Embarking on a post-apocalyptic survival adventure has never been more portable, thanks to the Steam Deck's ability to run dedicated servers for games like 7 Days to Die. This powerful handheld device, developed by Valve, allows you to host and play on your own server, offering unparalleled flexibility and immersion in the world of Navezgane County. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the process of setting up a 7 Days to Die dedicated server on your Steam Deck, ensuring you're well-equipped to face the zombie horde and other survivors.

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7 Best Features Coming In 7 Days To Die 2.0 Update

Before we dive into the setup process, let's briefly explore why running a dedicated server on your Steam Deck is an exciting prospect. Firstly, it enables you to play with friends and other players in your own private or public server, tailoring the experience to your preferences. Secondly, it offers the freedom to customize your server with mods, altering gameplay elements to suit your tastes. Lastly, the Steam Deck's portability allows you to take your server on the go, ensuring you're never far from the action.

steam deck
steam deck

Preparing Your Steam Deck for a 7 Days to Die Dedicated Server

Before we begin, ensure your Steam Deck is up-to-date with the latest software and that you have a stable internet connection. Additionally, you'll need a 7 Days to Die game license and approximately 10GB of free storage space for the server files.

someone holding up a video game controller with the caption saying decorating my steam desk
someone holding up a video game controller with the caption saying decorating my steam desk

To start, make sure your Steam Deck is in Desktop Mode. This can be done by right-clicking on the Steam icon in the taskbar and selecting "Switch to Desktop." Once in Desktop Mode, you'll have access to the Linux-based SteamOS, which is essential for setting up the dedicated server.

Installing Required Dependencies

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How to Factory Reset the Steam Deck

Before installing 7 Days to Die, you'll need to ensure your Steam Deck has the necessary dependencies to run the game and its dedicated server. Open a terminal window by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T and install the required packages using the following commands:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y lib32gcc1 lib32stdc++6

These commands update the package list and install the required 32-bit libraries, ensuring compatibility with 7 Days to Die.

Installing 7 Days to Die and the Dedicated Server

a cartoon character holding a game controller in front of his face with the steam deck logo on it
a cartoon character holding a game controller in front of his face with the steam deck logo on it

Now that the required dependencies are installed, it's time to install 7 Days to Die and its dedicated server. In the terminal, use the following command to install the game and its server files:

steamcmd +login anonymous +force_install_dir /home/deck/7DaysToDie +app_update 294420 validate +quit

This command logs into SteamCMD anonymously, specifies the installation directory, updates the game to the latest version, and validates the installation.

Configuring Your 7 Days to Die Dedicated Server

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With the game and server files installed, it's time to configure your dedicated server for optimal performance and gameplay. In the terminal, navigate to the server's configuration folder using the following command:

cd /home/deck/7DaysToDie/7DaysToDie_Dedicated_Data/Config

Here, you'll find the default server configuration files. Make a backup of these files before proceeding, as you'll be modifying them to suit your preferences.

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Adjusting Server Settings

Using a text editor like nano or vim, open the "ServerSettings.json" file and modify the following settings to your liking:

  • ServerName: The name of your server, visible to players in the server browser.
  • MaxPlayers: The maximum number of players allowed on your server.
  • Difficulty: The difficulty level of the game on your server.
  • GameMode: The game mode for your server, such as "Survival" or "Creative."

Save the changes and exit the text editor.

Setting Up Port Forwarding

To allow other players to connect to your Steam Deck's dedicated server, you'll need to set up port forwarding on your router. The exact process varies depending on your router's make and model, but generally, you'll need to forward ports 26900 (UDP) and 26901 (TCP) to your Steam Deck's local IP address.

Once port forwarding is configured, test your server by starting it using the following command in the terminal:

/home/deck/7DaysToDie/7DaysToDie_Dedicated_Data/7DaysToDie_Dedicated_Server.x86_64

If everything is set up correctly, you should be able to see your server in the in-game server browser and join it with other players.

As you embark on your post-apocalyptic adventure, remember that running a dedicated server on your Steam Deck opens up a world of possibilities. Whether you're playing with friends, exploring the vast world of mods, or simply seeking the ultimate in portable gaming, your Steam Deck is now your gateway to the unforgiving world of Navezgane County. Happy surviving!