Halloween DealsAmazon USHalloween week deals: useful picks before month-endAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsWindows FixRecommendedWindows errors stealing your time? Find the fix fastScan stability, cleanup and performance issues.Fix NowHalloween DealsAmazon USOctober picks are moving - compare before checkoutAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
FREEDOM251

Freedom251 › Blog › Dedicated Server

How to Host a Vintage Story Server With Hamachi (and Better Options)

By Freedom251 Team · · 11 min read

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

To host a small private Vintage Story game with Hamachi, install the same Hamachi client generation on every computer, create one private Hamachi network, have your friends join it, and run either a world opened to LAN/internet or the bundled dedicated server on the host. Friends then use the host’s Hamachi IPv4 address and port 42420 in Vintage Story’s direct-connect dialog.

Hamachi supplies a virtual-LAN path; it does not run Vintage Story for you. The host must keep the game session or dedicated-server process running. For a persistent world, a dedicated server is the better fit. If router forwarding is impossible, a tunnel such as playit or a managed host can remove more of the networking work.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

What Hamachi changes—and what it does not

Hamachi is a virtual-network workaround

Hamachi creates an overlay network that makes participating computers reachable through a shared private network. That is useful when normal internet hosting would require router configuration that you cannot perform. Vintage Story’s official self-hosting guidance identifies Hamachi as software that can simplify this VPN-style method.

The overlay is only the connection path. It does not install the game server, create a world, keep the world online, or replace Vintage Story’s networking settings. One computer still has to run the multiplayer session or dedicated-server executable, and every player still needs a compatible Vintage Story client.

#1 Best Overall
Sale
TOZO A1 Wireless Earbuds Bluetooth 5.3 Light Weight in Ear Headphones | IPX5 Waterproof,2 Mics for AI Calls,Immersive Premium Sound Bass Headset with Charging Case,32 EQ via App Black
  • [Ultra-Lightweight Ear Buds Designed for Small Ears] Each earbud weighs only 3.7g and features a compact, ergonomic in-ear design made especially for small ears. Secure, low-profile, and comfortable for workouts, all-day wear or overnight sleeping.The ultra-slim profile sits flush in your ear with no hard edges poking or rubbing, so you can even sleep on your side without discomfort.
  • [Immersive Stereo Sound with TOZO OrigX Technology] TOZO OrigX tuning delivers clear vocals, balanced mids, and natural stereo sound for music, podcasts, and videos.
  • [Long Battery Life for Daily Use] Get up to 7 hours of playtime on a single charge, with up to 32 hours total using the charging case—ideal for workdays, commuting, and extended listening sessions.
  • [Bluetooth 5.3 & Stable Connection] Bluetooth 5.3 provides fast pairing, stable wireless performance, and reduced dropouts as you move around home or office.
  • [Deep Bass with Clear Vocals] High-performance drivers produce punchy bass while keeping vocals clean and detailed for everyday listening.

Choose between a listen world and a dedicated server

A world opened from the game client is the quickest option for an occasional session. It exists only while that host’s game session remains open. When the host exits the world or closes the game, friends lose access.

The bundled dedicated server is a separate server process. It is the appropriate choice for a world that should remain available independently of a player’s game client, including a 24/7 world or a setup that needs server-side administration and mods. “Dedicated” does not mean it runs without a computer, operating system, or network: the machine running the process must still remain powered, connected, and configured.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

What you need before starting

  • A Vintage Story installation on the host and on every player’s computer.
  • The same Vintage Story version on the server and all clients. A client/server mismatch can prevent a connection even when Hamachi itself is working.
  • The same Hamachi client generation installed for every participant.
  • A private Hamachi network created by the host, plus the network ID and password shared only with the intended players.
  • The host’s Hamachi IPv4 address. This is the address friends will use for direct connection; it is not the host’s public internet address.
  • Permission to allow Hamachi and Vintage Story through the host operating system’s firewall. Security software can treat the virtual adapter as a separate network interface.
  • A host computer capable of running the game or the dedicated server for the duration of the session.

Do not post a Hamachi network ID and password in a public forum or open chat. Anyone who obtains both may be able to join that private overlay network, so share them directly with the people who should play.

How to host a Vintage Story server with Hamachi

1. Install Hamachi consistently

  1. Install the same Hamachi client generation on the host and every friend’s computer.
  2. Start Hamachi on the host and sign in or complete the client’s initial setup as required.
  3. Create a new private network. Choose an ID and password that you can distribute privately.
  4. Have each friend start Hamachi and join that network with the exact ID and password.

Everyone should appear in the same Hamachi network before you troubleshoot Vintage Story. If a friend cannot join, fix the Hamachi membership problem first; changing Vintage Story settings will not repair a missing overlay connection.

2. Confirm the host’s Hamachi address

On the host, note the Hamachi IPv4 address displayed by the client. Have a friend confirm that the host appears reachable in the shared network. This check establishes that the overlay is present, but it does not prove that Vintage Story is listening on the expected port.

Use the Hamachi IPv4 address rather than the host’s normal local address or public address. Friends outside the host’s home network are connecting through the Hamachi overlay, so the overlay address is the relevant destination.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #2
Sale
Smart Watch for Men Women Compatible with iPhone Samsung Android Phone 1.69 inch Full Touch Screen IP68 Waterproof Bluetooh Fitness Tracker Heart Rate/Sleep Monitor (Black)
  • 【IP68 Waterproof Multifunctinal Smart Watch】Torjalph fitness activity tracker smart watch is IP68 waterproof technology ,you can wear it when swimming,handwashing,it's rain-proof which means that you perform multiple exercise modes outside without worrying about sweat or rain corroding your fitness smart watch,and this watch equipped with a 230 mAh large capacity battery magnetic charging ,and this sports activity tracker watch can be used 5-7 days If fully charged.
  • 【Larger 1.83'' Full Screen Watch & Multi-dial Selection】1.83 inch full HD color touch screen smart watch for men / women provides excellent 240*284 resolution image quality ,This Bluetooth smart watch offers a better touch experience and remarkable immersion and ,more than 200 watch faces for you to choose from App"Da Fit ", you can change the dial style according to your mood to wear keeping the world on your wrist
  • 【Accurate Activity Tracker Smart Watch 】sports watch activity tracker uses sweat and dust resistant breathable silicone strap, our Fitness Tracker Smart Watch for Android iOS Phones supports 12 sports modes,walking,running,bicycle,swimming,badminton,basketball,football,rope skipping. This bluetooth calls smart watch for men women is lightweight and stylish, bringing more convenient and relaxing sports experience while also providing more protection.
  • 【Your 24 Hour Personal Daily Health Monitor】Fitness watch for women men full touch screen IP67 waterproof bluetooth smartwatch for Android iOS Phones with heart rate blood pressure monitor multifunction Andriod smart watch with steps counter sleep monitor sports fitness watch, monitoring blood oxygen saturation allows you to understand your physical condition in real time to track fitness progress ,to know your health status in time.
  • 【More Functions Bluetooth Call Smart Watch】This fitness activity smart watch full screen for iPhone and Android phones includes a bunch of new features including:The bluetooth smart watch can hang up the phone, receive and display WhatsAPP /Text /Facebook /Twitter /Messenger reminder.Support sedentary reminder, alarm clock, stopwatch, timer,weather information,music control, remote camera control compatible with Android 5.0 and above or iOS 9.0 and above smartphones.

3. Start the Vintage Story world or server

For a quick session, launch Vintage Story on the host, load the desired single-player world, and use the game’s option to open that world to LAN or internet play. The exact wording can vary with the game version, but the important result is that the world begins listening for multiplayer connections.

For an independent server, launch the bundled dedicated-server executable and select or create the server data you intend to use. On Windows, keep the dedicated server’s data path separate from the normal single-player data path so server settings do not interfere with ordinary worlds. On Linux, use the official dedicated-server installation and service-management procedure for the distribution; the server still needs the operating system firewall rules described below.

4. Give friends the direct-connect details

In Vintage Story, friends should open the direct-connect dialog and enter the host’s Hamachi IPv4 address with port 42420. In the usual address-and-port form, that means the Hamachi address followed by a colon and 42420. Direct connection is the dependable instruction when automatic discovery does not list the server.

Do not substitute the Hamachi network ID for the game server address. The network ID is used only to join the overlay; the IPv4 address identifies the host computer inside that overlay.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

5. Keep the host process running

Leave the listen world open, or leave the dedicated-server process running, for as long as friends need access. Closing a listen world ends that world’s availability. Stopping the dedicated server does the same, even though the world data remains on disk for the next launch.

Why the default port is 42420

Vintage Story’s official dedicated-server guidance states that the default server port is 42420. That is the port friends should use unless you have deliberately changed the server’s listening configuration.

Rank #3
New Bee Guitar Cable 10ft Electric Instrument Bass AMP Cord | 6.35mm Jack, Durable Design, Stage and Home Studio Use, Low Noise Shielded Electric Cord for Bass, Keyboard, Amp, Mixer
  • [Low Noise High Fidelity] New bee guitar cord with 22AWG oxygen-free-copper center conductors provides enhanced signal transfer, the PVC insulation material and the high-density stranded copper double shield provide noise rejection for quiet operation
  • [Ideal for Choice] New bee 1/4 straight and right angle metal connectors, ensures a secure connection in any instrument, pedal, or amp jack. L shape great fro on stage guitar stands
  • [Wide Compatible] Suitable for mixer, power amplifier, microphone, effector, decoder, equalizer, electoronic organ, electric guitar, electric bass and other electronic equipments. Widely used in the installation of smart home, karaoke speaker, professional stage audio, etc
  • [Easy Disassemble] Making incidental repairs quick and easy! Very nice, flexible cable
  • [Dont Hesite to Order] 24 hours customer services and professional technology team are standing by

For modern dedicated-server versions, the guidance calls for forwarding both TCP and UDP on port 42420. The operating-system firewall must allow the same protocols. A rule that allows only TCP, or only the router but not the computer’s firewall, can produce a server that appears configured yet remains unreachable.

Connection component Default value or requirement
Vintage Story server port 42420
Dedicated-server forwarding for version 1.20 onward TCP 42420 and UDP 42420
Operating-system firewall Allow the same TCP and UDP traffic used by the server
Client connection target with Hamachi Host’s Hamachi IPv4 address and port 42420

Hamachi is intended to avoid many ordinary public-hosting complications, but it does not make the server process or local firewall irrelevant. The host still has to listen on the expected port, and the firewall must allow the traffic arriving through the Hamachi adapter.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Listen world or dedicated server?

Need Listen world from the game client Bundled dedicated server
Fast, occasional session Best fit; minimal setup More setup than necessary for a one-off session
Host wants to play in the same world The host plays directly in the hosting session The host can connect as a separate client while the server process runs
World available when no player is actively hosting in-game Not available after the host closes the session Available while the dedicated-server process and host machine remain online
24/7 operation Not suitable Designed for independent uptime
Server administration and mods Limited by the active game session Better suited to server-side administration and modded setups
Data organization on Windows Uses normal game-world data Use a separate dedicated-server data path

The choice is about uptime and administration, not about whether Hamachi is installed. Either model can use the Hamachi address for the players’ connection.

Troubleshooting a Hamachi Vintage Story connection

The server does not appear in the list

Do not rely on discovery. Open direct connect and enter the host’s Hamachi IPv4 address with port 42420. Discovery and direct connection are different paths; a missing listing does not by itself prove that the server is offline.

Direct connection times out

  • Confirm that the host’s Hamachi client shows the friend in the same network and that the friend is using the current Hamachi IPv4 address.
  • Confirm that Vintage Story is actually running on the host. A listen world must be open, and a dedicated server must be started.
  • Check the Vintage Story server port. Unless it was intentionally changed, use 42420.
  • Check the host operating system’s firewall and allow the required Vintage Story traffic through the Hamachi network adapter.
  • For a dedicated server on a modern version, verify that both TCP and UDP 42420 are permitted where the server is being exposed.
  • Temporarily test with one friend rather than changing several settings at once. That makes it easier to identify whether the failure is network membership, firewall filtering, or the server process.

A friend joined Hamachi but still cannot connect

Joining the overlay is not the same as joining the game. Have the friend use the host’s Hamachi IPv4 address, not the Hamachi network ID, and include port 42420 in Vintage Story’s direct-connect dialog. If the address changed after Hamachi restarted, send the current address again.

The host can play, but friends lose access when the host leaves

This is expected for a listen world. It is tied to the host’s active game session. Move the world to the bundled dedicated-server setup when independent uptime is required.

Rank #4
BSIMB 15.6" Digital Family Calendar & Chore Chart, No Subscription Fees
  • Digital Family Calendar: BSIMB digital calendar wall touch screen puts an end to your chaotic life. Designed for busy families, the digital calendar keeps you organised and in step with your family. Assign different colours and tasks to each family member to make family scheduling easier and more intuitive.
  • Easy Setup and Auto-Sync: Plug in, connect to WLAN and auto-syn your electric calendar in minutes. Digital wall calendar compatible with Google calendar, iCloud calendar, Outlook calendar, Cozi calendar and Yahoo calendar. Add events directly on the device or through the ecalendar app. Electronic calendar stays current whether you're at work or traveling—no manual updates needed.
  • All-In-One Home Assistant: Smart calendar builds habits and encourage independence with personalised chores. Display daily meal plan to reduce the daily ‘What's for dinner?’ stress. To-do lists keep track of everything you want. Turning chores into valuable achievements with stars and rewards, making life easier and more enjoyable.
  • Manage Anytime Anywhere: BSIMB electronic calendar for family stay connected with the powerful ecalendar app. Access and manage your digital wall calendar anytime, anywhere with free features like stars & rewards, photo screensaver, chore charts, meals plans, to-do lists etc. Electronic planner paid features like Magic Import tailor advanced tools for users with special needs.
  • Stay in Touch with Loved Ones: Share photos or videos from your phone to electronic wall calendar with app, instantly update your life moment, and keep in touch with your family, especially those who are far away; you can also surprise your smart calendar digital wall by sending him a wish card; it's also great for keeping tech-illiterate elders in touch with the youngsters.

One player receives a version or compatibility error

Check the exact Vintage Story version shown by the host and each client. Every participant must use a matching version. Updating only one computer can create a connection failure that looks like a networking problem.

Hamachi itself is unreliable

Make sure every participant uses the same client generation and has joined the intended private network. Do not publish the network credentials. If the overlay cannot provide a stable path for the group, use one of the alternatives below rather than repeatedly changing the Vintage Story port.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Better options than Hamachi

Hamachi is convenient for a small, trusted group, but it is not the only way to host. The right alternative depends on whether the obstacle is router access, uptime, administration, or the desire to avoid installing overlay software.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Option Best for Main trade-off
Hamachi or another virtual LAN Small trusted groups blocked by normal port forwarding Every player installs overlay software, and the host still runs the game or server
UPnP “Open to Internet” A quick trial when the router permits automatic port mapping Official guidance estimates only about a 60% chance of instant success
Manual forwarding Users who control their router and want direct connections Requires router and firewall changes, with TCP and UDP rules handled correctly
Dedicated server 24/7 worlds, mods, and uptime independent of a player’s game client Requires more configuration and ongoing administration
A tunnel such as playit CGNAT or restrictive ISP and router environments Adds a third-party dependency and depends on current service support
Paid managed hosting Minimal local administration and predictable uptime Recurring cost; compare mod support, server locations, backups, and service terms

UPnP: the quickest experiment

Vintage Story’s “Open to Internet” route can ask a compatible router to create the required mapping automatically. It is worth trying when you control a typical home router and need a fast test. The official guidance puts the chance of instant success at about 60%, so treat success as conditional rather than guaranteed.

UPnP can fail because the router does not support it, has it disabled, is behind another router, or cannot create the mapping required by the current network. If it fails, do not assume the game is broken: move to manual forwarding, a virtual-LAN overlay, a tunnel, or managed hosting.

Manual router forwarding

Manual forwarding gives friends a direct path without requiring each player to join Hamachi. Forward port 42420 to the host computer and create matching firewall allowances. For dedicated servers on version 1.20 and later, configure both TCP and UDP rather than assuming one protocol is enough.

This route requires control of the router that actually faces the internet. If the host is behind carrier-grade NAT, a building-managed network, or another upstream router that you cannot configure, a local forwarding rule may not be sufficient. In that case, use an overlay, a tunnel such as playit, or a managed host.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Tunnels for restrictive networks

A tunnel can publish a connection when ordinary inbound forwarding is unavailable, including some CGNAT and restrictive ISP environments. The tunnel becomes another service in the connection path, so verify that it currently supports Vintage Story, follow its current setup instructions, and keep its client running alongside the dedicated server or listen world.

Paid managed hosting

A managed host moves the always-on machine and much of the networking administration to a provider. It can be attractive when nobody in the group wants to leave a home computer running or maintain firewall and server updates. Compare the provider’s mod support, locations, backups, and terms before subscribing. Pricing and availability change, so do not rely on an old quote or an assumed feature.

Dedicated-server setup considerations

Windows data separation

On Windows, use a separate data path for the dedicated server. Keeping server files and settings apart from single-player data reduces the chance that a server configuration change affects personal worlds or that the server starts with the wrong data directory.

Linux administration

The official Linux guidance covers dedicated-server installation, service management, and firewall configuration. Use that procedure for your distribution rather than copying commands intended for a different Linux release. Regardless of distribution, the service must start successfully, listen on the selected port, and have matching firewall rules.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Server and client versions

A community multiplayer guide reported stable Vintage Story version 1.22.7 on August 20, 2026. That is a dated observation, not a permanent requirement. Check the current release before installing or updating the server, then put the same version on every client. A newer release may change server behavior, networking instructions, or mod compatibility.

Which method should you choose?

  • Choose Hamachi when the group is small and trusted, everyone can install the overlay, and the main problem is that normal inbound forwarding is unavailable or inconvenient.
  • Choose a listen world when one person will host short sessions and everyone accepts that the world disappears from the network when that player closes it.
  • Choose a dedicated server when the world should stay available independently, when the group wants 24/7 access, or when server-side mods and administration matter.
  • Try UPnP when you want the fastest direct-internet test and control a router that may support automatic mapping; expect that it may not work.
  • Use manual forwarding when you control the router and can configure TCP and UDP 42420 plus the host firewall.
  • Use a tunnel when CGNAT or an ISP restriction blocks inbound connections and you prefer not to manage router changes.
  • Use managed hosting when predictable uptime and less local administration justify an ongoing cost.

Practical operating checklist

  1. Confirm the Vintage Story version on the host and every client.
  2. Install the same Hamachi client generation for all participants, if using Hamachi.
  3. Create one private Hamachi network and share its credentials privately.
  4. Verify that every friend has joined and can see the host’s Hamachi IPv4 address.
  5. Start the listen world or dedicated-server process.
  6. Allow Vintage Story and the required Hamachi traffic through the host firewall.
  7. Have friends connect directly to the Hamachi IPv4 address on port 42420.
  8. Keep the host game or dedicated-server process running.
  9. If the group needs independent uptime, migrate from a listen world to the bundled dedicated server.

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.

Dedicated ServerGame ServersHamachiport forwardingUPnPVintage Storyvirtual LAN

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.