How to Make a Barotrauma Server
A complete walkthrough for running your own Barotrauma dedicated server — install it with SteamCMD, open the ports, tune the server settings and crew a submarine 24/7 with your friends. Plus the one-click hosted route if you'd rather skip the setup.
Barotrauma has a free dedicated server (Steam app 1026340, separate from the game) that runs natively on Linux via anonymous SteamCMD. You can self-host it on a spare machine or use a managed host for an always-online submarine with a panel.
This guide covers the self-hosted SteamCMD route step by step.
What you'll need
A quick checklist before you begin — have these ready and the rest is easy.
- A machine to run the server, or a host for 24/7 uptime.
- SteamCMD, to download the free server (app 1026340).
- Open ports: UDP 27015 and 27016.
- A password if you want a private crew.
- A modest CPU and 2-4 GB of RAM.
Set up a Barotrauma dedicated server, step by step
Choose self-host or a managed host
The server is free, but self-hosting needs a machine on 24/7 and port-forwarding. A managed host gives you an always-online server in minutes. Want zero hassle? Pick a host and skip to step 4.
Install with SteamCMD
The Barotrauma dedicated server is Steam app 1026340 — a free, anonymous download; you don't need to own the game on the server machine.
steamcmd +login anonymous +force_install_dir ./barotrauma +app_update 1026340 validate +quit
Configure the server
Set the server name, password, max players, game mode and settings in the server config file (serversettings.xml). The server is public by default — set a password to lock it down.
Launch & open the ports
Start the server and forward UDP 27015 and 27016 (game + query) so players can find and join. On a managed host this is opened for you.
27015/udp game (default) 27016/udp query
Add mods (optional)
Barotrauma uses the Steam Workshop. Subscribe to mods and enable them server-side; players download matching mods on join. Keep versions in sync.
Crew up & play
Share the IP (or password). The server stays online 24/7 so your crew can dive any time, and campaign progress persists between sessions.
Run a stable sub
Light on hardware
A modest CPU and 2-4 GB of RAM run a full 16-player crew. Barotrauma is far lighter than big survival games.
Set a password for private crews
The server is public by default. Add a password in the config to keep it to your crew.
Sync Workshop mods
Enable mods server-side and make sure clients run the same ones — mod mismatches are the usual join problem.
Back up campaign saves
Campaign progress lives in the save folder. Back it up before updates so a bad patch never sinks your run.
Common problems & fixes
Hit a snag? These are the issues people run into most — and how to solve them.
Players can't connect
UDP 27015-27016 aren't open. Forward both and confirm the host firewall allows them.
Mods won't match
Enable the same Workshop mods server-side and client-side; version mismatches block joins.
The server is public and I wanted it private
Set a password in serversettings.xml — Barotrauma servers are public by default.
Campaign progress lost
The save folder was moved or corrupted. Restore from a backup and don't edit saves while the server runs.
Skip the setup — host it with ESAGAMES
Want your submarine online 24/7 without port-forwarding? Our game server hosting runs on high-clock CPUs behind a protected Frankfurt network — a Barotrauma crew server online in minutes.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to own Barotrauma to host a server?
No. The dedicated server (Steam app 1026340) is a free, anonymous download, separate from the game. You only need the game on the machines that play.
What ports does a Barotrauma server use?
UDP 27015 for the game and UDP 27016 for the query. Forward both so players can find and join. The server is public by default unless you set a password.
How much hardware does a Barotrauma server need?
A modest CPU and 2-4 GB of RAM comfortably run a full 16-player crew. It's one of the lighter co-op games to host.
How many players can a Barotrauma server hold?
Up to 16 by default. That's a full submarine crew — you don't need a big plan to host one.
How do I add mods to a Barotrauma server?
Barotrauma uses the Steam Workshop. Enable the mods server-side and players download the matching ones on join. Keep the server and clients on the same mod versions.
How do I make my Barotrauma server private?
Set a password in the server config (serversettings.xml). The server is public by default, so a password keeps it to your crew.
Keep reading
Barotrauma is a trademark of FakeFish / Undertow Games. ESAGAMES is an independent hosting provider, not affiliated with or endorsed by them. You must own a legitimate copy of the game to play.
