Your own The Forest server makes sense if your co-op group wants to play independently of the host, back up savegames in a controlled way, and manage server rules centrally. The key points are a clean initial configuration, a suitable difficulty level, a protected password, and regular backups so progress and buildings are not lost through failed starts or incorrect slots.
Requirements
For a stable co-op server, you need a The Forest Dedicated Server, access to the configuration file, restart functionality, and the savegame directory. The original setup provides for 2-4 GB RAM. This is a practical starting size for small groups, but it does not replace a specific performance promise: world size, player activity, enemy density, and buildings can change the load.
According to the official dedicated server documentation, The Forest supports a maximum player count via serverPlayers, with serverPlayers 8 in the example. The official The Forest wiki page on dedicated servers also documents ports, difficulty values, initType, save slots, and server options: Documentation at theforest.fandom.com. Use this source as a reference if you want to double-check individual parameters.
If you are looking for similar co-op setups, the Rent and set up a Valheim server – Co-op Guide 2026 and the Rent and set up an Enshrouded server – Co-op Guide are also helpful because they cover comparable topics such as persistence, shared worlds, and server management.
Order a server
- Go to game-serverhosting
- Choose 2-4 GB RAM
- The server is set up automatically
When ordering, focus less on marketing terms and more on practical control: you should be able to change configuration values, trigger restarts, download savegames, and create backups. This is especially important for The Forest because progress depends heavily on the server save, and an incorrect start mode can quickly make it look as if the world has disappeared.
Basic configuration
The existing example configuration remains a good basis for private co-op sessions. First adjust the name, password, and, if needed, the Steam account token. Do not use a publicly known password if the server is intended only for friends.
serverName My Forest Server
serverPassword secret
serverPlayers 8
serverSteamAccount # Steam account
initType Continue # Continue or New
difficulty Normal # Peaceful, Normal, Hard, HardSurvival
veganMode off # No enemies
vegetarianMode off # Fewer enemies
initType Continue is important: it is meant to continue loading an existing save. If you deliberately want to start a new world, set it to New; after that, you should check again which save slot is being used. serverPassword protects the session from unknown players. serverPlayers 8 matches the known maximum from the dedicated server configuration and should not be planned higher.
Difficulty levels
| Mode | Description |
|---|---|
| Peaceful | No mutants |
| Normal | Standard |
| Hard | More and stronger enemies |
| Hard Survival | Permadeath, toughest enemies |
For the first shared session, Normal is usually the cleanest starting point because you can test mechanics, building, caves, and combat without extreme pressure. Peaceful is suitable if the group mainly wants to build or get to know the map. You should only choose Hard and HardSurvival once everyone understands that mistakes are punished much more severely.
Classify optional modes correctly
veganMode and vegetarianMode are not just comfort toggles; they significantly change the feel of the game. veganMode on largely removes enemies and takes away a large part of the threat from the horror survival experience. vegetarianMode on reduces enemy encounters during the day but makes the night feel more dangerous. For beginners, vegetarianMode is therefore a sensible compromise if building and exploration are the focus while some tension should remain.
Before changing these values on a running world, back up the savegame. That way, you can go back if the group realizes after a few evenings that the chosen setting does not match the desired pace.
Joining
- Start The Forest → Multiplayer
- "Join Dedicated Server"
- Search for the server or enter the IP directly
- Enter the password
If the server does not appear in the list immediately, test direct joining via IP. Also check whether the server was actually restarted after the last configuration change. With rented servers, the most common error is not the setting itself, but a saved configuration that has not yet been loaded.
Check the result
After the first join, you should check four things: the server name is displayed correctly, the password is requested, the player count matches the configuration, and the world reloads the same progress after a restart. Build a small test object, save or wait for autosave, restart the server, and then check whether the object is still there.
Also check the difficulty level practically in-game. If you use Peaceful, veganMode, or vegetarianMode, enemy behavior should noticeably match the setting. Do not rely only on the file; test the effect in the world.
Savegames and backups
Savegames are stored in the server folder and can be downloaded. Back them up regularly, especially before major changes to difficulty, initType, slot values, or server files. Keep at least one backup created before the last configuration change. This lets you distinguish between a technical problem and an intentionally restarted world.
A similar backup approach is worthwhile for other survival servers with strong world progression, for example when renting and setting up a V Rising server – Vampire Guide or when renting a Terraria server – Set up multiplayer.
Troubleshooting
Server does not appear in the list
Wait briefly after the restart, refresh the server list, and test direct joining via IP. Also check whether the server process is running and whether the server name contains no unusual special characters that make searching harder.
Password does not work
Check serverPassword for spaces, typos, and old browser or client entries. Save the configuration again and restart the server so the new value is loaded.
World starts over instead of continuing
Check initType Continue and the save slot being used. If New is active or another slot is loaded, it looks as if progress has been lost. Do not keep playing; instead, save the current state and check existing backups.
Enemies behave differently than expected
Compare difficulty, veganMode, and vegetarianMode. These settings overlap in how the game feels. For clear tests, first use difficulty Normal, veganMode off, and vegetarianMode off, then change only one value at a time and restart.
Verification, limits, and a safe rollback
The guide "Rent and Set Up a The Forest Server" applies to the server type described in the article and the version status visible at the time of review. Menu names, available versions, mod or plugin compatibility, and required resources may differ after updates. Therefore, do not transfer values to another game, loader, or server version without checking them first.
Before making changes to the world, save, configuration, or extensions, create a backup of the affected files. Then change only one related step and verify it with the same client and server version you want to play with later.
| Checkpoint | Expected result | Abort and rollback |
|---|---|---|
| Server start | The server reaches the ready state without a new error message. | If startup errors occur, revert the change and restore the last backup. |
| Connection test | A test account can connect via the address shown in the panel. | If version or connection errors occur, compare version, port, and firewall rules again. |
| Function test | The specific changed function works without damaging existing world or game data. | If side effects occur, stop the server and restore the backed-up files. |
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 should I choose for a The Forest server?
Use 2-4 GB RAM only as a starting range and check the actual load. This is a sensible starting range for smaller co-op sessions. Plan more headroom if many players are active or the world is heavily built up.
How many players does The Forest support on a Dedicated Server?
The existing configuration uses serverPlayers 8. The official dedicated server documentation lists serverPlayers 8 as the maximum or standard example. Therefore, do not plan for more than eight players.
Should I use initType New or Continue?
For an active world, use initType Continue. New is only suitable if you deliberately want to start a new world. Before every change, you should create a backup.
Which is better: Peaceful, veganMode, or vegetarianMode?
Peaceful removes most of the threat. veganMode is also intended for very calm sessions. vegetarianMode reduces enemy encounters and is better suited if beginners should build and learn without removing survival pressure completely.
Can I download my savegame?
Yes, savegames are stored in the server folder and can be downloaded if your hosting access provides file management or backup access. Always back them up separately before major changes.
Does Sons of the Forest have the same Dedicated Server?
No. The sequel Sons of the Forest has its own Dedicated Server. This guide refers only to The Forest.