How to Make a Vintage Story Server
A complete walkthrough for running your own Vintage Story dedicated server — grab the server build, open the port, set serverconfig.json and add mods from the official ModDB. Vintage Story doesn't use SteamCMD, so setup is a little different from most survival games. Plus the one-click hosted route.
Vintage Story ships its own server — VintagestoryServer — in the game install and as a separate server download from the official site (not Steam/SteamCMD). It runs on Linux (.NET), is light, and uses port 42420. You can self-host it or use a managed host for an always-online world with a panel.
This guide covers the self-hosted 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.
- The Vintage Story server package from the official site (no SteamCMD).
- serverconfig.json configured (name, players, world).
- Open port: TCP 42420.
- A modest CPU and 2-4 GB of RAM.
Set up a Vintage Story 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 world in minutes. Want zero hassle? Pick a host and skip to step 4.
Get the server build
Download the Vintage Story server package from the official site (account.vintagestory.at) — there's no SteamCMD. Extract it on your machine; it includes VintagestoryServer and the runtime.
# download the server .tar.gz from the official site and extract tar -xzf vs_server_*.tar.gz -C ./vintagestory
Launch the server
Run VintagestoryServer once to generate the config and world files, then stop it to edit settings. It creates a persistent world your group shares.
./server.sh
Configure serverconfig.json
Set the server name, max players, game mode, world settings and (optionally) a password in serverconfig.json. This is where you control the whole server.
Open the port
Forward TCP 42420 (the default) so players can find and join. On a managed host this is opened for you.
42420/tcp game (default)
Add mods from the ModDB
Vintage Story has an official ModDB. Drop mod files into the server's Mods folder and restart; players need the same mods to join. It's a strong modding scene for a Minecraft-like survival.
Run a stable world
No SteamCMD here
Unlike most survival games, Vintage Story's server comes from the official site, not Steam. Grab the server package directly.
Light on hardware
A modest CPU and 2-4 GB of RAM run a full world; mods and large worlds want a bit more. It's far lighter than heavy survival games.
Match mods with players
Players need the same mods as the server to join. Keep the Mods folder and your community in sync.
Back up the world
Your world lives in the save/data folder. Back it up before updates so a bad patch never costs your progress.
Common problems & fixes
Hit a snag? These are the issues people run into most — and how to solve them.
I can't find a SteamCMD app ID
There isn't one — Vintage Story's server comes from the official site, not Steam. Download the server package directly.
Players can't connect
TCP 42420 isn't open. Forward it on the router and confirm the host firewall allows it.
Players can't join a modded server
They need the same mods as the server. Share the ModDB list and keep the Mods folder in sync.
The world reset
A moved or corrupted data folder. Restore from a backup and don't edit it while the server runs.
Skip the setup — host it with ESAGAMES
Want a Vintage Story world online 24/7 without the manual setup? Our game server hosting handles it on high-clock CPUs behind a protected Frankfurt network — online in minutes.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need SteamCMD to host a Vintage Story server?
No — Vintage Story doesn't use SteamCMD. You download the server package directly from the official site (account.vintagestory.at), extract it and run VintagestoryServer. That's the main difference from most survival games.
What port does a Vintage Story server use?
TCP 42420 by default. Forward it so players can find and join. You can change it in serverconfig.json if needed.
How much hardware does a Vintage Story server need?
A modest CPU and 2-4 GB of RAM run a full world; large or heavily-modded worlds want a bit more. It's a light game to host.
Where do I configure a Vintage Story server?
In serverconfig.json — server name, max players, game mode, world settings and an optional password. Run the server once to generate it, then stop and edit.
How do I add mods to a Vintage Story server?
Download mods from the official ModDB and drop them in the server's Mods folder, then restart. Players need the same mods installed to join, so keep them in sync.
Do I need to own Vintage Story to host a server?
Yes — you download the server with your account, and players need a legitimate copy to connect. The server software itself is provided by the developers.
Keep reading
Vintage Story is a trademark of Anego Studios. ESAGAMES is an independent hosting provider, not affiliated with or endorsed by Anego Studios. You must own a legitimate copy of the game to play.
