Windrose is launching with full dedicated server support, allowing players to host persistent multiplayer worlds for their communities. Whether you’re setting up a server for friends or planning a large public server, this guide walks you through everything you need to know.
We’ll cover both self-hosting a Windrose server and using a managed hosting provider, so you can choose the best option.
What Is a Windrose Dedicated Server?
A Windrose dedicated server is a standalone instance of the game that runs independently of your client. This allows:
- 24/7 uptime
- Persistent world saves
- More players than peer-to-peer hosting
- Full control over gameplay settings
Option 1: Self-Hosting a Windrose Server
Self-hosting is ideal if you want full control and already have capable hardware.
Minimum Requirements
- RAM: 4 GB (8 GB recommended)
- CPU: Modern quad-core (strong single-core performance preferred)
- Storage: SSD/NVMe with at least 30 GB free
- OS: Windows 10/11 (64-bit)
Step-by-Step Setup Guide
1. Install SteamCMD
Download SteamCMD from Valve and extract it:
C:\steamcmd\
Run steamcmd.exe once to initialize.
2. Download Windrose Server Files
Run the following:
login anonymous
force_install_dir C:\windrose-server
app_update 3041230 validate
quit
3. Start the Server
Navigate to your server folder and run:
WindroseServer-Win64-Shipping.exe -log -MULTIHOME=0.0.0.0 -PORT=7777 -QUERYPORT=7778
This will generate configuration files on first launch.
4. Port Forwarding (Critical)
Windrose uses:
- UDP 7777 (game)
- UDP 7778 (query)
You must:
- Open your router panel (usually
192.168.1.1) - Forward both ports to your local IP
- Allow them through your firewall
Without this, players cannot connect.
5. Configure Your Server
Main config file:
R5\Saved\SaveProfiles\Default\ServerDescription.json
Example:
{
"MaxPlayerCount": 10,
"IsPasswordProtected": false,
"InviteCode": "myserver1"
}
⚠️ Always stop the server before editing configs.
Option 2: Using a Windrose Server Host
If you want to skip setup and technical issues, using a hosting provider is significantly easier.
With a managed host, you get:
- One-click setup
- Built-in config editor
- DDoS protection
- Automatic updates
- Global server locations
👉 If you want a ready-to-go server, you can check out our
Windrose server hosting here:
https://xgamingserver.com/windrose-server-hosting
Self-Hosting vs Paid Hosting
| Feature | Self-Hosting | Hosted Server |
|---|---|---|
| Setup Difficulty | High | Very Easy |
| Performance | Depends on hardware | Optimized |
| Uptime | Limited | 24/7 |
| DDoS Protection | ❌ | ✅ |
| Scalability | Hard | Easy |
Performance Tips
To get the best performance:
- Use an NVMe SSD
- Monitor CPU usage (Windrose is CPU-heavy)
- Keep player count within limits
- Restart the server periodically
Common Issues
Server Not Showing Up
- Check invite code
- Ensure server is fully started
Connection Refused
- Ports not forwarded correctly
- Firewall blocking UDP traffic
Version Mismatch
- Update both server and game via Steam
Should You Host or Rent?
- Choose self-hosting if you enjoy tinkering and have strong hardware
- Choose hosting if you want reliability, uptime, and easy scaling
For public communities, hosting is almost always the better option.
Final Thoughts
Windrose dedicated servers give you full control over your multiplayer experience. While self-hosting is possible, it comes with technical overhead that many players underestimate.
If your goal is to build a community or run a public server, using a managed hosting provider will save you time and frustration.
Next Step:
Set up your server or get started instantly with a managed solution:
https://xgamingserver.com/windrose-server-hosting