Conan Exiles private server: installation and setup on VPS/dedicated server

To run your own Conan Exiles server for 10-20 players, you'll need a VPS with a minimum of 4 GB RAM, 2-4 vCPU (preferably 3.0 GHz or higher), and 80-120 GB NVMe SSD, which will cost approximately $15-30 per month. For larger communities of up to 40-60 players or with a significant number of mods, it's better to consider a dedicated server with 8-16 GB RAM and 4-6 physical cores.

Conan Exiles is an exciting open-world survival game that allows players to explore vast lands, build fortresses, and fight monsters and other players. While official servers provide a ready-made gaming experience, many prefer to create their own Conan Exiles server. This gives full control over the world, rules, mods, and community, ensuring a unique and personalized gameplay experience. In this article, we will detail how to install and configure a Conan Exiles dedicated server on a VPS or dedicated server, and provide recommendations for choosing the optimal hosting.

What VPS or Dedicated Server is Needed for Conan Exiles?

Choosing the right hosting is a key factor for stable and comfortable gameplay on a Conan Exiles server. Resource requirements can vary significantly depending on the number of players, mod usage, and the overall size of the game world. The correct configuration ensures no lags or crashes, providing an enjoyable experience for all participants.

Minimum Requirements for a Small Conan Exiles Server (1-10 players)

For a small group of friends or a family server with up to 10 simultaneous players, relatively modest resources can suffice. It's important to understand that "minimum" here means basic functionality without frills and with possible performance drops during peak loads or intense in-game events.

• Processor (CPU): 2 vCPU with a clock speed of 2.5 GHz or higher. It is desirable that these are cores with high single-thread performance. Conan Exiles responds well to single-thread performance.
• Random Access Memory (RAM): 4 GB DDR4. This will be enough for the server core and a small game world without many constructions and NPCs.
• Disk: 80 GB NVMe SSD. NVMe drives are significantly faster than traditional SATA SSDs and HDDs, which is critical for fast world loading and game data processing. Conan Exiles works intensively with files, so disk speed is important.
• Network Bandwidth: 100 Mbps. This is usually sufficient for 1-10 players.

Recommended Characteristics for Comfortable Play (10-40 players)

If you plan to run a server for a wider range of players or want to ensure maximum comfort without lags, especially during active building and PvP, you should aim for more powerful configurations. This is especially relevant for Conan Exiles hosting, which must withstand dynamic loads.

• Processor (CPU): 4 vCPU or 2-4 physical cores with a clock speed of 3.0 GHz or higher. High frequency and a sufficient number of cores ensure smooth operation of the game world, physics processing, and AI.
• Random Access Memory (RAM): 8-16 GB DDR4. As the number of players and the complexity of the world increase (more buildings, items, NPCs), RAM consumption significantly rises. 8 GB is a good start, 16 GB is for more serious projects.
• Disk: 120-200 GB NVMe SSD. A larger and faster disk will allow storing more game data, logs, and, if necessary, several backups.
• Network Bandwidth: 1 Gbps. A high-speed connection minimizes latency and ensures stable data exchange between the server and clients.

Impact of Mods and Plugins on Performance

Mods are one of the main reasons users want their own Conan Exiles server. They can drastically change gameplay, add new items, mechanics, or even entire regions. However, mods are also a major factor increasing server load.

• Content-adding mods: New items, creatures, buildings, textures – all of this requires more RAM and disk space.
• Mechanics-altering mods: Modifications to AI, loot systems, crafting, or PvP can significantly increase CPU load, as the server has to perform more complex calculations.
• Mod optimization: Not all mods are equally well optimized. Some may have "memory leaks" or inefficient code, leading to performance degradation.

If you plan to use a large number of mods or particularly "heavy" modifications, always add extra RAM and CPU. A server with 16-32 GB RAM and 4-8 physical cores will be optimal for heavily modified builds.

Table: Conan Exiles Server Requirements Comparison

Parameter	Small Server (1-10 players)	Medium Server (10-40 players)	Large/Modified Server (40+ players)
CPU	2 vCPU, 2.5+ GHz	4 vCPU or 2-4 physical cores, 3.0+ GHz	6-8 physical cores, 3.5+ GHz
RAM	4 GB DDR4	8-16 GB DDR4	16-32 GB DDR4
Disk	80 GB NVMe SSD	120-200 GB NVMe SSD	200-500 GB NVMe SSD
Network	100 Mbps	1 Gbps	1 Gbps
OS	Linux (Ubuntu 20.04+)	Linux (Ubuntu 22.04+)	Linux (Ubuntu 22.04+)
Approx. VPS/Dedicated Cost	$15-30/month	$30-80/month	$80-200+/month

Why Do You Need Your Own Conan Exiles Server? Advantages of Dedicated Hosting

Many players wonder if it's worth investing in a Conan Exiles dedicated server when official servers are available. The answer is simple: your own server provides a level of freedom and control unattainable on public platforms. This is especially relevant for those who want to create a unique gaming space for themselves and their community.

Full Control and Customization of the Gaming Experience

The main advantage of your own Conan Exiles server is the ability to customize every aspect of the game to your needs. You can:

• Change game rules: Resource gathering speed, experience, damage, time of day, PvP rules, monster difficulty, and much more.
• Install mods: Integrate any modifications from the Steam Workshop to add new items, mechanics, maps, or fix what you don't like in the vanilla game.
• Create unique events: Organize PvP tournaments, PvE events, role-playing scenarios using administrative commands.
• Build a community: You decide who can play on your server, set behavioral rules, and manage moderation.

Stability and Performance Without Compromises

Public servers often experience performance issues due to overload, poor quality hardware, or insufficient funding. Conan Exiles hosting on your own VPS or dedicated server solves these problems:

• Dedicated resources: All computing power (CPU, RAM, disk) is available only to your server, eliminating the influence of "neighbors" on the hosting.
• Minimal latency (ping): Choosing a data center located close to your audience significantly reduces ping and improves the gaming experience.
• Reliability: Modern hosting providers, such as Valebyte, offer highly available infrastructure with redundancy and 24/7 monitoring, ensuring maximum uptime.

If you are interested in setting up other game servers, check out our article on how to set up your own ARK Survival Ascended server.

DDoS Protection and Data Security

Game servers are often targets for DDoS attacks, which can take them offline, ruining the gaming experience. A good hosting provider offers built-in protection:

• Hardware and software protection: Valebyte uses a multi-layered DDoS protection system that filters malicious traffic, preventing it from reaching your server.
• Data security: You have full control over your data, can set up regular backups, and ensure the confidentiality of the game world and players' personal information.

Preparation for Installing Conan Exiles Dedicated Server on Linux (Ubuntu/Debian)

To install a Conan Exiles server on a VPS or dedicated server, we will use the Linux operating system, specifically Ubuntu or Debian, as they are the most popular and well-documented distributions. The process involves several steps, starting with OS selection and ending with the installation of necessary tools.

Operating System Selection and Initial Setup

The optimal choice for a game server is Ubuntu Server LTS (Long Term Support) version 20.04 or 22.04. These versions provide long-term support and stability. Debian is also an excellent choice, offering high reliability.

After deploying your VPS or dedicated server with the chosen OS, connect to it via SSH. Initial setup includes updating the system and creating a new user to run the server (this is good security practice; do not run the server as root).

1. System Update:

   sudo apt update
   sudo apt upgrade -y

2. Create a new user (e.g., conan) and grant sudo privileges:

   sudo adduser conan
   sudo usermod -aG sudo conan

3. Switch to the new user:

   su - conan

   All subsequent commands will be executed by this user, unless otherwise specified.

Installing SteamCMD: The Essential Tool

SteamCMD is a Steam console client that allows you to download and update game server files. It is the primary tool for installing a Conan Exiles dedicated server.

1. Install necessary dependencies:

   sudo apt install lib32gcc-s1 lib32stdc++6 curl -y

   These libraries are required for 32-bit Steam applications to run on a 64-bit system.
2. Create a directory for SteamCMD and navigate into it:

   mkdir ~/steamcmd
   cd ~/steamcmd

3. Download SteamCMD:

   curl -sqL "https://steamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/client/installer/steamcmd_linux.tar.gz" | tar zxvf -

4. Run SteamCMD:

   ./steamcmd.sh

   On its first run, SteamCMD will update and install all necessary components. You will see the Steam> prompt.

If you are interested in monitoring your application logs on a VPS, check out our article on installing and configuring Dozzle on a VPS.

Step-by-Step Installation and Launch of Conan Exiles Dedicated Server

After preparing the system and installing SteamCMD, you can proceed directly to downloading and launching the Conan Exiles server for the first time.

Downloading Server Files via SteamCMD

Inside SteamCMD, execute the following commands to download the server files:

Steam> login anonymous
Steam> force_install_dir /home/conan/conan-server
Steam> app_update 443030 validate
Steam> quit

• login anonymous: Log in to Steam anonymously.
• force_install_dir /home/conan/conan-server: Specifies the directory where server files will be installed. It is recommended to use a separate directory for organization.
• app_update 443030 validate: Command to download Conan Exiles Dedicated Server files. 443030 is the game's App ID. validate checks the integrity of the files after download.

This process may take some time depending on your internet connection speed and the size of the game files (several tens of gigabytes).

First Configuration and Launch of Conan Exiles Server

After downloading the files, navigate to the server directory:

cd /home/conan/conan-server/ConanSandbox/Binaries/Linux

For the first launch, it is recommended to use the StartServer.sh script, which is located in the server's root directory. It will create the necessary configuration files.

/home/conan/conan-server/StartServer.sh -log -Port=7777 -QueryPort=27015 -RconPort=27020 -MaxPlayers=40

• -log: Enables log output to the console.
• -Port=7777: Main port for game connections.
• -QueryPort=27015: Port for server information queries (used by Steam clients).
• -RconPort=27020: Port for remote administration.
• -MaxPlayers=40: Maximum number of players.

The server will start loading. On the first launch, this can take up to 15-30 minutes as it generates the map and necessary files. After a successful launch, you will see messages indicating the server is ready. To run the server in the background, use screen or tmux:

sudo apt install screen -y
screen -S conan_server
/home/conan/conan-server/StartServer.sh -log -Port=7777 -QueryPort=27015 -RconPort=27020 -MaxPlayers=40

After starting the server inside screen, you can detach from the session by pressing Ctrl+A, then D. To reattach to the session, use screen -r conan_server.

Configuring Firewall Rules (UFW) and Ports

For players to connect to your Conan Exiles dedicated server, you need to open the corresponding ports in the VPS firewall. We will use UFW (Uncomplicated Firewall), which is pre-installed in Ubuntu.

1. Allow SSH connections:

   sudo ufw allow ssh

2. Allow ports for Conan Exiles:

   sudo ufw allow 7777/udp
   sudo ufw allow 27015/udp
   sudo ufw allow 27020/tcp

   • 7777/udp: Main game port.
   • 27015/udp: Port for Steam queries.
   • 27020/tcp: Port for RCON (remote administration).
3. Enable UFW:

   sudo ufw enable

   Confirm the action by pressing y.
4. Check UFW status:

   sudo ufw status verbose

   Make sure all necessary ports are open.

Now your Conan Exiles server should be accessible for external connections.

Conan Exiles Server Configuration: Fine-Tuning Gameplay

Fine-tuning your Conan Exiles server allows you to adapt the gameplay to the specific needs of your community. All main parameters are stored in configuration files, which are generated during the server's first launch.

Main Configuration Files: ServerSettings.ini and Game.ini

The main configuration files are located in the directory:

/home/conan/conan-server/ConanSandbox/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/

You will need two key files:

1. ServerSettings.ini: This file contains general server settings such as server name, administrator password, maximum number of players, PvP/PvE settings, experience multipliers, resource gathering, and much more.
2. Game.ini: This file is used for deeper gameplay settings, such as parameters for specific items, crafting, creature AI, and for connecting mods.

Example of editing ServerSettings.ini:

nano /home/conan/conan-server/ConanSandbox/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/ServerSettings.ini

Here are some important parameters you can change:

[ServerSettings]
ServerName=My Awesome Conan Exiles Server
ServerPassword=
AdminPassword=Your_Admin_Password_Here
MaxPlayers=40
PVPEnabled=False ; True for PvP, False for PvE
RestrictPVPBuilding=False
PlayerDamageMultiplier=1.0
HarvestAmountMultiplier=2.0 ; Double the amount of resources gathered
XPValueMultiplier=3.0 ; Triple the experience gained
DayCycleSpeedScale=0.5 ; Speed up day/night cycle by half
PurgeLevel=5 ; Purge level
CanDamagePlayerOwnedStructures=False ; Disable damage to player-owned structures
ChatGlobal=True
ChatLocal=True
EnableSandstorm=True
ItemSpoilRateMultiplier=0.5 ; Reduce item spoilage rate by half

After making changes, save the file (Ctrl+O, Enter) and close the editor (Ctrl+X). To apply the changes, you must restart the server.

If you're looking for a way to create a centralized dashboard for managing servers, consider installing Homepage on a VPS.

Configuring Server Parameters via Web Interface (if used)

Some users prefer to use ready-made control panels for Conan Exiles hosting, such as Pterodactyl, AMP (Application Management Panel), or Steam Game Server Managers (LGSM). These panels provide a convenient web interface for server management, including:

• Starting, stopping, restarting the server.
• Editing configuration files via a graphical interface.
• Mod management.
• Resource and log monitoring.
• Creating backups.

The installation of such panels is beyond the scope of this article, but they significantly simplify administration, especially for those not very familiar with the Linux command line.

Managing Game Rules and Administration

Within the game, you can use administrative commands to manage the server and players. For this, you will need the AdminPassword you set in ServerSettings.ini.

1. Join your server in the game.
2. Press Esc, then Settings.
3. Go to the Server Settings tab.
4. Enter your AdminPassword in the "Admin Password" field and click "Make Me Admin".
5. Open the console by pressing ~ (tilde) and enter commands.

Some useful administrative commands:

• TeleportPlayer X Y Z: Teleport a player.
• SummonPlayer : Summon a player to your location.
• KickPlayer : Kick a player from the server.
• BanPlayer : Ban a player.
• GiveItem : Give yourself an item.
• God: Enable god mode.
• Ghost: Enable ghost mode (fly through objects).

A full list of commands can be found on the official Conan Exiles wiki.

Installing Mods on Your Conan Exiles Server: Expanding Gameplay

Mods are one of the main reasons players create their own Conan Exiles server. They allow for significant expansion and alteration of the gameplay experience. The process of installing mods on a dedicated server differs from installing them on a client game.

Finding and Choosing Compatible Mods

All mods for Conan Exiles are available in the Steam Workshop. When choosing mods, consider the following:

• Compatibility: Ensure the mod is up-to-date and compatible with the current game version. Authors usually indicate this in the description.
• Load order: Some mods require a specific load order to avoid conflicts. Read descriptions carefully.
• Performance: Large or poorly optimized mods can significantly increase the load on your Conan Exiles dedicated server.
• Reviews and ratings: Pay attention to feedback from other users.

Once you find the mod you need, you will need its ID. It is found in the mod's URL in the Steam Workshop (e.g., id=123456789).

Mod Installation Process on a Dedicated Server

Installing mods on a Conan Exiles server consists of several steps:

1. Creating a mod directory:

   On the server, create a Mods directory if it doesn't already exist:

   mkdir -p /home/conan/conan-server/ConanSandbox/Mods

2. Downloading mods via SteamCMD:

   Each mod must be downloaded using SteamCMD. Execute the following commands, replacing [ModID] with the actual mod ID:

   cd ~/steamcmd
   ./steamcmd.sh
   Steam> login anonymous
   Steam> workshop_download_item 440900 [ModID]
   Steam> quit

   440900 is the App ID of the Conan Exiles game itself (not the server).

   After downloading, the mod files will be located in ~/steamcmd/steamapps/workshop/content/440900/[ModID].

3. Copying mods to the server directory:

   Copy the mod files (usually a .mod file) to the ConanSandbox/Mods directory:

   cp ~/steamcmd/steamapps/workshop/content/440900/[ModID]/[ModFileName].mod /home/conan/conan-server/ConanSandbox/Mods/

   Repeat for each mod. Some mods may have additional files that also need to be copied or installed according to the mod author's instructions.

4. Editing modlist.txt:

   In the directory /home/conan/conan-server/ConanSandbox/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/, there is a file named modlist.txt. Open it for editing:

   nano /home/conan/conan-server/ConanSandbox/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/modlist.txt

   In this file, specify the paths to your .mod files, each on a new line. The load order is important if specified by the mod author.

   /Game/Mods/ModFileName1.mod
   /Game/Mods/ModFileName2.mod
   /Game/Mods/ModFileName3.mod

   Save the file and close the editor.

5. Restarting the server:

   Restart the Conan Exiles server for the mods to load.

Note that clients connecting to your server must also have the same mods installed, otherwise they will not be able to join.

For another popular server, you can read our article on how to set up your own Palworld server.

Troubleshooting Conflicts and Problems with Mods

Mods can cause conflicts, server crashes, or client crashes. Here are some troubleshooting tips:

• Check server logs: Log files (in ConanSandbox/Saved/Logs/) contain valuable information about mod loading errors.
• Add mods one by one: If you are installing multiple mods, add them one at a time, restarting the server after each, to quickly identify the problematic mod.
• Check load order: Ensure mods are loaded in the correct order if required.
• Remove incompatible mods: If a mod causes persistent issues, it may be incompatible with your game version or other mods.
• Consult the community: Steam forums and mod Discord servers are great places to find help.

Monitoring and Maintenance of Conan Exiles Server: Stability and Security

Maintaining a stable Conan Exiles server requires regular monitoring and maintenance. This includes backups, timely updates, and security measures.

Server Data Backup

Backups are the most important part of any server maintenance. Loss of progress due to a crash, error, or hack can be catastrophic. It is recommended to set up automatic backups.

1. What to back up: The entire /home/conan/conan-server/ConanSandbox/Saved/ directory contains all your world data, settings, and player progress.
2. Where to back up:
   • Locally: To another disk or another directory on the same VPS/dedicated server.
   • Remotely: To cloud storage (S3-compatible, Google Drive, Dropbox) or another server. This is the preferred option, as it protects against data loss in case of primary disk failure.
3. How often: Daily for active servers, weekly for less active ones. Always make a backup before major game updates or installing new mods.

Example of a simple command to create an archive:

tar -czvf /home/conan/backups/conan_backup_$(date +%F).tar.gz /home/conan/conan-server/ConanSandbox/Saved/

This command can be added to cron for automatic execution.

Updating Conan Exiles Dedicated Server

Conan Exiles developers regularly release updates that add new content, fix bugs, and improve performance. It is important to keep your Conan Exiles dedicated server up to date to maintain compatibility with player clients and receive the latest improvements.

1. Stop the server: Always stop the server before updating. If you are using screen:

   screen -r conan_server
   # Inside screen, press Ctrl+C or type 'quit' in the server console

2. Make a backup: Always make a backup before updating, in case something goes wrong.
3. Run SteamCMD and update:

   cd ~/steamcmd
   ./steamcmd.sh
   Steam> login anonymous
   Steam> force_install_dir /home/conan/conan-server
   Steam> app_update 443030 validate
   Steam> quit

   SteamCMD will automatically download only the changed files.

4. Start the server: After the update, start the server as usual.

Sometimes, after major updates, changes to configuration files or reinstallation of some mods may be required. Always check official announcements from developers and mod authors.

For other game servers, update and maintenance issues are also relevant. For example, you can learn how to set up your own V Rising server.

DDoS Protection and Security Measures

Although most providers, such as Valebyte, offer built-in DDoS protection, it is important to take additional steps to ensure the security of your Conan Exiles server.

1. Use strong passwords: For SSH, the server's administrative panel, and in-game RCON.
2. Restrict SSH access: Use key-based authentication instead of passwords and change the default SSH port (22) to another one.
3. Configure UFW: As shown earlier, UFW should be enabled and allow only necessary ports.
4. Regularly update the OS: The command sudo apt upgrade -y should be run regularly to receive the latest security patches.
5. Monitor logs: Regularly review server logs for suspicious activity.

Monitoring and Security Recommendations

1. Set up server status notifications: Use monitoring tools (e.g., Zabbix, Prometheus, or simple scripts with Telegram notifications) to track CPU, RAM, disk usage, and network connection status.
2. Check server logs: Regularly review log files in /home/conan/conan-server/ConanSandbox/Saved/Logs/ for errors, warnings, or suspicious activity.
3. Use fail2ban: Install fail2ban to automatically block IP addresses that attempt to brute-force SSH or other services.

   sudo apt install fail2ban -y
   sudo systemctl enable fail2ban
   sudo systemctl start fail2ban

4. Limit the number of admins: Grant administrative privileges only to trusted individuals.
5. Create a separate user account to run the server: As we did at the beginning, do not run the server as the root user.

Solving Common Problems When Working with a Conan Exiles Server

Even with careful configuration, problems can arise with a Conan Exiles dedicated server. Knowing common issues and how to resolve them will help quickly restore server functionality.

Connection and Server Visibility Issues

• Server not visible in the list:
  • Check ports: Ensure that ports 7777/udp, 27015/udp, and 27020/tcp are open in the firewall (UFW) and on the provider's side (if applicable).
  • Correct IP address: Make sure players are using the correct external IP address of your VPS/dedicated server.
  • Steam master servers: Sometimes there are delays in server registration with Steam master servers. Wait 10-15 minutes.
  • Direct connection: Try connecting to the server directly via the in-game console (~) with the command Connect [IP-address]:7777.
• "Connection Lost" or "Timed Out" error:
  • Network issues: Check the stability of the internet connection on both the server and the client.
  • Server overload: If the server is overloaded (high CPU or RAM usage), it may not be able to process requests in time, leading to timeouts. Check server logs and use htop to monitor resources.
  • IP blocking: Ensure that your IP address or the player's IP address is not blocked by the server's firewall or the provider.

Performance Errors and Crashes

• High CPU/RAM usage:
  • Mods: The most common cause. Try disabling mods one by one to identify the problematic one.
  • Number of players: Your server may not be able to handle the current number of players. Consider upgrading your VPS/dedicated server.
  • World optimization: A large number of constructions, especially complex ones, can heavily load the server.
  • Memory leaks: Check logs for recurring errors indicating memory issues.
• Server crashes without apparent reason:
  • Check logs: The first thing to do is examine the logs in /home/conan/conan-server/ConanSandbox/Saved/Logs/. They usually indicate the cause of the crash. Look for words like "Error", "Crash", "Fatal".
  • Updates: Ensure that the server and all mods are updated to the latest versions. Sometimes crashes are caused by version incompatibility.
  • Corrupted files: Run app_update 443030 validate in SteamCMD to check and restore corrupted server files.
  • Disk issues: Make sure there is enough free disk space and no file system errors.
• Progress saving issues:
  • Permissions: Ensure that the user running the server (conan in our case) has full write permissions to the ConanSandbox/Saved/ directory.
  • Disk space: Insufficient disk space can prevent files from being saved.

Regular maintenance and monitoring, as well as timely response to problems, will help keep your Conan Exiles server in excellent condition. If you encounter problems that you cannot solve on your own, do not hesitate to contact your hosting provider's support or seek help from the Conan Exiles community.

Conclusion

Creating and managing your own Conan Exiles server on a VPS or dedicated server provides unparalleled control over the gameplay, allowing you to adapt the world to any community needs and preferences. For stable operation, we recommend choosing a VPS with NVMe SSD, at least 8-16 GB RAM, and 4 vCPU. Valebyte offers flexible tariff plans capable of satisfying both small groups of players and large, heavily modified servers. By following these instructions, you will be able to launch, configure, and maintain your Conan Exiles dedicated server, ensuring a unique and reliable gaming experience for yourself and your friends.