Launch the Sons of the Forest dedicated server once so it creates dedicatedserver.cfg, then stop it and edit that JSON file. Set the server name, player limit and password, decide whether it should be LAN-only, open UDP ports 8766, 27016 and 9700, and place administrator Steam IDs in ownerswhitelist.txt. The generated configuration is more trustworthy than copied guides: key names and defaults have changed between community examples.
What the dedicated-server configuration controls
The dedicated server reads a JSON configuration file rather than the older, line-by-line format still shown in some community posts. The file controls identity, access, player capacity, save behavior, game mode and network behavior. A malformed JSON file can prevent startup, so treat punctuation and key spelling as operational settings, not decoration.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
This procedure is written for a self-hosted Windows installation because that is the platform and path documented by the available guides. A rented host normally exposes the same settings through its control panel or file manager, but its filesystem path, restart button and firewall may be different.
Use the generated file as the authority
Community guides disagree about several details, including whether the password key is called Password or ServerPassword, which defaults are shipped for player capacity, and how some game-mode values are capitalized. Do not add both versions of a key or blindly replace the file with a guide’s sample. Keep the keys that your own server creates and change their values.
#1 Best Overall
- Strategic 2-Player Trick-Taking: Master the art of winning just enough tricks without overcommitting, using clever card play and tactical decision-making to outmaneuver your opponent
- New Module Variations: Three game modules (special cards, goal cards, poison cards) offer endless strategic combinations, keeping gameplay fresh and exciting for repeated plays
- Premium Deluxe Components: Foil-stamped cards, all-new fairy-tale illustrations, and acrylic scoring tokens deliver a visually stunning and tactile experience that enhances every game
- Quick 30-Minute Gameplay: Perfect for busy couples seeking quality time together, delivering strategic depth and meaningful competition in a compact, elegant format
- Complete Game Package: Includes 33 base cards, nine special cards, 16 goal cards, three poison cards, two reference cards, 17 scoring tokens, and comprehensive rulebook
Before you edit anything
- Install the Sons of the Forest dedicated-server software using your normal Steam server-installation workflow.
- Have administrator access to the Windows machine, its firewall and, for internet play, its router.
- Decide whether players will connect only from your home network or from the internet.
- Make a backup of the entire server data directory before changing a world that matters. A copy of only the JSON file does not protect saves, logs or other generated files.
Keep the game and dedicated-server software updated, but recheck the configuration after every update. Patches can add, remove or rename keys.
Generate dedicatedserver.cfg on the first launch
- Finish installing the dedicated-server software.
- Start the server once and allow it to reach its normal running state. The configuration and companion files are generated at first launch; they are not necessarily present immediately after installation.
- Stop the server cleanly. Editing while the process is writing the file can discard changes or leave a partial file.
- Open the generated data directory and confirm that
dedicatedserver.cfgandownerswhitelist.txtexist. If they are missing, launch the server again and check that you are looking at the active data location rather than a shortcut or old installation.
Find the configuration file
The default Windows location reported by community setup guides is:
C:Users<user>AppDataLocalLowEndnightSonsOfTheForestDSdedicatedserver.cfgReplace <user> with the Windows account that runs the server. If the server is started with the -userdatapath command-line argument, it can use a different data directory. In that case, edit the file under the path supplied to that argument, not the default folder. A reliable way to avoid editing the wrong copy is to change the server name temporarily, start the server, and verify that the name appears in the listing or log before making the rest of your changes.
Edit the JSON safely
Open the file in a plain-text editor that does not insert rich-text formatting. Preserve double quotes around key names and string values, commas between properties, and the braces at the beginning and end. JSON does not accept comments, trailing commas or unquoted text.
Change existing properties instead of pasting a complete configuration from an old tutorial. For example, a string value has the form "ServerName": "Weekend Co-op", while a number and a Boolean do not use quotation marks: "MaxPlayers": 6 and "LanOnly": true. The exact surrounding properties and key spelling must match the file your server generated.
- Copy the original file to a dated backup such as
dedicatedserver.cfg.before-network-change. - Edit one logical group at a time: identity and access, then saves and game mode, then networking.
- Check that every opening brace, quote and comma has a matching closing character.
- Save as plain text without changing the
.cfgextension to.txt. - If the server fails to start, restore the backup first; then reapply changes individually to identify the invalid key or value.
Set the server name, players and password
| Setting | What it does | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|
ServerName |
Text displayed for the server in the server list. | Use the key already present in your generated file; the guides reviewed describe it as accepting any string. |
MaxPlayers |
Maximum simultaneous players. | Community documentation places the allowed range at 1–8. Reported defaults conflict, so read the value in your file rather than assuming it is 4 or 8. |
Password or ServerPassword |
Requires a password when a player joins. | Guides disagree on the key name. An empty value makes the server open; a non-empty value makes it private. The reported maximum is 40 characters. Use only the spelling your generated file provides. |
Keep the player limit within the generated file’s accepted range. Setting a value above eight is not supported by the available documentation and may be rejected or ignored. If friends receive a password prompt, give them the exact value, including capitalization and punctuation.
Rank #2
- Cooperative Trick-Taking Mechanics: Win together by collecting gems through strategic card play and special character abilities that let teammates exchange cards and support each other throughout the game
- Perfect Two-Player Game: Designed specifically for 2 players aged 10 and up with 30-minute gameplay, making it ideal for couples, parents with kids, or anyone seeking meaningful one-on-one connection
- Portable Travel Card Game: Compact design fits easily in bags, backpacks, or carry-on luggage, bringing engaging entertainment to vacations, road trips, or gatherings without bulky components
- Beautiful Hand-Illustrated Cards: Featuring stunning artwork inspired by forest themes with quality card stock that holds up to repeated play while looking attractive displayed or stored
- Easy to Learn, Challenging to Master: Familiar trick-taking foundation makes it instantly approachable for newcomers while unique powers and strategic decision-making keep every game fresh and engaging
Choose a public or LAN-only server
Internet-visible server
Leave LanOnly disabled when players outside your home network must find the server through the internet listing. Internet play requires matching firewall and router rules for every configured UDP port. Your internet service may also use carrier-grade NAT, which can prevent inbound connections even when local forwarding is correct.
Recommended Free Tools
LAN-only server
Set LanOnly to true to restrict the server to the local network and hide it from the internet server list. LAN play does not require router port forwarding, but Windows Firewall still has to allow the server. Set the network profile to Private and allow the dedicated-server executable on that private network. Players should connect from the same home or office network; a remote player will not be able to use a LAN-only listing.
Do not confuse a hidden internet listing with security by itself. Anyone on the permitted LAN can still attempt to join an unpassworded server, so set a password when the local network is shared.
Open and match the required UDP ports
The commonly reported defaults are:
| Port | Protocol | Role | Where it must match |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8766 | UDP | Game traffic (GamePort in the guides). |
Server configuration, Windows Firewall and router forwarding. |
| 27016 | UDP | Steam query and server-list traffic (QueryPort). |
Server configuration, Windows Firewall and router forwarding. |
| 9700 | UDP | BlobSync traffic (BlobSyncPort). |
Server configuration, Windows Firewall and router forwarding. |
Some older instructions call the game port ServerPort and show placeholder numbers. Do not create a second port key merely to follow that terminology. Use the names and values in the generated JSON. If you change any port, use the new number consistently in the configuration, firewall rules and router forwarding; a single mismatch can make the server appear offline or prevent joins.
Windows Firewall checklist
- Open Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security.
- Create inbound UDP rules for each configured game, query and BlobSync port, or allow the dedicated-server program when your security policy permits application rules.
- Apply the rules to the correct network profile. A LAN-only server normally uses the Private profile.
- Confirm that no third-party security suite is blocking the executable or ports.
Router forwarding checklist
- Give the server computer a stable local address, preferably with a DHCP reservation.
- Forward UDP 8766, 27016 and 9700 from the router to that computer’s local address.
- If you changed a port in the JSON, forward the changed value instead of the default.
- Test from outside your home network, such as a friend’s connection or a mobile hotspot. Testing from inside the same LAN can succeed even when internet forwarding is broken.
The guides contain an unverified comment recommending a server bind address of 0.0.0.0. Unless your generated file or an authoritative update instructs otherwise, leave the address at its generated default rather than replacing it with a guessed public or private address.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Add administrators with ownerswhitelist.txt
Place one owner’s Steam ID on each line of ownerswhitelist.txt in the same server data directory as the JSON configuration. Do not put display names, profile URLs or multiple IDs on one line. Save the file as plain text and keep a backup when you change the administrator list.
Rank #3
- EPIC FOREST ADVENTURE: Journey through the Ancient Forest as courageous animal heroes competing to become the next Guardian of the Green Valley in a story-driven strategy board game.
- RICH STRATEGY & COMPONENTS: Explore a modular game board with 12 location tiles, gather resources, complete legendary deeds, encounter mysterious creatures, and use dozens of cards, tokens, and unique player boards to shape every adventure.
- YOUR CHOICES SHAPE THE STORY: Every moral decision influences your reputation as a noble hero or cunning villain while affecting your path through the forest and your race for fame and victory.
- HIGH REPLAYABILITY: Variable locations, encounters, expeditions, and strategic choices create a unique adventure every game, making it perfect for family game nights and tabletop gatherings.
- FOR FANTASY & STRATEGY FANS: Designed for families, teens, and adults who enjoy adventure games, storytelling, exploration, resource management, and immersive fantasy board game experiences.
Use the Steam ID format requested by the current generated file or server documentation. Because the available guides do not establish a single official ID format or an in-game command for finding it, verify the value independently before relying on it for recovery access. After editing the whitelist, stop and start the server so it rereads the file; live-reload behavior is not established.
Configure saves and game rules carefully
Save slot
SaveSlot is described as selecting slot 1, 2 or 3, with each slot representing a separate world. Treat changing this value as selecting a different campaign, not as renaming the current save. Back up the data directory before switching slots and record which slot your group uses.
Save interval
SaveInterval appears as 600 in one example, but the available material does not establish its unit or confirm that value as a default. Keep the generated value unless you have verified the unit for your server version. Do not describe it as seconds or minutes based on a copied sample alone.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Game mode and custom settings
Examples use GameMode values such as Normal, Hard and a custom mode, but capitalization differs between guides. Select the spelling already accepted by your generated configuration. Custom rules are reported inside a CustomGameModeSettings block, while a GameSettings block can apply to any mode; one example uses Gameplay.TreeRegrowth. These names are low-confidence and patch-sensitive, so make a backup and change one rule at a time.
Performance-related options
Some guides show IdleTargetFramerate set to 5 and ActiveTargetFramerate set to 60. Other guides omit these and several additional keys, including SkipNetworkAccessibilityTest, LogFilesEnabled and IdleDayCycleSpeed. Consider them optional and version-dependent. If a key is absent from your generated file, do not invent it unless current documentation for your exact server build confirms it.
Apply changes and verify the result
No authoritative source establishes a hot-reload command. One community snippet says a restart is required, so the dependable procedure is to stop the process, save the files, and start the server again. Plan maintenance around that restart rather than assuming an edit takes effect immediately.
Rank #4
- 🌳 BUILD YOUR OWN FOREST HABITAT Create your personal forest by placing paths and animals, designing a 4x4 grid where wildlife gathers food to prepare for winter.
- 🦊 MATCH ANIMALS WITH THEIR FAVORITE FOOD Each animal has unique preferences—help foxes, owls, rabbits, and more collect the right food to maximize your score.
- 🧩 STRATEGIC TILE PLACEMENT & DECISIONS Choose cards from the central market and place them carefully, following placement rules while optimizing paths and animal combinations.
- 🎯 TARGET AUDIENCE Perfect for families, casual gamers, and nature lovers looking for a charming and strategic game that is easy to learn but offers meaningful decisions.
- 📦 GAME DETAILS & SPECIFICATIONS Players: 2–4, Recommended Age: 10+, Playtime: 30 minutes, Learning Time: 15 minutes, Teaching Time: 15 minutes, Multilanguage ( Spanish, Portuguese/Brazilian, Italian, English, Catalan )
- Stop the server and wait for its process to exit.
- Confirm that the JSON parses and that the whitelist contains one ID per line.
- Start the server and watch the console or log for file-parse, port-bind or permission errors.
- From a client, search for the exact server name. For a LAN-only server, search from a device on the same network.
- Join with the password, if configured, and check that the observed player limit and game mode match your intended values.
- Ask a non-owner account to test access if you configured an owners whitelist, while keeping a known owner account available for recovery.
- Make a test save, stop the server cleanly, start it again and confirm that the expected save slot and world load.
Troubleshoot the common failure modes
The server exits immediately after an edit
- Restore the last known-good JSON backup.
- Check for a missing comma, an extra comma before a closing brace, mismatched quotes or a Boolean written as
"true"instead oftrue. - Remove keys copied from an older guide that are not present in the generated file.
- Reapply one change at a time and restart after each group.
The server runs but cannot be found online
- Confirm that
LanOnlyis nottrue. - Verify UDP 27016 for query/listing traffic and UDP 8766 for game traffic in both the firewall and router.
- Check that the forwarding target still has the same local IP address.
- Test from outside the LAN; an internal test does not prove internet accessibility.
- Ask whether the internet connection uses carrier-grade NAT, which can block inbound hosting.
Friends see the listing but cannot join
- Check UDP 8766 and 9700 in addition to the query port.
- Make sure all three configured values match the forwarding rules; do not forward only the port used for listing.
- Verify the password key and value in the generated file.
- Check that the server process is allowed through Windows Firewall on the active profile.
LAN players cannot connect
- Set the Windows network profile to Private and permit the executable on that profile.
- Confirm that clients are actually on the same subnet or home network.
- Use the LAN-only setting only when internet listing is not required.
The wrong world loads
Check SaveSlot. Slots 1–3 are separate worlds according to the available setup guidance. Restore the data-directory backup if a slot was changed accidentally.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesAn owner cannot administer the server
Check the path first: ownerswhitelist.txt must be in the active -userdatapath directory. Then check that the Steam ID is on its own line with no extra spaces or display name, and restart the server to force a reread.
Home hosting or managed hosting?
A home server gives you direct access to the generated JSON, saves and firewall, and is practical for a LAN or a small group when the machine can remain online. It also makes you responsible for router forwarding, changing local IP addresses, operating-system updates, backups and exposure of your home network.
Managed hosting can remove router and uptime work, but the provider may expose only a subset of keys and may restart the process through a panel rather than a local executable. Before moving a world, confirm that the host supports the same server build, lets you download the complete data directory, and provides access to dedicatedserver.cfg and ownerswhitelist.txt. Keep an independent backup regardless of where the server runs.
If you prefer a hosted game server instead of maintaining this installation, Godlike.Host offers Sons of the Forest hosting. Its Sons of the Forest plans list 4, 12 and 20 slots; the server’s MaxPlayers setting allows 1 to 8 players (Steam Community server guide, 11 Oct 2026).
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Maintenance after game updates
- Back up the complete data directory before updating.
- Start the updated server once and compare the newly generated configuration with your saved copy.
- Preserve only settings that the new file still recognizes; do not assume old key names remain valid.
- Recheck the player limit range, password key, game-mode capitalization and port names.
- Retest LAN visibility, internet listing, joining, administrator access and save loading after the update.
The safest operating rule is simple: let the current generated file define the schema, change only values you understand, and keep a recoverable copy of the world before every substantial edit.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
