V Rising Server Backup & Restore Guide

Updated 6 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

This guide explains how to back up and restore a V Rising dedicated server, ensuring your world, characters, and settings are safe. You’ll learn where the save files are located, how to create a manual backup, and how to restore that backup if something goes wrong. This is essential for preventing data loss from crashes, corrupted saves, or when migrating to a new machine.

What You’ll Need

Access to the server’s file system (either local or via FTP/SSH if it’s a hosted server).
File compression software (like 7-Zip, WinRAR, or built-in OS tools) for creating and extracting backup archives.
Enough free storage space to hold a copy of the save files (usually a few hundred MB to several GB).

Step-by-Step

Locating the Save Files

Stop the V Rising server process. This is critical to ensure no files are being written while you copy them. If you’re using a control panel (like Pterodactyl or a host’s custom panel), use the “Stop” or “Kill” button. If it’s a local server, close the server console window.
Navigate to the server’s save directory. The default location for a dedicated server is V Rising/GlutenFreeCake/Saves/v1. If you’re using a hosting provider, this path is usually relative to the server’s root directory. If you’re unsure, check your server configuration file (e.g., ServerHostSettings.json) for the SaveDirectory setting.
Inside the v1 folder, you’ll see one or more folders with long alphanumeric names. Each one represents a separate world save. If you only have one world, there will be just one folder.

Creating a Backup

Right-click on the world save folder (the one with the long name) and select “Copy” (or use Ctrl+C).
Navigate to a safe location outside the server directory, such as a dedicated backup folder on your local machine or a cloud storage drive.
Right-click and select “Paste” (or use Ctrl+V). This creates an immediate copy.
To save space and keep the backup tidy, compress the copied folder into a ZIP or 7z archive. Right-click the folder, select “Send to > Compressed (zipped) folder” on Windows, or use 7-Zip’s “Add to archive” option.
Rename the archive with a clear date and time, for example: vrising-backup-2025-04-01.zip. This makes it easy to identify which backup is which.

Restoring a Backup

Stop the V Rising server again, just as you did before creating the backup.
Navigate to the server’s save directory (V Rising/GlutenFreeCake/Saves/v1).
Rename the existing world save folder (the one with the long alphanumeric name) to something like old_world_backup. Do not delete it immediately—this gives you a safety net in case the restore fails.
Extract your backup archive into the v1 folder. Make sure the extracted folder has the exact same name as the original world folder (the long alphanumeric string). If the folder name is different, the server won’t recognize it.
Start the server. It should load the restored world. Verify that your characters and buildings are intact.
If everything looks good, you can safely delete the old_world_backup folder to free up space.

Common Mistakes

Backing up while the server is running – This can result in a corrupted or incomplete backup because files are actively being written.
Restoring to the wrong folder – Placing the backup in the wrong directory or with a different folder name will cause the server to create a fresh world instead of loading your backup.
Not compressing backups – Uncompressed backups take up unnecessary space and are slower to transfer.
Overwriting the current world without a backup – If you restore a backup and it’s corrupt, you’ll lose your current progress. Always rename the existing world first.

Tips

Schedule regular backups – Set a reminder to back up your server at least once a week, or more often if you have an active player base.
Keep multiple backups – Rotate your backups, keeping the last 3-5 archives. This protects against a corrupt backup that you only discover later.
Test your backups – Occasionally try restoring a backup on a test server to ensure the archive is not corrupt and the restore process works.
Use a dedicated backup tool – If you’re comfortable with scripts, consider automating backups with a simple batch or shell script that stops the server, copies the folder, compresses it, and restarts the server.

Troubleshooting

Server doesn’t load the restored world – Check the folder name inside the v1 directory. It must match the original world’s folder name exactly. Also ensure the folder is directly inside v1, not nested inside another folder.
Server crashes on startup after restore – This often indicates a corrupted backup. Try restoring an earlier backup. If the problem persists, the save file itself may be damaged beyond repair.
Players lose progress after restore – This is normal if you restored an older backup. Make sure you’re restoring the most recent backup that contains the progress you want.
Can’t find the save folder – Double-check your server configuration file (ServerHostSettings.json) for the SaveDirectory setting. If you’re using a hosting provider, consult their documentation or support for the exact path.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I back up my V Rising server?

For a small private server, a weekly backup is usually sufficient. For a public server with many players, consider daily backups to minimize potential data loss.

Can I back up the server while it’s running?

Technically you can copy files, but it’s not recommended. The server writes data continuously, so you risk getting an inconsistent backup that may be corrupt. Always stop the server first.

Do I need to back up the entire server folder?

No, you only need the world save folder inside V Rising/GlutenFreeCake/Saves/v1. The server executable and configuration files can be recreated or downloaded again if needed, but your world data is unique.

How do I migrate my server to a new machine?

Install V Rising dedicated server on the new machine, then copy your backup archive to the same path (V Rising/GlutenFreeCake/Saves/v1) and extract it there. Start the server and it should load the world.

What if I accidentally delete my world folder?

If you have a backup, simply restore it as described above. If you don’t have a backup, the data is gone permanently. This is why regular backups are essential.

Can I restore a backup on a different server version?

It’s generally safe to restore a backup on a newer server version, but the reverse (restoring a newer save on an older version) may not work. Always keep your server updated to the latest version to avoid compatibility issues.

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