CastleDecayRateModifier in save-data/Settings/ServerGameSettings.json and restart. The default is 1.0 and the range is 0 to 3: 0.5 makes castles decay at half speed, 2.0 twice as fast and 0 stops decay. To change how fast the Castle Heart burns Blood Essence, use CastleBloodEssenceDrainModifier (0 to 3, default 1.0).
How does castle decay work in V Rising?
Your Castle Heart needs Blood Essence. While it has fuel, the castle is safe from decay. When the fuel runs out, the territory and its structures start to decay and stop working until you refill the heart. A decaying castle can be destroyed by other players, even on PvE servers, which frees the land. That is how inactive players’ castles are cleared on busy servers.How to slow down or stop castle decay
1
Stop the server
2
Open your game settings file
In the File Manager, open
save-data/Settings/ServerGameSettings.json. If it doesn’t exist, create it from the default file; see server settings explained.3
Set the modifiers
For example, slower decay and less fuel use:
4
Leave the preset empty and restart
Keep Game Settings Preset empty on the Startup page, save the file and start the server.
Which decay setting suits my server?
Setting
CastleDecayRateModifier to 0 means abandoned castles never decay, so they stay on the map. On a public server that can fill the best building spots.
Related castle settings
Frequently asked questions
How do I stop castles decaying while I am away?
Set"CastleDecayRateModifier": 0 and restart. You can also fill the Castle Heart with Blood Essence before you leave.
Does decay continue when the server is offline?
The game only runs while the server is running. When the server is stopped, nothing in the world changes.How do I remove an abandoned castle?
Let it run out of Blood Essence and decay, then destroy it, or see reset the world and clear abandoned castles.Related guides
V Rising server guide
Every V Rising page in one place.
Reset the world
Wipe the map or clear old castles.
PvP and raid times
When castles can be attacked.
Server settings explained
Create and edit ServerGameSettings.json.
Checked against the official V Rising dedicated server instructions, the V Rising Wiki server settings page and Castle Heart page on 30 October 2026; panel steps tested on our Game Panel. Values may change with game updates.
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Last Updated: October 2026