How to Make an Eco Server
A complete walkthrough for running your own Eco dedicated server — install it with SteamCMD, open the ports, configure the world and run a shared civilization 24/7, with the built-in web dashboard. Eco's ecosystem-and-economy simulation is heavier than it looks, so size it right. Plus the one-click hosted route.
Eco has a free dedicated server (Steam app 739590) that runs natively on Linux via SteamCMD. It uses port 3000 for the game and a web port for its browser dashboard. Eco simulates a whole ecosystem and economy, so it's heavier than most co-op games — give it a decent CPU and RAM. You can self-host it or use a managed host 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 with your Steam account (Eco app 739590).
- Open ports: TCP 3000 (game) + web dashboard port.
- A decent CPU and 4-8 GB of RAM (Eco is heavier than it looks).
- Network.eco / difficulty configs set.
Set up an Eco 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, port-forwarding and a bit of RAM. A managed host gives you an always-online civilization in minutes. Want zero hassle? Pick a host and skip to step 5.
Install with SteamCMD
The Eco server is Steam app 739590. Note: Eco requires you own the game — install the server tool from your Steam Library → Tools, or via SteamCMD with your account.
steamcmd +login+force_install_dir ./eco +app_update 739590 validate +quit
Run once to generate configs
Start the server once so it creates the config files (Network.eco, Difficulty.eco, etc.), then stop it to edit. Eco generates a persistent world with a shared economy.
./EcoServer
Configure the server
Set the server name, description, max players and world/difficulty in the Network.eco and difficulty configs. Eco's economy and ecosystem settings live here too.
Open the ports
Forward TCP 3000 (game) and the web dashboard port (e.g. 3001) so players can connect and you can manage it from a browser. On a managed host this is opened for you.
3000/tcp game 3001/tcp web dashboard
Add mods (optional)
Eco supports server-side mods. Drop mod files into the Mods folder and restart. Many communities run economy or content mods.
Run a stable civilization
Heavier than it looks
Eco simulates an entire ecosystem and economy, so it wants a decent CPU and 4-8 GB of RAM — size it as a mid survival server, not a light one.
Use the web dashboard
Eco has a built-in browser dashboard for managing the server. Open its port and admin from anywhere — no in-game access needed.
RAM grows with players & world
A bigger population and a longer-running world use more RAM. Leave headroom for a busy 30-50 player civilization.
Back up the world
Your civilization's progress lives in the storage folder. Back it up before updates so a bad patch never resets the economy.
Common problems & fixes
Hit a snag? These are the issues people run into most — and how to solve them.
SteamCMD won't download the Eco server
Eco needs your Steam account (you must own the game) — anonymous login won't work. Log in with your account, or install from Steam Library → Tools.
The server lags with a full population
Eco's simulation is heavy. Give it more CPU and RAM — it behaves like a mid survival server, not a light one.
I can't reach the web dashboard
The web port (e.g. 3001) isn't open. Forward it alongside the game port 3000.
The world reset
The storage folder was moved or corrupted. Restore from a backup and don't edit it while the server runs.
Skip the setup — host it with ESAGAMES
Want your Eco civilization online 24/7 without the setup? Our game server hosting gives it the CPU and RAM Eco's simulation needs, behind a protected Frankfurt network — online in minutes.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to own Eco to host a server?
Yes — Eco requires you own the game to install the server tool. You get it from your Steam Library → Tools, or via SteamCMD with your Steam account (app 739590), not an anonymous login.
What port does an Eco server use?
TCP 3000 for the game and a web port (e.g. 3001) for the browser dashboard. Forward both so players can connect and you can manage the server from a browser.
How much hardware does an Eco server need?
More than most co-op games — Eco simulates a full ecosystem and economy, so give it a decent CPU and 4-8 GB of RAM. RAM grows with the population and how long the world has run.
Does Eco have a web dashboard?
Yes — Eco ships a built-in web dashboard for server management. Open its port and you can administer the server from any browser without joining the game.
How many players can an Eco server hold?
Commonly up to around 30-50, depending on hardware. Eco is built around a shared civilization, so it supports larger groups than most co-op survival games — but that also means more RAM.
How do I add mods to an Eco server?
Eco supports server-side mods — drop mod files into the Mods folder and restart. Many communities run economy or content mods to shape their civilization.
Keep reading
Eco is a trademark of Strange Loop Games. ESAGAMES is an independent hosting provider, not affiliated with or endorsed by Strange Loop Games. You must own a legitimate copy of the game to play.
