Gamer Hosting: Useful Software KiwamiServer Setup Guide for [Mordhau] Gamers
Welcome, aspiring warlords and seasoned knights! If you're looking to carve out your own dominion in the brutal, yet exhilarating, world of Mordhau, hosting your own server is the ultimate way to customize your medieval combat experience. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, from understanding the technical requirements to choosing the perfect hosting provider and fine-tuning your server for peak performance. Whether you're aiming for intimate duels or massive sieges, we'll help you build the ideal arena for your community.
Game Server Requirements
Setting up a Mordhau server, especially one designed for a smooth, high-player-count experience, demands a solid foundation of hardware and network resources. Understanding these requirements is crucial before you even begin exploring hosting options. The official Mordhau documentation and community discussions provide valuable insights into what makes a server tick efficiently.
At its core, a Mordhau server is a dedicated application that manages game logic, player connections, and physics calculations. Unlike simply running the game client, a server needs to handle all these processes simultaneously for every connected player.
Processor (CPU)
The CPU is arguably the most critical component for a Mordhau server. Mordhau, like many Unreal Engine 4 games, is quite CPU-intensive, particularly when dealing with numerous players and complex physics interactions.
Core Count: While multi-core processors are standard, Mordhau's server application doesn't always scale perfectly across a massive number of cores. High single-core performance (clock speed) is often more beneficial than an abundance of lower-clocked cores. A CPU with 4-6 strong cores is generally a good starting point.
Clock Speed: Aim for a CPU with a base clock speed of 3.0 GHz or higher. Turbo Boost frequencies are a bonus but sustained high clock speeds are key for consistent performance.
Recommended CPUs: For smaller servers (up to 20 players), an Intel i5 (10th gen or newer) or AMD Ryzen 5 (3000 series or newer) can suffice. For larger servers (20+ players, especially 40-64), an Intel i7/i9 (10th gen or newer) or AMD Ryzen 7/9 (3000 series or newer) is highly recommended. Enterprise-grade CPUs like Intel Xeon E3/E5 or AMD EPYC can also be excellent choices, provided they offer good single-core performance for their generation.
Memory (RAM)
RAM is where the server stores active game data, player information, and map assets. Insufficient RAM can lead to frequent disk access (swapping), causing significant lag and performance drops.
Minimum: For a basic server with a few players, 8 GB of RAM might get you by.
Recommended: For a stable experience with 20-40 players, 16 GB of RAM is a much safer bet.
Optimal: For 64-player servers or those running multiple instances, 32 GB or more is highly advisable. Remember, the operating system and other background processes also consume RAM.
Storage
While not as critical for raw speed as CPU or RAM, storage impacts server startup times, map loading, and the speed at which logs are written.
SSD (Solid State Drive): An SSD is virtually mandatory for any modern game server. It drastically reduces load times and improves overall responsiveness compared to traditional HDDs.
NVMe SSD: For the absolute best performance, especially on servers with frequent map changes or mod installations, an NVMe SSD offers superior read/write speeds.
Capacity: A Mordhau server installation itself isn't massive, but consider space for game updates, logs, and any custom content or mods. 100-200 GB of SSD space is usually ample for a single server instance.
Network
Network performance is paramount for a smooth online gaming experience. Even with powerful hardware, a poor network connection will result in lag and desynchronization.
Bandwidth:
Upload Speed: This is more critical than download speed for a server. Each player connected consumes a portion of the upload bandwidth. While exact figures vary, a general rule of thumb is 0.1-0.2 Mbps per player for a game like Mordhau.
For a 64-player server, you'd ideally want at least 6.4 Mbps (64 players * 0.1 Mbps) dedicated upload speed. However, to account for spikes and overhead, aiming for 20-50 Mbps symmetrical (upload/download) or higher is highly recommended for a professional hosting environment.
Latency (Ping): Low latency between the server and its players is crucial. High ping leads to noticeable delays in actions and hit registration. Choose a hosting provider with data centers geographically close to your target player base.
DDoS Protection: Given the competitive nature of online gaming, DDoS attacks are a real threat. Ensure your hosting provider offers robust DDoS protection to keep your server online and accessible.
Operating System
Mordhau servers primarily run on Windows Server operating systems (e.g., Windows Server 2019, 2022). While Linux compatibility for dedicated servers is sometimes available for Unreal Engine games, Mordhau's official server tools are typically Windows-based. Ensure your chosen host supports the necessary Windows Server versions.
Beginner's Guide: Setting Up Your First Mordhau Server
Embarking on your server hosting journey can seem daunting, but with this step-by-step guide, you'll have your Mordhau battlefield ready in no time. This section focuses on the general process, assuming you've already secured a suitable hosting environment (either a dedicated server, VPS, or a game server host).
Step 1: Prepare Your Server Environment
Before installing Mordhau, ensure your server is up-to-date and has the necessary prerequisites.
Operating System Updates: If using Windows Server, run Windows Update to ensure all critical updates are installed.
Firewall Configuration: You'll need to open specific ports in your server's firewall to allow players to connect. Mordhau typically uses UDP ports 7777 and 27015.[6] You might also need to open TCP port 27015 for Steam query. Consult your hosting provider's documentation for firewall management.
SteamCMD Installation: Mordhau server files are distributed via SteamCMD, a command-line version of the Steam client.
Create a new folder on your server, e.g., C:\SteamCMD.
Download SteamCMD from the official Valve Developer Community website: https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/SteamCMD
Extract the contents of the zip file into your C:\SteamCMD folder.
Run steamcmd.exe once to allow it to update itself.
Step 2: Download Mordhau Server Files
With SteamCMD ready, you can now download the Mordhau dedicated server files.
Open Command Prompt: Navigate to your C:\SteamCMD folder in Command Prompt.
Login Anonymously: Type login anonymous and press Enter.
Set Installation Directory: Specify where you want the Mordhau server files to be installed. For example: force_install_dir C:\MordhauServer\
Download App ID: Mordhau's dedicated server App ID is 629800.[7] To download, type: app_update 629800 validate and press Enter.
This process can take some time depending on your server's internet speed.
The validate command ensures all files are correctly downloaded and verified.
Exit SteamCMD: Once the download is complete, type quit and press Enter.
Step 3: Configure Your Mordhau Server
Server configuration is done through various .ini files located within your server's installation directory. The primary files you'll interact with are Game.ini and Engine.ini. These are typically found in C:\MordhauServer\Mordhau\Saved\Config\WindowsServer\. If these files don't exist, you might need to create them or copy them from C:\MordhauServer\Mordhau\DefaultGame.ini and C:\MordhauServer\Mordhau\DefaultEngine.ini respectively, then rename them.
Basic Game.ini Configuration
This file controls game-specific settings.
[/Script/Mordhau.MordhauGameSession]
ServerName=My Awesome Mordhau Server
MaxPlayers=64
Password=YourSecurePassword (Optional)
AdminPassword=YourAdminPassword (Optional, for in-game admin commands)
MOTD=Welcome to My Mordhau Server! Have fun!
ServerName: This is the name that will appear in the server browser. Choose something descriptive and appealing.
MaxPlayers: Sets the maximum number of players allowed. Ensure this aligns with your server's hardware capabilities.
Password: If you want a private server, set a password here.
AdminPassword: Allows you to use in-game admin commands (e.g., kicking players, changing maps).
MOTD: Message of the Day, displayed to players when they join.
Basic Engine.ini Configuration
This file handles engine-level settings, including port configuration.
[OnlineSubsystemSteam]
bEnabled=true
GameServerQueryPort=27015
[URL] Port=7777
GameServerQueryPort: This is the port Steam uses to query your server's information. It's typically 27015.
Port: This is the primary game port for player connections, typically 7777.
Map Rotation (Game.ini)
To set up a map rotation, add a MapRotation section to your Game.ini.
[/Script/Mordhau.MordhauGameMode]
MapRotation=/Game/Mordhau/Maps/HRD_Camp,/Game/Mordhau/Maps/SKM_Grad,/Game/Mordhau/Maps/TDM_MountainPeak
Replace the example map names with the actual paths to the maps you want in your rotation. You can find these paths by looking at the game files or community resources.
Step 4: Start Your Mordhau Server
Once configured, you can launch your server.
Create a Batch File: In your C:\MordhauServer\ directory, create a new text file and rename it to StartServer.bat.
Edit the Batch File: Open StartServer.bat with a text editor and add the following line:
start MordhauServer.exe -log -port=7777 -queryport=27015 -BeaconPort=27016 -SteamQueryPort=27015 -EpicPortal
```
MordhauServer.exe: The main executable for the server.
-log: Enables logging, useful for troubleshooting.
-port=7777: Specifies the primary game port.
-queryport=27015: Specifies the query port.
-BeaconPort=27016: An additional port sometimes used by Unreal Engine for server discovery.
-SteamQueryPort=27015: Redundant with -queryport but good practice to include.
-EpicPortal: Essential for the server to appear in the server browser.
Run the Batch File: Double-click StartServer.bat. A command prompt window should appear, showing server startup logs.
Verify Server: Open Mordhau on your client PC and check the server browser for your server name. It might take a few minutes for it to appear.
Step 5: Advanced Configuration and Mods
As you become more comfortable, you can delve into more advanced settings:
Admin Commands: Learn how to use in-game admin commands for server management.
Mod Installation: Mordhau has a thriving modding community. Follow specific mod instructions for installation, which often involves placing files in designated folders and potentially modifying Game.ini or Engine.ini.
Server Performance Settings: Adjust tick rates, replication settings, and other parameters for optimal performance (covered in "Performance Optimization Tips").
Hosting Service Comparison and Recommendations
Choosing the right hosting provider is as crucial as the server hardware itself. For Mordhau, especially for a gaming-focused comparison site, we'll look at providers that offer robust performance, reliable uptime, and gamer-centric features. We'll categorize them by type: dedicated game server hosts, Virtual Private Servers (VPS), and dedicated servers.
Dedicated Game Server Hosts (GSP)
These providers specialize in hosting game servers. They offer a user-friendly control panel, pre-installed game files, and often one-click setup for Mordhau. This is the recommended option for beginners and those who prioritize ease of use.
Advantages:
Ease of Use: Simple setup, often with web-based control panels (e.g., TCAdmin, Pterodactyl).
Pre-configured: Game files are usually pre-installed and updated automatically.
Support: Specialized support for game server issues.
DDoS Protection: Often included as a standard feature.
Mod Support: Many GSPs offer easy mod installation tools.
Disadvantages:
Less Control: Limited access to the underlying operating system.
Higher Cost per Resource: You might pay more for the convenience compared to a raw VPS or dedicated server.
Resource Sharing: While dedicated resources are often advertised, some budget GSPs might oversell, leading to performance issues.
Recommendations:
Hostinger Game Panel
Overview: Hostinger, primarily known for web hosting, has expanded into game server hosting with a user-friendly Game Panel. They leverage their global infrastructure for low latency.
Mordhau Specifics: Offers pre-configured Mordhau server instances. Their Game Panel simplifies updates, configuration file editing, and mod management.
Key Features: Global data centers, DDoS protection, 24/7 support, NVMe SSDs, competitive pricing.
Pricing: Starts around $8-$15/month for basic Mordhau server configurations, scaling with RAM and CPU cores.
Why it's good for Mordhau: Excellent balance of performance and ease of use, making it suitable for both new and experienced server owners. Their global presence helps reduce ping for diverse player bases.
Nitrado
Overview: A very popular and established game server host with a vast array of supported games. Known for its robust infrastructure and comprehensive control panel.
Mordhau Specifics: Mordhau is a fully supported game. Their web interface allows for easy map rotation setup, admin password configuration, and mod installation.
Key Features: Worldwide data centers, advanced DDoS protection, flexible slot-based pricing, 24/7 support, automatic backups.
Pricing: Slot-based pricing, typically starting around $10-$20/month for a 20-30 player Mordhau server, increasing with player slots.
Why it's good for Mordhau: Highly reliable with excellent network performance. Their control panel is intuitive, and their support team is well-versed in game server issues. Ideal for those who want a "set it and forget it" solution.
GPORTAL
Overview: Another major player in the game server hosting market, offering high-performance servers and a user-friendly interface.
Mordhau Specifics: Dedicated Mordhau server hosting with instant setup. Their control panel provides direct access to configuration files and mod management.
Key Features: High-end hardware (NVMe SSDs, fast CPUs), global server locations, strong DDoS protection, 24/7 support, flexible rental periods.
Pricing: Similar to Nitrado, slot-based pricing, starting around $12-$25/month depending on player slots and server location.
Why it's good for Mordhau: Known for providing powerful hardware, which is crucial for Mordhau's CPU demands. Their network is optimized for gaming, ensuring low latency.
Virtual Private Servers (VPS)
A VPS gives you more control than a GSP, as you get root access to a virtualized operating system. This is suitable for users who are comfortable with server administration and want more flexibility.
Advantages:
More Control: Full root access, allowing you to install any software, run multiple game servers, or host other applications.
Cost-Effective (per resource): Often cheaper per GB of RAM or CPU core than GSPs, especially for larger configurations.
Scalability: Easily upgrade resources as your needs grow.
Disadvantages:
Technical Knowledge Required: You are responsible for OS installation, security, updates, and game server setup.
No Specialized Support: Support is for the VPS itself, not specific game server issues.
DDoS Protection: May be an add-on or less robust than dedicated GSPs.
Recommendations:
OVHcloud VPS
Overview: A global cloud provider offering a wide range of VPS options with excellent performance and competitive pricing.
Mordhau Specifics: You'll need to manually install Windows Server and then follow the SteamCMD Mordhau server setup guide.
Key Features: High-performance CPUs (often AMD EPYC or Intel Xeon), NVMe SSDs, global data centers, good bandwidth, optional DDoS protection.
Pricing: Starts around $6-$10/month for basic configurations, scaling up to $50+/month for powerful servers suitable for 64-player Mordhau.
Why it's good for Mordhau: Offers powerful hardware at a good price point. Ideal for those who want full control and are comfortable with command-line server management. Their network infrastructure is robust.
Vultr
Overview: Known for its high-performance cloud compute instances with hourly billing and a vast network of data centers.
Mordhau Specifics: Requires manual Windows Server installation and Mordhau server setup via SteamCMD.
Key Features: High-frequency CPUs, NVMe SSDs, 32 global data centers, flexible pricing, robust API.
Pricing: Hourly billing, starting from $6/month for basic instances, easily scalable to $30-$100+/month for high-end Mordhau servers.
Why it's good for Mordhau: Excellent for low latency due to numerous data center locations. Their high-frequency CPUs are a great match for Mordhau's demands. The hourly billing is flexible for testing or temporary servers.
Dedicated Servers
The pinnacle of server hosting, offering exclusive access to an entire physical machine. This provides maximum performance, control, and security. Best for large communities, multiple game servers, or those demanding absolute peak performance.
Advantages:
Maximum Performance: All hardware resources are dedicated solely to your server.
Full Control: Complete administrative access to the hardware and software.
Security: Enhanced isolation from other users.
Customization: Install any OS, software, or hardware configurations.
Disadvantages:
Highest Cost: Significantly more expensive than GSPs or VPS.
Advanced Technical Knowledge: Requires expertise in server hardware, OS, and network management.
Longer Setup Times: Can take longer to provision and configure.
Recommendations:
Hetzner Online
Overview: A German-based provider renowned for offering high-quality dedicated servers at incredibly competitive prices.
Mordhau Specifics: You'll receive a bare-metal server, requiring you to install Windows Server and then proceed with the SteamCMD Mordhau server setup.
Key Features: Powerful Intel and AMD CPUs, large amounts of RAM, NVMe SSDs, excellent bandwidth, strong DDoS protection, multiple data centers in Europe and the USA.
Pricing: Starts from around $40-$60/month for entry-level dedicated servers, scaling up to hundreds for high-end machines.
Why it's good for Mordhau: Unbeatable price-to-performance ratio. Their "Server Auction" often has fantastic deals on powerful machines. Ideal for serious server owners who need raw power and are comfortable with full server administration.
SoYouStart (by OVHcloud)
Overview: A subsidiary of OVHcloud, offering a range of mid-range dedicated servers that bridge the gap between VPS and high-end dedicated machines.
Mordhau Specifics: Similar to Hetzner, you'll install Windows Server and then Mordhau via SteamCMD.
Key Features: Good selection of Intel Xeon and AMD Ryzen CPUs, ample RAM, SSD/NVMe storage, robust network, included DDoS protection.
Pricing: Typically ranges from $30-$80/month, offering a sweet spot for many dedicated server needs.
Why it's good for Mordhau: Provides a cost-effective entry into dedicated server ownership without sacrificing too much performance. Good for growing communities that need more than a VPS but aren't ready for premium dedicated server costs.
Choosing the Right Host for Your Mordhau Server
For Beginners/Casual Players: Dedicated Game Server Hosts (GSPs) like Hostinger, Nitrado, or GPORTAL are the easiest and most convenient.
For Experienced Admins/Budget-Conscious: A VPS from OVHcloud or Vultr offers a good balance of control and cost, provided you're comfortable with server management.
For Large Communities/Maximum Performance: A Dedicated Server from Hetzner or SoYouStart is the ultimate choice, offering unparalleled power and control.
Always consider your target player base's geographical location when selecting a data center to minimize latency. Read reviews, check their uptime guarantees, and test their support before committing to a long-term plan.
Troubleshooting
Even the most meticulously set up Mordhau server can encounter issues. This section covers common problems and their solutions, helping you get back to the battlefield swiftly.
Server Not Appearing in Browser
This is one of the most frequent issues.
Firewall: Double-check that UDP ports 7777 and 27015 (and potentially TCP 27015) are open in your server's firewall. If you're behind a router, ensure port forwarding is correctly configured. This is the most common culprit.
EpicPortal Argument: Ensure your server launch command includes the -EpicPortal argument. Without it, the server won't register with the master server.
ServerName: Verify that your ServerName in Game.ini is unique enough to stand out. Sometimes generic names get lost in the crowd.
SteamCMD Update: The server files might be outdated. Run steamcmd and app_update 629800 validate again to ensure you have the latest version.
Server Logs: Check the server's console or log files (usually in Mordhau\Saved\Logs) for any error messages during startup. These can provide clues.
Public IP: Ensure your server is accessible via its public IP address. If you're hosting locally, you might need to use your internal IP for testing, but external players need your public IP.
High Latency (Lag)
Lag can ruin the Mordhau experience. Pinpointing the cause is key.
Server Location: Is your server's data center geographically close to the majority of your players? Distance directly impacts ping.
Server Hardware: Insufficient CPU or RAM can cause the server to struggle, leading to "server-side lag" that manifests as high ping or desynchronization for all players. Monitor CPU and RAM usage.
Network Bandwidth: Check your server's upload bandwidth. If it's saturated, players will experience lag. Use network monitoring tools.
DDoS Attack: If you experience sudden, severe lag, especially with many players, your server might be under a DDoS attack. Contact your hosting provider immediately.
Game Updates: Sometimes, a new game update can introduce performance regressions. Check official Mordhau forums or community channels for similar reports.
Server Crashing or Freezing
Unexpected server shutdowns are frustrating.
Out of Memory: Check server logs for "out of memory" errors. If this is frequent, you need more RAM.
CPU Overload: Sustained 100% CPU usage can lead to instability. Upgrade your CPU or reduce MaxPlayers.
Corrupt Files: Run steamcmd with app_update 629800 validate to repair any corrupt game files.
Mod Conflicts: If you've installed mods, try removing them one by one to identify a conflicting mod.
Operating System Issues: Ensure your Windows Server installation is stable and up-to-date. Check Windows Event Viewer for system-level errors.
Hardware Failure: In rare cases, underlying hardware issues (especially on dedicated servers) can cause crashes. Contact your hosting provider.
Configuration Changes Not Applying
You've edited an .ini file, but the server isn't reflecting the changes.
Correct File Location: Ensure you're editing the correct .ini files in Mordhau\Saved\Config\WindowsServer\ (or LinuxServer if applicable), not the Default ones.
Server Restart: Always restart your Mordhau server after making any configuration changes.
File Permissions: Verify that the server process has write permissions to the configuration files.
Syntax Errors: A small typo in an .ini file can prevent it from being parsed correctly. Double-check your syntax.
Players Cannot Connect (Connection Timed Out)
This usually points to network or firewall issues.
Firewall (Again): Re-verify firewall rules on both the server and any network devices (router, hardware firewall).
Incorrect IP/Port: Players might be trying to connect to the wrong IP address or port. Ensure they have the correct public IP and that the server is running on the default ports (7777, 27015).
Server Not Running: Confirm the MordhauServer.exe process is actually running on your server.
Router/NAT Issues: If hosting from home, ensure your router's NAT (Network Address Translation) is correctly forwarding external requests to your server's internal IP.
General Troubleshooting Tips
Check Logs: The server logs (in Mordhau\Saved\Logs) are your best friend. They often contain detailed error messages.
Community Forums: The official Mordhau forums and community Discord servers are excellent resources for troubleshooting. Many common issues have already been discussed and solved by other players.
Isolate the Problem: If you've made multiple changes, revert them one by one to identify the specific change causing the issue.
Contact Support: If you're using a GSP or a managed VPS/dedicated server, don't hesitate to contact their support team. Provide them with detailed information and log files.
Performance Optimization Tips
Achieving a smooth, lag-free Mordhau experience, especially with a high player count, requires careful optimization. Beyond having robust hardware, fine-tuning server settings can make a significant difference.
1. Hardware Optimization (Revisited)
Prioritize CPU Single-Core Performance: As discussed, Mordhau is CPU-bound. If you're experiencing performance issues, upgrading to a CPU with higher clock speeds and strong single-thread performance will yield the most significant gains.
Sufficient RAM: Ensure you have at least 16GB, preferably 32GB for 64-player servers. Monitor RAM usage to prevent swapping.
NVMe SSD: Fast storage reduces map load times and improves overall server responsiveness.
2. Network Optimization
Low Latency Data Center: Choose a hosting provider with data centers geographically close to your primary player base. This directly reduces ping.
Dedicated Bandwidth: Ensure your server has ample, unshared upload bandwidth. Avoid oversold hosting environments.
DDoS Protection: While not directly a performance booster, robust DDoS protection prevents attacks that would otherwise cripple your server's network performance.
3. Server Configuration (Game.ini and Engine.ini)
These files offer several parameters that can impact performance. Experiment cautiously and monitor results.
Game.ini Settings:
MaxPlayers: The most direct way to manage server load. If your server struggles with 64 players, try reducing it to 48 or 32. This significantly reduces CPU and network demands.
bDisableRagdolls (Experimental): Setting this to True might reduce CPU load by disabling ragdoll physics, but it can impact the game's visual fidelity. Use with caution.
bDisableGore (Experimental): Similar to ragdolls, disabling gore might offer minor performance gains but changes the game's aesthetic.
ServerTickRate (Advanced): This setting controls how many times per second the server updates game logic. The default is usually 60. Lowering it (e.g., to 30) can reduce CPU usage but might make the game feel less responsive. Generally, keep this at default unless you have severe CPU bottlenecks.[17]
Engine.ini Settings:
NetServerMaxTickRate (Advanced): Similar to ServerTickRate, this controls the maximum network tick rate. Lowering it can reduce bandwidth usage but might impact responsiveness.
NetDriverDefinitions (Advanced): For very high player counts, some advanced users might tweak network driver settings, but this is highly technical and generally not recommended for most server owners.
4. Operating System Optimization (for VPS/Dedicated Servers)
Minimal OS Installation: Install only essential components of Windows Server. Avoid unnecessary roles, features, or GUI elements that consume RAM and CPU cycles.
Disable Unnecessary Services: Review and disable any Windows services that are not required for your Mordhau server (e.g., print spooler, Windows Search, unnecessary scheduled tasks).
Power Plan: Set the server's power plan to "High Performance" to ensure the CPU always runs at its maximum clock speed.
Antivirus/Security Software: Use a lightweight antivirus or whitelist your Mordhau server files to prevent scanning from impacting performance.
Regular Updates: Keep Windows Server updated for security and performance patches.
5. Mod Management
Test Mods Thoroughly: Some mods, especially poorly optimized ones, can significantly impact server performance. Test new mods on a separate server or during off-peak hours.
Limit Mod Count: While mods add variety, a large number of complex mods can increase server load. Be selective.
Keep Mods Updated: Ensure all installed mods are compatible with your current Mordhau server version and are up-to-date.
6. Monitoring and Analysis
Resource Monitoring: Regularly monitor your server's CPU, RAM, and network usage. Tools like Windows Task Manager, Resource Monitor, or specialized server monitoring software can provide valuable insights.
Server Logs: Analyze server logs for recurring errors or warnings that might indicate performance bottlenecks.
Player Feedback: Pay attention to player reports of lag or desynchronization. This qualitative feedback can help you identify issues that monitoring tools might miss.
By systematically addressing these areas, you can significantly improve your Mordhau server's performance, providing a smoother and more enjoyable experience for all your players.
Technical Q&A
This section addresses common technical questions that arise when hosting a Mordhau server, providing clear and concise answers.
Q1: What is the difference between a "listen server" and a "dedicated server"?
A: A listen server is a server hosted directly from a player's game client. When you start a game in Mordhau and invite friends, you're often hosting a listen server. It uses the host's game client resources, meaning performance is tied to their PC, and the server shuts down when the host leaves. A dedicated server, on the other hand, is a standalone application running on a separate machine (or virtual machine) that does not require a game client to be running. It's designed for continuous operation, higher player counts, and better performance, as its resources are solely dedicated to hosting the game.
Q2: Can I host a Mordhau server on Linux?
A: Officially, Mordhau dedicated servers are primarily supported on Windows Server operating systems. While Unreal Engine 4 does have Linux server capabilities, the Mordhau developers typically release their dedicated server binaries for Windows. You might find community-driven efforts or workarounds to run it on Linux using compatibility layers like Wine, but this is generally unsupported and can lead to instability or performance issues. For official support and reliability, Windows Server is the recommended OS.
Q3: How do I update my Mordhau server?
A: To update your Mordhau server, you need to use SteamCMD.
Navigate to your SteamCMD installation directory.
Open Command Prompt and type login anonymous.
Then, type app_update 629800 validate. This command will download and install the latest server files. Always stop your server before updating and restart it afterward. If you're using a Game Server Provider (GSP), they often have an automated update button in their control panel.
Q4: What are the essential ports I need to open for Mordhau?
A: The primary ports required for a Mordhau dedicated server are:
UDP 7777: The main game port for player connections.
UDP 27015: Used for Steam server queries and discovery.
TCP 27015: Also used for Steam server queries.
UDP 27016: Sometimes used as a BeaconPort by Unreal Engine. Ensure these ports are open in your server's operating system firewall and any external network firewalls or routers (via port forwarding).
Q5: How can I become an admin on my Mordhau server?
A: To become an admin, you need to set an AdminPassword in your server's Game.ini file (located in Mordhau\Saved\Config\WindowsServer\). Example: AdminPassword=YourChosenAdminPassword After restarting your server, join the game. Open the console (usually by pressing ~ or F10) and type adminlogin YourChosenAdminPassword. You should then have access to admin commands like kick, ban, changelevel, etc.