> ## 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 Secure Your Enshrouded Realm with a Password

> Protect your Embervale builds and community progress. Learn how to implement a secure dedicated server password and resolve common UI join glitches.

## Securing Your Embervale Domain

Enshrouded dedicated servers are programmatically indexed within the public community browser, making your world discoverable by any participant within the Steam network. If you are hosting a private cooperative group or a specialized community project, implementing a server-wide join password is the only official technical method for restricting access. This ensures that only authorized survivors can interact with your structures, modify your terrain, and progress your world's narrative.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Difficulty" icon="gauge-low">
    Beginner
  </Card>

  <Card title="Time" icon="clock">
    3 Minutes
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

## Technical Configuration Workflow

Follow these steps to define a private security key within your server's technical registry.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Initialize Maintenance">
    Log in to the [Game Panel](https://games.freakhosting.com) and **Stop** your server. Never modify core JSON files while the process is active, as the engine maintains an exclusive lock on the configuration.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open the Settings Registry">
    Navigate to the **Files** tab and open the **`enshrouded_server.json`** file situated in your root directory.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Define the Security Key">
    Locate the `"password"` field and input your desired phrase within the double quotes.

    * *Example:* `"password": "YourSecretPhrase2026"`
  </Step>

  <Step title="Initialize Growth">
    Save the file and **Start** your server. The authentication requirement is now active for all new connection handshakes.
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Technical Join Strategies & Troubleshooting

A prevalent engine glitch in the Enshrouded client can occasionally prevent the password entry prompt from manifesting correctly in the in-game browser.

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="The In-Game Browser Fix">
    When joining via the "Direct Connect" box, participants **MUST** manually authorize the **"Enter Password"** checkbox situated next to the IP input. Failure to do so will result in an immediate "No Password Entered" disconnection.
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="The Steam Favorites Method">
    If the in-game UI remains unresponsive, using the Steam Server List is the most reliable technical workaround.

    1. Open Steam -> **View** -> **Game Servers**.
    2. Add your IP and Query Port to the **Favorites** tab.
    3. Join via this list; Steam will prompt for the password **before** initializing the game client, bypassing the internal UI bug entirely.
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

***

<Note>
  ### String Format Best Practices

  To ensure maximum compatibility with the JSON parser, we recommend using high-entropy alphanumeric passwords. Avoid using special symbols that require complex escaping, such as backslashes (`\`) or nested double-quotes (`"`), as these can invalidate your configuration file and prevent the server from starting.
</Note>

***

<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)
</Note>

<Tip>
  ### Save on Your Hosting

  Ready to get a new server? Use code **KB20** at checkout for **20% off** your first month!
</Tip>

***

<div align="center">
  **Last Updated:** January 2026 | **Enshrouded:** Privacy secured.
</div>