Embarking on the post-apocalyptic survival journey in "7 Days to Die" on a Linux server? You're in the right place. Setting up a server for this popular game can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to customize your gameplay and join friends in a shared world. Let's dive into the process of setting up a "7 Days to Die" server on Linux.

How to Set Up a 7 Days to Die Server on Linux (Step-by-Step)
How to Set Up a 7 Days to Die Server on Linux (Step-by-Step)

Before we begin, ensure you have a basic understanding of Linux commands and a user account with sudo privileges. Also, make sure your system meets the game's minimum requirements. Now, let's get started!

the linux commands for devops poster
the linux commands for devops poster

Installing the Game and Required Dependencies

The first step is to install the game and its dependencies. "7 Days to Die" requires SteamCMD to download the game files. If you haven't installed it yet, you can do so using the following command:

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How to Set Up a Linux Media Server in Under One Hour

sudo apt-get install steamcmd

Downloading the Game Files

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Ubuntu / Linux Setup / Robotics

Once SteamCMD is installed, you can download the game files using the following command, replacing "" with your actual Steam username:

steamcmd +login +force_install_dir /opt/7days +app_update 294420 validate +quit

This command will download the game files to the "/opt/7days" directory.

Cozy Linux Setup
Cozy Linux Setup

Setting Up the Server Configuration

Next, you need to set up the server configuration file. In the game's installation directory, you'll find a "ServerConfig.xml" file. Make a copy of this file and rename it to "ServerConfig_Linux.xml". Open this file in a text editor and adjust the settings as desired. Some important settings include:

  • ServerName: The name of your server.
  • ServerPassword: The password required to join the server.
  • MaxPlayers: The maximum number of players that can join your server.
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Linux Server Hardening Checklist (2026) 🔐

Running the Server

Now that your server is configured, it's time to run it. You can start the server using the following command:

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cd /opt/7days && ./7dud -config ServerConfig_Linux.xml

This command will start the server using the Linux configuration file you created earlier.

Port Forwarding

To allow players to connect to your server from the internet, you'll need to forward the appropriate ports on your router. The default ports used by "7 Days to Die" are:

  • 26900 (UDP): Used for game traffic.
  • 27015 (TCP/UDP): Used for Steam matchmaking.

Consult your router's documentation to learn how to forward these ports. Once you've done that, your server should be accessible to players on the internet.

Steam Workshop Integration

One of the great features of "7 Days to Die" is the ability to subscribe to and use mods from the Steam Workshop. To enable this on your server, you'll need to add the following line to your "ServerConfig_Linux.xml" file:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8" ?>

<ServerConfig>

<WorkshopItems>123456789</WorkshopItems>

<ServerName>Your Server Name</ServerName>

<ServerPassword>Your Server Password</ServerPassword>

<MaxPlayers>10</MaxPlayers>

</ServerConfig>

Replace "123456789" with the ID of the mod you want to use, and adjust the other settings as desired. After making these changes, restart your server for the mod to take effect.

And there you have it! Your "7 Days to Die" server on Linux is now up and running. Invite your friends, explore the post-apocalyptic world, and enjoy the game together. Happy surviving!