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The Forest dedicated server uses a plain-text Server.cfg file plus optional startup parameters. On Windows, the file is normally generated after the dedicated server is launched for the first time at C:UsersUSERAppDataLocalLowSKSTheForestDedicatedServerdsServer.cfg. Edit the file while the server is stopped, then check startup arguments: a command-line value overrides the matching value in Server.cfg. Network ports, passwords, world continuation, gameplay rules, saves and server frame-rate targets are all controlled from these settings.
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Where The Forest Server.cfg is located
The official Steam dedicated-server tutorial says Server.cfg is created when the dedicated server is launched for the first time. The standard Windows location is:
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C:UsersUSERAppDataLocalLowSKSTheForestDedicatedServerdsServer.cfg
Replace USER with the Windows account that actually runs the server. If you cannot find the file:
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- Start the dedicated server once, allow it to finish initialization, stop it cleanly, and check the path again.
- Make sure you are checking the same Windows user profile used by the server process. Running it under a service account or another login creates a different
AppDatalocation. - Search the computer for
Server.cfgif the server was installed or launched with a nonstandard profile. - Check whether startup parameters specify an alternate file through
configfilepath. In that case, the server may be reading a different configuration than the default path.
Server.cfg is a text configuration file. Keep the syntax already present in the generated file when changing a value; do not convert it into a different format or add duplicate entries casually. Make a copy before every substantial change so you can restore a known-good configuration.
How The Forest reads configuration settings
There are two configuration layers: the entries in Server.cfg and optional command-line parameters used when starting the server. The Steam tutorial states: “Note: Command line parameters overwrite matching entries defined in the config file.” That precedence explains many apparently ignored edits.
What an override looks like in practice
If serverPlayers is set to one value in the file but the launch command supplies another value for the same setting, the command-line value wins every time that command is used. Editing the file alone will not change the running server until the conflicting argument is removed or changed.
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A reliable editing sequence
- Stop the dedicated-server process rather than editing while it is running.
- Copy
Server.cfgto a dated backup location. Also back up the save directory before changing world-related settings. - Open the active file in a plain-text editor and change only the required entries, preserving the generated spelling and value format.
- Inspect the shortcut, batch file, service definition or control-panel startup field for command-line parameters that repeat the same settings.
- Remove or update conflicting arguments, then save the file.
- Start the server and verify the lobby name, player limit, world state and other changed behavior from a client connection.
- If the result is unchanged, confirm that the process is using the file you edited and inspect the server’s startup output or available logs for the loaded path and rejected values.
Network settings and port forwarding
The principal network entries are shown below. The values in your generated file and current dedicated-server build are authoritative; do not assume that an example port from another installation applies to yours.
| Setting | Purpose | What to check |
|---|---|---|
serverIP |
Specifies the server IP address used by the dedicated server. | Use the address appropriate for your host network and verify that it has not changed after a DHCP lease renewal. |
serverSteamPort |
Defines the Steam networking port. | Forward the configured port when the server is behind a router. |
serverGamePort |
Defines the gameplay connection port. | Forward the configured port and allow it through the host firewall. |
serverQueryPort |
Defines the query or server-listing port. | Forward the configured port if remote discovery or administration depends on it. |
A router-hosted server needs port forwarding for the relevant Steam, game and query ports configured in Server.cfg. Forward each to the computer running the dedicated server, and create matching firewall rules. If players on the same LAN can connect but players on the internet cannot, check the router’s destination address, firewall permissions and whether the forwarded values still match the configuration. No universal default port numbers are established, so use the values shown by your current server build rather than copying numbers from an unrelated guide.
Server identity, player limits and protection
| Setting | Effect | Operational advice |
|---|---|---|
serverName |
Controls the name displayed in the multiplayer lobby. | Use a distinctive name so friends can identify the correct instance. |
serverPlayers |
Sets the maximum number of players. | Choose a limit your host can sustain; changing it does not replace the game’s own performance constraints. |
serverPassword |
Protects player connections. | Give it only to intended players and change it if it is shared outside the group. |
serverPasswordAdmin |
Protects administrative access. | Use a separate, stronger secret rather than reusing the player password. |
enableVAC |
Toggles Valve Anti-Cheat. | Decide before inviting players and tell them whether the server requires the protection system. |
Passwords and administrative credentials should not be stored in screenshots, public chat or shared configuration archives. Treat the file as sensitive whenever it contains access credentials.
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Steam authentication and the server login token
Steam authentication uses a Game Server Login Token. The token can be supplied in serverSteamAccount or through the equivalent startup command-line parameter. It is operational secret data: anyone who obtains it may be able to authenticate a server instance under that token.
- Keep the token out of public repositories, screenshots, support posts and shared control-panel notes.
- Restrict access to the configuration file and startup scripts.
- When a token may have been exposed, replace or revoke it through the Steam account that created it, then update the server configuration.
- After changing the token, restart the dedicated server and confirm that it authenticates normally.
World creation, continuation and saves
Difficulty
The documented difficulty values are Peaceful, Normal, Hard and HardSurvival. Use the spelling and capitalization expected by the generated configuration. A value outside the documented set can be rejected or produce behavior different from what you intended.
Starting a new world or continuing one
initType determines whether the server creates a new world or loads an existing one:
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Newstarts a new world according to the selected difficulty and slot.Continuetells the server to load an existing save.
To continue a world, set initType to Continue and select the correct slot. The documented slot range is 1 through 5. Choosing the wrong slot can make a healthy save appear to have disappeared because the server is loading another save position.
Autosaving
serverAutoSaveInterval controls how often the dedicated server autosaves. The documented minimum is 15 minutes, while 30 minutes is identified as the default or common value in the settings reference. A shorter interval reduces the amount of progress lost after a crash but creates more frequent save activity; a longer interval reduces save frequency but increases possible rollback.
Custom save location
Use saveFolderPath when saves must live outside the default directory. After changing it, verify that the server account has permission to create and modify files in the new location, and that the expected save data was copied there before selecting Continue. Back up the custom directory, not just Server.cfg.
Gameplay switches
| Setting | Documented behavior | Use case or warning |
|---|---|---|
veganMode |
Disables enemies. | Useful for building-focused sessions where combat is not wanted. |
vegetarianMode |
Disables enemies during daytime. | Nighttime enemy behavior remains relevant, so it is not equivalent to veganMode. |
resetHolesMode |
Resets structure holes when the world loads. | Consider the effect on construction before enabling it on an established base. |
treeRegrowMode |
Regrows 10% of cut trees when players sleep. | Tree recovery depends on sleeping; it is not an instant restoration switch. |
allowBuildingDestruction |
Controls whether building destruction is allowed. | Check this before opening a cooperative world to players who may alter structures. |
allowEnemiesCreativeMode |
Controls enemies in Creative Mode. | Set it deliberately if the server is used for creative construction rather than survival. |
allowCheats |
Controls cheat availability. | Enable only when every participant understands the rules and consequences. |
realisticPlayerDamage |
Controls realistic player-damage behavior. | Confirm the setting with the group before a competitive or shared survival session. |
Server frame-rate and alternate-file controls
targetFpsIdle and targetFpsActive set frame-rate targets for idle and active server states. They are targets rather than a guarantee that the host can sustain those rates. If the machine is overloaded, lowering a target may reduce unnecessary CPU use; raising it cannot compensate for insufficient hardware or network capacity.
The update history records the addition of the FPS controls, gameplay switches and configfilepath. Because settings evolve with dedicated-server updates, recheck the current generated file and documentation after an update instead of assuming that an old configuration is still complete.
Why a configuration edit appears to be ignored
| Symptom | Most likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| The lobby name or player limit does not change. | A startup argument overrides serverName or serverPlayers. |
Inspect the launch command and remove or change the duplicate argument. |
| The server starts a new world instead of the old one. | initType is set to New, the wrong slot is selected, or the save path changed. |
Use Continue, select the correct slot from 1–5, and verify saveFolderPath. |
| The server is visible locally but unreachable from the internet. | Router forwarding, firewall rules or the configured network ports do not match. | Forward the configured Steam, game and query ports to the host and permit them through the firewall. |
| The file you edit has no effect at all. | The process reads a different file, possibly selected by configfilepath, or runs under another Windows account. |
Confirm the active path in startup output, then edit that file and restart. |
| Players cannot authenticate after a credential change. | The Steam login token is invalid, exposed, or not updated in the active configuration. | Replace the token if necessary, update serverSteamAccount or its command-line equivalent, and restart. |
| Progress rolls back after a crash. | The autosave interval is long or the save directory is not writable or backed up. | Use an interval of at least the documented 15-minute minimum, verify write access and back up the active save folder. |
A safe restart and recovery routine
- Announce a maintenance window and let players leave normally.
- Stop the server cleanly so the latest save can finish.
- Copy
Server.cfg, the active save directory and the startup script or service definition to a dated backup. - Make one logical configuration change at a time. This makes a bad value easier to identify.
- Start the server and confirm that it loads the intended config path, slot and world mode.
- Connect with a test account, check the lobby listing and verify the changed gameplay or network behavior.
- If startup fails or the world is wrong, stop the server, restore the last working configuration and save backup, and then investigate the failed change separately.
Self-hosting versus managed hosting
Both approaches can run a The Forest dedicated server, but they transfer different responsibilities.
| Decision factor | Self-hosting | Managed hosting |
|---|---|---|
| Configuration control | Direct access to Server.cfg, startup arguments, save paths and the operating system. |
Usually an online panel or support workflow; the exact file access depends on the provider. |
| Networking and uptime | You handle port forwarding, firewall rules, power, internet reliability and restarts. | The provider generally supplies the machine and network, while you still configure the game. |
| Backups and saves | You choose backup frequency, storage and recovery testing. | Backup tools may be available, but retention and restore procedures must be checked in the provider’s current plan. |
| Logs and restart tools | You control operating-system logs, scripts and scheduled restarts. | A panel may simplify restarts and logs, with capabilities varying by service. |
| Recurring cost | No hosting bill, but you provide hardware, electricity and a suitable internet connection. | A recurring fee is expected; current pricing, limits and availability are provider-specific. |
Choose self-hosting when file-level control and local ownership matter more than convenience. Choose managed hosting when avoiding router configuration and maintaining continuous availability is worth paying for a service. In either case, retain your own copy of the save data and configuration.
Maintenance checklist after updates
- Launch the updated dedicated-server build once and compare the generated settings with your backup.
- Confirm that every custom key still exists and uses a value supported by the current build.
- Recheck command-line arguments because they continue to override file entries.
- Verify
serverIP,serverSteamPort,serverGamePortandserverQueryPortagainst router and firewall rules. - Test
Continuewith the intended slot before allowing players back in. - Confirm that autosaves are occurring in the active save directory and that backups can be restored.
- Keep Steam login tokens private and replace them if exposure is suspected.
The key rule is simple: edit the configuration that the running process actually loads, then remove conflicting startup overrides. With the correct ports forwarded, a valid save slot selected and current credentials protected, the server can restart predictably without losing its world or silently reverting your settings.
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