How to create a 7 Days to Die server? The complete guide

There are two ways to create a 7 Days to Die server: setting up a dedicated server on your own machine (free but technical) or going through a host (paid, ready in seconds). Here are both methods, step by step, so your horde survives its first blood moon.

Method 1: set up a dedicated server on your PC

1. Install the server files

The 7 Days to Die dedicated server is installed via SteamCMD or directly from the Steam tools ("7 Days to Die Dedicated Server"). Place the files in a dedicated folder and launch it once to generate the configuration.

2. Edit serverconfig.xml

All configuration goes through the serverconfig.xml file: server name, password, number of players, difficulty, day length. We detail each tag in our guide How to configure a 7 Days to Die server.

3. Open the ports (the most tedious part)

For your friends to connect from outside, you need to open UDP ports 26900 to 26903 on your router (port forwarding / NAT) and share your public IP. This is where most beginners get stuck: dynamic IP, firewall, CGNAT with some ISPs.

The limits of self-hosting

• Your PC has to stay on at all times for the server to remain accessible.
• 7 Days to Die is demanding: blood moon nights generate huge load spikes when dozens of zombies spawn at once.
• No DDoS protection: exposing your personal IP is risky.
• Backups, updates and security are entirely on you.

Method 2: use a host (the simplest option)

A host eliminates all the technical side: no ports to open, no IP to expose, server online 24/7. At Fly-Serv, creation is instant: you choose your plan, the server is delivered in seconds with an address ready to share, and the FlyPanel lets you start it, install mods and edit serverconfig.xml in one click. Everything runs on Ryzen 9 7950X3D machines, built to absorb blood moon spikes.

Simple rule: to test a weekend with friends, self-hosting is enough. For a permanent server that holds up on horde nights, a host is more economical in time… and often in money.

Conclusion

If you are starting out or aiming for a stable community, create your 7 Days to Die server with Fly-Serv from €3.99/month, DDoS protection included and instant delivery. Wondering what it really costs depending on RAM? See How much does a 7 Days to Die server cost?, or get started directly from the 7 Days to Die hosting page.