> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.freakhosting.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # How to Set Up a 7 Days to Die Dedicated Server (Getting Started) > How to set up a 7 Days to Die dedicated server on FREAKHOSTING: set name, password and world on Game settings, start it, join by IP and make a backup. To set up a 7 Days to Die dedicated server on FREAKHOSTING, open your server in the [Game Panel](https://games.freakhosting.com), click **Game settings**, set **Server name**, **Server password** and **World**, click **Review and save** and start the server. When the console shows `INF StartGame done`, players can join from the server browser or with your server address and port 26900. | Difficulty | Time | Works on | Panel page | | - | - | - | - | | Beginner | 10 minutes | Every FREAKHOSTING 7 Days to Die server | **Game settings** | ## Before you start * Log in to the [Game Panel](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-login-and-access-the-game-panel.md). * Have 7 Days to Die on your PC on the same version as the server (the default Steam branch). * Stop the server before you change the world or save name. ## How to set up your 7 Days to Die server **1. Open Game settings** Open your server and click **Game settings** under **GAME SETTINGS**. The page edits `serverconfig.xml` for you. Its subtitle reminds you that changes need a restart and that world settings only apply to a new save. **2. Name your server** In the **Server** section, enter a **Server name** and a **Server description**. Both show in the server browser. **3. Set a password (optional)** Click **Set** next to **Server password** and enter one. Leave it empty for an open server. **4. Choose visibility and region** Leave **Visibility** on **Public** to be listed in the browser. Pick the **Region** closest to your server and players. **5. Choose the world** In **World and save**, leave **World** on `Navezgane` for the hand-made map, or enter `RWG` for a random world. **Save name** is the name of your save. A new save name starts a new, empty save. **6. Set the game rules** Since V3.0, difficulty, XP, loot, blood moons and zombies come from the sandbox code. Paste a code into **Difficulty code (sandbox)** or keep the default. See [sandbox code](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/7-days-to-die/how-to-use-a-sandbox-code-on-your-7-days-to-die-server.md). **7. Review, save and start** Click **Review and save**, check the changes and confirm. Then [start the server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-start-stop-and-restart-your-game-server.md). ![7 Days to Die Game settings page with Checks, Presets, Server name, Server password, Region and Language](https://mintcdn.com/freakhostingltd/dCZ9JIDc2HjHnuiD/images/games/7-days-to-die/7dtd-game-settings.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=dCZ9JIDc2HjHnuiD\&q=85\&s=53ac73603d1f5741982b9e928b56d8c8) Game settings for 7 Days to Die in the FREAKHOSTING Game Panel ## How to know your server is ready The panel **Console** connects to the server's telnet console once the game has booted, so it shows nothing for the first moments. A first start takes around half a minute. The server is ready when you see: ```text theme={null} INF StartGame done INF [Steamworks.NET] GameServer.LogOn successful, SteamID=… ``` A random (`RWG`) world takes longer the first time because the server generates it. The full start-up log is in `logs/latest.log`; see [read server logs](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-read-server-logs.md). ## How to join your 7 Days to Die server | Method | What to do | | - | - | | Server browser | In the game, choose **Join a Game** and search for your **Server name** | | By address | Use **Connect to IP** with your server address and port, for example `203.0.113.10` and `26900` | Enter the server password when asked. If you can't find the server, see [server not showing](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/7-days-to-die/7-days-to-die-server-not-showing-in-list.md). ## Make your first backup When your world is running, make a [panel backup](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-create-and-restore-backups.md). Your save lives in `.local/share/7DaysToDie/Saves/`, together with `serveradmin.xml`, so a backup keeps both. ## Frequently asked questions ### What port does a 7 Days to Die server use? The game port is 26900. Your server also has ports 26901 and 26902 and the telnet port 8081. Players only need the address and port 26900. ### How many players can join? The **Player slots** setting shows your limit. It is fixed by your hosting plan. ### How do I become admin on my server? Join the server, then type `admin add 0` in the panel **Console**. See [add an admin](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/7-days-to-die/how-to-add-an-admin-on-your-7-days-to-die-server.md). ### Why did my world reset after I changed a setting? You probably changed **Save name** or **World**. A new name starts a different save; the old one stays on disk. Change the name back and restart to load it again. ## Related guides > [card] [7 Days to Die server guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/7-days-to-die/7-days-to-die-server-hosting-guide.md) > > Every 7 Days to Die page in one place. > [card] [serverconfig.xml and Game settings](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/7-days-to-die/configuring-serverconfigxml-for-7d2d.md) > > What every section does. > [card] [Sandbox code](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/7-days-to-die/how-to-use-a-sandbox-code-on-your-7-days-to-die-server.md) > > Difficulty and game rules. > [card] [Add an admin](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/7-days-to-die/how-to-add-an-admin-on-your-7-days-to-die-server.md) > > Give yourself admin rights. > [card] [Not showing in the list](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/7-days-to-die/7-days-to-die-server-not-showing-in-list.md) > > Find your server. *** > [!NOTE] > > **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. > [!NOTE] > > ### Need Extra Help? > > If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist: > > * **Live Chat:** Quick assistance via our website. > * **Support Ticket:** [Open a Ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php) > * **Discord:** [Join our Community](https://discord.gg/freakhosting) > * **Email:** [support@freakhosting.com](mailto:support@freakhosting.com) > [!TIP] > > ### Save on Your Hosting > > Ready to upgrade your hosting? Use code **KB20** at checkout for **20% off** your first order! *** **Last Updated:** October 2026 This documentation is built and hosted on [Mintlify](https://mintlify.com), a developer documentation platform.