Sandbox / Building Guide

Sons of the Forest

Detailed Sons of the Forest dedicated server setup, config, admin, mods, backups, and troubleshooting guide.

Connect & First Checks

Before editing files

Use Multiplayer > Join and search the dedicated server list, or Steam favorites/direct IP if supported.
Give players the server password if set.
Admins/owners usually require Steam64 IDs in the owner/admin whitelist file.

Stop server before edits

dedicatedserver.cfg	ServerName, passwords, ports, max players, save slot, mode/difficulty, and startup options. Verify exact keys against the generated file because dedicated server builds can change.
ownerswhitelist.txt	Steam64 IDs with owner/admin access when used by the current dedicated server build.
Saves/DedicatedServer	Dedicated server save data.
Config/log folders	Runtime logs and generated settings.

High-use values

ServerName	Server list name.
MaxPlayers	Player cap.
ServerPassword	Private player password.
AdminPassword	Admin access if supported by current build.
SaveSlot	Save identity. Changing it loads/creates a different save.
GameMode / Difficulty	World rules. Changing after creation may have limits.
GamePort / QueryPort	Panel-controlled ports. Use assigned values.

Staff access

Add Steam64 ID to ownerswhitelist.txt if the current template/build uses it.
Restart after editing owner list.
Use admin password/owner features available in the current game build, and verify against the generated config comments.

Install carefully

Dedicated modding is limited and loader-dependent. Treat modded servers as advanced/manual.
Back up saves before changing loaders or mods.

Protect player data

Common tickets

Server not listed	Check query port, full startup, and browser delay.
Owner not working	Wrong Steam64 ID or no restart after ownerswhitelist edit.
Wrong save loaded	SaveSlot changed or save folder path differs.

Docs and sources