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7 Days to Die

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7 Days to Die Server Setup Guide (V3.0)

Step by step: create a 7 Days to Die server at RespawnHost, get an overview of the V3.0 changes and learn about the self-hosting route via app ID 294420.

Last updated July 20, 2026 · RespawnHost

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Creating a 7 Days to Die server at RespawnHost

This guide takes you from ordering to your first join on your own 7 Days to Die server — up to date for V3.0 “Dead Hot Summer” (stable since June 29, 2026, currently V3.0.1). The server itself is online in under 90 seconds.

What’s new in V3.0?

V3.0 launched as Experimental on June 15, 2026 and went stable on June 29, 2026 — for the first time simultaneously on PC, Xbox Series and PS5, with crossplay from day one. The highlights:

FeatureWhat it means
~150 sandbox optionsA huge sandbox menu with a shareable code — also the foundation of the new server configuration
11 presetsReady-made game modes, including the default “Undead Matinee”, Madmole’s Mayhem, Bite Club (permadeath) and Chibi Mode
Item MagnitudeItems with an orange star and boosted stats
Combine StationA new station for combining items
60+ new POIsNew places to explore and loot — they only appear in newly generated chunks and worlds

Most important for server owners: serverconfig.xml was radically restructured — details in serverconfig.xml & SandboxCode.

Note

The next major update, V4.0, is slated for later in 2026 (bandits, story, learn-by-doing). These details come from the community roadmap and are not binding — content and timing may change. A V3.1 is not planned.

Requirements

  • A RespawnHost account — register here
  • Credit on your account (prepaid system, top up via PayPal or credit card, for example)
  • 7 Days to Die on Steam, PS5 or Xbox Series

Step 1: Start your order

  1. Open the 7 Days to Die order page and click Get your server.
  2. Log in if you haven’t already.

Step 2: Choose a billing model

RespawnHost offers two models — you pick during checkout:

ModelHow it worksIdeal for
Fixed packageFixed price for a term, paid upfront from your creditAlways-on servers, communities
Pay-per-useBilled by the second — you only pay while the server is runningCasual sessions, weekend runs

Step 3: Choose a package and location

  • Package: For a small group on a standard-size map, 8–12 GB is a good start; large maps and mods need more. Details in How much RAM does a 7 Days to Die server need?
  • Location: Pick the location closest to you and your fellow players.

Complete the order — the server installs automatically and is ready in under 90 seconds.

Choose your billing model and package — from 4 GB to 32 GB RAM

Step 4: Set the basics

In the panel under Configuration you set the essentials: server name, password, max players, map (GameWorld) and — new in V3.0 — the SandboxCode that carries all gameplay rules. What each value does and how to generate the SandboxCode is covered in serverconfig.xml & SandboxCode.

Step 5: Start the server and connect

  1. Click Start in the panel. On the first start with a random-gen world, the server generates the map — this takes a few minutes depending on world size.
  2. Launch 7 Days to Die, open Join a Game and enter the IP and port from the panel — or search for your server by name in the server browser.

Tip

Set up automatic backups in the panel — especially before updates, map changes and configuration experiments.

How do I self-host? (In brief)

The dedicated server runs on Steam under app ID 294420 (installable as the free “7 Days to Die Dedicated Server” tool, or via SteamCMD). You then configure it through the bundled serverconfig.xml and open the required ports in your firewall or router. Keep in mind: the machine has to run permanently so friends can join anytime — including electricity costs, port forwarding and updates handled by you. A rented server takes exactly that off your plate.

Frequently asked questions

Can I switch packages at any time? Yes — at RespawnHost you can adjust your package in the panel whenever your world or player count grows.

Will my old V2.6 save keep working on V3.0? No forced wipe was required for the jump to V3.0, but a fresh map is recommended — among other reasons because the 60+ new POIs only appear in new chunks. Details in Maps, saves & wipes.

Can console players join my server? Yes — since V3.0, dedicated servers support crossplay with PS5 and Xbox Series, with a few mandatory settings and restrictions. Everything about it in the crossplay guide.

Next steps