Keep Day Count After 7 Days to Die Server Restart

Updated 5 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

This guide explains how to preserve your in-game day count when a 7 Days to Die dedicated server restarts, so you don’t lose progress or have the world reset to day 1. You’ll need access to your server’s configuration files and a basic text editor.

What You’ll Need

Access to your server’s file system (via FTP, file manager, or SSH)
A text editor (Notepad++, VS Code, or even Notepad)
Understanding of your server’s save game location

Step-by-Step

Locate your server’s save folder. The default path for a dedicated server is 7DaysToDieServer/Data/Worlds/<worldname> or 7DaysToDieServer/Saves/<worldname>, depending on your setup. If you’re using a hosting provider, check their documentation for the save path.
Identify the main save file. Inside the save folder, you’ll see files like main.ttw, players.xml, and region folders. The day count is stored in main.ttw (a binary file) or in a serverconfig.xml if you’re using a pre-generated world.
Back up your save files. Before making any changes, copy the entire save folder to a safe location. This ensures you can restore if something goes wrong.
Edit the day count in the save file. If you’re comfortable with binary editing, you can open main.ttw with a hex editor and locate the day value. However, this is risky and not recommended unless you know exactly what you’re doing. A safer method is to use the in-game console or server commands.
Use the in-game command to set the day. Start your server, join the game as an admin, and open the console (press F1). Type settime day <number> to set the day to your desired count. For example, settime day 14 sets it to day 14.
Alternatively, edit the server config. If your server uses a serverconfig.xml file, look for the GameDay or DayCount setting (if present). Some setups allow you to set the starting day there. Change it to the day you want, save the file, and restart the server.
Restart the server and verify. After making changes, restart your server. When you join, check the day display (usually top-right corner). It should show the day you set.
If the day resets to 1, check your world generation settings. Sometimes a server restart triggers a new world generation if the world files are missing or corrupted. Ensure the world folder is intact and the server is pointing to the correct world name in serverconfig.xml (the World or GameWorld property).

Common Mistakes

Editing the wrong file: Many players mistakenly edit serverconfig.xml looking for a day setting, but it’s often not there. The day is stored in the world save, not the server config.
Not backing up: Skipping the backup step can lead to permanent loss of your world if you corrupt the save file.
Using the wrong command: settime day sets the time of day (like 12:00), not the day number. Use settime day <number> with the number representing the day count.
Assuming the day count is in players.xml: That file stores player data, not the world day.

Tips

Use a dedicated server tool: If you’re using a hosting panel like Pterodactyl or a game server management tool, check if they have a built-in option to set the day or restore a backup.
Regular backups: Schedule automatic backups of your save folder to prevent data loss from restarts or crashes.
Test the command: Before applying the day change, test it on a copy of your world to ensure it works as expected.
Keep a note of your day: Write down your current day before a restart so you can easily set it back if needed.

Troubleshooting

Day still resets to 1 after setting it: This usually means the server is generating a new world. Check the server logs for errors like “World not found” or “Generating new world.” Ensure the world name in serverconfig.xml matches the folder name in Saves or Data/Worlds.
Console command not working: Verify you are an admin (check admin.xml or use the admin command). Also, ensure you’re typing the command correctly: settime day 14 (without quotes).
Server won’t start after editing files: Restore the backup you made earlier. If you didn’t make one, reinstall the server and start fresh.
Day count is off by one: The game counts day 1 as the first day. If you want to be on day 7, set it to 7, not 6.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the day count without restarting the server?

Yes, you can use the in-game console command settime day <number> while the server is running, as long as you have admin privileges.

Will changing the day affect my player progress?

No, the day count is world-wide and does not affect your inventory, skills, or base. It only changes the in-game day number.

What if my server doesn’t have a `main.ttw` file?

Some server setups use a different save format. Look for files like world.dat or check the server documentation. The day count is always stored in the world save, not in player files.

Is there a way to prevent day reset on restart automatically?

Ensure your server is configured to keep the world files. Check that the World setting in serverconfig.xml points to the correct world and that the world folder is not read-only or being deleted by a cleanup script.

Can I use a mod to keep the day count?

Yes, some mods like “Alloc’s Server Fixes” include features to preserve day count and other world settings across restarts. Check mod compatibility with your server version.

Does the day count affect blood moon frequency?

Yes, blood moons occur every 7 days by default. Changing the day count will adjust when the next blood moon happens.

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