Why Use a Dedicated Server?
A dedicated server keeps your Ashenfall world available when the usual host is offline. That means your group can build, gather, and continue its progress without waiting for one player to launch the game.
Unlike a player-hosted session, the server runs separately from the game client. It supports up to six players and gives the owner control over world access, server administration, backups, and restarts. It is especially useful for a regular co-op group with different schedules.
A runescape dragonwilds dedicated server can be hosted through a game-server provider, on a computer at home, or on a cloud machine you manage. The right choice depends on how much setup work, ongoing maintenance, and control your group wants.
| Hosting method | Best for | Main advantage | Main tradeoff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Managed host | Players who want a quick start | Control panel, accessible settings, and easier upkeep | Recurring cost |
| Home server | Players with spare hardware and networking experience | Full control over files and saves | PC, firewall, and router must stay configured |
| Self-managed cloud server | Technical groups wanting a remote machine | Always-on hosting without using a home connection | Setup and maintenance are more involved |
A dedicated world is not automatically public. You can set a world password, keep the name private, and share access only with your intended group. An admin password is separate: it grants access to server-management controls in the game.
Requirements and Hosting Choices
The dedicated-server software is available free through Steam as RuneScape: Dragonwilds - Dedicated Servers. You still need an owner Player ID from the game client before a server can start correctly.
Self-hosting requires a 64-bit version of Windows or Linux. Server memory needs begin at 2 GB, plus roughly 1 GB for each player. Reserve enough headroom for the operating system and any other services running on the same machine.
| Players connected | Recommended server RAM | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 4 GB | Small private pair |
| 4 | 6 GB | Standard friend group |
| 6 | 8 GB | Maximum-size world |
For a home-hosted server, the machine must remain powered on whenever players need access. A wired connection is preferable, particularly if several players are joining from outside your home network.
Managed hosting is simpler because the provider generally handles the operating system, public network route, server panel, and basic restart controls. Look for features that matter to your group rather than choosing only by slot count:
- Backup and download access for world saves
- A location reasonably close to most players
- File access for moving an existing world
- A live console or logs for diagnosing startup issues
- Restart and update controls
- Protection against unwanted traffic or attacks
A cloud virtual machine offers similar persistence while retaining more administrative control. However, it still needs networking, storage, and update maintenance. It is best suited to someone already comfortable managing Linux or Windows servers remotely.
Set Up a Self-Hosted Server
First, add the free dedicated-server product to your Steam library or install it with SteamCMD. SteamCMD can install the server without a normal Steam sign-in:
steamcmd +force_install_dir C:\MyInstallFolder +login anonymous +app_update 4019830 +quit
After installation, launch the dedicated server once. On Windows, the executable is found in the dedicated-server folder as RSDragonwilds.exe. Adding -log -NewConsole to its launch options is strongly recommended because it opens a console window with startup and error details.
Stop the server before editing configuration. Changes made while it is running can be overwritten during shutdown.
| Platform | DedicatedServer.ini location |
|---|---|
| Linux | RSDragonwilds/Saved/Config/Linux/DedicatedServer.ini |
| Windows | RSDragonwilds/Saved/Config/WindowsServer/DedicatedServer.ini |
On Windows, the configuration file may need to be copied or created from the Linux version if it does not appear automatically. Run the server at least once first so its folders are generated.
Set the required values before starting again:
- Copy your Player ID from the bottom of the in-game Settings menu.
- Enter it as the Owner ID.
- Choose a recognizable server name.
- Set a default world name.
- Create a strong admin password.
- Optionally set a world password for joining players.
- Save the file, then restart the server.
| Configuration value | What it does | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Owner ID | Identifies the server owner and enables startup | Yes |
| Server Name | Labels the server itself | Yes |
| Default World Name | Names the world created when no save is present | Yes |
| Admin Password | Allows access to in-game server management | Yes |
| World Password | Restricts who may join the world | No |
Treat the admin password as sensitive. Anyone who uses it can access the Server Management area through the pause menu’s Settings screen. A join password only controls entry to the world; it does not give administrative privileges.
Networking, Worlds, and Maintenance
A self-hosted server uses UDP port 7777 by default. If you run another server, the next one uses 7778, and later servers continue upward. Your firewall, router, and internet provider must permit direct UDP access to the selected port.
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Server never starts | Missing or invalid Owner ID | Copy the Player ID again from the game Settings menu |
| Server appears but friends cannot join | UDP forwarding is incomplete | Firewall, router forwarding, and ISP restrictions |
| Server does not appear in search | Wrong world name or version mismatch | Exact case-sensitive world name and version numbers |
| Server vanished after a patch | Dedicated server is on an older build | Update the server files and restart |
| Configuration resets | File was edited while server ran | Stop it before making changes |
Open your firewall for the chosen UDP port, then forward that same port from your router to the hosting computer’s local IP address. Every router between the server and the internet needs the forwarding rule. Some internet providers use connections that do not allow inbound port forwarding; in that case, a managed host or cloud server may be the practical alternative.
To join a listed server, open the Worlds screen, select the Public tab, and search for the exact world name. The search is case-sensitive. Give a freshly started server a few moments to register before assuming it failed.
The server loads the newest .sav file found in its save-game folder. If it finds no save, it creates the configured default world. This makes it possible to bring an existing co-op world to a dedicated host: stop the server, place the intended save in the server’s save-game location, and start it again.
Back up saves before major patches, world migrations, or experiments with settings. A simple backup routine protects your group’s base, skill progress, and unlocks from accidental overwrites.
Version matching is essential. When the game receives an update or hotfix, compare the server version shown near the top of its logs with the client version displayed in-game. Update the dedicated-server installation whenever they differ.
FAQ
What is a runescape dragonwilds dedicated server?
It is a standalone server process that hosts a persistent RuneScape: Dragonwilds world independently from a player’s game client. Players can connect while it is running, even if the owner is not actively playing.
How many players can join?
A dedicated world supports up to six players. For a full server, plan for about 8 GB of RAM: 2 GB as a base requirement and about 1 GB for each connected player.
Do I need to pay to run one?
No. The dedicated-server software is free on Steam. You only pay if you rent a managed game server or cloud computer. Home hosting has no hosting subscription, but it uses your own hardware, electricity, and internet connection.
Which port should I forward?
Use UDP port 7777 by default. Additional local dedicated servers generally use the next available ports, starting with 7778. Ensure the firewall, router, and ISP path permit inbound UDP traffic.
Why can friends see my server but not join it?
This usually indicates a port-forwarding problem. Confirm that UDP 7777 is forwarded to the host computer’s current local IP, that the firewall permits it, and that your internet provider allows inbound connections.
Can I use my existing world?
Yes. Stop the server, back up the current save, and move the desired .sav file into the server’s save-game folder. On the next startup, the server loads the most recent save available there.
