The Forest Dedicated Server: Admin Commands & Configuration Guide
Data Verified: May 2026Complete The Forest dedicated server reference. Configure server config files, manage Steam-only authentication, port forwarding, save management, and hardware for stable 8-player cannibal survival.
Commands & configuration database
| Command | Default Value | Description | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
serverName | The Forest Server | Public server name shown in the in-game browser. | |
serverPlayers | 8 | Maximum concurrent players. Hard cap is 8. | |
serverPassword | (empty) | Password required to join. | |
serverPasswordAdmin | (empty) | Password used to elevate to admin via in-game console. | |
serverSteamPort | 8766 | Steam master server query port. | |
serverGamePort | 27015 | Primary gameplay UDP port. | |
enemyHealth | Normal | Cannibal/mutant HP multiplier (Easy, Normal, Hard). | |
enemyDamage | Normal | Cannibal/mutant damage multiplier. | |
enemySpawn | Normal | Cannibal/mutant spawn frequency. | |
veganMode | false | Disables cannibals and mutants entirely (build-only). | |
treeRegrowth | true | Allows chopped trees to regrow over time. | |
saveSlot | 1 | Save slot used for the current world (1-5). | |
saveInterval | 1200 | Seconds between automatic world saves. |
Showing 13 of 13 configuration parameters.
| Command | Default Value | Description | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
cheatstick on | N/A | Enables the in-game admin cheat console. | |
cs:kickname <name> | N/A | Kicks the named player from the server. | |
cs:bansteamid <steamid> | N/A | Bans the player by Steam64 ID. | |
cs:save | N/A | Forces an immediate world save. | |
cs:shutdown | N/A | Saves and gracefully shuts down the server. | |
cs:dayLength <hours> | N/A | Adjusts in-game day length at runtime. | |
cs:teleport <x> <y> <z> | N/A | Teleports the calling admin to specific coordinates. |
Showing 7 of 7 admin console commands.
Recommended hosting providers
Vetted hosts with one-click The Forest installs. Links are affiliate placeholders and marked rel="sponsored".
One-click The Forest installs handled on Windows backends, avoids the Proton/wine headache.
Visit Nitrado →Pre-configured plans with web-based config editor and save backup scheduling.
Visit GTXGaming →Dedicated Windows boxes ideal for stable long-running 8-player worlds.
Visit Host Havoc →Hardware specifications
Sizing guidance for self-hosting a The Forest dedicated server.
| Tier | Specification | Use case |
|---|---|---|
| Small (1-4 players) | 4 GB RAM / 2-core 3.5 GHz+ CPU | Co-op with vanilla settings. Idles around 2 GB. |
| Standard (4-8 players) | 6-8 GB RAM / 4-core 4.0 GHz+ CPU / SSD | Full 8-player server with active building. Single-thread clock matters most. |
| Heavy / Modded | 12-16 GB RAM / 4-core 4.5 GHz+ Dedicated Node | Heavy mods and large persistent bases; SSD/NVMe required for fast save cycles. |
Default file locations
Default installation paths for The Forest dedicated servers installed via SteamCMD.
Windows
C:\TheForestDedicatedServer\Linux
Use proton/wine: /home/steam/theforestserver/Pro-Tip: Always stop the server completely before editing configuration files, or the server will overwrite your changes upon restart.
Default ports for port forwarding
Open these on your router and firewall before exposing the server to the internet.
| Service | Protocol | Port |
|---|---|---|
| Game Port | UDP | 27015 |
| Query Port | UDP | 27016 |
| RCON / Telnet | TCP | 8766 |
Frequently asked questions
Other dedicated servers you might run
Browse all games →Green Hell
Survival HorrorComplete Green Hell co-op dedicated server guide. Configure Game.json, slot/admin setup, save management, and hardware sizing for 4-player Amazon survival servers.
11 configs · 6 consoleOpen guideMist Survival
Survival HorrorPractical guide to hosting Mist Survival co-op. Covers listen-server tuning, port forwarding, save backups, and hardware sizing for 8-player infected-outbreak survival.
10 configs · 4 consoleOpen guideSCUM
Survival HorrorComplete SCUM dedicated server admin reference. Configure ServerSettings.ini, EconomyOverride.ini, admin commands, vehicle spawning, and hardware sizing for 64-player prison island servers.
13 configs · 11 consoleOpen guideSons of the Forest
Survival HorrorComprehensive Sons of the Forest dedicated server guide. Configure dedicatedserver.cfg, manage adminlist via Steam IDs, open UDP ports, and size hardware for stable 8-player horror survival.
10 configs · 8 consoleOpen guideARK: Survival Evolved
Creature SurvivalComplete ARK: Survival Evolved admin reference. GameUserSettings.ini & Game.ini tuning, taming/harvest multipliers, RCON commands, cluster setup, and hardware sizing for large tribes.
16 configs · 10 consoleOpen guideATLAS
Creature SurvivalComplete ATLAS pirate MMO admin reference. Configure ServerGrid.json grid clusters, RedisDB sharing, taming/harvest rates, and hardware sizing for multi-server PvP fleets.
13 configs · 8 consoleOpen guide