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The most common issues with your Portal Knights server on VPS and how to fix them quickly, from connection errors to lag → Learn more
Running your own Portal Knights server on VPS is a lot of fun, but it also means taking responsibility when things go wrong. Crashes, lag, and configuration issues are common challenges that every server owner encounters eventually.
To help you spend less time troubleshooting, we’ll cover the most common issues here and show you how to fix them quickly on your VPS.
FAQ
hideConsoleWindow is set to true in server_config.json, stop the server using Task Manager. Set the value to false if you want the window to be visible again.dedicated_server.zip from your game installation to the VPS and extract it over the old files. Back up server_config.json and the save folder first.Feedback
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The causes of server issues aren’t always immediately obvious. The best place to start is the server output: the server creates a log file in its folder the first time it starts. You can also see what it’s doing in the console window for pk_dedicated_server.exe, as long as you haven’t set hideConsoleWindow to true. For instructions on setting up your server, see Portal Knights: Set up a server on your VPS.
Portal Knights doesn’t have a public server list or matchmaking, so your players need to add the server themselves using its IP address and port. If they can’t connect, first check that the server is running and that they’re using the correct IP address, port, and password for their user group, and that their group is allowed to log in (canLogin). Then check that the port in server_config.json (16365/UDP by default) is open in your operating system’s firewall and your VPS’s Network Firewall. The server and game must also be running the same version.
Start pk_dedicated_server.exe manually and check the console window and log file. Common causes include a typo in server_config.json (all entries must use ASCII or UTF-8), a port already in use by another program, or insufficient memory. If you’ve changed the configuration, try reverting the change.
Nothing ends a great session faster than an unexpected crash. Causes can include an outdated server version, faulty mods, an overloaded VPS, or a misconfiguration. To get your server running again after a crash, restart pk_dedicated_server.exe, for example using a task in Task Scheduler.
An outdated server can cause crashes, unexpected behavior, or startup issues, and often prevents players with a newer game version from connecting. Updates aren’t installed automatically. After a game update, copy the new dedicated_server.zip from your game installation to the VPS and extract it over the old server files. Back up server_config.json and the save folder first.
Crashes are often caused by faulty or outdated mods and add-ons, especially after a game update. Try disabling additional content and starting with a minimal configuration. If the issue goes away, add the content back one item at a time and test after each step. This helps you identify exactly what’s causing the problem.
Issues such as lag or delays often occur when the configuration isn’t suitable, the VPS doesn’t have enough resources, or add-ons are overloading the system.
Unsuitable settings can increase resource usage and cause lag. Check the values in server_config.json, such as the world size setting universeSize. Stop the server before editing the file, then start it again afterward.
The amount of memory and CPU your Portal Knights server needs depends on the number of players and your settings. The operating system and other programs on the VPS also need resources. You can see how heavily your VPS is loaded in the ZapX dashboard under Monitoring. If the memory or CPU is consistently maxed out, upgrading your VPS can help. Learn more in Upgrades, downgrades, renewals, and cancellations.
Ping spikes and lag are usually caused by limited VPS resources, a large number of players, or a server location far from your players. First, check the load under Monitoring. If you suspect routing issues, see Identify network issues with WinMTR/MTR. If you’re still having trouble, contact our support team.
Game servers are sometimes targeted by DDoS attacks that flood the server with traffic. Your VPS is protected by our DDoS protection. You can view past attacks in the DDoS Manager for your VPS in the ZapX dashboard, if it’s available at your location. If you suspect an attack is causing issues, contact our support team.
Regular backups can save you a lot of stress. Back up the save folder and server_config.json regularly, ideally with the server stopped. The server doesn’t use Steam Cloud. In addition, your entire VPS is backed up automatically every day. With an active ZapX Pass, you can restore these backups yourself and create your own backups. Learn more in Daily backups, restoring, and restricted actions.
These steps should help you resolve the issue. If they don’t, feel free to contact our support team: simply start a Support Chat in your ZapX customer account. We’re here for you every day and happy to help! 🙂
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