Core Keeper: Dedicated Server & SteamCMD Mod Setup Guide

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Hey guys! Ready to take your Core Keeper experience to the next level? Setting up a dedicated server is the way to go if you want a persistent world where you and your friends can explore, mine, and battle those giant bosses anytime, even when the host isn't online. Plus, adding mods through SteamCMD? That's the secret sauce for endless possibilities and customized gameplay. So, let's dive into how you can get your very own Core Keeper dedicated server up and running with all the mods you could ever dream of!

Why You Should Host a Dedicated Core Keeper Server

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty, let's quickly cover why setting up a dedicated server is a total game-changer. Sure, you can play with friends through the in-game hosting option, but a dedicated server offers so much more:

  • Always-On World: This is the big one. A dedicated server runs 24/7, meaning your world is always accessible. No more waiting for the host to be online to continue your adventure.
  • Improved Performance: Dedicated servers are designed to handle multiple players and complex game mechanics. This translates to smoother gameplay, fewer lag spikes, and an overall better experience, especially with larger groups.
  • Modding Paradise: This is where things get really exciting! With a dedicated server and SteamCMD, you can install mods that add new content, change gameplay mechanics, and completely transform your Core Keeper experience. Imagine new items, enemies, biomes, and even entirely new game modes! The possibilities are truly endless, making the game fresh and exciting even after countless hours of gameplay.
  • Customization and Control: You're the boss! A dedicated server gives you complete control over server settings, player permissions, and even the ability to ban troublemakers. It's your world, your rules.
  • Community Building: Hosting your own server is a fantastic way to build a community of like-minded players. You can create a unique space where everyone feels welcome, shares their creations, and collaborates on epic projects. It’s like having your own little corner of the Core Keeper universe!

What You'll Need to Get Started

Okay, you're convinced, right? Awesome! Here's what you'll need to embark on this dedicated server adventure:

  • A Computer (or VPS): This is the heart of your server. It needs to be powerful enough to handle the game and the number of players you expect. A desktop PC works great, but a Virtual Private Server (VPS) is an even better option for 24/7 uptime. Think of a VPS as renting a powerful computer in a data center – it’s reliable, always online, and often offers better performance than a home PC.
  • A Stable Internet Connection: Your server needs a solid internet connection to ensure smooth gameplay for everyone. A wired connection is always preferable to Wi-Fi for stability and speed.
  • SteamCMD: This is the command-line version of the Steam client, and it's essential for downloading and updating the Core Keeper server files. Don't worry, it's not as scary as it sounds! We'll walk you through it.
  • Core Keeper Server Files: These are the actual game files that will run your server. We'll use SteamCMD to download them directly from Steam.
  • Basic Technical Skills: Don't worry, you don't need to be a coding wizard! But a basic understanding of file management, command lines, and server concepts will definitely come in handy. If you're new to this, don't sweat it – this guide will break everything down step-by-step.

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Your Core Keeper Dedicated Server

Alright, let's get down to business! Here's a detailed walkthrough of how to set up your Core Keeper dedicated server:

Step 1: Install SteamCMD

SteamCMD is our trusty tool for downloading the server files. Here's how to install it on different operating systems:

  • Windows:
    1. Download SteamCMD from the official Steam website.
    2. Create a new folder on your computer (e.g., C:\SteamCMD).
    3. Extract the downloaded SteamCMD files into this folder.
    4. Run SteamCMD.exe. It will download some additional files – just let it do its thing.
  • Linux:
    1. Open your terminal.
    2. Run the following command to install SteamCMD: sudo apt-get install steamcmd (on Debian/Ubuntu) or sudo yum install steamcmd (on CentOS/RHEL).

Step 2: Download the Core Keeper Server Files

Now that SteamCMD is installed, let's use it to grab those server files:

  1. Open SteamCMD.
  2. Log in anonymously by typing login anonymous and pressing Enter.
  3. Set the installation directory by typing force_install_dir <your_server_directory> (e.g., force_install_dir C:\CoreKeeperServer or force_install_dir /home/corekeeper/server) and pressing Enter. Remember to replace <your_server_directory> with the actual path to your desired server folder.
  4. Download the Core Keeper server files by typing app_update 1963720 validate and pressing Enter. This will take some time, so grab a snack and be patient. The number 1963720 is the App ID for the Core Keeper dedicated server on Steam.
  5. Once the download is complete, type quit and press Enter to exit SteamCMD.

Step 3: Configure Your Server

The server files are downloaded, but we need to configure a few things before launching the server.

  1. Navigate to your server directory (the one you set in SteamCMD).
  2. Find the DedicatedServerConfig.json file. This is where the magic happens!
  3. Open this file with a text editor (Notepad, VS Code, etc.).
  4. Here's a breakdown of some key settings you'll want to adjust:
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