SelfServr Guide
Vintage Story Dedicated Server Setup
How to get a Vintage Story dedicated server running on your own machine, from downloading the server files to starting it up.
1. Get the server files
Vintage Story isn't distributed through Steam. Download the dedicated server directly from vintagestory.at/selfhosting.
2. Required ports
Forward these ports to the server machine's local IP address on your router, and allow them through the server's firewall. See the port forwarding guide for how.
3. Start the server
Windows
VintagestoryServer.exe
Run this directly from the install folder -- typing /serverconfig upnp 1 in its console window helps punch through router UPnP if available. Linux hosts run the bundled .NET-based server script; see the official wiki, linked below, for its exact name and current flags.
Full configuration reference: Official Vintage Story Wiki.
4. Save it as a script (optional, but recommended)
Saving the commands above as scripts means starting and updating the server is a single double-click instead of retyping them, and it's what lets Task Scheduler or systemd start the server for you -- see keeping it running 24/7.
Start script
Windows -- start-server.bat
@echo off cd /d "%~dp0" VintagestoryServer.exe
Save either script in the same folder as the server executable -- %~dp0 (Windows) and $(dirname "$0") (Linux) both mean "wherever this script itself lives", so it works regardless of the exact path you installed to.
5. Generate a config file
Use the Vintage Story config generator to fill in server name, password, max players and more, and download a ready-to-use serverconfig.json.
Open the Vintage Story config generator →Software requirements
- A .NET 8.0 runtime (Linux hosts need this installed separately).
Keep it running
Once your Vintage Story server is working, see our guide on keeping it running 24/7 so it survives a reboot or crash without you needing to start it by hand.
Frequently asked questions
How do I install a Vintage Story dedicated server?
Download it directly from vintagestory.at/selfhosting, then run it from the install directory. See "Get the server files" and "Start the server" above for the exact commands.
What port does a Vintage Story server use?
TCP 42420, UDP 42420 by default, forwarded to the server machine's local IP address. See the port forwarding guide for how.
How do I configure a Vintage Story server?
Use the Vintage Story config generator to fill in server name, password, max players and more, and download a ready-to-use serverconfig.json.
How do I keep a Vintage Story server running?
Set it up as a Windows Task Scheduler task or a Linux systemd service so it survives a reboot or crash without you starting it by hand -- see the keeping it running 24/7 guide.
Players still can't connect?
If the server starts fine but friends can't reach it, see the connection troubleshooting guide -- it covers CGNAT, firewall issues, port forwarding mistakes and more, and includes an interactive diagnostic.