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If your 7 Days to Die server won’t start, open logs/latest.log (on the Logs page or in Files), because the panel console only shows output once the game’s telnet console is up. The most common causes are a World name that doesn’t exist, a broken line in serverconfig.xml and a mod made for another game version. A working server ends its start-up with INF StartGame done.

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Quick checks

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How to read the start-up log

1

Open the log

Open Logs in the panel (how to read server logs), or open logs/latest.log in Files.
2

Go to the end

The last lines show where the start stopped. Look for lines with ERR or EXC near the end.
3

Match the error

A world name, a file name or a mod name in the error tells you what to fix. Use the table above.

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Start-up lines you can ignore

These appear on normal starts and don’t stop the server: The server is ready after INF StartGame done and INF [Steamworks.NET] GameServer.LogOn successful.

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How to fix a wrong World name

1

Check the name

On Game settings > World and save, check World. Use Navezgane, RWG, or the exact folder name of a world you uploaded.
2

Check the folder

For an uploaded world, make sure its folder is in .local/share/7DaysToDie/GeneratedWorlds/ with the same spelling and capital letters.
3

Save and start

Click Review and save and start the server.

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How to undo a broken config

Each save on Game settings keeps the previous file as serverconfig.xml.bak. In Files, rename the broken serverconfig.xml (for example to serverconfig.broken.xml), rename serverconfig.xml.bak to serverconfig.xml and start the server. You can also restore a backup.

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Frequently asked questions

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Why does the console stay empty after I press Start?

The panel console connects to the game’s telnet console after the game has booted, which takes around half a minute. Until then, the start-up output is only in logs/latest.log.

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Is the IOException error at start a problem?

No. IOException in TelnetClient_… comes from the panel checking the telnet port and appears on every start.

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My server starts but my world is empty. What happened?

Save name or World was changed, so the server started a new save. Set the old names back and restart; the old save is still on disk.

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What should I send to support?

The end of logs/latest.log and what you changed before the problem. Open a ticket.

7 Days to Die server guide

Every 7 Days to Die page in one place.

serverconfig.xml and Game settings

Edit settings safely.

Install mods

Mods that match your version.

Custom maps

World names and folders.

Server logs

Read logs in the panel.
Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team on our Game Panel on 31 October 2026 (7 Days to Die V3.4.0 b9). Steps may differ slightly if the game changes.

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Need Extra Help?

If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:

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Last Updated: October 2026