Core Keeper Dedicated Server Hosting: Setup & Settings Guide (2026)
Core Keeper is a cozy underground sandbox built for co-op, and it shines when the world keeps mining, farming, and boss progress going even when the host is offline. A dedicated server gives your group a persistent base that is always reachable - no more "we can only play when Steve is online." Here is how to set one up and keep it healthy.
Why Host a Dedicated Core Keeper Server
In-game co-op ties the world to the host's session. Close the game and everyone is locked out; the host's connection also limits how many friends can join smoothly. A dedicated server removes that bottleneck: the world runs 24/7, anyone can drop in whenever they like, and the simulation gets its own dedicated CPU and RAM instead of fighting your game client.
System Requirements
Core Keeper is light compared to AAA survival games, but explored caverns, conveyor automation, and large farms all add up:
- 2-4 players: 3-4GB RAM, 2 cores
- 4-8 players: 6GB RAM, 2-4 cores
- Large automated bases: 8GB RAM and headroom for world-file growth
- Storage: A few GB for the game; NVMe SSD keeps world saves snappy as your map expands
Because Core Keeper worlds grow as you dig, give yourself RAM headroom so late-game automation does not cause stutter.
Setting Up the Server
Core Keeper ships a dedicated server you install with SteamCMD (app ID for the Core Keeper Dedicated Server tool). The basic flow:
- Install SteamCMD and download the dedicated server files.
- Edit the launch config with your world name, slot count, and either a new world seed or an imported save.
- Open the required UDP/TCP ports (or use a host that handles networking for you).
- Launch, then share the generated game ID with your friends so they can connect.
If that sounds like a lot of manual work, a managed game host does the SteamCMD install, port forwarding, and updates for you.
World Settings Worth Tuning
- Game ID / world seed: Decide whether to start fresh or import an existing single-player save so you keep your progress.
- Player slots: Match your group size; oversizing wastes RAM, undersizing locks friends out.
- PvP toggle: Off by default - most Core Keeper servers are pure co-op.
- Save interval: Frequent autosaves protect against crashes during long boss runs.
Backups Are Non-Negotiable
A corrupted Core Keeper world can erase dozens of hours of digging and base building. Schedule automatic world backups and keep multiple restore points, especially before big updates. If a patch changes world generation or breaks a mod, you will be glad you have yesterday's save.
Hosting Core Keeper on Space-Node
Space-Node hosts game servers on AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D hardware with NVMe SSD storage in the Netherlands, delivering low latency across Europe and fast world saves as your caverns expand. Plans include DDoS protection, instant deployment, and 12/7 human support, so you can spend your time mining instead of fighting port-forwarding.
A small Core Keeper group fits comfortably on an entry plan; scale up if you run a big public world with heavy automation. See our hosting plans or ask us in Discord for a recommendation.
Final Word
A dedicated Core Keeper server turns an occasional co-op night into an always-on underground project your whole group can pick up any time. Keep your save backed up, give the world enough RAM to grow, and enjoy a base that is always waiting for you below the surface.
