Halloween DealsAmazon USHalloween week deals: useful picks before month-endAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsPC HealthRecommendedCrashes, freezes, slowdowns? Check your PC nowSpot repairable issues before they interrupt work.Check PCHalloween DealsAmazon USOctober picks are moving - compare before checkoutAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
FREEDOM251

Freedom251 › Blog › building decay

How to Set Building Decay on a Conan Exiles Server

By Freedom251 Team · · 9 min read

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

To turn building decay off, set DisableBuildingAbandonment=True. To keep decay but make it slower or faster, change BuildingDecayTimeMultiplier: a value above 1 lengthens the timer, while a value below 1 shortens it. You can edit these values under Settings > Server Settings while logged in as an administrator, or edit ConanSandbox/Saved/Config/WindowsServer/ServerSettings.ini with the server stopped, then restart the server.

The settings are server-wide. They control abandonment decay, not combat damage to structures. Exact starting values can differ by host, game update and private-server override, so verify the active configuration after the restart.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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 controls building decay in Conan Exiles?

Conan Exiles uses building abandonment decay to remove structures from players who no longer use them. The relevant controls are in the server configuration’s Building/Abandonment group:

Setting What it does Typical change
DisableBuildingAbandonment Disables abandonment decay for buildings when enabled. True turns decay off; False leaves the decay system active.
BuildingDecayTimeMultiplier Scales the amount of time before a structure decays. Above 1 gives more time; below 1 gives less time.
BuildingDamageMultiplier Changes damage buildings receive. Does not set abandonment time and should not be used to control decay.

Funcom’s technical manual describes DisableBuildingAbandonment as disabling decay over time when it is flagged, and describes the multiplier as increasing or decreasing the time taken for pieces and structures to decay. The damage multiplier is a separate mechanic: changing it will not stop an unused base from entering an abandoned state.

#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 the result you want before editing

Disable decay entirely

Use DisableBuildingAbandonment=True when every placed structure should remain available unless an administrator removes it. This is useful for a private, cooperative world where cleanup is handled manually. It also means abandoned foundations and old outposts will not be removed automatically, so the map can accumulate unused construction.

Keep decay but make it slower

Leave abandonment enabled and raise BuildingDecayTimeMultiplier. For example, a value of 2 applies twice the configured decay duration, while 1.5 applies one and a half times that duration. The resulting number of days still depends on the server’s underlying decay settings and any host overrides.

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

Keep decay but make it faster

Lower the multiplier below 1. A value of 0.5 applies half the configured duration. This is useful when you want regular map cleanup without completely disabling player construction, but it can remove lightly used bases quickly.

Change structural damage instead

If the problem is that a building is losing health during an attack or environmental event, investigate BuildingDamageMultiplier. It controls incoming building damage, not inactivity-based abandonment. Raising or lowering it will not extend an abandonment timer.

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.

Requirements and preparation

  • Administrative access to the server or permission to edit its configuration.
  • The server’s active configuration location. For a Windows dedicated server, the documented file is ConanSandbox/Saved/Config/WindowsServer/ServerSettings.ini.
  • A maintenance window if you are editing the file directly. Host Havoc’s US configuration reference advises stopping the server before editing and restarting it after saving.
  • The ability to confirm the setting after the server comes back online. A host control panel may display a friendly label instead of the raw variable name.

Record the existing values before changing them. Host panels can rewrite configuration files when a server starts, and game updates or private-server templates can supply different defaults. Keeping the original values makes it possible to undo an experiment without guessing.

Method 1: change decay in the in-game server settings

Most server settings can be changed live from the administrative interface. The exact labels can vary by game version or hosting panel, but the path supplied by Funcom’s configuration guidance is Settings > Server Settings.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
  1. Join the server with an account that has administrator privileges.
  2. Open the pause or main menu and choose Settings.
  3. Select Server Settings.
  4. Open the Building or Building/Abandonment section.
  5. To remove abandonment decay, enable the option corresponding to DisableBuildingAbandonment, or enter the raw value True if the panel exposes text fields.
  6. To retain decay, leave abandonment enabled and set BuildingDecayTimeMultiplier to the factor you want. Use a value above 1 for a longer timer and below 1 for a shorter timer.
  7. Do not change BuildingDamageMultiplier unless you also intend to change damage taken by structures.
  8. Apply or save the server settings, then reconnect if the interface requests it.

After saving, check the same panel again. If the value has reverted, the host may be enforcing a configuration file or may require a server restart before applying the change. In that case, use the stopped-server file method or the host’s documented restart workflow.

Method 2: edit ServerSettings.ini safely

Direct editing is useful when the in-game panel does not expose the variable, when a host control panel hides advanced options, or when you need a repeatable configuration. Stop the server first; editing a live file can be overwritten or left unapplied when the process writes its settings on shutdown.

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
  1. Use the host control panel or service manager to stop the Conan Exiles server completely. Wait until its status shows stopped rather than merely restarting.
  2. Open ConanSandbox/Saved/Config/WindowsServer/ServerSettings.ini.
  3. Find the Building/Abandonment entries. If the file already contains the variables, edit their values. If the host’s format allows adding missing entries, place them with the other server settings.
  4. For no abandonment decay, set:
DisableBuildingAbandonment=True
  1. For a changed timer, set the multiplier, for example:
BuildingDecayTimeMultiplier=2

The example doubles the configured duration; it does not mean every building will necessarily last exactly twice a published number, because the active base timer, structure size and host overrides still apply. Replace 2 with the factor appropriate for your server.

  1. Save the file without changing its .ini extension or introducing quotation marks around the values.
  2. Start the server again.
  3. Join as an administrator and inspect Settings > Server Settings, or stop the server once more and confirm that the file still contains the intended values.

Host Havoc’s reference specifically recommends the sequence “stop before editing, restart after saving.” Following that sequence also prevents a running server from replacing your manual edits with its in-memory copy.

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

How the decay timer is calculated

Decay is not simply a universal countdown attached to every individual wall or foundation. Connected pieces share a structure’s decay calculation. The Building reference explains that adding more connected pieces, and using higher-quality connected pieces, increases the available timer. A small isolated platform therefore has less protection than a substantial connected base.

The same reference describes an official maximum of up to 10 days. That figure is a ceiling described by the Official Conan Exiles Wiki in 2026, not a promise that every server starts every structure at 10 days. Private servers can adjust the duration, and host configuration, game updates and overrides can change the effective result. Treat the active server configuration as authoritative.

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.

The multiplier acts on the configured decay duration. Raising it gives building pieces and structures more time before abandonment; lowering it makes them reach the decay state sooner. It does not repair damage, increase hit points or change how often a player must interact with a base to keep it active.

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

Why a tiny foundation can decay quickly

Funcom’s patch notes document a special rule for very small builds. The variables are OverrideDecayMaxBuildingPieces, which defaults to 6 pieces, and OverrideDecayTime, which defaults to 3600 seconds. A structure at or below that piece threshold can enter the abandoned state after the override period. The notes then describe an abandoned period equal to 10% of that period, which would be 360 seconds, or six minutes, when the 3600-second value is active.

This rule was introduced to reduce scattered “mine-fields” of claim foundations. It explains why a lone foundation or tiny temporary platform may disappear much sooner than a connected base, even when both are on the same server. The documented numbers come from Funcom’s 2018 patch notes; they are not guaranteed current defaults for every private server. A host, update or administrator may change either override.

What to check when a small build disappears

  • Count the connected building pieces. If the structure is at or below the active small-building threshold, the override may apply.
  • Check whether OverrideDecayMaxBuildingPieces has been changed from its configured value.
  • Check OverrideDecayTime and convert the seconds to minutes so the result is understandable.
  • Confirm that the base is actually connected. A nearby wall, ceiling or foundation that is not structurally connected does not necessarily contribute to the same calculation.
  • Inspect BuildingDecayTimeMultiplier. A value below 1 shortens both normal and override-related timing where the server applies the multiplier.
  • Verify that DisableBuildingAbandonment is not being overwritten on restart if you expected decay to be disabled.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Choosing a practical policy for a private server

Server goal Suggested approach Trade-off
Build-focused cooperative world Set DisableBuildingAbandonment=True. Automatic cleanup stops, so administrators must remove unwanted structures.
Long-term world with occasional cleanup Keep abandonment enabled and raise BuildingDecayTimeMultiplier. Players get more time away from the game, but abandoned claims occupy the map longer.
Active server needing regular turnover Keep abandonment enabled and use a multiplier below 1. Inactive bases clear sooner, while infrequent players have less time to return.
Server affected by foundation clutter Keep decay enabled and review the small-building override values. Temporary or legitimate small outposts may be removed under the same rule.

Make one change at a time. If you alter the disable flag, multiplier and small-building overrides simultaneously, it becomes difficult to identify which setting produced the observed result. Apply the change, restart if required, and monitor a test structure before adopting the policy for the whole world.

Troubleshooting after a change

The base still decays after setting the disable flag

  1. Confirm the spelling and capitalization: DisableBuildingAbandonment=True.
  2. Make sure you edited the active server’s file, not a local single-player configuration or an unused backup.
  3. Stop and restart the server after saving. A live edit may not be loaded.
  4. Check the in-game server settings after restart to see whether a host panel reverted the value.
  5. Look for a second configuration layer in the host control panel. Some providers generate ServerSettings.ini from panel fields at startup.

The timer is shorter or longer than expected

  1. Confirm the multiplier’s current value. Above 1 increases duration; below 1 decreases it.
  2. Do not calculate from the 10-day figure unless your server actually uses that underlying maximum.
  3. Check whether the structure qualifies for the small-building override.
  4. Check connected-piece count and quality, since the structure’s composition affects the available timer.
  5. Allow for an existing abandonment state. Changing a setting may not instantly restore a piece that has already passed into abandoned status; inspect the piece and server state before assuming the new timer failed.

Changing BuildingDamageMultiplier did nothing

That result is expected if the issue is abandonment. BuildingDamageMultiplier changes damage received by structures; use DisableBuildingAbandonment, BuildingDecayTimeMultiplier and, where relevant, the small-building override variables for inactivity decay.

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

The setting is missing from the game menu

Use the direct file method while the server is stopped, or use the host’s advanced configuration editor. Host panels expose different labels and may group the variables under “Building,” “Abandonment,” “Decay” or “Gameplay.” Search for the exact variable name when a raw-key search is available.

How to verify the active configuration

Verification matters because defaults are not universal. After the server restarts, open Settings > Server Settings as an administrator and confirm the disable flag and multiplier. If you edited the file, stop the server only after it has fully shut down, reopen ServerSettings.ini, and confirm that the values survived the restart.

For a controlled check, use a small test structure and note its connected-piece count, construction quality and placement time. Do not use a single observed disappearance to infer a universal default: the official maximum, small-building override and private-server settings can all produce different results. A 2026 Funcom forum report also identifies DisableBuildingAbandonment as the server-side parameter used to deactivate base decay, but forum guidance should be treated as operational confirmation rather than a specification of current defaults.

Key points to remember

  • DisableBuildingAbandonment=True is the direct switch for turning abandonment decay off.
  • BuildingDecayTimeMultiplier changes the duration: greater than 1 is slower decay, less than 1 is faster decay.
  • BuildingDamageMultiplier is unrelated to abandonment timing.
  • Use Settings > Server Settings with administrator access for the in-game method.
  • For file edits, stop the server, edit ConanSandbox/Saved/Config/WindowsServer/ServerSettings.ini, save, and restart.
  • Connected-piece count, building quality and the small-building override can make a tiny foundation decay much sooner than a large base.
  • Verify the values after restart because host configuration, updates and private-server overrides can change the effective defaults.

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.

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

building decayConan Exilesgame server settingsserver administrationServerSettings.ini

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
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute
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.