Sons of the Forest Server Config Generator
Complete Sons of the Forest dedicated server config generator. 47 fields across Identity, Network, Gameplay (PvP, Vail enemies, survival, construction), Save, and Advanced. 4 presets: Default, PVP Hardcore, Chill Co-op, Custom. Live JSON preview, copy + download.
Generate a valid dedicatedserver.cfg.json for Sons of the Forest
Sons of the Forest's dedicated server uses a single JSON file — dedicatedserver.cfg.json — that controls everything from server name and max players to Vail enemy spawn rates, PvP damage levels, tree regrowth, and construction settings. A typo in one field can prevent the server from starting. This generator produces a valid JSON file with every documented key from the current 2026 patch.
Start with a preset. Default is the vanilla Normal-difficulty experience. PVP Hardcore bumps enemy aggression, disables regrowth, enables PvP damage. Chill Co-op removes cannibals, sets peaceful enemies, extends day length. Custom copies Default but sets GameMode to Custom so you can override any single value via the CustomGameModeSettings fields. Click a preset, then tweak individual fields — the live preview on the right updates instantly.
The five tabs organize the 47 fields. Identity covers ServerName, MaxPlayers (game-capped at 8), Password, and the Steam GSLT for Game Server Login Token hosting. Network handles IpAddress, GamePort (default 8766), QueryPort (27016), BlobSyncPort, LAN-only mode, and network accessibility test toggle. Gameplay (28 fields — the biggest tab) covers GameMode enum, TreeRegrowth, Structure.Damage, cheats, PvP damage, Vail enemy health/damage/armour/aggression, season start + length, day length, survival stats regen penalty, and all construction resistance settings. Save handles SaveMode (New vs Continue), SaveSlot folder name, and SaveInterval seconds. Advanced covers framerate targets + log file settings for debugging.
Output format handles the dual-shape structure: top-level keys (ServerName, MaxPlayers) go directly in the root, while gameplay settings (Gameplay.TreeRegrowth, GameSetting.Vail.EnemyHealth, etc.) are nested under GameSettings AND mirrored under CustomGameModeSettings — because when GameMode is set to "Custom", the game reads the CustomGameModeSettings block instead. The generator emits both so your custom overrides survive a GameMode switch.
Deploy in seconds: copy the JSON or download it, save as dedicatedserver.cfg.json in your SotF server's root folder, restart the dedicated server. On XGamingServer's SotF hosting, use the File Manager or SFTP to /home/container/. Server picks up the new config on next start.
Sons of the Forest Server Config Generator — FAQ
Where does dedicatedserver.cfg.json go?
In your SotF dedicated server's root folder (next to SonsOfTheForestDS.exe). On XGamingServer, use File Manager or SFTP to /home/container/. The server reads it on startup — restart after editing.
What does Custom GameMode do?
Setting GameMode to "Custom" makes the server read values from the CustomGameModeSettings block instead of the default GameSettings. This lets you build hybrid difficulties — e.g. Normal enemy health + Hard aggression + long seasons + no tree regrowth. The generator populates both blocks so toggling GameMode doesn't wipe your tweaks.
What's the max player count in Sons of the Forest?
8 concurrent players, game-limited. The MaxPlayers field caps at 8 — setting higher values silently truncates.
What are the Vail enemy settings?
Vail is the name for the game's cannibal and mutant enemies. EnemySpawn toggles them entirely. EnemyHealth / EnemyDamage / EnemyArmour / EnemyAggression are enums (Low / Normal / High / Very High). EnemySearchParties controls whether cannibals actively hunt players across the map (on in Hard+).
Do I need a Steam GSLT?
Only for listing publicly without using your personal Steam account. Leave ServerSteamAccount empty for LAN / private servers. For public server browser listings, create a GSLT at steamcommunity.com/dev/managegameservers (App ID 1326470).
Config Tool Built Into XGamingServer
Get managed Sons of the Forest hosting with this tool in your panel — configure, deploy, and play in minutes. No file uploads needed.