7 Days to Die server guide

Short answer: Set your server name and password on the Game Settings page (or in serverconfig.xml), then start the server and wait for Connected with 7DTD server. Players find it in the in-game server browser or connect with your address.

Before you begin

• You need: 7 Days to Die on Steam, on the same version as the server.
• If you’re new to the panel, read Your first 15 minutes: from order to playing first.

Server facts

Versions we offer	7 Days to Die (default)
Backups keep	/.local/share/7DaysToDie/, /serverconfig.xml

7 Days to Die

Ready when the console shows	*** Connected with 7DTD server.
Stop command	shutdown (sent by Stop)
Extra ports	none
Mods page	a download link (URL): placed in the Mods folder
Game Settings page	Yes: Server settings (22 settings)
Tested in our lab	2026-10-05: installed (18 GB), reached its ready message

Startup settings

Setting	You can change it	Default
Max Players	No	8
Game Difficulty	Yes	2
Auto Update	Yes	1
Beta Branch	Yes	(empty)
Telnet Password	Yes	(empty)
Telnet Port	Yes	8081
Network Protocols	Yes	(empty)

Quick start

1. Open Game Settings and set the server name and password. Defaults on a new server: name My Game Host, no password, 8 players, map Navezgane.
2. Select Start and wait for *** Connected with 7DTD server.
3. In 7 Days to Die: Join a Game, find your server by name, or use Connect to IP with your address.

Admin

1. Join the server once.
2. In the panel console, type admin add <player name> 0 (0 is the highest permission level).
3. In game, press F1 to open the console and use admin commands.

Admins are stored in serveradmin.xml in the save folder under .local/share/7DaysToDie/.

Settings

All server settings are in serverconfig.xml. The Game Settings page edits the common ones with menus: name, password, players, difficulty, blood moons, day length, loot and more. Restart after saving. For anything else, stop the server and edit the file in Files.

Two settings worth knowing:

• EACEnabled (Easy Anti-Cheat) is on by default. Some mods need it off.
• ServerVisibility 2 means public in the server browser.

Saves

Worlds and player data are in .local/share/7DaysToDie/. Backups keep that folder and serverconfig.xml. To start a new world, change the game name (GameName) in Game Settings; the old world stays and returns if you change it back.

Mods

On 7 Days to Die, the Mods page installs mods from a download link into the Mods folder. Restart afterwards. Mods that change the game (not just the server) must also be installed by every player, and usually need Easy Anti-Cheat off.

Restarts and updates

• Stop sends shutdown, which saves first.
• Auto Update on Startup is on by default, so restarts install updates. Big game updates usually need a new world and updated mods: check before restarting.

Common problems

Problem	Cause	Fix
Version mismatch when joining	Game updated on one side only	Restart the server to update; players update through Steam
Can’t join a modded server	Players lack the mods, or Easy Anti-Cheat blocks them	Players install the same mods; turn off EACEnabled if the mod says so
Server takes very long to start	First start generates the world	Wait; later starts are faster

When to contact support

Contact support if the server doesn’t reach Connected with 7DTD server, or nobody can connect. Include the console output. See How to contact support with useful diagnostic information.

Related guides

• Adding your server to your Steam favourites
• Installing mods from the Mods page
• Updating your game server
• How to create and restore a backup

Last reviewed: 2026-10-05 · Applies to: Game Panel (hici 0.4.2, HiCiTools 3.0.2)