Running a server

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

1 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.

2 Installation

2.1 Steam tool

Our dedicated server package in Steam will allow you to effortlessly install a server attached to your Steam account. It's quick, easy, and should be up and running as fast as you can download it. This is an ideal approach for temporary / part-time servers. You will require Sven Co-op to exist within your account first. (Doesn't have to be installed, but must be "purchased" so to speak.)

Instructions are as follows:

1. Launch Steam and log in.
2. In the main Steam screen hover over Library and click Tools.
3. Scroll down the list of available tools until you see Sven Co-op Dedicated Server.
4. Double-click the package to install it.
5. Follow the on-screen installation.

That is it. You should now have the dedicated server tool ready to launch. Double-click the tool in the library and select Play Sven Co-op Dedicated Server to launch a server with a graphical interface.

2.2 Standalone application

Our dedicated server package is also available as a standalone package available via the SteamCMD tool. Though it requires further knowledge to install and use you will benefit from a server that doesn't depend on your Steam client, can be run as a console application, and even be run as an unattended system service. Permanent / full-time servers should opt for this approach. You will also NOT require an existing Sven Co-op installation to continue.

Warning: Do not use this method of installation if you are unfamiliar with some basic server administration concepts such as using a command prompt or terminal environment, and reading/writing configuration files.

Instructions are as follows:

1. Open a command prompt or terminal environment on your system.
2. Download and install SteamCMD.
3. Download our dedicated server package with the following command:
   • On Windows:
     steamcmd +login anonymous +force_install_dir "C:\SvenDS" +app_update 276060 validate +exit
   • On Linux:
     steamcmd +login anonymous +force_install_dir "~/SvenDS" +app_update 276060 validate +exit`
   • Replace the path "C:\SvenDS" or "~/SvenDS" with a location to your preference.
4. Wait for the package to download and validate.

Once it has finished you can use the SvenDS.exe or svends_run executable to launch a server. Launching without any arguments will start it with a graphical interface (Windows only), or if you specify the `-console` argument it will start with a console interface.

The same command is used to update the server application too, however be sure you have no server instances running or the update will fail.