Windrose is a multiplayer game that supports dedicated servers, letting you host persistent worlds for your community. Running your own dedicated server gives you control over settings, uptime, and who can join. Here is how to set it up.
Why Host a Dedicated Server
A dedicated server runs independently from any player's game client. Benefits include:
- The world stays online even when you are not playing
- Better performance than player-hosted sessions
- Full control over server settings and rules
- Ability to run mods or custom configurations
- Consistent connection for all players
If you play with a regular group or want to build a community, a dedicated server is the way to go.
Server Requirements
Minimum specs for a Windrose dedicated server:
- CPU: 2+ cores (modern processor recommended)
- RAM: 4-8 GB depending on world size and player count
- Storage: SSD recommended for faster world loading
- Network: Stable connection with at least 10 Mbps upload
- OS: Windows or Linux
For larger communities (10+ players), increase RAM and use better hardware. An SSD makes a noticeable difference in load times and world operations.
Installation
- Obtain the dedicated server files (usually through Steam or the game's official download)
- Install to a dedicated folder on your machine or VPS
- Run the server executable once to generate default configuration files
- Stop the server and edit the configuration to your preferences
- Start the server again with your custom settings
If using SteamCMD on a headless Linux server:
- Install SteamCMD
- Log in (anonymous if supported, or with your Steam credentials)
- Download the Windrose dedicated server app
- Configure and run
Configuration
The server configuration file lets you customize:
- Server name (what players see in the browser)
- Maximum players
- Password protection
- World settings and difficulty
- Admin privileges
- Network port
Edit the config file with a text editor. Save and restart the server for changes to take effect.
Port Forwarding
For players outside your local network to connect, forward the game's required ports on your router:
- Find the default port in the server config (usually noted in documentation)
- Access your router's admin panel (typically 192.168.1.1)
- Add a port forwarding rule for the game port (both TCP and UDP)
- Point it to the local IP of the machine running the server
- Save and test by having an external player connect
Alternatively, host on a VPS where ports are already open by default.
VPS Hosting
Running on a VPS eliminates port forwarding and gives you a stable public IP:
- Rent a VPS with enough RAM and CPU for your player count
- Install the server following the same steps as local hosting
- The VPS public IP is your server address, no port forwarding needed
- The server runs 24/7 without keeping your home PC on
This is the recommended approach for communities that want maximum uptime.
Managing the Server
Once running:
- Monitor player connections and performance
- Back up world saves regularly
- Update the server when game patches release
- Moderate player behavior if running a public server
- Restart periodically to clear memory leaks (common in game servers)
Set up automated backups and consider using a process manager to auto-restart the server if it crashes.
Troubleshooting
Players cannot connect: Check port forwarding, firewall rules, and that the server is actually running. Verify the server appears in the game's server browser.
Server crashes on start: Missing files or incorrect configuration. Check logs for error messages and verify all files are intact.
High latency for players: The server hardware or network is insufficient. Upgrade or move to a VPS closer to your player base.
FAQ
Can I run a Windrose server on my PC while playing? Yes, but performance suffers. A dedicated machine or VPS is better for consistent performance.
How many players can a Windrose server handle? Depends on hardware. Most setups handle 10-20 players comfortably. Higher counts need more resources.
Is a VPS better than home hosting? For uptime and ease of setup, yes. Home hosting works for small private groups but a VPS is better for communities.
Related: What is VPS hosting, VPS game server hosting, Dedicated server hosting guide