Soulmask Server Setup: A Comprehensive Guide to Hosting Your Own Game Server

Setting up your own Soulmask server allows you and your friends to dive into the immersive tribal world on your terms. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough on how to get your Soulmask dedicated server up and running, ensuring a stable and customized gaming experience. Whether you’re looking to create a private haven or a public arena, mastering the Soulmask Server Setup is your first step.

Getting Started: Essential Tools and Understanding

Before we delve into the server setup process, let’s understand what you’ll need and the basics of how it works. Unlike some games, Soulmask’s dedicated server isn’t directly available through Steam’s Tools section. Instead, we’ll be utilizing SteamCMD, a command-line version of the Steam client. This powerful tool allows us to download the server files directly from Steam’s servers.

Hosting a Soulmask server on your personal computer is absolutely free. As long as your machine is powered on, running the server application, and connected to the internet, your friends can join your game world from anywhere. This guide will walk you through downloading the necessary files, configuring your server, and making it accessible to others.

Step-by-Step Guide: Setting Up Your Soulmask Dedicated Server

Let’s break down the server setup process into manageable steps.

1. Downloading SteamCMD: The Foundation

SteamCMD is crucial for obtaining the Soulmask dedicated server files. Follow these steps to download and prepare SteamCMD:

Download SteamCMD: Navigate to the SteamCMD download page and download the SteamCMD client for Windows. You can find the direct download link here.
Extract SteamCMD: Create a new folder on your computer where you want to install the server files. Extract the contents of the downloaded steamcmd.zip file into this folder.
Create Update Script: Open a text editor like Notepad and paste the following command:
```
steamcmd.exe +login anonymous +app_update 3017310 +quit
```
Save this file as update.bat in the same folder where you extracted SteamCMD. This script will automate the download and update process for your server.
Run Update Script: Double-click the update.bat file. SteamCMD will launch, connect to Steam anonymously, download the Soulmask dedicated server files, and then close. This process might take some time depending on your internet speed.

Note: For Linux users, the app_update command is 3017300 instead of 3017310.

2. Preparing to Launch Your Soulmask Server: Configuration is Key

Once SteamCMD has finished downloading, navigate to the installation directory. You’ll find the server files in SteamAppscommonSoulmask Dedicated Server For Windows (or Soulmask Dedicated Server For Linux on Linux).

Inside this folder, you’ll see StartServer.bat, which is the default script to launch your server. However, for customization and better control, we’ll create a new .bat file and modify the server configuration files directly.

2.1. Creating a Custom Server Starter File

Create a New Text File: In the server installation directory, create a new text document and name it something descriptive like MySoulmaskServer.bat. Ensure you change the extension from .txt to .bat.
Edit the .bat File: Right-click MySoulmaskServer.bat and select “Edit”. Paste the following lines into the file:
```
@echo off
call StartServer.bat -SteamServerName="Your Server Name" -MaxPlayers=30 -PSW="yourpassword" -adminpsw="adminpassword" -pvp
exit /B
```
Customize the settings within the script:
- -SteamServerName="Your Server Name": Replace “Your Server Name” with the name you want to display for your server in the server list.
- -MaxPlayers=30: Set the maximum number of players allowed on your server. Adjust this number as needed.
- -PSW="yourpassword": Set a password for your server. Replace “yourpassword” with a strong password to control who can join. To make it public, remove -PSW="yourpassword" entirely.
- -adminpsw="adminpassword": Define a password for server administration. Change “adminpassword” to a secure password.
- -pvp: Enables Player vs Player combat. If you prefer Player vs Environment, replace -pvp with -pve.
Save the MySoulmaskServer.bat file after making your customizations.

2.2. Configuring Server Settings via INI Files

For more advanced configurations, you can directly edit the server’s INI files.

Locate Configuration Folder: Navigate to WSSavedConfigWindowsServer within your server installation directory.
GameUserSettings.ini: This file contains various game settings. You can modify options like item spawn rates, experience multipliers, and more. Open GameUserSettings.ini with a text editor to explore and adjust these settings.
Engine.ini: If it doesn’t exist, create a new text file named Engine.ini in the same folder. Add the following content to Engine.ini:
```
[URL]
Port=8777

[OnlineSubsystemSteam]
GameServerQueryPort=27015

[Dedicated.Settings]
SteamServerName=Your Server Name (INI Config)
MaxPlayers=30
pvp=True
backup=900
saving=600
```
Customize Engine.ini:
- Port=8777: Defines the game port. 8777 is the default port.
- GameServerQueryPort=27015: Specifies the port for server queries. 27015 is the standard query port.
- [Dedicated.Settings] section: You can reiterate server name, max players, and PvP/PvE settings here. Ensure these settings are consistent with your MySoulmaskServer.bat file for clarity.
- backup=900: Sets the server backup interval in seconds (900 seconds = 15 minutes).
- saving=600: Sets the server auto-save interval in seconds (600 seconds = 10 minutes).
Save the Engine.ini file.

3. Launching Your Soulmask Server

With configurations set, you’re ready to launch your server.

Run Server Starter Script: Go back to your server installation directory and double-click the MySoulmaskServer.bat file you created.
Server Window: A new command prompt window will appear, displaying server logs and information. This window indicates that your Soulmask server is running. Keep this window open as long as you want your server to be online.

4. Saving and Closing Your Server Gracefully

Properly saving and closing your server is crucial to prevent data loss and ensure smooth server operation. The recommended method involves using Telnet.

Open Command Prompt or PowerShell: Open a new Command Prompt or PowerShell window.
Connect via Telnet: Type telnet 127.0.0.1 18888 and press Enter. This command attempts to connect to your server’s Telnet interface.
Telnet Commands: Once connected, you can use Telnet commands to manage the server. Type help to see a list of available commands.
Save and Quit: To save the server state and shut it down gracefully, use the command quit 180. This command initiates a save and then closes the server after a 180-second (3-minute) countdown, giving players time to log out.

Note: While quit is the recommended command, you might encounter issues. Ensure the save command is working to prevent data loss, even if the server shutdown command requires alternative methods.

Closing the server window directly without using a proper exit command is not recommended and can lead to data corruption or loss of progress.

Making Your Server Accessible: Firewall and Port Forwarding

To allow players outside your local network (over the internet) to join your Soulmask server, you need to configure your firewall and router.

1. Firewall Configuration: Allowing Server Traffic

Your firewall protects your computer by blocking unauthorized connections. You need to create rules to allow incoming and outgoing traffic for your Soulmask server.

For Windows Firewall (Default):

Open PowerShell as Administrator: Right-click the Start button and select “Windows PowerShell (Admin)” or “Command Prompt (Admin)”.

Run Firewall Rules: Execute the following commands one by one in the Administrator PowerShell window:

New-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName "Soulmask Server TCP Inbound" -Direction Inbound -LocalPort 8777,27015 -Protocol TCP -Action Allow
New-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName "Soulmask Server TCP Outbound" -Direction Outbound -LocalPort 8777,27015 -Protocol TCP -Action Allow
New-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName "Soulmask Server UDP Inbound" -Direction Inbound -LocalPort 8777,27015 -Protocol UDP -Action Allow
New-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName "Soulmask Server UDP Outbound" -Direction Outbound -LocalPort 8777,27015 -Protocol UDP -Action Allow

These commands create firewall rules to allow both TCP and UDP traffic on ports 8777 and 27015, which are essential for Soulmask server communication.

Verify Firewall Rules: You can check if the rules are created by running: Get-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName "Soulmask Server*"

To remove these rules later, use: Remove-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName "Soulmask Server*"

For Third-Party Antivirus Firewalls:

If you use a third-party antivirus with a built-in firewall (e.g., Norton, McAfee, Avast), consult their documentation on how to open ports for applications. The process generally involves creating inbound and outbound rules to allow TCP and UDP traffic on ports 8777 and 27015 for the Soulmask server executable.

2. Port Forwarding: Directing Internet Traffic to Your Server

Port forwarding is configured on your router and directs incoming internet traffic on specific ports to your computer’s local IP address.

Find Your Local IP Address: Open Command Prompt or PowerShell and type ipconfig. Locate the network adapter you are using (e.g., “Ethernet adapter Ethernet” or “Wireless LAN adapter Wi-Fi”) and find the “IPv4 Address”. This is your local IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.10).
Access Router Settings: Open a web browser and enter your router’s IP address in the address bar. This is usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Refer to your router’s manual if you’re unsure.
Log in to Router: Enter your router’s username and password. These are often found on a sticker on the router itself.
Find Port Forwarding Settings: Locate the port forwarding, NAT, or virtual server settings in your router’s interface. The exact location varies depending on your router model.
Create Port Forwarding Rules: Create new port forwarding rules for both TCP and UDP protocols, using the following ports and your local IP address:
- Rule 1:
  - Port Range: 8777
  - Protocol: TCP/UDP (or select both if separate options are available)
  - Destination IP Address: Your local IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.10)
- Rule 2:
  - Port Range: 27015
  - Protocol: TCP/UDP (or select both if separate options are available)
  - Destination IP Address: Your local IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.10)
Save the port forwarding settings on your router. You may need to restart your router for the changes to take effect.

Important: If you have multiple routers in your network setup, you’ll need to configure port forwarding on each router, forwarding to the next router in the chain until you reach the router connected directly to your computer.

Joining Your Soulmask Server

Your server should now be accessible to players on your local network and over the internet.

Find Your External IP Address: To allow players outside your network to connect, they’ll need your external IP address. Simply search “What is my IP” on Google to find it.
Direct Connect in Soulmask: In the Soulmask game, navigate to the server browser and use the “Direct Connect” option.
Enter Connection Details:
- Address: Enter your external IP address (for players outside your network) or 127.0.0.1 (if you are connecting from the same computer hosting the server) or your local IP address (for players on the same local network).
- Port: Enter 8777 (or the custom port if you changed it in the Engine.ini file).
Click “OK” to add the server to your list and then select it to join.

It might take a few minutes for your server to appear in the public server list in-game, but direct connect will work immediately if you’ve configured everything correctly.

Conclusion

Setting up a Soulmask server requires a few technical steps, but by following this comprehensive guide, you can easily host your own game world. Remember to keep your server updated, manage your server settings through the configuration files, and enjoy playing Soulmask with your friends on your personalized server. Happy gaming!