Enshrouded is a survival action RPG with some of the best building mechanics in recent memory. The voxel-based terrain combined with fluid combat and a persistent co-op world make it a great game to host on a dedicated server. Here is how to do it properly in 2026.
Why Use a Dedicated Server for Enshrouded?
By default, Enshrouded uses a peer-to-peer model where one player hosts the session. This means:
- The game only runs when that player is online
- Other players experience latency relative to the host's connection
- The host's PC handles both their game and serving everyone else
A dedicated server fixes all of these. The world runs 24/7, everyone connects to a neutral server, and performance is consistent regardless of who is online or offline.
Enshrouded Server Hardware Requirements
Enshrouded is relatively gentle on server hardware compared to ARK or Space Engineers:
| Players | RAM | CPU |
|---|---|---|
| 1-4 players | 4-8 GB | Any modern CPU |
| 4-16 players (max) | 8-12 GB | Ryzen 5000+ |
Enshrouded currently supports a maximum of 16 players per server. For that full complement, 12 GB of RAM is comfortable.
Installing Enshrouded Dedicated Server
The Enshrouded dedicated server is available via SteamCMD:
steamcmd +login anonymous +force_install_dir /opt/enshrouded_server +app_update 2278520 validate +quit
Running the server:
/opt/enshrouded_server/enshrouded_server.exe
On Linux, use Proton or Wine, or wait for the native Linux server build if the developers release one.
Server Configuration
The server creates enshrouded_server.json on first launch:
{
"name": "My Enshrouded Server",
"password": "",
"saveDirectory": "./savegame",
"logDirectory": "./logs",
"ip": "0.0.0.0",
"queryPort": 15637,
"slotCount": 16,
"gameSettingsPreset": "Default"
}
Change slotCount to limit player count and password to make it private.
Save Files and Backups
Enshrouded world saves are stored in the save directory. Back these up regularly - the world is the result of many hours of building and exploration. Set up a cron job to copy the save folder daily:
0 4 * * * cp -r /opt/enshrouded_server/savegame /backups/enshrouded_$(date +%Y%m%d)
World Progression and Flame Altar
In Enshrouded, world progression is tied to Flame Altars. Each player can have their own upgrades, but the world-level progression (unlocking new regions of the shroud) is shared. Make sure all players understand this - upgrading the Flame Altar affects everyone's experience.
Hosting Enshrouded at Space-Node
Enshrouded is a casual-friendly game with moderate server requirements. Our entry-level plans cover it well. Netherlands and Canada locations keep latency low for European and North American communities respectively.
Ready to host your Enshrouded world? View Enshrouded Server Plans at Space-Node
Dedicated server, 24/7 uptime, fast NVMe storage for your world.