Setting Up a Dedicated Server

Get your Barotrauma dedicated server up and running. Follow these steps to host multiplayer sessions and share the Europa experience with friends.

Establishing a dedicated server for Barotrauma allows for a persistent and controlled multiplayer experience, ideal for friends or communities. The process involves several steps, primarily focused on configuring the server software and ensuring network accessibility. Barotrauma's dedicated server functionality is designed to be robust, supporting custom configurations and mod integration. To begin, you will need to download the dedicated server application, which is separate from the main game client. This application can typically be found within the game's installation directory or as a separate download from official sources. Once downloaded, the server needs to be configured. This is largely managed through a series of configuration files, often in XML format, which dictate everything from server name and password to game rules and campaign settings. The List of Config Files on the official wiki is an invaluable resource for understanding these parameters. Key settings include the serverName, password, and maxPlayers. For those looking to host a server that can be accessed by players outside of their local network, port forwarding on your router is essential. The default port for Barotrauma servers is 27016, but this can be changed in the configuration files. Enabling mods on a dedicated server requires careful management, ensuring that all connected players have the same mods installed and enabled in the correct order to avoid compatibility issues. The Enabling Mods on a Dedicated Server guide provides detailed instructions on this process. A well-configured dedicated server ensures a stable environment for your crew to embark on their perilous journeys through the Europan oceans, managing resources, battling creatures like the Hammerhead and navigating treacherous environments.