Setting Up Your V Rising Dedicated Server: A Brutal Guide

Setting up a dedicated server for V Rising enhances your gameplay, allowing for persistent worlds where you and your clan can thrive—or struggle—against the night. This guide provides comprehensive instructions for setting up your V Rising dedicated server, focusing on achieving a brutal, challenging experience. Whether you’re aiming for a cooperative environment or a fiercely competitive PvP arena, understanding server settings is crucial.

This guide is based on the current version (1.0.x) of the V Rising Dedicated Server and is designed to be your go-to resource for creating a robust and customized server environment.

Downloading the V Rising Dedicated Server

The V Rising Dedicated Server is available for free to anyone via Steam. It’s located in the “Tools” section of your Steam library. Currently, only a Windows version of the server is available.

To download the server:

1. Open your Steam client.
2. Navigate to “Library” and then select “Tools.”
3. Search for “V Rising Dedicated Server.”
4. Click “Install” to download and install the server files.

If you prefer using SteamCMD, the Steam AppID for the V Rising Dedicated Server is 1829350. Use this AppID to download the server files. Note that while downloading uses this AppID, the server itself runs using the client’s Steam AppID, defined in the steam_appid.txt file included in the server download.

Running Your V Rising Server

The simplest way to launch the server is by executing VRisingServer.exe. This will start the server with default settings, which may not align with your desired brutal experience.

For customized setups, it’s highly recommended to use the provided example batch script, start_server_example.bat. This script is located in the server installation folder.

Steps to run the server using the batch script:

1. Locate start_server_example.bat in your V Rising Dedicated Server installation directory.
2. Create a copy of this file to avoid losing your configurations during server updates.
3. Modify the copied .bat file with your desired server settings.
4. Execute your modified .bat script to start the server.

Configuring Your V Rising Server Settings for a Brutal Challenge

Server configuration is managed through two primary JSON files:

• ServerHostSettings.json: Handles server hosting parameters like server name, ports, and passwords.
• ServerGameSettings.json: Controls gameplay aspects, including difficulty, PvP settings, and resource rates.

Default settings for these files are found in VRisingServer_Data/StreamingAssets/Settings/. It is strongly discouraged to modify these default files directly. Instead, create override files.

The server looks for local overrides in the following default location:

• Windows: %USERPROFILE%AppDataLocalLowStunlock StudiosVRisingServerSettings

You can place complete setting files or just the specific settings you wish to change in this override location.

For running multiple servers or for better organization, use the -persistentDataPath parameter when launching the server. This parameter customizes the path where the server looks for settings and saves.

Example of using -persistentDataPath in your start_server.bat:

VRisingServer.exe -persistentDataPath "C:VRisingServerDataServer1"

With this setup, your settings files would be placed in C:VRisingServerDataServer1Settings and saves in C:VRisingServerDataServer1Saves.

Deep Dive into Server Host Settings (ServerHostSettings.json)

The ServerHostSettings.json file is crucial for defining the basic operational parameters of your V Rising server. Below is a breakdown of key settings, their descriptions, example values, and override methods.

Setting Key	Description	Type	Example Value	Overrides
Name	Server name displayed in server lists.	text	"Brutal V Rising Realm"	VR_NAME=, VR_SERVER_NAME=, -serverName
Description	Server description shown in server lists and chat upon connection.	text	"High difficulty PvP server."	VR_DESCRIPTION=, -description
Port	UDP port for game traffic.	number	27015	VR_GAME_PORT=, -serverPort (deprecated), -gamePort
QueryPort	UDP port for Steam server list queries.	number	27016	VR_QUERY_PORT=, -queryPort
Address	IP address to bind the server to.	text	"0.0.0.0"	VR_ADDRESS=, VR_BIND_ADDRESS=, -address, -bindAddress
HideIPAddress	Hides server IP from EOS server list, using relay servers for connections.	boolean	false	VR_HIDEIPADDRESS=, VR_HIDE_IP_ADDRESS=, -hideIpAddress
MaxConnectedUsers	Maximum player slots on the server.	number	30	VR_MAX_USERS=, -maxConnectedUsers (deprecated), -maxUsers
MaxConnectedAdmins	Maximum admin slots, allowing admins to join even when server is full.	number	2	VR_MAX_ADMINS=, -maxConnectedAdmins (deprecated), -maxAdmins
ServerFps	Target server FPS.	number	30	VR_FPS=, VR_TARGET_FPS=, -fps, -targetFps, -serverFps
LowerFPSWhenEmpty	Reduces server FPS when no players are connected.	boolean	true	VR_LOWER_FPS_WHEN_EMPTY=, -lowerFPSWhenEmpty
LowerFPSWhenEmptyValue	FPS value when LowerFPSWhenEmpty is enabled.	number	10	VR_LOWER_FPS_WHEN_EMPTY_VALUE=, -lowerFPSWhenEmptyValue
Password	Server password for access control.	text	"YourSecretPassword"	VR_PASSWORD=, -password "<password>"
Secure	Enables VAC protection.	boolean	true	VR_SECURE=, -secure, -enableSecure, -disableSecure
ListOnEOS	Registers server on the EOS server list.	boolean	true	VR_LIST_ON_EOS=, -listOnEOS
ListOnSteam	Registers server on the Steam server list.	boolean	true	VR_LIST_ON_STEAM=, -listOnSteam
GameSettingsPreset	Loads a predefined ServerGameSettings preset.	text	"BrutalPvP"	VR_PRESET=, -preset
GameDifficultyPreset	Loads a predefined GameDifficulty preset.	text	"Difficulty_Brutal"	VR_DIFFICULTY_PRESET=, -difficultyPreset
SaveName	Name for the server save file/directory.	text	"BrutalWorld"	VR_SAVE_NAME=, -serverSaveName (deprecated), -saveName
AutoSaveCount	Number of autosaves to retain.	number	10	VR_SAVE_COUNT=, -saveCount
AutoSaveInterval	Autosave interval in seconds.	number	60	VR_SAVE_INTERVAL=, -saveInterval
AutoSaveSmartKeep	Advanced autosave retention policy (see details below).	string	"10:1:1,60:0:1,1440:0:1"	VR_AUTOSAVESMARTKEEP=, -saveSmartKeep
LanMode	Enables LAN mode, restricting server visibility to LAN only.	boolean	false	VR_LAN_MODE=, -lanMode, -lan, -enableLanMode, -disableLanMode
ResetDaysInterval	Days between scheduled server resets (0 to disable).	number	0	VR_RESET_DAYS_INTERVAL=, -resetDaysInterval
DayOfReset	Day of the week for scheduled resets when ResetDaysInterval is set.	enum	"Any"	VR_DAY_OF_RESET=, -dayOfReset

For a brutal server experience, consider these ServerHostSettings.json configurations:

• Name: Use a name that reflects the difficulty, like "V Rising - Brutal PvP Realm".
• Description: Clearly state the server’s challenging nature, e.g., "Prepare for a hardcore survival experience. Brutal difficulty, fast PvP."
• GameDifficultyPreset: Set to "Difficulty_Brutal" to enforce the highest game difficulty from the start.
• GameSettingsPreset: Consider "BrutalPvP" or customize ServerGameSettings.json for a tailored brutal PvP experience.
• Password: Set a strong password if you intend to create a private brutal server for a select group.

RCON Settings

Remote Console (RCON) allows for remote server administration. Configure these settings within the "Rcon" section of ServerHostSettings.json.

RCON Setting Key	Description	Type	Example Value	Overrides
Enabled	Enables RCON functionality.	boolean	true	VR_RCON_ENABLED=, -rconEnabled, -enableRcon, -disableRcon
Port	TCP port for RCON connections.	number	25575	VR_RCON_PORT=, -rconPort
Password	Password for RCON access.	text	"AdminRCONPassword"	VR_RCON_PASSWORD="<password>", -rconPassword "<password>"
BindAddress	IP address to bind RCON socket.	text	"0.0.0.0"	VR_RCON_BIND_ADDRESS=, -rconBindAddress

Example RCON Configuration in ServerHostSettings.json:

"Rcon": {
  "Enabled": true,
  "Password": "YourSecureRCONPassword",
  "Port": 25575,
  "BindAddress": "0.0.0.0"
}

Remember to set a strong, unique password for RCON to secure your server administration.

Firewall and Port Forwarding

To allow players to connect to your V Rising server from the internet, you need to configure your firewall and router.

Firewall Configuration:

• Ensure that VRisingServer.exe is allowed through your Windows Firewall or any other firewall software you are using.

Port Forwarding (Router Configuration):

• Access your router’s configuration page (usually via a web browser by typing your router’s IP address, e.g., 192.168.1.1).
• Navigate to the port forwarding or NAT settings.
• Forward the following UDP ports to your server machine’s local IP address:
  • Game Port (UDP): Default 27015 (configurable in ServerHostSettings.json as Port)
  • Query Port (UDP): Default 27016 (configurable in ServerHostSettings.json as QueryPort)
  • RCON Port (TCP): Default 25575 (if RCON is enabled and configured, in ServerHostSettings.json under "Rcon", Port)

Refer to your router’s manual for specific instructions on port forwarding.

Opening both the game and query ports is essential for your server to appear in the server list. If you only intend to have players connect directly via IP, only forwarding the game port is necessary.

Server Administration in V Rising

To become a server administrator in-game, you need to add your SteamID64 to the adminlist.txt file. This file is located in <persistentdatapath>/Settings/.

Steps to become a server admin:

1. Locate or create adminlist.txt in your server’s Settings folder (within the path defined by -persistentDataPath).
2. Add your SteamID64 on a new line in adminlist.txt. You can find your SteamID64 using online tools or Steam itself.
3. Save the adminlist.txt file. No server restart is needed for this change to take effect.
4. In-game, enable the console in the game options menu.
5. Press the ~ key to open the console.
6. Type adminauth and press Enter to authenticate as an administrator.

Once authenticated, you can use administrative commands such as banuser, bancharacter, banned, unban, and kick. Bans issued via the in-game console are automatically added to banlist.txt in the same Settings folder. You can also manually edit banlist.txt to manage bans directly.

Managing Save Files

Server save files are stored by default in:

• Windows: %USERPROFILE%AppDataLocalLowStunlock StudiosVRisingServerSaves

However, as emphasized, using the -persistentDataPath parameter is highly recommended to customize and manage save file locations. Save files are placed in the Saves subfolder within the path specified by -persistentDataPath.

Understanding AutoSaveSmartKeep and AutoSaveCount

V Rising offers sophisticated autosave management through AutoSaveSmartKeep and AutoSaveCount settings.

• AutoSaveSmartKeep: This setting allows you to define a retention policy for autosaves based on time intervals. It uses the format A:B:C,A:B:C,... where:
  • A: Time in minutes before “now.”
  • B: Number of newest saves to keep within this time frame.
  • C: Number of oldest saves to keep within this time frame.

Example: AutoSaveSmartKeep = "10:2:1,60:0:1,1440:0:1"

• Keeps the 2 newest and 1 oldest save within the last 10 minutes.

• Keeps the oldest save within the last hour (excluding the last 10 minutes).

• Keeps the oldest save within the last 24 hours (1440 minutes, excluding the last hour).

• AutoSaveCount: This setting specifies the maximum number of autosaves to keep in total. After AutoSaveSmartKeep is applied, AutoSaveCount ensures that the total number of saves does not exceed this value by deleting the oldest saves.

For a balance of frequent saves and manageable storage, configure these settings according to your server’s activity and your desired rollback points.

Importance of Backups

Regularly backing up your server save files is crucial for data protection and server stability.

Reasons for backups:

• Hardware Failure Protection: Protects against data loss due to hardware issues.
• Server Migration and Recovery: Facilitates server relocation or restoration in case of cloud server issues or decommissioning.
• Corruption Recovery: Allows rollback to a previous save state in case of game bugs or save corruption.

Backup Best Practices:

• Frequent Backups: Schedule regular backups, especially before server updates or significant configuration changes.
• Off-site Backups: Store backups in a separate location from the server to protect against local disasters.

Transferring a Local Save to Your Dedicated Server

If you’ve been playing V Rising in a local game and wish to migrate your progress to your new dedicated server, follow these steps:

1. Locate Local Save Files: Local save files are typically found in:

   • %USERPROFILE%AppDataLocalLowStunlock StudiosVRisingCloudSaves<steamid></steamid> or
   • %USERPROFILE%AppDataLocalLowStunlock StudiosVRisingSaves

2. Identify the Correct Save: Look for the v3 folder (representing the current persistence version) and then the GUID-named folder corresponding to your save session. You can use the in-game “Load Game” menu and select “Go to Directory” to quickly locate your save folder.

3. Backup the Save Folder: Before proceeding, backup the entire save folder to prevent data loss during the transfer.

4. Clean Up (Optional): Inside the save folder, you can remove ServerHostSettings.json (if you’ve already configured your dedicated server settings) and older autosaves, keeping only the latest AutoSave_# folder.

5. Rename the Save Folder (Optional): Rename the GUID folder to a simpler name for easier management, if desired.

6. Transfer to Dedicated Server: Copy the save folder to the <persistentdatapath>/Saves/v3/ directory on your dedicated server.

7. Configure Server to Load the Save: In your server’s startup script or command line, use the -saveName <SaveFolderName> parameter, replacing <SaveFolderName> with the name of the transferred save folder. Ensure GameSettingsPreset is empty to avoid overriding your save’s game settings.

8. Remove Local Save (Optional but Recommended): After successful transfer and verification on the dedicated server, remove the local save from the in-game “Load Game” menu to avoid confusion.

RCON Commands

V Rising Dedicated Server supports Remote Console (RCON) for real-time server management. Here are the currently available RCON commands:

Command	Parameters	Comment
help	[command]	Lists all commands or provides details for a specific command.
announce	<message>	Sends a message to all connected players.
announcerestart		Sends a pre-configured, localized server restart announcement.
shutdown		Schedules server shutdown.
cancelshutdown	[message]	Cancels a scheduled shutdown with an optional message.
name	<server name>	Sets or changes the server name during runtime.
description	<description>	Sets or changes the server description during runtime.
password	<password> | --clear	Sets, changes, or clears the server password during runtime.
version		Displays the server version.
time		Shows the server time.

Use an RCON client like mcrcon to connect to your server and execute these commands for administration.

By following this comprehensive guide, you are well-equipped to set up and manage your own V Rising dedicated server, tailored for a brutal and engaging gameplay experience. Remember to regularly review and adjust your server settings to maintain a balanced and challenging environment for all players.