Days to Die Dedicated vs Non-Dedicated Server: Which to Use?
For 7 Days to Die, a dedicated server is almost always the better choice if you plan to play with friends or leave your world running when you log off; a non-dedicated server is simpler and fine for solo play or quick co-op sessions. The right pick depends on your group size, how often you play, and whether you can spare a device to host. This article breaks down the differences, costs, and common pitfalls so you can decide with confidence.
What Is a Dedicated Server?
A dedicated server runs 7 Days to Die on a separate machine—a PC, a rented host, or even an old laptop—that is dedicated solely to hosting the game world. It runs 24/7 if you want, independent of any player’s client. Players connect to it over a LAN or the internet, and the server keeps the world state even when everyone is offline. This means your base can be raided by zombies while you sleep, crops grow, and forges smelt without anyone logged in.
In contrast, a non-dedicated server (often called “host and play� or “peer-to-peer�) runs the game world on the same machine that one player is using. That player is both the host and a participant. When the host quits, the server shuts down and the world becomes unavailable to others until the host launches the game again. Non-dedicated servers are the default option when you select “New Game� and invite friends via the in-game menu.
How Each Server Type Works
7 Days to Die uses a client-server architecture. The server holds the authoritative state of the world—entity positions, block damage, loot, and the day/night cycle. Clients send player inputs and receive updates. In a dedicated setup, the server process runs in the background (often as a console window or a service) and does not render graphics or process audio. This frees up CPU and RAM for simulation, but it also means you need a separate machine or a rented service.
Non-dedicated hosting runs the server and the client on the same machine. The game engine must handle both rendering and simulation, which increases CPU load and memory usage. The host player’s experience is generally fine, but other players may experience lag because the host’s machine is doing double duty. The game also uses a “listen server� model, meaning the host’s internet connection and PC performance directly affect everyone else.
Key technical differences include:
- World persistence: Dedicated servers save the world continuously and keep it running; non-dedicated saves only when the host saves or quits.
- Player slots: Dedicated servers can support more players (up to 8 or more depending on hardware); non-dedicated typically maxes out at 4–8 with performance degradation.
- Mods and config: Dedicated servers allow full control over serverconfig.xml, mods, and admin commands; non-dedicated is limited to the host’s client settings.
- Uptime: Dedicated servers can run 24/7; non-dedicated only runs when the host is in the game.
Performance and Hardware Requirements
7 Days to Die is notoriously CPU-heavy, especially when generating chunks and simulating zombies. A dedicated server requires a machine with a decent multi-core CPU, at least 8 GB of RAM (16 GB recommended for larger worlds), and a stable internet connection with decent upload speed. The server does not need a graphics card, so an old office PC or a Raspberry Pi (though not officially supported) can work if it meets the CPU requirements.
For non-dedicated hosting, the host’s PC must handle both the game and the server. That means you need a gaming PC with a strong CPU (e.g., a modern quad-core or better), 16 GB RAM, and a good GPU for your own rendering. The host’s upload speed matters too—if you have 5 Mbps upload, you can host 2–3 players; 10 Mbps is better for 4–6. The game’s official documentation suggests that the host’s internet connection is often the bottleneck.
If you have a dedicated machine that is not being used for gaming, a dedicated server will almost always give smoother performance for everyone. If you only have one PC and don’t want to rent, non-dedicated is your only option, but you can mitigate issues by lowering the game’s view distance and entity counts.
How to Choose: A Decision Guide
Ask yourself these questions to narrow down the choice:
- How many players? If it’s just you and one friend, non-dedicated works fine. For 3+ players, dedicated is strongly recommended.
- Do you need the world to run when you’re offline? If you want to log in to find your forges finished or your crops grown, you need a dedicated server.
- Do you have a spare PC or can you rent? If yes, dedicated is the way to go. If no, non-dedicated is your only free option.
- How long do you plan to play? For a short co-op session (a few hours), non-dedicated is fine. For a long-term world (weeks or months), dedicated saves you from having to keep the host’s PC on all the time.
- Are you comfortable with technical setup? Dedicated servers require editing XML files and port forwarding; non-dedicated is just clicking “Host� in the menu.
A common misconception is that a dedicated server requires a powerful gaming PC. In reality, the server does not need a GPU, so a cheap second-hand business PC with a decent CPU can handle a small group. Also, you can run a dedicated server on the same PC you play on, but that defeats the purpose because it still competes for resources—though it does allow the world to persist when you quit the game client, as long as the server process continues running.
Common Problems and How to Avoid Them
Both server types have typical issues:
- Port forwarding: For internet play on a dedicated server, you must forward ports 26900 (UDP) and 26901 (UDP) on your router. Non-dedicated uses the same ports but the host’s game client handles it automatically via Steam’s NAT traversal, which often works without manual forwarding.
- Lag and desync: On non-dedicated, if the host’s frame rate drops, all players feel it. On dedicated, lag is usually due to network latency or server CPU overload. Use the in-game FPS counter and the server’s console to monitor.
- Corrupted saves: Non-dedicated servers are more prone to save corruption if the host force-quits. Dedicated servers have scheduled saves and can be backed up easily by copying the save folder.
- Admin access: On a dedicated server, you need to set up admin permissions via serveradmin.xml. On non-dedicated, the host is automatically admin and can use console commands.
If you experience “connection timed out� errors, check your firewall and router settings. For dedicated servers, ensure the server is running the same game version as clients. For non-dedicated, ensure the host has a stable internet connection and that the game is set to “Friends Only� or “Public� as desired.
Costs and Alternatives
Running a dedicated server on your own hardware costs electricity (roughly 50–100 watts for a small PC, which can add up to $5–$15 per month depending on rates). Renting a server from a hosting provider costs around $10–$20 per month for a 4–8 slot server, which includes DDoS protection and 24/7 uptime. Non-dedicated hosting is free but requires the host to own the game and have a capable PC.
Alternatives to consider:
- Host on a cloud VM: You can rent a virtual private server (VPS) for as little as $5/month, but you must manually install and configure the server. This is cheaper than a game host but requires Linux or Windows admin skills.
- Use a dedicated server on a second PC: If you have an old laptop or desktop, you can repurpose it as a dedicated server. This is a one-time cost (already owned) and avoids monthly fees.
- Play single-player: If you don’t need multiplayer, you don’t need any server—just play the game normally.
Note: The game’s official dedicated server tool is free to download on Steam (under Tools) and does not require a separate game copy. You can run it on a machine that does not own the game.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run a dedicated server on the same PC I play on?
Yes, but it will affect performance. The server process will use CPU and RAM, leaving less for your game client. It can work if you have a powerful PC (e.g., 16+ GB RAM, 8-core CPU), but you may see lower FPS. The advantage is that the world persists when you quit the game client, as long as the server process keeps running.
Does a non-dedicated server allow players to join when the host is offline?
No. The non-dedicated server only runs when the host is in the game. When the host quits, the server shuts down, and no one can connect. That is the main reason to choose a dedicated server for persistent worlds.
How many players can a non-dedicated server support?
Officially, 7 Days to Die supports up to 8 players in multiplayer, but on a non-dedicated server, performance degrades significantly beyond 4 players. The host’s CPU and upload speed are the limiting factors. For more than 4 players, a dedicated server is recommended.
Do I need to port forward for a non-dedicated server?
Usually not, because Steam’s NAT traversal handles the connection for friends. However, if you want to allow public players or if NAT traversal fails, you may need to forward ports 26900 and 26901. Dedicated servers almost always require port forwarding unless you use a VPN or a hosting provider.
Can I transfer a non-dedicated world to a dedicated server?
Yes. You can copy the save game folder from the non-dedicated world (located in %APPDATA%/7DaysToDie/Saves) to the dedicated server’s save folder. Make sure the server’s world name and seed match the original. This allows you to migrate to a dedicated server without losing progress.
Is a dedicated server worth it for two players?
It depends on your play style. If you play together only when both are online, a non-dedicated server is simpler and free. If you want the world to progress when you’re offline (e.g., forges, crops), or if the host’s PC is weak, a dedicated server (even on a rented host) is worth the small cost.
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