How to configure a 7 Days to Die server?

A 7 Days to Die server is configured through a single file: serverconfig.xml, generated the first time the dedicated server launches. Here are the tags that really matter, and our recommended values for a balanced game.

The essential serverconfig.xml settings

• ServerName and ServerPassword: the name shown in the list and the access password (empty = public server).
• ServerMaxPlayerCount: the number of slots. Match it to your RAM and CPU.
• GameDifficulty: from 0 (easy) to 5 (Insane). 2 is a good balance for a group.
• DayNightLength: length of a day in minutes (60 by default). Extending it gives more time to prepare.
• BloodMoonFrequency: number of days between each blood moon. 7 by default, like the game's name.
• BloodMoonEnemyCount: number of zombies per player during the horde, the setting that weighs most on load spikes.
• LootAbundance and LootRespawnDays: amount of loot and respawn delay.
• EnemyDifficulty: Normal or Feral, for more aggressive zombies.

Mastering the blood moon

The blood moon night is the most demanding moment for the server: dozens of zombies spawn at once. If your server lags that evening, lower BloodMoonEnemyCount and check the quality of your CPU. A good processor changes everything: see Which host to choose for 7 Days to Die.

After every change to serverconfig.xml, restart the server to apply the changes.

Optimizing performance

• Reduce BloodMoonEnemyCount and ServerMaxPlayerCount if load spikes are dragging the server down.
• Limit the number of wandering zombies and animals (MaxSpawnedZombies, MaxSpawnedAnimals) on modest machines.
• Favor a high-frequency CPU like the Ryzen 9 7950X3D: 7 Days to Die depends heavily on single-core power.

Do it in 2 clicks

On a Fly-Serv 7 Days to Die server, the FlyPanel edits serverconfig.xml from a clear interface, without touching files by hand, and restarts the server in one click. Ideal for adjusting difficulty or horde size on the fly. Don't have a server yet? Start with How to create a 7 Days to Die server, then launch your own on the hosting page.