How to create a dedicated server for Dark And Light

Create a Dark and Light dedicated server yourself: download the server files with SteamCMD, start DNLServer.exe with a batch file and open ports 27015 and 27016. Or skip it all with a hosted server.

Creating a Dark and Light game server is an easy process that can be done on a dedicated server or on your home computer. Alternatively, you can order a ready-to-play server from GTXGaming: see Dark and Light server hosting.

Step 1: Get the Dark and Light dedicated server files with SteamCMD

The best method to get the dedicated server files is SteamCMD.

1. Create a folder where you want to store your Dark and Light game server files.
2. Place the newly downloaded SteamCMD.exe file inside that folder.
3. Create a batch file named SteamCMD.bat.
4. Place the following code in this batch file:

   "" steamcmd.exe +login YOURUSER YOURPASS +force_install_dir "C:\Some\Path\Where\You\Want\Game\Server\Files\To\Go" +app_update 529180 validate +quit

5. Right-click SteamCMD.bat and choose Run as Administrator.
6. Your game server files should now be completely downloaded.

Step 1 (alternate method): Locate the game server files on your hard drive

You can host Dark and Light directly from the game itself. If you want to change any settings, locate your common folder:

1. Right-click Dark and Light in Steam and select Properties.
2. Click the Local Files tab.
3. Click the Browse Local Files button.

Step 2: Set up the Dark and Light dedicated server

1. Create a batch file named DNLServer.bat in your new SteamCMD folder (Step 1) or in your common Steam folder (Step 1, alternate method).
2. Place the following code in this batch file:

   start "C:\dnlserver\DNLServer\Binaries\Win64\DNLServer.exe" "DNL_ALL?Multihome=X.X.X.X?Port=27015?QueryPort=27016?SessionName=YOURSERVERNAME?MaxPlayers=20?ServerAdminPassword=YOURADMINPASSWORD" -no steam client -game -server -log

Replace X.X.X.X with your server's IP, and set your own server name, player count and admin password. The original guide noted that more information would follow once the server files were released.

Step 3: Port forwarding

Add an incoming rule to your Windows Firewall to allow UDP port 27015 as well as 27016 (or whichever ports you are using).

You may also need to add a forwarding rule to your network router. PortForward.com explains how to do this for most routers.

How to join your server

1. Update your server to the newest DNL version. On a GTX server, use the Steam Update button in the game panel; on another host, ask your game server host about this.
2. Right-click Steam in the taskbar icons of your PC and select Servers.
3. Select Dark and Light as your game at the bottom, and join your server.

Configuring the Dark and Light server

To change game server settings, open \DNLServer\Saved\Config\WindowsServer\GameUserSettings.ini

You can change settings in this file in addition to the launch line. The settings in this file overwrite your start line settings.

Dark and Light server questions

How do I create a Dark and Light dedicated server?

Which ports does a Dark and Light server use?

Can I get a Dark and Light server without setting it up myself?

Want your own Dark and Light server without the setup? See Dark and Light server hosting.

Related guides

• Use admin commands (ARK and Dark and Light)
• How to connect to your server RCON
• All Dark and Light guides
• Dark and Light server hosting

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