Rent and Set Up an Enshrouded Server – Co-op Guide

For your own Enshrouded Server, you rent a dedicated instance, adjust enshrouded_server.json, and then check ports, password, slots, and logs. Realistic resources, regular backups, and a controlled restart after configuration changes are important so your co-op world remains reachable and progress is not unnecessarily put at risk.

Rent an Enshrouded Server

Order the Server

1. Go to game-serverhosting
2. Choose at least 4 GB RAM (for 1-8 players)
3. The server is set up automatically

The 4 GB figure from the basic configuration is suitable as a minimum size for small groups. Still plan for reserve if many players are active at the same time, large bases are created, or the world has already been running for longer. The official Enshrouded Dedicated Server FAQ names, as a snapshot from February 21, 2025, RAM usage of the server process of around 4.4 GB while idle, additional demand per player, and up to 30 GB of recommended free storage for server files and operation. Source: official Enshrouded Dedicated Server FAQ.

If you deliberately use paid multi-game hosting, the advantage is not magic, but control: you get a manageable server environment, clear operating processes, access to configuration, restarts, backups, and support without having to run a router, firewall, and always-on operation at home yourself. For other survival setups, you can find similar basics in the Valheim Co-op Guide 2026 and the V Rising Server Guide.

Requirements

You need an active Enshrouded installation, the server IP or server address, the server password, and access to the configuration files in the hosting dashboard or via file manager. For changes to ports and slots, you should stop the server, save the file, and then restart cleanly. Note the old configuration beforehand or create a backup so you can quickly go back if there is a typo.

Server Configuration

Server Configuration (enshrouded_server.json)

{
  "name": "My Enshrouded Server",
  "password": "secret",
  "saveDirectory": "./savegame",
  "logDirectory": "./logs",
  "ip": "0.0.0.0",
  "gamePort": 15636,
  "queryPort": 15637,
  "slotCount": 8
}

The enshrouded_server.json file controls the visible and technical core data of your server. name is the name in the server list. password protects the world from outside players. saveDirectory defines where the world is saved, and logDirectory determines the folder for logs. ip remains set to 0.0.0.0 in typical hosting setups so the service listens on the intended server address.

gamePort and queryPort must match the hosting setup. In the initial example, 15636 and 15637 are used. The official Enshrouded documentation for dedicated server configuration describes, among other things, enshrouded_server.json, saveDirectory, logDirectory, ip, queryPort, and slotCount; the slot count is documented there as a configurable value. Source: official Enshrouded Dedicated Server Configuration.

Set Slots and Player Count Sensibly

Start with no more than 8 players as a cautious planning size and only increase after a load test. Current official server documents may show a higher configurable slot count depending on the version; therefore, always check the documentation for the server version you use before production changes. For stable co-op rounds, the highest possible number is not automatically the best choice. Set slotCount so CPU, RAM, and world size fit together. If stutters, long save times, or connection drops occur, a smaller slot count is often the first pragmatic test.

Joining

1. Start Enshrouded
2. "Multiplayer" → "Search for server" or "Direct connect"
3. Enter IP and port
4. Enter password

If the server does not appear in the list immediately, use direct connect first. Make sure to use the correct port and not to copy spaces into the IP, hostname, or password. After a restart, it can take a short while until the server is fully loaded and can be found by clients.

Performance Tips

• 8 players maximum: Enshrouded currently supports max. 8 players
• SSD hosting: Faster loading times (standard with us)
• Automatic restarts: Recommended daily at 5 a.m.

You should treat the player count statement as the configuration status of the existing guide and check it against the official documentation when changing versions. SSD hosting helps mainly with loading, saving, and update processes, but does not replace sufficient CPU and RAM reserves. Daily automatic restarts, for example at 5 a.m., are useful if your group normally does not play at that time. Before a planned restart, the world should be saved cleanly.

World Management

• Savegames are in the savegame folder
• Automatic backups through the dashboard
• World reset: delete the savegame folder and restart

Treat the savegame folder as the most important operating file of your world. Create a backup before updates, larger configuration changes, and world resets. For a world reset, do not randomly delete the whole server installation, but specifically delete the savegame folder or the affected world state and then restart. If you are comparing several survival servers, the Palworld Server Guide 2026 is also helpful because it covers similar topics such as persistent worlds, resource planning, and operation.

Check the Result

After setup, the server should start, write logs in the logs folder, be reachable in the server list or via direct connection, and accept the set password. Also check whether a new savegame is created in the savegame folder or an existing savegame is loaded correctly. Ask a second player for a connection test if the server is intended for a fixed group.

Troubleshooting

Server Does Not Appear in the List

Wait briefly after the restart and then test direct connection. Check queryPort, server name, and logs. If you changed the port, the change must match in the hosting setup and in the server configuration.

Password Is Rejected

Check the spelling in enshrouded_server.json. Save the file, restart the server, and test-copy the password without additional spaces. Use a simple, unique password for the first test and change it again later.

Server Stutters or Responds Slowly

Temporarily reduce slotCount, check RAM usage, and restart the server outside peak playtime. Large bases, many simultaneous players, and long-running sessions can increase load.

Progress Is Missing After Restart

Check whether the correct saveDirectory path is set and whether the server was shut down cleanly before the restart. Restore a dashboard backup if necessary instead of making further changes to the current savegame.

Checks, Limits, and a Safe Way Back

The guide “Rent and Set Up an Enshrouded Server – Co-op Guide” applies to the server type described in the article and the version status visible at the time of checking. Menu names, available versions, mod or plugin compatibility, and required resources can differ after updates. Therefore, do not transfer values to another game, loader, or server version without checking them.

Before making changes to the world, savegame, configuration, or extensions, create a backup of the affected files. Then change only one related step and test it with the same client and server version you want to play with later.

A successful single test is not a performance or availability guarantee. World size, mods, plugins, player count, network path, and simultaneous load can change the result. Document the version, change, and test result so you can understand later deviations.

FAQ

How Much RAM Do I Need for an Enshrouded Server?

The guide names at least 4 GB RAM for small groups. However, the official FAQ from February 21, 2025 already describes around 4.4 GB RAM while idle for the server process. Therefore plan reserves, especially with several players.

Which Ports Does the Enshrouded Server Use?

In the existing example, gamePort is 15636 and queryPort is 15637. What matters is that the values in your configuration, in the hosting dashboard, and when joining all match.

Where Are the Savegames Located?

In the example, they are in the ./savegame folder. You control exactly this path through saveDirectory in enshrouded_server.json.

Do I Have to Restart After Every Change?

Yes, for configuration changes you should restart the server cleanly. Only then can you reliably check whether name, password, ports, or slots were applied.

Can I Reset the World?

Yes. First create a backup, then delete the savegame folder or the desired world state and restart the server. The server will then create a new world.