Ever wished your 7 Days to Die adventures didn’t end when you logged off? Hosting your own 7DTD server is the key to an uninterrupted, custom zombie apocalypse—perfect for playing with friends or building your own rules.
Whether you’re frustrated by laggy public servers or want full control over your world, knowing how to host makes all the difference. This article answers your “how 7dtd hosting” question with easy steps, essential tips, and clear advice to get you started.
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How to Host 7 Days to Die: A Complete Guide
7 Days to Die (often called 7DTD) is a thrilling survival game that lets you and your friends brave the post-apocalyptic world together. If you want the best multiplayer experience, hosting your own 7 Days to Die server is the way to go. This guide covers your options and what you need to know to get started, whether you want to rent a ready-made server or set one up yourself.
What Does “Hosting 7 Days to Die” Mean?
Hosting 7 Days to Die simply means running a multiplayer server that you and others can connect to and play the game together. You have two main routes:
- Self-hosting: Running a server on your own PC or hardware.
- Renting from a provider: Paying a game hosting company to handle the technical parts for you.
Let’s break down how both work and what you should consider before choosing.
Ways to Host a 7 Days to Die Server
There are two main methods to host a server for 7 Days to Die. Each has its own advantages, depending on your technical skills, resources, and desired experience.
1. Self-Hosting Your Own Server
This means you use your own PC or a dedicated machine to run a server program. You control everything, from mods to configuration.
Pros:
- Control over every aspect of the server.
- No recurring rental fees if using your hardware.
- Good learning experience for the technically-inclined.
Cons:
- Can be complex for beginners (networking, port forwarding, etc.).
- Your PC must always be on for the server to stay online.
- May impact your ability to play smoothly if using the same computer.
- Exposes your IP address to the public if making server public.
Basic Steps to Self-Host:
- Download and install the 7 Days to Die Dedicated Server tool (via Steam Tools or using SteamCMD).
- Configure server settings (world size, player slots, difficulty, etc.).
- Forward necessary ports on your router (default is 26900 for TCP/UDP).
- Launch the server application.
- Share your public IP with friends, or use LAN for local play.
2. Renting a Server from a Hosting Provider
Many companies specialize in game server hosting for 7 Days to Die. They take care of installation, updates, backups, and connection stability.
Pros:
- Hassle-free and quick setup.
- Access to a robust network with high uptime.
- Control panel for easy management (start/stop/configure server).
- Many allow mod installation without complicated procedures.
- Better performance for large groups.
Cons:
- Comes with a monthly or annual cost.
- Less direct control over the hardware.
- Need to select a trustworthy provider.
Popular Providers Include:
- Companies that focus on game server rentals, offering various packages.
- International options to get a location close to you and your friends.
- Solutions that scale—from small, private servers up to large, public ones.
What To Look for in a 7 Days to Die Hosting Provider
Choosing a provider isn’t just about the lowest price. Here are key aspects to consider:
Performance & Reliability
- Server Location: Choose a host with servers near you for low latency.
- Uptime Guarantees: Many providers offer 99.9% uptime, meaning your server is almost always online.
- Dedicated Resources: Some hosts offer dedicated CPU and RAM for smoother gameplay.
Power and Features
- Easy Control Panel: A user-friendly dashboard helps you adjust settings, install mods, and manage players easily.
- Mod Support: If you want to use mods or custom maps, look for hosts that support easy mod installation.
- Backups: Frequent automated backups protect your world from crashes or mistakes.
Customer Support
- 24/7 customer support can be a lifesaver if you encounter technical issues, especially during peak play hours.
Price & Value
- Most hosting plans start at around $5.99–$10 per month for smaller servers (8-12 slots), with larger sizes costing more.
- Look for flexible plans that match your group’s size and budget.
- Check for free trial periods, discounts on long-term accounts, or instant setup at no extra fee.
Step-by-Step: How to Rent a 7 Days to Die Server
- Choose a Provider
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Compare performance reviews, prices, features, slot counts, and support options.
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Select Your Plan
- Servers usually offer choices based on the number of player slots needed (e.g., 8, 16, 32, 64).
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Some offer variable slot counts if you’re not sure how many friends will be joining.
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Pick a Location
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Choose a server location close to you and your main group for optimal ping times.
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Configure Your Server
- Set server name, password, world settings, game difficulty, and custom rules.
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Upload mods if needed, or pick from a library of pre-installed choices.
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Pay and Launch
- Complete your payment (look for coupon codes or discounts for longer terms).
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Your host will provision the server and send you a connection address, often within minutes.
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Invite Your Friends
- Share the IP address provided.
- Many hosts offer a direct connect link to make joining fast.
Tips and Best Practices for 7DTD Hosting
Making your server a fun and hassle-free place to play is all about planning and management.
Keep Your Server Updated
- Regularly apply game patches to stay compatible with the latest version and mods.
- Most paid hosts offer “one-click updates” to make this process easy.
Back Up Your World Often
- Use built-in or hosting-provider backups in case anything goes wrong.
- Back up before adding major mods or doing server resets.
Don’t Overload Your Server
- If you plan to host a large group or use many mods, select a plan with more RAM and CPU resources.
- Overloaded servers can crash or become laggy.
Use Passwords and Whitelists
- Protect your server with a password if you want a private experience.
- Some control panels allow you to whitelist players automatically.
Moderate and Communicate
- Assign moderators if your server is public.
- Use Discord or other tools to coordinate and build a community with your players.
Monitor Costs
- Watch your server usage—if it’s always full, you might need to scale up.
- Downgrade your plan or pause the server after your play session concludes, saving on long-term costs.
Cost Considerations and Saving Tips
Server hosting can be very affordable, but costs can creep up if you’re not careful.
- Start Small: Begin with a minimal slot count; you can always upgrade.
- Prepay for Discounts: Many hosts offer lower rates if you pay for 3, 6, or 12 months in advance.
- Avoid Unnecessary Add-ons: Only choose extra services (like premium support or dedicated IPs) if you truly need them.
- Watch for Seasonal Sales: Some providers run sales around holidays or game update releases.
Choosing the Best 7 Days to Die Hosting Provider
Several reputable names are known for their 7DTD hosting. What distinguishes the best ones? Here’s what to look for:
- Instant Setup: Get started quickly, often within minutes of payment.
- Flexible Upgrades: The ability to increase player slots without downtime.
- User Reviews: Look for providers with positive feedback for customer service and server performance.
- Custom Scripts/Mod Managers: Makes managing advanced features easy, even if you’re not tech-savvy.
If you’re looking for reliability, a strong feature set, and good support, stick with well-reviewed companies that have experience hosting 7 Days to Die.
Common Challenges With Hosting 7 Days to Die
While renting a server is straightforward, you might encounter some obstacles:
- Server Downtime: Even the best hosts have rare outages. Regular backups help minimize data loss.
- Mod Compatibility: Heavily modded servers require more resources and occasional troubleshooting.
- Player Management: Dealing with griefers or cheaters requires rules and sometimes, moderation tools.
- Resource Allocation: Overcrowded servers can lag; always match your plan to your group’s size.
Summary
Hosting a 7 Days to Die server opens up a new level of fun and customization for your multiplayer survival sessions. You can choose to self-host if you have the technical know-how and resources, or pick from many professional providers who make setup as easy as a few clicks.
Focus on what matters most for your group: performance, flexibility, value, and support. Starting with a good provider ensures your 7DTD adventures are smooth, stable, and full of friendly zombie-slaying teamwork.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much does 7 Days to Die server hosting cost?
Prices can range from about $6 to $20 per month, depending on the number of player slots, resources, and special features. Some budget providers offer starter servers, while larger servers suitable for big communities may cost more.
2. Can I run a 7 Days to Die server on my own PC?
Yes, you can self-host a server using your own computer. However, your computer must be powerful enough and always on when players want to connect. Hosting on your own PC also requires more technical setup, like network configuration and port forwarding.
3. What are the benefits of renting a server instead of self-hosting?
Renting a server provides better uptime, automated backups, professional hardware, and easy tools to manage your game. You also don’t need to share your personal IP address, and game hosts often handle updates and security for you.
4. Can I add mods to a rented 7 Days to Die server?
Most reputable hosts let you load mods. Some have simple mod managers, making it easy to upload and install custom content. Always check mod compatibility with the current game version before installing.
5. How can I make my server private or only allow friends to join?
You can set a server password and/or use a whitelist to limit who can join your server. Many hosting panels make this option accessible in the configuration settings.
Whether you’re teaming up to fend off zombies or building the ultimate fortress, the right 7 Days to Die server hosting can turn your gaming nights into unforgettable adventures. Happy hosting!