Farming Simulator Installation

This guide shows you step by step how to set up a dedicated Farming Simulator 25 server on a Windows Server or Windows 10/11 machine – including correct port forwarding and firewall settings.

Requirements

• Operating system: Windows 10/11 (64-bit) or Windows Server 2019/2022
• Processor: Quad-core CPU with at least 3.0 GHz, preferably 4.5 GHz+ boost for larger servers
• RAM: At least 8 GB (16 GB recommended for multiple players)
• Storage: 40 GB free SSD storage (plan additional space for mods and backups)
• Network: Stable internet connection with at least 10 Mbps upload
• License: A separate, dedicated copy of Farming Simulator 25 (not the license used for playing)

Step 1: Initial installation and license activation

Install Farming Simulator 25 via Steam, Epic Games or the GIANTS eShop on the server machine. Launch the game once to activate the license. If an error message appears, click "No" – a full program start is not required for activation.

Step 2: Set up port forwarding in the firewall

The following ports must be opened in the Windows Firewall:

• UDP 10823 – Game port (main connection)
• UDP 10824 – Additional game port
• UDP 10825 – Additional game port
• TCP 8080 – Web admin panel (HTTP)
• TCP 8443 – Web admin panel (HTTPS)

Run the following PowerShell commands as administrator to open the ports in the firewall:

New-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName "FS25 Server" -Direction Inbound -LocalPort 8080,8443,10823 -Protocol TCP -Action Allow
New-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName "FS25 Server" -Direction Outbound -LocalPort 8080,8443,10823 -Protocol TCP -Action Allow
New-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName "FS25 Server" -Direction Outbound -LocalPort 10823 -Protocol UDP -Action Allow
New-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName "FS25 Server" -Direction Inbound -LocalPort 10823 -Protocol UDP -Action Allow

Security notice: Ports 8080 and 8443 for the web admin panel should only be accessible on the local network or via VPN. Do not forward these ports to the outside in your router.

Step 3: Configure port forwarding in the router

To allow players from outside to access your server, forward the following ports in your router to the local IP address of the server:

• Port 10823 – TCP and UDP
• Port 10824 – TCP and UDP
• Port 10825 – TCP and UDP

The exact settings vary depending on the router model. On most routers you will find the option under "Port Forwarding".

Step 4: Adjust server configuration

Navigate to the installation directory, by default:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Farming Simulator 25\

Open the file dedicatedServer.xml with a text editor and adjust the following entries:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8" standalone="no" ?>
<dedicatedServer>
    <initial_admin>
        <username>AdminUser</username>
        <passphrase>YourSecurePassword123!</passphrase>
    </initial_admin>
    <name>My FS25 Server</name>
    <password>JoinPassword2025</password>
    <maxPlayers>16</maxPlayers>
    <difficulty>normal</difficulty>
    <savegameIndex>1</savegameIndex>
    <region>eu</region>
</dedicatedServer>

Important: Login credentials are stored in plain text – use a secure, unique password.

Step 5: Start the server

Run the file dedicatedServer.exe as administrator (right-click → "Run as administrator"). The following messages appear in the console:

• Server started
• Admin panel: http://localhost:8080 or https://localhost:8443
• Listening on UDP 10823, 10824, 10825

Step 6: Access web admin panel and configure server

Open a browser and go to the web panel:

https://localhost:8443

Log in with the admin credentials previously set in the dedicatedServer.xml. In the panel you can now:

• Start and stop the server
• Change map, difficulty and economy settings
• Adjust player count and permissions
• Activate or deactivate mods and DLCs
• Manage savegames

Step 7: Connect to the server

Here's how you and your fellow players join the server:

1. Launch Farming Simulator 25
2. Click "Multiplayer" in the main menu
3. Select "Join Game"
4. Search for your server name
5. Select the server and confirm with "Start"
6. Enter server password (if set)

Important notes for continuous operation

• The console window of dedicatedServer.exe must remain open – closing it will shut down the server
• For 24/7 operation, setting up an automatic restart via Windows Task Scheduler is recommended
• Regularly back up the folder C:\Users\<Username>\Documents\My Games\FarmingSimulator2025\
• Always keep mods identical on server and client to avoid "Mod Mismatch" errors