serverconfig.xml is the main settings file of a 7 Days to Die dedicated server. On FREAKHOSTING you edit it on the Game settings page: change a field, click Review and save, check the line-by-line changes and restart. Since V3.0, difficulty, XP, loot, day length, death, zombie, blood moon and airdrop rules live in one SandboxCode, set with Difficulty code (sandbox).
How to change a setting
1
Open Game settings
Open your server and click Game settings under GAME SETTINGS. Use Search settings to find a field, Changed to see only what differs from the defaults, and Show advanced settings to show 14 extra fields.
2
Edit the field
Change the value. Fields marked CAREFUL show a warning, and fields marked STARTUP are taken from your Startup variables.
3
Review and save
Click Review and save. The dialog shows each changed line of
serverconfig.xml. Confirm, and the panel saves the file and keeps the previous version as serverconfig.xml.bak. Click Discard to drop unsaved changes.4
Restart
Restart the server. World and save settings only apply to a new save.
The Game settings page edits serverconfig.xml
What each section changes
Which settings moved to the sandbox code?
The official V3.0 release notes removed these fromserverconfig.xml and moved them into Sandbox Options: difficulty, block damage, XP, day length and daylight, death penalty, drop on death and quit, enemy spawning, zombie speeds and feral sense, blood moon frequency, range, count and warning, loot abundance and respawn, airdrops, storms and trader rules. Set them by pasting a code into Difficulty code (sandbox), even where Game settings still lists a separate field. See sandbox code.
Settings that come from Startup
The server starts with values on its command line, and these win overserverconfig.xml: game port, Network Protocols, Max Players, telnet on, Telnet Port and Telnet Password. Change them on Startup or on the fields tagged STARTUP. Player slots is fixed by your hosting plan. Leave Telnet Port as it is, because the panel console uses it.
Settings that only apply to a new save
How to edit the raw file
Click serverconfig.xml: open the raw file at the bottom of Game settings, or openserverconfig.xml in Files. Each setting is one line:
/>, and save. A broken line can stop the server from starting; restore serverconfig.xml.bak if that happens.
Frequently asked questions
Where is serverconfig.xml on my server?
In the server root, next to7DaysToDieServer.x86_64. Open it from Files or from the link at the bottom of Game settings.
Why didn’t my change apply?
The server readsserverconfig.xml at start, so restart after saving. Rules such as blood moons or loot come from the sandbox code since V3.0, and world settings only apply to a new save.
Can I change settings while players are online?
You can save the file, but the change applies at the next restart. Warn players before you restart.What do the presets do?
Presets fill in several fields at once (Easy, Hardcore, Peaceful building). Nothing is saved until you review and save. For the game rules, the sandbox code is what the game uses.Related guides
7 Days to Die server guide
Every 7 Days to Die page in one place.
Sandbox code
Difficulty, XP and loot rules.
Getting started
First setup and joining.
Land claim block
Claim settings explained.
Server not starting
Fix a broken config.
Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team on our Game Panel on 31 October 2026 (7 Days to Die V3.4.0 b9); removed settings checked against the official V3.0 release notes. Steps may differ slightly if the game changes.
Need Extra Help?
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- Email: support@freakhosting.com
Last Updated: October 2026