Ever dreamed of slashing through Mordhau’s medieval battles with friends, free from lag and random players? Hosting your own Mordhau server is the ultimate way to control your multiplayer experience—but figuring out how to start can be confusing.
Understanding server hosting is key for anyone wanting custom settings, better performance, or a private battleground. In this article, you’ll find a straightforward guide covering everything you need to launch and manage your own Mordhau server with confidence.
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What is Mordhau Server Hosting?
Mordhau server hosting is the process of setting up and managing a dedicated game server for Mordhau, the popular medieval multiplayer brawler. Hosting your own server unlocks new possibilities for gameplay and lets you customize everything from player slots to in-game rules, mods, and maps. It’s a fantastic way to play with friends, build a persistent community, or enforce specific gameplay styles.
Whether you want a casual dueling ground or a massive battleground with custom rules, server hosting gives you control. You can either rent a professionally managed server from a hosting provider or set up your own dedicated server at home or on rented hardware.
How to Host a Mordhau Server: Step-by-Step
Hosting your own Mordhau server can sound daunting, but let’s break the process down into manageable steps.
1. Decide Between Self-Hosting or Renting
There are two primary ways to host a Mordhau server:
- Self-Hosting: You run the server software on your own hardware—either a home PC, a rented dedicated server, or a VPS.
- Rented Hosting: You pay a professional game server provider to manage the hardware and most of the setup for you.
Self-Hosting: Who It’s For
- Technical users comfortable with networking, firewalls, and server management
- Those wanting maximum control and customization
- Players who don’t mind keeping a PC running 24/7 for their community
Rented Hosting: Who It’s For
- Players who want an easy setup with less maintenance
- Groups looking for reliability and 24/7 uptime
- Those without the technical know-how or time to manage hardware or software updates
Some popular hosting providers include BisectHosting, G-Portal, Host Havoc, Shockbyte, GTXGaming, Survival Servers, WinterNode, and 4Netplayers. These companies offer quick setup and support, along with extra features like built-in mod management and server backups.
2. Prepare for Hosting
Before you dive in, you’ll need to:
- Decide the number of players (most servers support between 16 and 64).
- Choose the server’s location for the best ping (closer is better for most players).
- Consider your internet speed and computer specs (if self-hosting).
- Sketch out the types of maps and game modes you want available.
3. Setting Up a Self-Hosted Mordhau Server
Hardware and System Requirements
To run a Mordhau server smoothly, you’ll need:
- CPU: Quad-core 3.0 GHz (or better)
- RAM: At least 8 GB, more with higher player counts or heavy mod use
- Storage: 20 GB+ of free SSD space
- Network: Fast, reliable upload/download speeds; ideally a wired connection
- Operating System: Windows Server or a recent version of Windows 10/11; Linux is also possible with extra configuration
Installation Steps
- Install SteamCMD: This is Steam’s command-line tool for updating and managing dedicated server files.
- Download Mordhau Dedicated Server Files: Use SteamCMD to log in anonymously and download the Mordhau server package.
- Configure Your Server: Edit the server’s configuration files to adjust settings like max players, map rotations, password protection, admins, and more.
- Forward Ports: Open the required ports (default: 7777 TCP/UDP and 27015 UDP) in your home router and firewall settings.
- Launch and Test: Start the server executable. Check from another computer if the server appears in Mordhau’s server list or can be connected to directly.
Typical Configuration Options
- Map rotation: Set which arenas or battlefield maps cycle.
- Game rules: Control respawns, loadouts, and match times.
- Admin tools: Assign moderator powers or enable server-side logging.
- Mods: Add custom maps, weapons, or server rules using modding tools.
4. Renting a Server From a Provider
Opting for a professional host simplifies the process:
- Choose a Provider: Compare features, server locations, customer support, and pricing. Providers like G-Portal and BisectHosting are popular for Mordhau.
- Select Your Plan: Pick the number of slots (players), rental period, and any extra services (e.g., DDoS protection, game mod support).
- Checkout/Payment: Pay for your server and receive an email with access details.
- Configure Server Online: Use the provider’s web panel to tweak settings—easy menus let you set maps, rules, admins, and mods.
- Share Connection Info: Give friends or your community the IP address and any password needed.
5. Benefits of Hosting Your Own Mordhau Server
Hosting your own Mordhau server type means greater flexibility, control, and community-building opportunities:
- Custom Rules: Tweak gameplay to your taste, whether for serious tournaments or silly mayhem.
- Community Focus: Build a trusted space for your group with persistent stats or progression.
- Modding: Experiment with new maps, weapons, and features via the Mordhau modding tools.
- Performance: Less lag and more consistent gameplay if you select a nearby server location or run your own high-quality hardware.
- Admin Tools: Ban griefers, set VIPs, and enforce fair play.
6. Common Challenges to Consider
There are some hurdles to hosting your own Mordhau server:
- Technical Knowledge: Especially for self-hosting, you’ll need to understand port forwarding, security, firewalls, and OS updates.
- Costs: Renting a server requires a monthly payment. Self-hosting involves electricity and hardware wear.
- Updates and Maintenance: Mordhau updates and security patches take time to install and often require server restarts.
- Performance Issues: Too many mods, players, or poor hardware can cause lag or crashes.
7. Practical Tips & Best Practices
Hosting successfully comes down to a few smart habits:
- Backup Regularly: Keep copies of your config files and maps before making big changes.
- Monitor Server Performance: Use tools to watch CPU, RAM, and network use—upgrade as needed.
- Moderate Actively: Assign responsible admins, use whitelist/banlist features, and enforce clear rules.
- Engage Your Community: Run events, ask for feedback, and create a welcoming environment to retain players.
- Schedule Restarts: Plan daily or weekly restarts to clear memory and keep performance optimal.
8. Pricing and Cost-Saving Advice
Prices for renting Mordhau servers vary between providers and are influenced by:
- Player slots: More slots means higher cost.
- Location: Servers in certain regions (e.g., Australia) may cost more due to higher hosting fees.
- Extras: Mod support, automatic backups, DDoS protection, and branding can raise the price.
Typical Price Range
- Small servers (16 players): $6–$12/month
- Large servers (64+ players): $25–$60/month
Cost Tips
- Compare Multiple Hosts: Seek introductory discounts, specials, or referral bonuses.
- Share with Friends: Split the subscription to reduce individual cost.
- Avoid Excess Capacity: Don’t pay for more slots than you’ll realistically need.
- Pay for Longer Terms: Many hosts offer discounts for quarterly or annual payments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I make my Mordhau server visible on the server list?
To make your server publicly visible, ensure your server’s ports (7777 TCP/UDP and 27015 UDP) are open and forwarded on your router and firewall. In your server’s config, set bIsLanMatch=false, and double-check there’s no password or whitelist if you want to invite everyone. It may take a few minutes to show up in-game. Restart your server if it’s still not appearing.
Can I run mods and custom maps on my Mordhau server?
Yes! Mordhau supports custom maps and gameplay mods through its modding tools. Most server hosting providers have built-in tools for managing mods, making it easy to install, enable, or disable them. If self-hosting, you’ll need to manually download and install the mod files, then reference them in your server’s configuration.
How much bandwidth does a Mordhau server use?
Bandwidth depends on the number of players and activity. On average, you can expect roughly 50–100 KB/s per player. For 32 players, plan for at least 3–6 Mbps upload speed (plus additional room for spikes and mods). Always check your hardware and home internet service limits before hosting.
What should I do if my server crashes or becomes unstable?
First, check your server logs for errors or crash messages. Common reasons include server overload (too many players or mods), outdated server files, or hardware limitations. Remove recently added mods one-by-one, reduce max player slots, or upgrade your server’s hardware. If you’re using a hosting provider, contact their support—they can help diagnose and fix issues quickly.
How do I assign admin or moderator privileges on my server?
Admin control is set in your server’s configuration files. You can specify SteamIDs as admins, granting access to powerful in-game moderation commands like kicking or banning. Most professional hosts have a simple web panel for adding admins. If you self-host, you’ll manually update the relevant config file and restart the server for changes to take effect.
In Summary
Mordhau server hosting gives you complete control over your multiplayer experience, whether you want a private dueling arena or a bustling public battleground. Setting up and managing a server is easier than ever with plenty of professional hosts available, though technically minded players can self-host for ultimate customization.
Take time to plan your resources, keep things updated, and foster a positive, active community. With the right setup, your Mordhau server can become the centerpiece of countless epic medieval battles!