Gamer Hosting: Useful Software KiwamiServer Setup Guide for [Conan Exiles] Gamers
Game Server Requirements
Setting up a dedicated server for Conan Exiles demands a careful consideration of hardware and network specifications to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all players. The foundational principle guiding these requirements is the dynamic nature of the game itself, which involves persistent world simulation, complex AI, and numerous player interactions within a vast open-world environment.
At the core, the Central Processing Unit (CPU) is paramount. Conan Exiles is known to be CPU-intensive, particularly with a high player count and extensive base building. A multi-core processor with a high clock speed is highly recommended. While the game can technically run on a dual-core processor, a quad-core CPU with a clock speed of 3.0 GHz or higher is generally considered the minimum for a stable experience with a moderate number of players (e.g., 10-20). For larger communities or servers with numerous mods, an Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 equivalent, or even a server-grade CPU like an Intel Xeon E3 or E5 series, with 3.5 GHz or higher clock speeds and at least four to six cores, will provide significantly better performance and prevent bottlenecks (Computer Architecture: A Quantitative Approach). The game's engine, Unreal Engine 4, leverages multiple threads, making core count a crucial factor in handling concurrent processes such as AI pathfinding, physics calculations, and player data synchronization.
Random Access Memory (RAM) is another critical component. The base game without any mods typically requires a minimum of 8 GB of RAM for the server process itself. However, this figure escalates rapidly with increased player slots, active mods, and the sheer scale of player-built structures. Each player connected to the server consumes a certain amount of memory, and mods, especially those that introduce new assets or complex scripts, can significantly inflate RAM usage. For a server aiming to host 20-40 players with a moderate mod list, 16 GB of RAM is a more realistic starting point. For larger communities (40+ players) or heavily modded servers, 32 GB or even 64 GB of RAM might be necessary to prevent memory-related crashes and ensure consistent performance (Operating Systems: Internals and Design Principles). Insufficient RAM can lead to frequent server lag, stuttering, and even outright crashes, severely impacting the player experience.
Storage type and capacity are also vital. While the initial installation size of Conan Exiles is substantial, the game continuously generates world data, player inventories, and log files. A Solid State Drive (SSD) is highly recommended over a traditional Hard Disk Drive (HDD) for the operating system and, crucially, for the game server files. The faster read/write speeds of an SSD drastically reduce loading times for the world, player data, and assets, leading to a much smoother experience for players connecting to the server and during in-game events that require data retrieval (Data Storage: Fundamentals, Technologies, and Applications). A minimum of 200 GB of SSD space is advisable for the game and its associated files, with more space allocated if extensive logging or frequent backups are planned. For servers with a large number of players and a long lifespan, 500 GB or even 1 TB of SSD space might be prudent to accommodate future growth and prevent storage constraints.
Network connectivity is the final pillar of a robust Conan Exiles server. A high-bandwidth, low-latency internet connection is indispensable. The server needs to constantly communicate with all connected clients, sending and receiving data packets related to player positions, actions, world state, and chat messages. A symmetrical connection (equal upload and download speeds) is ideal, as the server is both sending and receiving a significant amount of data. A minimum upload speed of 50 Mbps is generally recommended for a server hosting 20-30 players, with this requirement increasing proportionally with the player count. For larger servers, 100 Mbps or even 1 Gbps symmetrical connections are highly beneficial. Latency, measured in milliseconds (ms), should be as low as possible. High latency (ping) between the server and players results in noticeable lag, rubberbanding, and desynchronization, severely detracting from the gameplay experience A stable, wired Ethernet connection is always preferred over Wi-Fi for server hosting due to its superior reliability and lower latency. Furthermore, the server's location relative to its player base can significantly impact latency; choosing a data center geographically close to the majority of your players will yield the best results.
In summary, the optimal Conan Exiles server configuration balances CPU power, ample RAM, fast SSD storage, and a robust network connection. These elements work in concert to provide a seamless and responsive gaming environment, crucial for the immersive and demanding nature of Conan Exiles.
Beginner's Guide
Embarking on the journey of hosting your own Conan Exiles server can seem daunting, but with a structured approach, even novices can establish a thriving digital realm. This guide will walk you through the fundamental steps, from initial setup to basic configuration, ensuring a solid foundation for your Exiled Lands adventure.
The very first step is to choose your hosting method. You essentially have two primary options: self-hosting or using a dedicated game server provider. Self-hosting involves running the server software on your own computer or a spare machine at home. This offers maximum control and is often free, but it demands significant technical expertise, a powerful home internet connection, and the machine must remain on 24/7. Furthermore, your home internet's upload speed might be a bottleneck, and you'll need to configure port forwarding on your router, which can be a security risk if not done correctly (Networking for Dummies). For most beginners, especially those prioritizing reliability and ease of use, a dedicated game server provider is the superior choice. These providers offer pre-configured server instances, robust infrastructure, and often 24/7 support, abstracting away much of the technical complexity.
Once you've selected a hosting provider, the next step is to provision your server. This typically involves choosing a server location (geographically close to your intended player base for optimal ping), selecting the desired RAM and CPU specifications based on your anticipated player count and mod usage (refer to the "Game Server Requirements" section), and completing the purchase. Most providers offer a user-friendly control panel, often based on popular solutions like TCAdmin or Pterodactyl, which simplifies server management.
Upon successful provisioning, you'll gain access to your server's control panel. The initial setup usually involves installing the Conan Exiles server application. Many providers offer a one-click installation feature, which automates the download and deployment of the game server files. If not, you might need to manually download the server files via SteamCMD (Steam Command Line Interface) and upload them to your server via an FTP client (File Transfer Protocol) like FileZilla (Mastering Linux). Ensure the server software is always up-to-date, as game developers frequently release patches and updates that address bugs, improve performance, and introduce new content.
With the server software installed, the next crucial phase is basic configuration. The primary configuration file for Conan Exiles is ServerSettings.ini, located within the server's ConanSandbox\Saved\Config\WindowsServer directory. This file contains a multitude of settings that govern gameplay mechanics, server rules, and administrative options. You can typically edit this file directly through your hosting provider's control panel file manager or by downloading it via FTP, editing it with a text editor (like Notepad++), and re-uploading it.
Key settings to consider adjusting in ServerSettings.ini include:
ServerName: This is the name that will appear in the in-game server browser. Choose something descriptive and appealing.
ServerPassword: If you want to create a private server, set a password here. Leave it blank for a public server.
MaxPlayers: Defines the maximum number of players that can connect simultaneously. Adjust this based on your server's resources and community size.
PVPEnabled: Set to True for Player vs. Player combat, False for Player vs. Environment (PvE).
HarvestAmountMultiplier: Controls the amount of resources players gather. A value of 1.0 is default; 2.0 doubles it.
XPMultiplier: Adjusts the rate at which players gain experience points.
DayCycleSpeedScale: Modifies the speed of the in-game day/night cycle.
PurgeLevel: Controls the difficulty and frequency of the Purge event.
AdminPassword: Crucially, set a strong password for server administration. This allows you to use in-game admin commands.
After making changes to ServerSettings.ini, always save the file and restart your server for the changes to take effect. It's good practice to make small, incremental changes and test them to avoid introducing multiple issues simultaneously.
Another important configuration file is Engine.ini, found in the same directory. While less frequently modified by beginners, it can contain settings related to server performance and network optimization. For instance, you might find settings related to tick rate or network buffer sizes here, though these are often best left at default unless you have a specific reason to alter them.
Finally, consider installing mods. Conan Exiles boasts a vibrant modding community, and mods can significantly enhance the gameplay experience. Most hosting providers offer a "Mod Manager" or provide instructions on how to install mods. This usually involves subscribing to mods on the Steam Workshop, obtaining their Workshop IDs, and then adding these IDs to a modlist.txt file on your server. Always ensure that the mods you choose are compatible with your server's game version and with each other to prevent crashes.
By following these steps, you'll successfully launch your Conan Exiles server, ready to welcome fellow exiles to your custom-tailored world. Remember to regularly back up your server data and stay informed about game updates to ensure a stable and enjoyable experience.
Hosting Service Comparison and Recommendations
Choosing the right hosting service for your Conan Exiles server is a pivotal decision that directly impacts performance, reliability, and your overall administrative experience. The market is saturated with providers, each offering a unique blend of features, pricing, and support. This section will compare key aspects and recommend services tailored for the demanding nature of Conan Exiles and the expectations of a gaming community.
When evaluating hosting providers, several critical factors come into play:
Performance (CPU, RAM, SSD): As detailed in the "Game Server Requirements" section, Conan Exiles is resource-intensive. Prioritize providers that offer robust hardware, specifically high-clock-speed CPUs (Intel i7/Ryzen 7 or server-grade equivalents), ample RAM (16GB+ for moderate servers, 32GB+ for large/modded), and SSD storage for optimal loading times and responsiveness. Avoid providers that offer only HDD storage for game servers.
Network Infrastructure: Look for providers with low-latency data centers strategically located near your target player base. A high-bandwidth, low-latency connection is paramount for a smooth multiplayer experience. Providers that offer DDoS protection are also a significant advantage, safeguarding your server from malicious attacks (Computer Networks).
Control Panel and Ease of Use: A user-friendly control panel (e.g., TCAdmin, Pterodactyl, or a custom solution) simplifies server management tasks such as starting/stopping the server, installing mods, editing configuration files, and accessing server logs. One-click mod installation and automatic updates are highly desirable features for convenience.
Customer Support: Responsive and knowledgeable 24/7 customer support is invaluable, especially when troubleshooting unexpected issues. Check for multiple support channels (live chat, tickets, phone) and read reviews regarding their support quality.
Pricing and Scalability: Compare pricing models, ensuring transparency with no hidden fees. Consider whether the provider offers easy scalability, allowing you to upgrade CPU, RAM, or storage as your community grows without significant downtime or migration hassles.
Backup Solutions: Reliable automatic backup systems are crucial to protect your server's progress and configurations from data loss due to hardware failure, accidental deletion, or corrupted files.
Based on these criteria, here are some highly-regarded hosting providers often recommended for Conan Exiles servers, categorized by their strengths:
A. For Balanced Performance and Features (Recommended for most users):
GPORTAL: GPORTAL is a well-established name in game server hosting, known for its robust infrastructure and user-friendly interface. They offer dedicated resources, including high-performance CPUs and SSDs, ensuring excellent Conan Exiles performance. Their control panel is intuitive, featuring easy mod installation and automatic backups. GPORTAL boasts data centers worldwide, allowing for optimal ping for diverse player bases. Their support is generally responsive, and their pricing is competitive for the quality of service provided. They often include DDoS protection as standard.
Nitrado: Nitrado is another popular choice, particularly for its comprehensive feature set and global presence. They offer a custom-built control panel that is highly regarded for its ease of use, including a robust mod manager. Nitrado provides reliable hardware and network infrastructure, with good uptime and performance for Conan Exiles. Their pricing structure is flexible, allowing users to scale resources as needed. They also offer strong customer support and integrated DDoS protection.
B. For High-Performance and Large Communities:
Survival Servers: Survival Servers specializes in survival game hosting, making them particularly adept at handling the demands of Conan Exiles. They emphasize high-performance hardware, including fast CPUs and NVMe SSDs, which are crucial for large, heavily modded servers. Their control panel is functional, and they offer good flexibility in configuration. While potentially slightly more expensive, their focus on performance makes them a strong contender for servers aiming for maximum player capacity and minimal lag.
Host Havoc: Host Havoc is known for its commitment to high-quality hardware and network stability. They utilize enterprise-grade hardware, including powerful CPUs and NVMe SSDs, which translates to excellent Conan Exiles performance. Their custom control panel is designed for ease of use, and they offer comprehensive DDoS protection. Host Havoc's support is often praised for its quick response times and technical expertise, making them a reliable choice for demanding server owners.
C. For Budget-Conscious Users (with caveats):
GameServers.com: GameServers.com has been in the game hosting business for a long time. While their pricing can be attractive, it's crucial to scrutinize the specific hardware allocated to your server. Older plans might use less powerful CPUs or HDDs, which could lead to performance issues with Conan Exiles. However, their newer offerings often provide better specifications. They offer a functional control panel and decent support, but it's essential to ensure the chosen plan meets the game's requirements.
Recommendations Summary:
For most Conan Exiles server owners, GPORTAL and Nitrado offer an excellent balance of performance, features, ease of use, and support. They are reliable choices that can comfortably host moderate to large communities with a reasonable number of mods.
If you are building a very large community, plan on extensive modding, or simply demand the absolute best performance regardless of cost, Survival Servers or Host Havoc are superior options due to their focus on high-end hardware and optimized infrastructure.
When making your final decision, always take advantage of any trial periods or money-back guarantees offered by providers. Read recent user reviews, but also consider that individual experiences can vary. The best hosting service is ultimately the one that best fits your specific needs, budget, and technical comfort level while providing a stable and enjoyable experience for your Conan Exiles community.
Troubleshooting
Even with the most meticulously configured server, issues can arise. Effective troubleshooting is a critical skill for any Conan Exiles server administrator, allowing you to diagnose and resolve problems swiftly, minimizing downtime and player frustration (The Art of Debugging). This section outlines common server issues and systematic approaches to resolve them.
1. Server Not Starting/Crashing on Startup:
Check Server Logs: This is your first and most important step. Server logs (typically found in ConanSandbox\Saved\Logs or accessible via your hosting control panel) provide detailed information about what the server is doing and where it encounters errors. Look for keywords like "Error," "Failed," "Crash," or specific file paths that might indicate a missing or corrupted file.
Verify Game Files: Corrupted or incomplete game files are a common culprit. Most hosting providers offer a "Verify Files" or "Repair Server" option in their control panel. If self-hosting, use SteamCMD's validate command.
Mod Conflicts/Outdated Mods: Mods are a frequent source of startup issues.
Disable All Mods: Temporarily remove all mods from your modlist.txt and try starting the server. If it starts, re-enable mods one by one to identify the problematic one.
Check Mod Compatibility: Ensure all mods are updated to the latest version and are compatible with your current Conan Exiles server version. Outdated mods can cause crashes after game updates.
Configuration File Errors: Incorrect syntax or invalid values in ServerSettings.ini or Engine.ini can prevent startup.
Revert to Default: If you've recently made changes, revert to a known working configuration or use a default ServerSettings.ini to see if the issue persists.
Syntax Check: Ensure all entries are correctly formatted (e.g., SettingName=Value, no extra spaces, correct capitalization).
Insufficient Resources: While less common for startup, if your server is severely under-resourced (e.g., not enough RAM), it might struggle to even initialize. Review your server's CPU and RAM usage.
2. High Ping/Lag/Rubberbanding:
Server Location: The geographical distance between the server and players is the primary determinant of ping. If players are experiencing high ping, ensure the server is located in a data center close to the majority of your player base.
Server Resources: Lag is often a symptom of an overloaded server.
CPU Usage: High CPU utilization (consistently above 90%) indicates the processor is struggling to keep up. This can be due to too many players, complex base designs, or CPU-intensive mods.
RAM Usage: If RAM is consistently near 100% utilization, the server is likely swapping data to disk, causing significant slowdowns.
Disk I/O: Slow disk read/write speeds (e.g., using an HDD instead of an SSD) can cause lag, especially during world loading or when many players are interacting with storage.
Network Congestion:
Server-Side: Check your hosting provider's network status. Temporary network issues at the data center can cause widespread lag.
Client-Side: Advise players to check their own internet connection, especially if only a few players are experiencing lag.
DDoS Attacks: If your server is under a DDoS attack, network performance will plummet. Ensure your hosting provider offers DDoS protection.
Mod Impact: Some mods, particularly those with inefficient scripting or complex calculations, can be performance hogs. Monitor server performance after installing new mods.
3. Players Unable to Connect:
Server Status: First, confirm the server is actually running and not crashed.
Firewall Issues:
Server-Side: Ensure the necessary ports for Conan Exiles (default: UDP 27015, UDP 7777, UDP 7778) are open in the server's firewall. Hosting providers usually handle this, but if self-hosting, you'll need to configure your operating system's firewall and potentially your router's port forwarding (Networking for Dummies).
Client-Side: Advise players to check their own firewalls and antivirus software, as these can sometimes block game connections.
Incorrect IP Address/Port: Players might be trying to connect to the wrong IP address or port. Double-check and provide the correct connection details.
Server Password: If your server is password-protected, ensure players are entering the correct password.
Game Version Mismatch: If the server or client is not on the latest game version, connection issues can occur. Ensure both are updated.
Max Players Reached: If the server is full, new players cannot join.
4. Admin Commands Not Working:
Admin Password: Ensure you have correctly set the AdminPassword in ServerSettings.ini and are entering it correctly in-game using the MakeMeAdmin
Syntax Errors: Double-check the syntax of your admin commands. Many commands are case-sensitive or require specific parameters.
Permissions: Ensure the account attempting to use admin commands has been successfully elevated to administrator status.
Systematic Troubleshooting Approach:
Isolate the Problem: Determine if the issue is affecting all players or just a few. Is it constant or intermittent? Did it start after a specific change (e.g., new mod, configuration change, game update)?
Check Logs: Always consult server logs for error messages or warnings.
Restart the Server: A simple restart can often resolve temporary glitches or memory leaks.
Revert Changes: If the issue started after a configuration change or mod installation, revert those changes one by one.
Test in a Controlled Environment: If possible, try to replicate the issue on a test server or a local instance to narrow down the cause.
Consult Community Resources: The Conan Exiles official forums, Reddit, and Discord communities are excellent resources for troubleshooting common issues. Many problems have already been encountered and solved by others.
Contact Hosting Support: If you've exhausted your own troubleshooting steps, contact your hosting provider's support. Provide them with detailed information, including log snippets and steps you've already taken.
By adopting a methodical approach and leveraging available resources, you can effectively troubleshoot most Conan Exiles server issues, maintaining a stable and enjoyable environment for your players.
Performance Optimization Tips
Achieving optimal performance for a Conan Exiles server is an ongoing process, crucial for retaining players and ensuring a fluid gameplay experience. Given the game's demanding nature, even well-provisioned servers can benefit from strategic optimizations. These tips focus on maximizing resource utilization and minimizing bottlenecks.
1. Server Hardware and Configuration:
Prioritize SSD/NVMe: As previously emphasized, ensure your server's operating system and game files reside on a Solid State Drive (SSD) or, ideally, a Non-Volatile Memory Express (NVMe) drive. The superior read/write speeds drastically reduce loading times and improve overall responsiveness, especially during intense world interactions or player logins.
Adequate RAM: Monitor your server's RAM usage. If it consistently hovers near its maximum, consider upgrading. Insufficient RAM leads to excessive disk swapping, which is a major performance killer.
High Clock Speed CPU: Conan Exiles benefits significantly from high per-core clock speeds. While more cores are good, a CPU with fewer, faster cores can sometimes outperform one with many slower cores for this specific application.
Operating System Optimization:
Minimal OS: Run a lean server operating system (e.g., a minimal Windows Server installation or a lightweight Linux distribution if supported by your host) to reduce background processes and free up resources for the game server.
Disable Unnecessary Services: Turn off any non-essential services or applications running on the server that consume CPU or RAM.
Power Settings: Ensure the server's power plan is set to "High Performance" to prevent the CPU from throttling.
2. In-Game Server Settings (ServerSettings.ini):
Player Count (MaxPlayers): This is the most direct lever for performance. While a server might technically support 70 players, the actual smooth player count depends heavily on hardware, mods, and player activity. Gradually increase MaxPlayers and monitor performance. A lower, stable player count is better than a higher, laggy one.
Purge Settings (PurgeLevel, PurgeInterval): Purges can be very resource-intensive due to AI pathfinding and combat calculations. Consider adjusting PurgeLevel to a lower value or increasing PurgeInterval to reduce their frequency if performance dips during these events.
Harvesting/XP Multipliers: While not directly performance-related, excessively high multipliers can lead to rapid base expansion and a denser world, indirectly increasing server load over time.
Building Restrictions (Mod/Plugin Dependent): Some server owners use mods or plugins to limit the size or density of player bases, which can significantly reduce the server's rendering and physics load.
Decay System (DecayTimeMultiplier): Ensure the decay system is active and appropriately configured. This helps remove abandoned structures, preventing world clutter and reducing the server's persistent object count, which can impact performance over time.
3. Mod Management:
Audit Mods Regularly: Not all mods are created equal. Some are poorly optimized or contain inefficient scripts that can severely impact server performance.
Test Mods Individually: When adding new mods, test them one by one to identify any performance hogs.
Consult Mod Reviews: Look for feedback from other server owners regarding a mod's performance impact.
Remove Unused/Problematic Mods: Be ruthless in removing mods that are no longer needed or are causing performance issues.
Mod Order: While less critical for Conan Exiles than some other games, ensuring a logical mod load order can sometimes prevent conflicts that might indirectly lead to performance issues. Follow mod author recommendations.
4. Database and World Management:
Regular Backups: While primarily for data recovery, frequent backups can sometimes help identify when performance degradation began, allowing you to pinpoint the cause.
Database Optimization (Advanced): For self-hosted servers, or if your host provides advanced access, optimizing the SQLite database used by Conan Exiles (e.g., using VACUUM command) can sometimes improve performance, though this is an advanced task and should be done with caution and backups (SQL and Relational Databases).
World Resets (Last Resort): For long-running servers, especially those with high player turnover, a complete world reset can dramatically improve performance by clearing out old, unused data and structures. This is a drastic measure and should only be considered after consulting your community.
5. Network Optimization:
DDoS Protection: While not directly performance-enhancing, robust DDoS protection prevents malicious attacks from crippling your server's network performance.
Server Tick Rate (Advanced): Some advanced server configurations or mods might allow adjusting the server tick rate. A higher tick rate provides a more responsive experience but consumes more CPU. Only adjust this if you have ample CPU headroom and understand the implications.
Bandwidth Monitoring: Monitor your server's network bandwidth usage. If it's consistently maxed out, it could indicate a bottleneck or even a DDoS attack.
6. Monitoring and Analysis:
Resource Monitoring Tools: Utilize your hosting provider's control panel statistics or server-side monitoring tools (e.g., htop on Linux, Task Manager on Windows) to track CPU, RAM, and disk I/O usage in real-time.
Log Analysis: Regularly review server logs for warnings or errors that might indicate underlying performance issues.
Player Feedback: Pay attention to player reports of lag or performance issues. They are often the first to notice problems.
By diligently applying these optimization techniques, you can significantly enhance your Conan Exiles server's performance, providing a smoother, more enjoyable, and ultimately more engaging experience for your community.
Technical Q&A
This section addresses common technical questions that arise when setting up and managing a Conan Exiles server, providing concise and authoritative answers to help administrators navigate complex issues.
Q1: What are the essential ports that need to be open for a Conan Exiles server?
A1: The primary ports required for a Conan Exiles server are UDP 27015 (Steam Query Port), UDP 7777 (Game Port), and UDP 7778 (Raw UDP Port). These ports must be open in your server's firewall and, if self-hosting, forwarded on your router to allow external connections. Some hosting providers may use different default ports, so always confirm with your specific host (Networking for Dummies).
Q2: How do I become an administrator on my Conan Exiles server?
A2: To become an administrator, you first need to set an AdminPassword in your ServerSettings.ini file. After restarting the server with the password set, connect to your server in-game. Open the console (usually by pressing the ~ or F1 key) and type MakeMeAdmin
Q3: My server is lagging, but resource usage (CPU/RAM) seems normal. What could be the issue?
A3: If CPU and RAM usage appear normal, consider these possibilities: * Network Latency/Bandwidth: The issue might be with the server's internet connection (high ping, low upload speed) or client-side network issues. * Disk I/O Bottleneck: Even with an SSD, if the drive is heavily fragmented or experiencing high read/write operations from other processes, it can cause lag. * Mod Inefficiency: A poorly optimized mod can cause lag without necessarily maxing out CPU or RAM, especially if it's performing inefficient calculations or frequent, small database queries. * Database Bloat: Over time, the game's SQLite database can grow large and become less efficient, leading to slower data retrieval. * Geographical Distance: High ping due to a distant server location will manifest as lag for players, even if the server itself is performing well.
Q4: How do I install mods on my Conan Exiles server?
A4: The general process involves: 1. Subscribing to the desired mods on the Conan Exiles Steam Workshop. 2. Locating the modlist.txt file in your server's ConanSandbox\Saved\Config\WindowsServer directory (or equivalent). 3. Adding the Workshop ID of each mod to a new line in the modlist.txt file. The Workshop ID is the numerical part of the mod's Steam Workshop URL. 4. Ensuring the mod files themselves are downloaded to your server. Many hosting panels have a "Mod Manager" that automates this. If self-hosting, you might need to manually download them via SteamCMD or ensure they are present in the ConanSandbox\Mods folder. 5. Restarting your server for the mods to load. Always check mod compatibility and load order recommendations from the mod authors.
Q5: My server crashes frequently. How can I identify the cause?
A5: Frequent crashes almost always leave clues in the server logs. * Analyze Logs: The ConanSandbox\Saved\Logs directory is crucial. Look for the last few lines before a crash, specifically for "Error," "Fatal," or "Crash" messages. These often point to a specific file, function, or mod. * Mod Conflicts: The most common cause of crashes. Disable mods one by one or in batches to isolate the problematic mod or combination of mods. * Outdated Server/Mods: Ensure both your Conan Exiles server application and all installed mods are updated to their latest versions. * Corrupted Files: Verify your server's game files through your hosting panel or SteamCMD. * Resource Exhaustion: While less common for immediate crashes, consistently running out of RAM can lead to instability and eventual crashes. Monitor resource usage (Operating Systems: Internals and Design Principles).
Q6: Can I transfer my Conan Exiles server save data to a new host or a different server instance?
A6: Yes, you can. The server save data is typically located in the ConanSandbox\Saved directory. The most important files are usually within the Saved\Games folder (e.g., game.db and associated .ini files). To transfer: 1. Stop your old server. 2. Download the entire Saved folder (or at least Saved\Games) via FTP. 3. Upload these files to the corresponding ConanSandbox\Saved directory on your new server. 4. Ensure the new server's configuration (e.g., ServerSettings.ini) matches your old server's settings as closely as possible, especially regarding map name and mod list, to prevent data corruption. 5. Start the new server. Always back up your save data before attempting any transfers.
Q7: What is the difference between PvE and PvP servers, and how do I change it?
A7: * PvE (Player vs. Environment): Players cannot directly attack each other or destroy each other's bases. The focus is on surviving the environment, building, and fighting AI enemies. * PvP (Player vs. Player): Players can attack each other and destroy bases, leading to a more competitive and often brutal experience. You can change this setting in your ServerSettings.ini file by modifying the PVPEnabled parameter. Set PVPEnabled=True for PvP and PVPEnabled=False for PvE. Remember to save the file and restart your server for the change to take effect.
Q8: How often should I back up my server?
A8: Regular backups are paramount. The frequency depends on your server's activity and how much progress you're willing to lose. For active servers, daily backups are highly recommended. Many hosting providers offer automated daily or even hourly backups. If self-hosting, implement a robust backup schedule using scripts or third-party tools. Always store backups in a separate location from the live server.