How to create a RuneScape: Dragonwilds dedicated server

With the dedicated servers update (March 2026) and the 1.0 release, RuneScape: Dragonwilds finally lets you host a persistent world, independent of your game client. This guide shows you how to create your dedicated server step by step, via SteamCMD, and how to make it reachable by your friends in crossplay.

Requirements

Before you start, get ready with:

• A Windows or Linux machine running around the clock (dedicated PC, VPS or server).
• Around 8 GB of RAM and a recent quad-core CPU for 6 players. Add headroom if you plan to install mods.
• At least 20 GB of free disk space.
• SteamCMD installed (Steam's command-line tool).
• Access to your router to open a port.

Step 1 - Install SteamCMD

SteamCMD is Valve's official tool to download dedicated servers.

• Windows: download SteamCMD, extract it into a dedicated folder (for example C:\steamcmd), then run steamcmd.exe once so it updates itself.
• Linux (Debian/Ubuntu): install the steamcmd package from the repositories, or download the official archive and run ./steamcmd.sh.

Step 2 - Download the Dragonwilds server (App ID 4019830)

In SteamCMD, download the dedicated server using its Steam ID 4019830:

force_install_dir ./dragonwilds-server
login anonymous
app_update 4019830 validate
quit

The anonymous login is usually enough for the server. If the download is refused, log in with a Steam account that owns the game (login your_account) instead of login anonymous.

Step 3 - Configure the server (DedicatedServer.ini)

On first launch, the server generates a DedicatedServer.ini configuration file. Open it and fill in at least:

• The server name: what shows up in the list and for your friends.
• The password (optional): to keep your world private.
• The OwnerID: your Steam ID (17-digit identifier), which grants you admin rights in-game.
• The port: UDP 7777 by default (leave as is if the port is free).
• The player count: up to 6.

Save the file after editing.

Step 4 - Open UDP port 7777

For your friends to connect from outside, the server port must be reachable:

• Firewall: allow port 7777 in UDP (inbound) on the machine.
• Router: create a port forwarding rule that sends UDP port 7777 to your server's local IP address.

If you host on a VPS or a server with a public IP, simply open the port in the machine's firewall.

Step 5 - Launch the server

Start the server executable (or the provided start script) from the install folder. The console shows the world loading, then a message indicating the server is ready and listening on port 7777.

Keep this window open: as long as the server runs, your world stays online, even when you are not connected.

Step 6 - Join the server (crossplay)

Your friends join your world from PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, Xbox and Nintendo Switch 2 by connecting to your server's public IP address followed by the port. Give them the IP, the port (7777) and the password if any. Crossplay is native: whatever the console, everyone plays on the same persistent world.

The hassle-free alternative: a turnkey server

Keeping a machine on 24/7, opening ports, watching RAM and updates takes time. At LordHosting, your Dragonwilds server is deployed in minutes, hosted in France with anti-DDoS included, a simple management panel and support. You manage everything from an interface, with no command line.

Check out our plans on the RuneScape: Dragonwilds server hosting page.

FAQ

All the answers to frequently asked questions about creating a RuneScape: Dragonwilds server are available in the FAQ box automatically generated below. If a question is missing, contact LordHosting support via Discord or by ticket.