How to Host a V Rising Server in 2026: Windows Dedicated Server and Rental Guide

For a persistent V Rising world in 2026, choose between running Stunlock’s free dedicated-server application on a Windows PC or paying a managed host to run it for you. The official PC server instructions currently target version 1.1.x. Self-hosting gives you direct access to files, settings, saves and updates, while rental hosting removes most Windows, restart and router administration. This guide covers installation, configuration, ports, save migration, updates and the fixes for the most common connection problems.

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Choose self-hosting or a managed server first

The technical requirements are different enough that the hosting decision should come before installation. Stunlock’s official material supports two practical paths: download the free dedicated-server software and operate it yourself, or rent a managed instance. The documentation does not establish that either path is universally cheaper or faster, so base the choice on control, time and network access.

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Stunlock’s November 27, 2024 “How to Host a Server” article names POCKETHOST as a rental option. That mention is not a performance endorsement; check the provider’s current regions, limits, support terms and cancellation policy yourself.

What the official 2026 setup supports

• Stunlock’s current dedicated-server instructions are for V Rising version 1.1.x on PC.
• The server build described in those instructions is Windows-only. The guide does not establish a Linux, macOS or console-server build.
• The dedicated-server application is a separate, free download in Steam’s Tools section. You do not need to buy another game copy merely to obtain the server application.
• SteamCMD identifies the dedicated server with AppID 1829350.
• The official material reviewed does not publish minimum CPU, memory or storage requirements, nor hardware-tested player-count benchmarks. Choose a Windows host with enough headroom for your operating system and other services rather than treating an undocumented specification as a guarantee.

Because game builds and settings can change, compare your installation with Stunlock’s current “V Rising Dedicated Server Instructions for v1.1.x (PC)” whenever you update.

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Install the free dedicated-server files

Option 1: Steam’s Tools library

1. Open the Steam client on the Windows machine that will run the world.
2. Open your Library and enable the Tools filter. Locate the V Rising Dedicated Server application and install it to a folder with adequate free space.
3. Keep the installation path handy; you will return to it for VRisingServer.exe, the example startup batch file and the configuration folders.

Option 2: SteamCMD

1. Install SteamCMD on the Windows host using Valve’s normal SteamCMD procedure.
2. Use AppID 1829350 to download or update the V Rising dedicated-server app. A typical SteamCMD update command is app_update 1829350; run it while the server process is stopped.
3. Record the directory SteamCMD uses as the server installation directory. Do not mix files from different builds or copy an old executable over a newly updated installation.

Both routes produce the same type of server files. The important operational rule is to stop the running server before replacing or validating those files.

Start from a copied startup script

Stunlock says the simplest launch is running VRisingServer.exe, but the default launch may not match your group’s name, save or data layout. An start_server_example.bat file is supplied beside the executable. Copy it to a new filename before making changes. Stunlock warns that edits to the supplied example can be overwritten when the software updates.

1. Duplicate start_server_example.bat in the same folder, using a name such as start_my_vrising_server.bat.
2. Edit the copy to set the server name and any launch arguments you need. Leave the original example untouched as a reference for a future update.
3. Double-click the copied batch file to launch the process, or run it from a command window so startup errors remain visible.
4. Wait for the server console to finish initialization before attempting to join. A first launch creates the local settings and save directories.

If you operate more than one world on the same computer, give each instance its own copied script and persistent-data location. This prevents one server’s settings and saves from being mixed with another’s.

Keep host settings and gameplay settings separate

V Rising uses two JSON files with different responsibilities. ServerHostSettings.json controls how the server is hosted, including its name and network values. ServerGameSettings.json controls gameplay rules. Editing the wrong file can make a setting appear to have no effect.

Where the files come from

The installation contains default examples under its StreamingAssets/Settings directory. Stunlock’s Windows instructions describe local overrides in %USERPROFILE%AppDataLocalLowStunlock StudiosVRisingServerSettings. Put your working copies in the documented override location instead of permanently changing shipped defaults; updates can replace files inside the installation directory.

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Use a persistent data path for durable worlds

The server accepts a -persistentDataPath launch argument that relocates settings and saves. Stunlock recommends using a persistent path generally and says it is needed when multiple servers share one machine so each instance keeps separate data. Choose a folder outside the frequently replaced installation files, point the copied startup script at it, and back up that folder.

Set the network values you actually intend to use

The numbers above are examples, not mandatory universal values. Forward and allow the values present in your own ServerHostSettings.json. If you change either value, update the matching firewall and router rules.

Open the Windows firewall and router

Launching the process locally does not make it reachable from the internet. Stunlock’s networking instructions distinguish discovery from direct connection:

• For the server to appear in the public or Steam server list, allow and forward both the configured UDP game Port and UDP QueryPort.
• For a direct connection, forwarding the configured UDP game port is sufficient according to the official instructions.

1. When Windows asks whether VRisingServer.exe may communicate through the firewall, allow it on the network profile you actually use. If no prompt appears, create inbound UDP rules for the configured game and query ports in Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security.
2. Sign in to your router and create port-forwarding rules that send those UDP ports to the Windows host’s local IP address. Reserve that local address in the router or configure a DHCP reservation so the destination does not change.
3. Apply the rules, restart the server and test from a different network, such as a friend’s connection or a phone hotspot. Testing only from inside your own LAN can hide a forwarding problem.
4. Use the router manufacturer’s instructions for the exact menus; models label port forwarding, virtual servers and firewall controls differently.

A newly started server may take a few minutes to appear in the list. Stunlock’s hosting guide says players can use the host’s external IP as an alternative while waiting for listing. Give friends the correct external address and game port when using direct connection.

Configure gameplay without losing your world

Gameplay rules belong in ServerGameSettings.json. Make a backup before changing values, especially after a world has been played. Keep a dated copy of both JSON files and the persistent-data folder so you can restore a known-good state if a malformed edit prevents startup.

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When documentation or an update introduces a new setting, compare your file with the current 1.1.x defaults rather than pasting an old internet snippet. A setting name, accepted value or default can change between builds. If the server ignores a value, confirm that it is in the gameplay file, valid JSON, and located in the active persistent-data Settings directory.

Keep the server updated safely

Update only while offline

1. Tell players the maintenance window and shut down the server cleanly.
2. If you use SteamCMD, rerun the download or update script while the server is offline. Stunlock says this verifies and updates the installation.
3. If an update replaces the supplied example batch file, keep using your renamed copy and compare it with the new example for any changed arguments.
4. Start the server and watch the console for errors before inviting players back.

Schedule routine restarts

Stunlock recommends restarting daily, ideally during a low-population period, and notes that some hosting services apply updates only when a server restarts. The studio’s wording is: “we recommend doing this on a daily basis.” Treat that as an operational recommendation, not a published performance measurement. A managed host may expose a scheduled-restart control; on a self-hosted machine, use Windows Task Scheduler only after you have tested a clean shutdown and relaunch.

Migrate an existing client save

Moving a solo or locally hosted world is possible, but make a complete backup first. Copy the entire client save folder to another disk before changing anything. Cloud synchronization can restore a client save after files are removed outside the game, so account for cloud behavior during the move.

1. In V Rising, open the Load Game menu and use it to locate the session you want to migrate.
2. Exit the game and copy the selected save folder, preserving the original as a rollback.
3. Place the copied folder in the server’s persistent-data location under <PersistentDataPath>/Saves/v4/.
4. Set the server’s save-name value to the folder name you moved. The name must match the directory, including capitalization where applicable.
5. If you want to preserve the save’s existing rules, clear the game-settings preset as directed by Stunlock’s hosting instructions rather than forcing a new preset over the world.
6. Start the server and verify the world with the host account before deleting or altering the client backup.

Do not perform a migration while the server is running. If the world does not appear, check the persistent-data path, the Saves/v4 nesting and the configured save name before attempting another copy.

Give yourself administrator access

For a PC dedicated server, Stunlock’s hosting guide says to add your Steam ID to adminlist.txt in the server’s Settings folder. Enable the in-game console before trying administrative commands. Keep the admin list restricted to trusted accounts and back it up with the rest of the Settings directory.

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1. Stop the server before editing administrative files.
2. Open the active persistent-data Settings folder, not an unused copy inside the installation directory.
3. Add the correct Steam ID to adminlist.txt following the file’s expected one-ID-per-line format.
4. Save the file, restart the server and test console access with the admin account.

Managed hosting: what you still need to verify

Rental hosting removes the need to keep your own Windows PC online, but it does not eliminate every decision. Ask a provider whether you can download world backups, edit both JSON files, change the server and query ports, schedule restarts, upload a migrated save and add Steam IDs for admin rights. Confirm which V Rising build it supports and how quickly updates are applied after Stunlock releases one.

Do not assume a rental plan includes unlimited slots, automatic backups, a fixed IP, DDoS protection or a particular region. Stunlock’s article names POCKETHOST but does not publish current prices, comparative quality figures or hardware guarantees. Treat all of those as provider-specific terms to verify at checkout.

Troubleshoot the problems players report most often

The server is not listed

• Confirm the process is running and has finished initialization.
• Check that the Windows firewall allows UDP traffic on both the configured game and query ports.
• Check that the router forwards both ports to the current local IP address of the host.
• Wait several minutes for listing propagation. Use the external IP and game port for a direct test.

Friends cannot connect directly

• Verify that the forwarded game port matches ServerHostSettings.json; forwarding only the example value will fail if you changed it.
• Make sure the router points to the correct Windows machine and that its local IP has not changed.
• Test from outside the host’s home network. Hairpin NAT can make an internal test fail even when external players can connect.

Your startup changes vanished

You probably edited start_server_example.bat. Restore the copied script and keep all custom arguments there. Updates can replace the supplied example.

The world or settings are missing

• Check that the server starts with the intended -persistentDataPath.
• Look in that path’s Settings and Saves/v4 directories rather than an older installation folder.
• Confirm the save-name value exactly matches the migrated folder.
• Restore the backup if a JSON edit or interrupted migration damaged the active files.

Updates appear not to apply

Stop the server before running SteamCMD or the provider’s update action. Some services apply a downloaded build only after a restart. Start the process again and verify its version in the startup output before players reconnect.

A practical launch checklist

• Windows host prepared and able to remain online.
• Dedicated-server files installed from Steam Tools or SteamCMD AppID 1829350.
• Copied startup script created; original example retained.
• Separate persistent-data path selected, especially for multiple servers.
• ServerHostSettings.json and ServerGameSettings.json edited in the active Settings directory.
• Configured UDP game port and, for list discovery, query port allowed through Windows Firewall and forwarded by the router.
• Save backups made before migration or major rule changes.
• Admin Steam ID added to adminlist.txt and console enabled if administration is required.
• Update and restart routine documented for the group.
• Current Stunlock 1.1.x instructions rechecked after every game or server-tool update.

Self-hosting is the right route when one person can maintain a Windows machine, backups, updates and port forwarding. Rent a managed instance when that administration is more work than your group wants to absorb. Whichever path you choose, keep the server’s build, ports, persistent-data location and backup procedure written down so a replacement host can be brought online without guessing.

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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.