# Configuring Your Subnautica Nitrox Server (/docs/subnautica/configure-your-server)



import { Step, Steps } from 'fumadocs-ui/components/steps';

Nitrox v1.8 stores server settings in a per-save config file -- not the file in the game folder. This guide covers where to find it, what each setting does, and the gotchas that catch most server owners.

> ⚠️ **Important:** The `server.cfg` file inside the `subnautica/` directory is **not** read by Nitrox v1.8+. Editing it has no effect. Always use the path under `.config/Nitrox/saves/` shown below.

Where the Config Lives [#where-the-config-lives]

Nitrox reads its config from a per-save directory:

```
.config/Nitrox/saves/{SaveName}/server.cfg
```

The default save name is `My World`, so the full path is:

```
.config/Nitrox/saves/My World/server.cfg
```

If you change the save name in the **Startup** tab, Nitrox creates a new folder under `.config/Nitrox/saves/` with default values on first boot. You will need to re-apply your port and password in the new save's config.

Editing the Config [#editing-the-config]

<Steps>
  <Step>
    Stop your server [#stop-your-server]

    Open the [XGamingServer Panel](https://panel.xgamingserver.com), select your Subnautica server, and click `Stop`. Editing config while the server is running may have your changes overwritten on next save.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Open File Manager [#open-file-manager]

    In the panel sidebar, click `File Manager`. Navigate to:

    ```
    .config/Nitrox/saves/My World/server.cfg
    ```

    If the folder doesn't exist yet, start the server once so Nitrox creates it, then stop the server and come back.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Edit the values you need [#edit-the-values-you-need]

    Click `server.cfg` to open the editor. Change values, then click `Save`.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Start your server [#start-your-server]

    Return to the dashboard and click `Start`. New settings apply on boot.
  </Step>
</Steps>

Settings Reference [#settings-reference]

| Setting                | Default    | Description                                                                   |
| ---------------------- | ---------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `ServerPort`           | `11000`    | Must match your allocated port shown on the **Network** tab                   |
| `ServerPassword`       | *(empty)*  | Password players enter to join. Leave empty for no password                   |
| `AdminPassword`        | *(random)* | Password for in-game admin login (`/login <password>`)                        |
| `AutoPortForward`      | `True`     | **Set to `False`** -- UPnP does not work on hosted servers                    |
| `GameMode`             | `Survival` | `Survival`, `Freedom`, `Hardcore`, or `Creative`                              |
| `MaxConnections`       | `100`      | Maximum simultaneous players                                                  |
| `SaveInterval`         | `120000`   | Auto-save interval in milliseconds (`120000` = 2 minutes)                     |
| `DisableAutoSave`      | `False`    | Set to `True` to disable auto-save entirely                                   |
| `SerializerMode`       | `PROTOBUF` | Save format. Leave as `PROTOBUF` unless you know you need otherwise           |
| `DisableConsole`       | `False`    | Set to `True` to disable the in-game server console                           |
| `DefaultPlayerPerm`    | `PLAYER`   | Permission level given to new players: `NONE`, `PLAYER`, `MODERATOR`, `ADMIN` |
| `KeepInventoryOnDeath` | `False`    | If `True`, players keep items when they die                                   |
| `IsHardcore`           | `False`    | If `True`, dead players are kicked permanently                                |

Critical Gotchas [#critical-gotchas]

**`AutoPortForward` must be `False`.** XGamingServer assigns you a port and exposes it for you. UPnP is unavailable in shared hosting; leaving this `True` causes Nitrox to log warnings and may cause connection issues.

**`ServerPort` must match the panel.** If the server console says `Listening on port 11000` but the **Network** tab shows a different port, players cannot connect. Update `ServerPort` to match the panel.

**Each save has its own config.** Changing `SaveName` on **Startup** creates a fresh `server.cfg`. Your old port and password do not carry over.

Alternatives in the Panel [#alternatives-in-the-panel]

Some settings are also exposed in the **Startup** tab without editing the file:

* Save name
* Game mode
* Max connections
* Server password

If a setting exists in both places, the **Startup** value typically wins on next boot.

Related Guides [#related-guides]

* [Server Password](/docs/subnautica/server-password) -- focused walkthrough
* [Game Mode](/docs/subnautica/game-mode) -- Survival vs Freedom vs Hardcore vs Creative
* [Player Slots](/docs/subnautica/player-slots) -- raising `MaxConnections`
* [Troubleshooting](/docs/subnautica/troubleshooting) -- when things go wrong

If you get stuck, join our [Discord](https://discord.xgamingserver.com) and we will help you out.