How to Create a Windrose Server Guide: Difference between revisions

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Creating a Windrose game server is an easy process that can be done from either a dedicated server or your home computer. Alternatively, you can choose a [https://www.survivalservers.com/services/game_servers/windrose/ Windrose server host] that will fit your needs.
This page explains how to create a self-hosted Windrose dedicated server on Windows. If you want managed hosting instead, see [https://www.survivalservers.com/services/game_servers/windrose/ Windrose server hosting].


== Option #1: Renting a Windrose server (see example control panel below!) ==
== Create a Self-Hosted Windrose Server ==
 
Renting from a professional game server provider is the fastest and easiest way to get online. Survival Servers handles hardware, network, DDoS protection, and updates for you.
 
[[File:Control panel.gif|none|link=https://www.survivalservers.com/sspanel/?game=windrose&trckaff=3881&trckit=WIKI]]
 
With a rented Windrose server from Survival Servers you get:
 
* Custom control panel (start/stop/restart, config editor, backups).
* High-clock dedicated hardware (no VPS).
* NVMe SSD storage.
* DDoS protection at all 8 global locations.
* Full FTP / SFTP file access.
* Multiple worldwide locations and the ability to switch locations at any time.
 
== Option #2: Host Your Own Windrose Server ==
 
Want to run your own Windrose server at home or on your own hardware? This guide will walk you through everything step by step.


=== What You'll Need ===
=== What You'll Need ===
Line 28: Line 11:
! What !! Minimum !! Recommended
! What !! Minimum !! Recommended
|-
|-
| RAM || 4 GB || 6-8 GB
| RAM || 8 GB (2 players) || 12 GB for 4 players, 16 GB for 10
|-
|-
| CPU || Modern 64-bit quad-core || Good single-thread performance
| CPU || Modern 64-bit quad-core || Good single-thread performance
|-
|-
| Storage || 30 GB free space || NVMe SSD
| Storage || 35 GB free space || SSD / NVMe SSD
|-
|-
| Operating System || Windows 10/11 or Windows Server (64-bit) || Same
| Operating System || Windows 10/11 or Windows Server (64-bit) || Same
Line 39: Line 22:
==== Software Requirements ====
==== Software Requirements ====


* '''SteamCMD''' - Required to download the dedicated server files (App ID '''3041230'''). Download it free from [https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/SteamCMD#Downloading_SteamCMD Valve's website].
* '''Steam client''' - Install '''Windrose Dedicated Server''' from '''Library -> Tools'''.
* '''Visual C++ Redistributables''' - Included with the server files.
* '''Visual C++ Redistributables''' - Included with the server files.


=== Step 1: Install SteamCMD ===
'''Note:''' The official dedicated server guide currently recommends '''up to 4 players''' for the smoothest experience.
 
# Download SteamCMD from [https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/SteamCMD#Downloading_SteamCMD Valve's website].
# Extract it to a folder (e.g., <code>C:\steamcmd\</code>).
# Run <code>steamcmd.exe</code> and let it update.


=== Step 2: Download the Server Files ===
=== Step 1: Install the Dedicated Server ===


In the SteamCMD console, run:
# Open '''Steam''' on the machine that will host the server.
# Open '''Library -> Tools'''.
# Find '''Windrose Dedicated Server''' and click '''Install'''.
# Let Steam finish downloading and updating the server files.


<pre>
The default install folder is usually inside your Steam library, for example:
login anonymous
force_install_dir C:\windrose-server
app_update 3041230 validate
quit
</pre>


This downloads the Windrose dedicated server files to <code>C:\windrose-server\</code>.
<pre>SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\Windrose Dedicated Server\</pre>


=== Step 3: Start the Server for the First Time ===
=== Step 2: Start the Server for the First Time ===


# Open Command Prompt in your server folder.
# Open the server install folder.
# Run this command:
# For first boot or troubleshooting, run:
<pre>WindroseServer-Win64-Shipping.exe -log -MULTIHOME=0.0.0.0 -PORT=7777 -QUERYPORT=7778</pre>
<pre>StartServerForeground.bat</pre>
# To run it in the background instead, launch:
<pre>WindroseServer.exe</pre>


The server will start up and create all its configuration files. You'll see text scrolling in the window as it loads.
The server will start up and create all its configuration files. You'll see text scrolling in the window as it loads.


=== Step 4: Set Up Port Forwarding (Required for Friends to Join) ===
When the server finishes starting, note the '''InviteCode''' shown in the console. Players use that code to join your server.
 
'''Important:''' Windrose uses '''UDP ports 7777 and 7778''' by default.
 
==== If you're hosting at home: ====
 
# Find your computer's local IP address (usually starts with 192.168).
# Log into your router's admin page (usually http://192.168.1.1 or http://192.168.0.1).
# Find the Port Forwarding section.
# Add new rules:
#* '''Protocol:''' UDP (not TCP!).
#* '''External Ports:''' 7777 and 7778.
#* '''Internal Ports:''' 7777 and 7778.
#* '''Internal IP:''' Your computer's local IP.
# Save the settings.


If you need help with your specific router, [https://portforward.com/ PortForward.com] has guides for most router models.
=== Step 3: Networking ===


==== Firewall Settings ====
The current official dedicated server guide says Windrose uses dynamic networking via '''NAT punch-through / UPnP'''. In practice, that means:


You may also need to allow the ports through your firewall:
* You normally '''do not''' configure fixed game/query ports manually.
* You normally '''do not''' forward <code>7777/7778</code> like older guides suggest.
* If you're hosting at home, keep '''UPnP''' enabled on your router if available.
* Make sure Windows Firewall or any host firewall allows Steam and the Windrose dedicated server executables.


'''Windows:'''
If your server does not appear or players cannot join, check the latest official guide first because networking behavior may change during Early Access.
<pre>
netsh advfirewall firewall add rule name="Windrose Server" dir=in action=allow protocol=UDP localport=7777-7778
</pre>


=== Step 5: Configure Your Server ===
=== Step 4: Configure Your Server ===


After the first launch, the server generates configuration files. The main config file is:
After the first launch, the server generates configuration files. The main files are:


<pre>R5\Saved\SaveProfiles\Default\ServerDescription.json</pre>
<pre>R5\Saved\SaveProfiles\Default\ServerDescription.json</pre>
<pre>R5\Saved\SaveProfiles\Default\RocksDB\<game_version>\Worlds\<world_id>\WorldDescription.json</pre>


'''Important:''' Only edit this file when the server is shut down. The server may automatically overwrite changes if it detects issues.
'''Important:''' Only edit this file when the server is shut down. The server may automatically overwrite changes if it detects issues.


See [[Windrose Server Configuration Guide]] for detailed configuration options including difficulty presets, multipliers, and world settings.
Players connect with the '''InviteCode''' stored in <code>ServerDescription.json</code> or printed in the server console.
 
See [[Windrose Server Configuration Guide]] for detailed configuration options.


== Understanding Your Server Files ==
== Understanding Your Server Files ==
Line 114: Line 82:
! File/Folder !! What It Does
! File/Folder !! What It Does
|-
|-
| <code>WindroseServer-Win64-Shipping.exe</code> || The server executable.
| <code>StartServerForeground.bat</code> || Starts the server with a visible console for logs and troubleshooting.
|-
| <code>WindroseServer.exe</code> || Starts the dedicated server process.
|-
|-
| <code>R5\Saved\SaveProfiles\Default\ServerDescription.json</code> || Main server settings (invite code, password, max players).
| <code>R5\Saved\SaveProfiles\Default\ServerDescription.json</code> || Main server settings (invite code, password, max players).
|-
|-
| <code>R5\Saved\SaveProfiles\Default\RocksDB\</code> || World saves and player data.
| <code>R5\Saved\SaveProfiles\Default\RocksDB\<version>\Worlds\<world_id>\WorldDescription.json</code> || Per-world settings (difficulty, multipliers, world name).
|-
|-
| <code>R5\Saved\Logs\</code> || Server logs for troubleshooting.
| <code>R5\Saved\Logs\</code> || Server logs for troubleshooting.
|-
| <code>Engine\</code> || Engine binaries and third-party libraries.
|}
|}


'''Important:''' Always stop your server before editing configuration files!
'''Important:''' Always stop your server before editing configuration files!


== Launch Parameters ==
== Starting and Joining ==


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
! Parameter !! Description
! Task !! What to Use
|-
|-
| <code>-log</code> || Enable console logging.
| First boot / troubleshooting || <code>StartServerForeground.bat</code>
|-
|-
| <code>-MULTIHOME=0.0.0.0</code> || Bind to a specific IP (use <code>0.0.0.0</code> for all interfaces).
| Background start || <code>WindroseServer.exe</code>
|-
|-
| <code>-PORT=7777</code> || Game port (default 7777).
| Player connection || Share the <code>InviteCode</code> from the console or <code>ServerDescription.json</code>
|-
| <code>-QUERYPORT=7778</code> || Query port (default 7778).
|}
|}


== Updating Your Server ==
== Updating Your Server ==


Run the SteamCMD download command again to update:
Use Steam to update the '''Windrose Dedicated Server''' tool before starting the server again.
 
<pre>
steamcmd +login anonymous +force_install_dir C:\windrose-server +app_update 3041230 validate +quit
</pre>


'''Important:''' Stop your server before updating.
'''Important:''' Stop your server before updating.
Survival Servers customers receive automatic updates through the control panel.


== Quick Reference ==
== Quick Reference ==
Line 158: Line 118:
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
! Task !! Command
! Task !! How to Do It
|-
| Install / Update server || Open Steam -> Library -> Tools -> <code>Windrose Dedicated Server</code>
|-
| Start with logs || <code>StartServerForeground.bat</code>
|-
|-
| Start server || <code>WindroseServer-Win64-Shipping.exe -log -MULTIHOME=0.0.0.0 -PORT=7777 -QUERYPORT=7778</code>
| Start in background || <code>WindroseServer.exe</code>
|-
|-
| Update server || <code>steamcmd +login anonymous +force_install_dir C:\windrose-server +app_update 3041230 validate +quit</code>
| Invite players || Share your <code>InviteCode</code>
|}
|}


== Tips for Better Performance ==
== Notes ==


* '''Use an SSD''' - Solid state drives help the server load world data faster.
* Use an SSD.
* '''Monitor your resources''' - Watch CPU and RAM usage while players are online to understand what your server needs.
* The official guide currently recommends up to '''4 players''' for the smoothest performance.
* '''Adjust difficulty''' - Use the [[Windrose Server Configuration Guide]] to fine-tune multipliers for your group's skill level.
* Stop the server before editing config files.


== See Also ==
== See Also ==


* [[Windrose Server Configuration Guide]]
* [[Windrose Server Configuration Guide]]
* [[How to Transfer a Windrose Local Save to a Dedicated Server]]
* [[How to Join a Windrose Server]]
* [[How to Join a Windrose Server]]
* [[Windrose Admin Commands]]
* [[Windrose Admin Commands]]
* [https://store.steampowered.com/app/1730950/Windrose/ Windrose on Steam]
* [https://store.steampowered.com/app/1730950/Windrose/ Windrose on Steam]
* [https://www.survivalservers.com/services/game_servers/windrose/ Rent a Windrose Server from Survival Servers]
* [https://www.survivalservers.com/services/game_servers/windrose/ Windrose server hosting]


__NOTOC__
__NOTOC__

Revision as of 16:57, 13 April 2026

This page explains how to create a self-hosted Windrose dedicated server on Windows. If you want managed hosting instead, see Windrose server hosting.

Create a Self-Hosted Windrose Server

What You'll Need

Computer Requirements

What Minimum Recommended
RAM 8 GB (2 players) 12 GB for 4 players, 16 GB for 10
CPU Modern 64-bit quad-core Good single-thread performance
Storage 35 GB free space SSD / NVMe SSD
Operating System Windows 10/11 or Windows Server (64-bit) Same

Software Requirements

  • Steam client - Install Windrose Dedicated Server from Library -> Tools.
  • Visual C++ Redistributables - Included with the server files.

Note: The official dedicated server guide currently recommends up to 4 players for the smoothest experience.

Step 1: Install the Dedicated Server

  1. Open Steam on the machine that will host the server.
  2. Open Library -> Tools.
  3. Find Windrose Dedicated Server and click Install.
  4. Let Steam finish downloading and updating the server files.

The default install folder is usually inside your Steam library, for example: 

SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\Windrose Dedicated Server\

Step 2: Start the Server for the First Time

  1. Open the server install folder.
  2. For first boot or troubleshooting, run:
StartServerForeground.bat
  1. To run it in the background instead, launch:
WindroseServer.exe

The server will start up and create all its configuration files. You'll see text scrolling in the window as it loads.

When the server finishes starting, note the InviteCode shown in the console. Players use that code to join your server.

Step 3: Networking

The current official dedicated server guide says Windrose uses dynamic networking via NAT punch-through / UPnP. In practice, that means:

  • You normally do not configure fixed game/query ports manually.
  • You normally do not forward 7777/7778 like older guides suggest.
  • If you're hosting at home, keep UPnP enabled on your router if available.
  • Make sure Windows Firewall or any host firewall allows Steam and the Windrose dedicated server executables.

If your server does not appear or players cannot join, check the latest official guide first because networking behavior may change during Early Access.

Step 4: Configure Your Server

After the first launch, the server generates configuration files. The main files are: 

R5\Saved\SaveProfiles\Default\ServerDescription.json
R5\Saved\SaveProfiles\Default\RocksDB\<game_version>\Worlds\<world_id>\WorldDescription.json

Important: Only edit this file when the server is shut down. The server may automatically overwrite changes if it detects issues.

Players connect with the InviteCode stored in ServerDescription.json or printed in the server console.

See Windrose Server Configuration Guide for detailed configuration options.

Understanding Your Server Files

After running the server, you'll see these folders and files:

File/Folder What It Does
StartServerForeground.bat Starts the server with a visible console for logs and troubleshooting.
WindroseServer.exe Starts the dedicated server process.
R5\Saved\SaveProfiles\Default\ServerDescription.json Main server settings (invite code, password, max players).
R5\Saved\SaveProfiles\Default\RocksDB\<version>\Worlds\<world_id>\WorldDescription.json Per-world settings (difficulty, multipliers, world name).
R5\Saved\Logs\ Server logs for troubleshooting.

Important: Always stop your server before editing configuration files!

Starting and Joining

Task What to Use
First boot / troubleshooting StartServerForeground.bat
Background start WindroseServer.exe
Player connection Share the InviteCode from the console or ServerDescription.json

Updating Your Server

Use Steam to update the Windrose Dedicated Server tool before starting the server again.

Important: Stop your server before updating.

Quick Reference

Task How to Do It
Install / Update server Open Steam -> Library -> Tools -> Windrose Dedicated Server
Start with logs StartServerForeground.bat
Start in background WindroseServer.exe
Invite players Share your InviteCode

Notes

  • Use an SSD.
  • The official guide currently recommends up to 4 players for the smoothest performance.
  • Stop the server before editing config files.

See Also


Retrieved from "https://www.survivalservers.com/wiki/index.php?title=How_to_Create_a_Windrose_Server_Guide&oldid=3310"