Days to Die Server Still Initializing? Fix It Now

Updated 5 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

If your Days to Die server is stuck on “Still Initializing,” the most common causes are a corrupted save file, a mod conflict, or an outdated server build. Start by restarting the server, then verify the game files and remove any recently added mods to get back online quickly.

Why Does the Server Get Stuck Initializing?

The “Still Initializing” message appears when the server process is running but hasn’t finished loading the world or connecting to the backend services. This can happen for several reasons:

Corrupted save data: A crash during a previous session can leave the world files in an inconsistent state.
Mod conflicts: Outdated or incompatible mods can prevent the game from loading assets properly.
Version mismatch: The server and client must be on the same game version; otherwise, the server may hang while waiting for a compatible client.
Resource exhaustion: Insufficient RAM or CPU on the host machine can cause the initialization to stall.
Firewall/port issues: If the server can’t open the required ports, it may hang during the network setup phase.

How to Fix a Stuck Initialization

Follow these steps in order, testing after each one. Most issues are resolved by the first or second step.

Restart the server process. Stop the server completely (not just a soft restart) and start it again. This clears any temporary locks or stuck threads.
Verify game file integrity. If you’re using SteamCMD, run validate on the server files. For a dedicated server installed via Steam, right-click the game in Steam, select Properties â†’ Local Files â†’ Verify Integrity of Game Files.
Remove mods temporarily. Move all mods out of the Mods folder and try starting the server. If it initializes, add mods back one by one to find the culprit.
Check the server logs. Look for specific error messages in the logs folder (usually output_log.txt). Common errors include missing prefabs or failed asset loads.
Delete the Data folder (if safe). This folder contains cached world data. Back it up first, then delete it. The server will regenerate it on next start. This often fixes corrupted world data.
Update the server. Run a server update to the latest version. If you’re using a control panel, use its update button.
Increase RAM allocation. If your server host allows, allocate at least 4GB of RAM for the server. Low memory is a common cause of hangs.

Common Mistakes That Cause This Issue

Many server admins inadvertently cause the problem by:

Copying save files between versions. Save files from an older version of the game may not be compatible with a newer server build.
Using mods that are not updated for the current game version. Always check mod compatibility before updating.
Running the server from a network drive. Network latency can cause timeouts during initialization. Use a local SSD.
Ignoring the EAC (Easy Anti-Cheat) setting. If you toggle EAC on/off, the server must be restarted cleanly. A mismatch can cause a hang.

How to Prevent Future Initialization Problems

After fixing the immediate issue, take these steps to reduce the chance of it happening again:

Regularly back up your world files. Use the in-game backup feature or a cron job to copy the Save folder daily.
Keep the server and client on the same version. Check the game’s official patch notes when a new update drops.
Monitor server resources. Set up alerts for high memory usage or CPU spikes.
Test mods on a separate instance. Before adding a mod to your main server, test it on a local or temporary server.

When to Reset or Restart the World

If none of the above fixes work, you may need to reset the world. This is a last resort because it deletes all player progress. Before doing that, try creating a new world on the same server to see if the issue is specific to one save file. If the new world initializes fine, the problem is with the old save. You can then try to salvage the old world by using a save editor to remove any corrupted chunks, but this is advanced and not always successful.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does initialization normally take?

On a decent host, a small world (4km) should initialize in under 2 minutes. Larger worlds (8km or 10km) can take 5-10 minutes on first load. If it takes longer than 15 minutes, something is wrong.

Can I play while the server is initializing?

No. The server must finish loading the world before any player can connect. You’ll see the message in the server console or control panel until it’s ready.

Does the server need EAC enabled?

Not necessarily. EAC is required for official servers, but you can run a dedicated server without it. However, if you toggle EAC, you must restart the server completely. A mismatch can cause a hang.

Will deleting the Data folder delete my world?

No. The Data folder contains cached assets and generated chunks, not your actual save. Your world is in the Save folder. Deleting Data is safe, but the server will take longer to start the next time as it regenerates the cache.

My server is on a hosting provider. What should I do?

Contact your host’s support. They can often restart the server from their side and check if the hardware is struggling. Many hosts also offer a “reinstall server” option that resets the game files without touching your save.

Is there a way to force the server to skip initialization?

No. The initialization process is essential for loading the world and setting up the game state. Skipping it would result in a broken server. The only option is to fix the underlying cause.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.