# Set up a The Forest Server

Set up a The Forest Server – Step-by-step guide for your The Forest on NexoraHost.

**Quick answer:** Set up your server step by step – check requirements, install files, configure ports and start the service.

  A dedicated **The Forest** server allows you to play survival co-op with friends,
  build bases together, and explore the island without relying on a host player.

  In this guide, you will learn how to set up and run your The Forest server at NexoraHost.

## Requirements

  - An active The Forest gameserver at NexoraHost
- Access to the gameserver panel
- Basic file access (start/stop/configuration)

## Starting the Server

### 1. Log in to the Panel

  Log in to your gameserver panel.

### 2. Select your The Forest Server

  Choose your The Forest server from the server list.

### 3. Start the Server

  Click:

`Start`

  The first startup may take a few minutes while all required files are generated.

## Connecting to the Server

### Via In-Game Browser

  Launch The Forest and open the multiplayer menu.

  Search for your server name or connect directly via IP.

`IP-ADDRESS:PORT`

Example:

`123.123.123.123:8766`

## Server Configuration

### 1. Change Server Name

  The server name can usually be changed in the configuration or startup parameters:

`ServerName="NexoraHost The Forest Server"`

### 2. Set Player Limit

`maxplayers=8-16`

  Tip: The Forest performs best with a lower player limit due to AI and physics load.

### 3. Set a Password

  To make your server private, you can set a password:

`password="MySecurePassword"`

## Important Settings

  - Max Players
- Difficulty Level
- Friendly Fire (on/off)
- Day/Night Cycle

## Ports

  
    
      Port
      Purpose
    

  
  
    
      8766
      Game Port (default)
    

    
      27015
      Steam Query (optional)
    

  

## Performance Tips

  - Keep player count low for stability
- Use strong CPU hosting
- Restart the server regularly
- Avoid overly large bases

## Common Issues

### Server not showing up

  - Server fully started?
- Ports correctly opened?
- Wrong filter settings in server browser?

### Connection failed

  - Wrong IP or port
- Server is offline
- Firewall blocking connection

### Lag or performance issues

  - Too many players
- Not enough CPU performance
- High AI/physics load

## Conclusion

  Setting up a The Forest server is relatively simple, but performance depends heavily on CPU power and player limits.
  Proper configuration ensures a stable and smooth co-op experience.

```
## Related guides

    - [Gameserver hub](/en/gameserver)
- [Firewall & ports](/en/root-v-server/firewall-ports)
- [DNS issues](/en/domain/dns-what-is-it)

*Host at NexoraHost: [nexorahost.com](https://nexorahost.com)*