Running a server

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This section will guide you through the basic installation of Sven Co-op's dedicated server application.

1 Starting up a game quickly for your friends

If you're looking to begin a game to play with your friends as quickly as possible you should use the game's built-in "listen server", which is launched by using the Create Game option in the main menu.

You can find a more detailed explanation of this, and how it works, at this Guide on Steam Community: Creating a game for your friends without ANY port forwarding or firewall configuration at all.

The rest of this article will not be for you.

2 Choosing a server package

Our dedicated server package comes in two variants both with different benefits. One is distributed to you through your Steam client (the same application you use to launch games in Steam) as a tool, and the other is distributed through Steam's console client (SteamCMD) as a standalone application.

Here are the basic differences and benefits of them both:

Steam tool Standalone application
Distribution
  • Install through Steam.
  • Appears as a tool in your Steam account's library.
  • Ideal for temporary/observed servers.
  • Install through SteamCMD.
  • Downloads as a standalone application.
  • Ideal for permanent/unattended servers.
Benefits
  • Installation is fast and easy.
  • Start a server quickly through Steam.
  • Easy graphical interface to set options, see statistics, players, and manage bans.
  • Server will automatically update like with any other Steam package.
  • No Steam account required, though recommended.
  • No Steam client installation required.
  • Can play on your server at the same time.
  • Can be launched in graphical and console modes.
  • Can be launched as a regular application or system service.
  • Can run multiple servers with a single set of application files.
Drawbacks
  • Requires a Steam account.
  • Requires the Steam client to be running.
  • Can't play the game at the same time.
  • Can't be launched in console mode.
  • Can't be launched as a system service.
  • Can't run multiple servers.
  • Installation requires knowledge of a command line / terminal environment.
  • Starting a server requires a custom shortcut or command.
  • More complicated console/command interface to manage the server.
  • Updates must be downloaded manually or through a defined schedule.

3 Further reading

4 Updates

If you would like to be notified when server updates are released you can subscribe to our SvenDS announce mailing list.

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