How to Host a V Rising Server: Full Guide

Updated 15 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

Hosting your own V Rising server lets you and your friends play together in a persistent world with your own rules, even when the game’s official servers are full or you want custom settings. This guide walks you through setting up a dedicated server on your own PC or a rented machine, covering both the Steam method and the standalone server tool. You’ll need a copy of V Rising, a reasonably powerful computer, and a stable internet connection.

What You’ll Need

A copy of V Rising on Steam (the server itself is free).
A PC that can run the game or a dedicated server (at least 8 GB RAM, quad-core CPU recommended).
Port forwarding access to your router (if hosting publicly).
Optional: A static IP or a dynamic DNS service for easier connections.

Step-by-Step

Install the Dedicated Server Tool
Open Steam and go to your Library. In the top-left dropdown, select “Tools” and find “V Rising Dedicated Server”. Install it. This is the server software, separate from the game itself.
Run the Server Once
After installation, launch the server tool from your Steam Library. It will open a command prompt window and generate the necessary configuration files in the server’s folder. Wait until you see “Server started” or similar, then close the window. This creates the default settings.
Locate the Server Files
Navigate to the server folder. The default location is steamapps\common\VRisingServer inside your Steam installation (usually C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\VRisingServer).
Edit the Server Settings
Open the ServerHostSettings.json file in a text editor (like Notepad). Here you can set the server name, password, max players, and other options. Save the file after editing.
Adjust Game Settings (Optional)
You can also edit ServerGameSettings.json to change gameplay rules like PvP mode, loot drop rates, and castle decay timers. Leave this file alone if you want default settings.
Port Forward Your Router
To allow players outside your local network to join, you need to forward the server ports. Log into your router’s admin page and forward both TCP and UDP port 9876 (the default V Rising server port) to your computer’s local IP address. You may also need to forward port 27015 for Steam query.
Start the Server
Run the server again. You can either launch it from Steam or run the executable directly from the folder. The command window will show the server running and the world being loaded. Keep this window open while hosting.
Connect to Your Server
In V Rising, open the server browser and search for your server name. If you are on the same network, it should appear. If not, you can connect directly by entering your public IP address and port (e.g., 123.45.67.89:9876) in the “Direct Connect” tab.

Common Mistakes

Forgetting to edit the settings file – The server will run with default settings unless you modify ServerHostSettings.json. Make sure to change the server name and password.
Incorrect port forwarding – If friends can’t join, the most common issue is that port 9876 is not forwarded correctly or your firewall is blocking it. Double-check your router settings and Windows firewall.
Using the game’s client as a server – The game client and the dedicated server are different programs. You must run the dedicated server tool, not just launch V Rising.
Not opening the ports in Windows Firewall – Even if your router forwards correctly, Windows may block the server. Add a rule to allow inbound connections on port 9876.

Tips

Use a static IP for your computer – If your PC’s IP address changes, the port forward will break. Set a static IP in your router’s DHCP settings.
Backup your world – The server saves the world in a folder called saves inside the server directory. Periodically copy this folder to a safe location to prevent data loss.
Set a server password – To keep your game private, set a password in the ServerHostSettings.json file. Players will need to enter it when joining.
Use a dedicated machine or VPS – Running the server on the same machine you play on can cause performance issues. If possible, use a separate PC or rent a cheap VPS.
Update the server regularly – When V Rising updates, the server tool may also need updating. Check for updates in Steam to keep your server compatible.

Troubleshooting

Server doesn’t appear in the browser – Ensure the server is running and that you are looking at the correct tab. If it’s a LAN server, make sure you are on the same network. For public servers, wait a few minutes for it to register.
Friends can’t connect – Check that your port forwarding is correct and that your firewall allows inbound traffic. Also verify that the server is actually listening on the port (you can use online port checkers).
Server crashes on startup – This often happens due to corrupted configuration files. Delete the ServerHostSettings.json and ServerGameSettings.json files and let the server regenerate them. Then re-edit them carefully.
High ping or lag – If players experience lag, your internet upload speed may be insufficient. Lower the max player count or reduce the server’s tick rate in the settings. Also ensure your PC isn’t overloaded.
Server shows “Outdated version” – When the game updates, the server must be updated too. Right-click the server tool in Steam and select “Update”.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I host a V Rising server for free?

Yes, you can host it on your own PC using the free dedicated server tool. You only need to own the game. However, you’ll need a good internet connection and a machine that can run it.

What are the system requirements for a V Rising server?

Officially, the server tool requires at least 8 GB RAM and a quad-core CPU. For a small group (up to 4 players), 8 GB RAM is enough, but for larger groups, 16 GB is recommended.

Can I run the server on a Linux machine?

Yes, the dedicated server tool is available for Linux. You can download it via SteamCMD or use a hosting provider that offers Linux servers. The configuration files are the same.

How do I change the server name?

Open ServerHostSettings.json and find the “Name” field. Change it to your desired server name, save the file, and restart the server.

Can I play on the same machine that hosts the server?

Yes, but it may cause performance issues, especially if your PC isn’t powerful. It’s better to use a separate machine or a VPS for a smoother experience.

How do I update my server to the latest version?

If you installed via Steam, the server tool will update automatically when you launch it. If not, right-click the tool in Steam and select “Update”. For manual installations, download the latest files from the official site.

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