

After ordering, you receive panel access by email. Log in and your Enshrouded server appears in Stopped status, ready to configure.

Set your server name and password

Most panels expose the key fields from enshrouded_server.json directly: server name, an optional password, and slot count. Set slot count to the number of players you actually expect, not the maximum — a lower slot count uses less RAM/CPU headroom.

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) using the same game version as your server — Enshrouded rejects mismatched versions.

Set up automatic backups

Confirm your host's automatic backup schedule (most run hourly or daily) before you invest real hours into a base. This matters even more heading into the October 15, 2026 1.0 launch, when you'll want a safe rollback point before updating — see our [1.0 update guide](/en/guides/enshrouded/enshrouded-1-0-server-update).

Creating an Enshrouded 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 +login anonymous +force_install_dir "C:\enshrouded-server" +app_update 2278520 validate +quit. The Enshrouded dedicated server is Steam AppID 2278520 and downloads without owning the game.

Open your ports

Enshrouded uses UDP 15636 for game traffic and UDP 15637 for server queries by default. Add inbound rules for both in your firewall, and forward both on your router if you want friends outside your network to connect.

Configure enshrouded_server.json

The first launch generates enshrouded_server.json next to the server executable. Set your name, an optional password, the gamePort (default 15636), queryPort (default 15637), and slotCount (up to 16).

Launch and keep it running

Run enshrouded_server.exe. The console needs to stay open (and your PC on) for the server to stay up — the moment you close it or the machine sleeps, everyone gets disconnected.

Not built for 24/7 uptime

Frequently asked questions about creating an Enshrouded server

What ports does Enshrouded need forwarded?

UDP 15636 (game traffic) and UDP 15637 (server queries), both configurable in enshrouded_server.json. Hosted plans handle this automatically — self-hosting means forwarding both yourself.

How many players can an Enshrouded server support?

16 players is the current cap, set via the slotCount field. Set it to what you'll actually use, not the maximum, since a lower slot count needs less RAM and CPU headroom.

Can I run mods on a dedicated Enshrouded server?

Enshrouded's modding tools are still early compared to a game like Valheim or Minecraft. Check your host's panel for one-click mod support before assuming it works the same way.

Do I need to do anything differently once 1.0 launches on October 15, 2026?

Back up your world before updating, and update the server the same day your players update their client — Enshrouded rejects version-mismatched connections. Full details in our [Enshrouded 1.0 update guide](/en/guides/enshrouded/enshrouded-1-0-server-update).

Our recommendation

Ready to launch your Enshrouded server?

Here are the best Enshrouded 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

Enshrouded

Features

✓Anti-DDoS protection
✓SmartBackup automatic backups
✓Web panel, no file editing needed
✓French support 7j/7
+1 more features

See offer

8 Slots

NitroServ

12.99€/month

-20% with code HOSTMYGAME

Max players:8