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DDraceNetwork: Set Up a Server on Your VPS

Learn how to set up and configure a DDraceNetwork server on your VPS and open its port → Find out more

10 November 20263 min read0 Views0 helpful

Introduction

You can run a DDraceNetwork server (DDNet) on your own VPS with ZapX. DDNet is not yet included in the Game Server Installer, so you’ll need to set up the server manually. It’s quick and easy: DDNet is open source, the server is included in the official download, and it doesn’t require Steam. This guide explains what you need, how to install and configure the server, and which port to open.

Requirements

RequirementDDraceNetwork
Operating systemWindows Server or Linux (64-bit), e.g. Debian or Ubuntu
Server filesOfficial download from ddnet.org, includes DDNet-Server
AccessWindows: Remote Desktop · Linux: SSH
Info

DDNet is not yet available in the Game Server Installer, so you’ll need to install the server yourself. To use a different operating system, install a different template under Settings > Reinstallation. This deletes all data on your VPS. Learn more in Server Reinstallation.

Configuration

When it starts, the server reads the autoexec_server.cfg file. The included version in the data folder also loads the myServerconfig.cfg file at the end. Add your own settings there so DDNet updates don’t overwrite them. Create myServerconfig.cfg in the DDNet user folder: %APPDATA%\DDNet on Windows or ~/.local/share/ddnet on Linux.

The most important settings, one per line:

Code
sv_name "My DDNet Server"
sv_port 8303
sv_register 1
password ""
sv_rcon_password "<RCON-PASSWORD>"
sv_map "Tutorial"
sv_max_clients 64
SettingMeaning
sv_nameName shown in the server list
sv_portServer port. If you don’t specify one, the server selects an available port between 8303 and 8310, so set it explicitly.
sv_register1 adds the server to the public server list. The example configuration uses 0.
passwordPassword required to join; leave empty for an open server
sv_rcon_passwordPassword for the admin console. If you don’t set one, the server generates a random password on startup and displays it in its output.
sv_mapMap the server starts with
sv_max_clientsMaximum number of players

You can find all other settings in the official list of settings and commands.

Ports and firewall

PortProtocolUse
8303UDPGame (value of sv_port)

Allow the port through your operating system’s firewall: on Windows, use the Windows Firewall (Manage Windows Defender Firewall rules); on Linux, follow the instructions in Set up a Linux firewall. Also open it in the ZapX dashboard under the Network Firewall tab for your VPS.

Tip

You can also manage the server without joining the game through the external console (Econ). It only becomes active when you set ec_port and ec_password, and by default it listens only locally on the server (ec_bindaddr localhost).

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Download the Windows 64-bit or Linux x86-64 version from ddnet.org and extract it. The download includes the DDNet-Server; you don’t need Steam.
Add your settings to myServerconfig.cfg in the DDNet user folder (%APPDATA%\DDNet on Windows or ~/.local/share/ddnet on Linux). The included autoexec_server.cfg loads this file, so updates won’t overwrite your settings.
The port specified by sv_port, usually 8303 (UDP). Set it explicitly; otherwise, the server selects an available port between 8303 and 8310.

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