ASKA Dedicated Server Installation Guide

Understanding Dedicated Servers

Before we begin the installation process, it’s important to understand what makes a dedicated server special. An ASKA dedicated server creates a persistent game world that continues to exist even when you’re not playing. Think of it like a virtual world that’s always ready for players to join, similar to how an online shopping website is always available regardless of who’s browsing it.

The key advantage is that players can connect to your server at any time without needing the host to be present. This makes it perfect for gaming communities where players might have different schedules or time zones.

Aska Dedicated Server Installation Process

Part 1: Setting Up SteamCMD

SteamCMD is Steam’s command-line version that we’ll use to manage the server. Here’s how to set it up:

1. First, download SteamCMD from Steam’s official website
2. Once downloaded, extract all the files from the archive to a folder of your choice
3. Find and run steamcmd.exe in the extracted folder
4. Wait patiently while it downloads its required files
5. Take some time to read through the SteamCMD documentation to understand its basic commands

Understanding SteamCMD is valuable because it’s the foundation for managing your server and handling updates in the future.

Part 2: Installing the ASKA Server Software

Now we’ll install the actual server software:

1. Open your Steam client
2. In your Steam Library, look for the filter options at the top
3. Change the filter from “Games” to “Tools”
4. Search for “ASKA Dedicated Server” in the tools list
5. Install it on the computer you plan to use as your server

Remember that this computer needs to be powerful enough to run the server and should have a stable internet connection.

Part 3: Configuring Your Server

The configuration process is crucial for your server’s proper operation. Let’s go through it step by step:

1. Navigate to your server installation directory:
   <Drive>:\SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\ASKA Dedicated Server
2. Find the “server properties.txt” file. This file is your server’s control center, containing all the settings that determine how your server operates.
3. Open the file in a text editor (like Notepad++ or Visual Studio Code)
4. Configure these essential parameters (they’re critical for your server to function):

• Authentication token (this verifies your server with Steam)
• Steam game port (how players connect to your game)
• Steam query port (how your server appears in server lists)
• Display name (what players see in the server browser)
• Password (if you want to restrict access)
• Region (affects server visibility and connection quality)

Part 4: Recommended Setup for Long-term Success

To maintain your server effectively over time, follow these additional steps:

1. Protect Your Configuration:

• Create a new folder for your server files, for example:
  <Drive>:\SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\ASKA
• Copy your “server properties.txt” to this new location
• This prevents your settings from being lost during game updates

1. Set Up Your Launch File:

• Find AskaServer.bat in your installation directory
• Open it with a text editor
• Update the file paths to match your new configuration location
• The format should look like this:
  "AskaServer.exe" -propertiesPath "<Your new path>\server properties.txt"

Part 5: Starting Your Server

1. Get your authentication token:

• Visit https://steamcommunity.com/dev/managegameservers
• Generate a new token
• Copy it into your server properties file

1. Launch your server:

• Double-click your configured AskaServer.bat file
• Wait for the initialization process to complete
• Your server will appear in the ASKA multiplayer server list

Understanding Server Behavior

Your server saves the game world in two situations:

• At the start of each new in-game day
• When the last player leaves the server

The server enters a “dormant” state when no players are online, which helps conserve resources. During this time:

• The game world is paused
• No events occur
• No resources are consumed
• The server maintains minimal memory usage

Maintaining Your Server

To keep your server running smoothly:

1. Regular Maintenance:

• Check for updates through Steam regularly
• Keep backups of your configuration files
• Monitor server performance
• Maintain clear server rules for players

1. Safe Shutdown Process:
   When you need to stop the server:

• Use Ctrl+C in the console window, or
• Click the X button in the window
  This ensures all player data and world states are saved properly.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter problems:

1. Server Not Visible:

• Verify your ports are properly configured
• Check your authentication token
• Ensure your firewall isn’t blocking connections

1. Connection Issues:

• Confirm your server’s region setting
• Verify the password is correct
• Check that the server isn’t full

1. Save Issues:

• Remember that individual players can’t force server saves
• The server automatically saves at day changes and when empty
• Keep track of the last save time in the server log

Best Practices for Server Administration

1. Security:

• Keep your authentication token private
• Use a strong server password if needed
• Regularly update your server software

1. Performance:

• Monitor server resource usage
• Keep player slots at a reasonable number
• Consider your hardware capabilities when configuring settings

1. Community Management:

• Establish clear server rules
• Keep communication channels open with your players
• Document any special server settings or modifications

Following this guide will help you create and maintain a stable ASKA server that provides an excellent gaming experience for your community. Remember that running a server is an ongoing responsibility, but with proper setup and maintenance, it can be a rewarding experience for both you and your players.

Looking for Aska Dedicated Server? Rent one from us.