V Rising Server Auto Restart with Warnings

Updated 4 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

This guide explains how to set up automatic restarts with warning messages on a V Rising dedicated server. This is useful for applying updates, clearing server lag, or scheduling maintenance without manual intervention. You’ll need access to your server’s file system and the ability to create and edit scripts.

What You’ll Need

Access to the server’s file system (via FTP, SSH, or a hosting control panel).
Basic knowledge of editing text files (like Notepad or VS Code).
The server’s VRisingServer.exe and its configuration files.
For Linux servers: a basic understanding of cron jobs and shell scripts.
For Windows servers: a basic understanding of Task Scheduler and batch files.

Step-by-Step

For Windows Servers

Create the restart script. Open a text editor and create a new file. Save it as restart.bat in the same folder as your server executable.

Write the script. The script should send a warning message to the in-game chat, wait a few seconds, then stop the server gracefully. Here’s an example:

@echo off
echo Sending warning to players...
VRisingServer.exe -serverName "YourServerName" -saveName "world1" -logFile "logs/restart.log" -command "say Server restarting in 5 minutes."
timeout /t 240 /nobreak
echo Sending final warning...
VRisingServer.exe -serverName "YourServerName" -saveName "world1" -logFile "logs/restart.log" -command "say Server restarting in 1 minute."
timeout /t 60 /nobreak
VRisingServer.exe -serverName "YourServerName" -saveName "world1" -logFile "logs/restart.log" -command "shutdown"

Replace YourServerName and world1 with your actual server name and save file name. The timeout command waits the specified number of seconds.

Schedule the script. Open Windows Task Scheduler. Create a new task. Set the trigger to run daily at your desired time. In the action, set the program to cmd.exe and add arguments like /c C:\path\to\restart.bat. Make sure to run the task whether the user is logged on or not.
Test the script. Run the batch file manually to verify the messages appear in the game chat and the server shuts down properly.

For Linux Servers

Create a shell script. Use a text editor to create a file, e.g., restart.sh.
Write the script. Here’s an example that sends a warning, waits, then stops the server:
```
#!/bin/bash
screen -S vrising -X stuff "say Server restarting in 5 minutes.\n"
sleep 240
screen -S vrising -X stuff "say Server restarting in 1 minute.\n"
sleep 60
screen -S vrising -X stuff "shutdown\n"
    
```
This assumes you run the server inside a GNU Screen session named “vrising”. If you use a different method (like systemd), adjust accordingly.
Make the script executable. Run chmod +x restart.sh.
Schedule with cron. Edit your crontab with crontab -e. Add a line like:
```
0 4 * * * /path/to/restart.sh
    
```
This runs the script every day at 4:00 AM. Adjust the time as needed.
Test the script. Execute the script manually to confirm the warnings appear and the server stops.

Common Mistakes

Using the wrong server name. If the -serverName parameter doesn’t match exactly, the command may not reach the correct server instance.
Not waiting long enough. Players need time to save and log out. Make sure the total wait time is at least 5 minutes.
Forgetting to make the script executable on Linux. The cron job will fail silently if the script isn’t executable.
Hardcoding paths that change. If you move the server folder, the script will break. Use relative paths or update the script.
Running the script from the wrong directory. On Windows, the batch file may not find VRisingServer.exe if you don’t use the full path or cd to the correct folder.

Tips

Use a dedicated script for warnings. You can create a separate script that only sends a warning, and call it from the restart script multiple times.
Log the restart. Add -logFile to capture output for troubleshooting.
Test during off-peak hours. First run the script when few players are online to avoid disruption.
Consider using a server manager. Tools like SteamCMD or hosting panel scripts can handle restarts more robustly.
Use a consistent schedule. Announce the restart schedule on your Discord or website so players know when to expect it.

Troubleshooting

Warnings don’t appear in chat. Check that the server console is accessible. If you’re using a hosting panel, you may need to use the panel’s built-in command feature instead of a script.
The server doesn’t shut down. The shutdown command might not be supported. Try using quit or stop instead. Check the server logs for errors.
The script runs but the server doesn’t restart. The script only stops the server; you need a separate mechanism to start it again. On Windows, use a service wrapper or a watchdog script. On Linux, use systemd with Restart=always or a cron job that checks if the server is running.
Task Scheduler doesn’t run the script. Ensure the task is set to “Run whether user is logged on or not” and that the user account has permission to execute the script.
Cron job doesn’t run. Check the cron logs (usually in /var/log/syslog) for errors. Make sure the script has a shebang line (#!/bin/bash) and is executable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I send a custom message with the restart warning?

Yes, you can modify the text inside the say command to include your own message, such as “Scheduled maintenance in 10 minutes.”

Will the server save the world before restarting?

Yes, the shutdown command triggers a graceful save. However, it’s a good practice to send a warning so players can save manually if needed.

Can I set different restart times for different days?

Yes, you can create multiple scheduled tasks or cron entries with different times. For example, restart every Monday and Thursday at 3 AM.

Is there a way to restart without stopping the server?

No, a restart requires stopping and starting the server process. However, you can use a script that stops and then immediately starts the server again.

Will this work with a modded server?

Yes, the commands are the same. Just make sure your mods don’t interfere with the say or shutdown commands.

Can I use a third-party tool instead of scripting?

Yes, some server hosting panels offer built-in scheduled restarts. Check your hosting provider’s documentation for that feature.

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