Server Setup Guide for [Eco] Gamers

Game Server Requirements

Establishing a dedicated server for Eco, a complex simulation game, necessitates a thorough understanding of its underlying resource demands. Unlike simpler, less resource-intensive titles, Eco's dynamic world, intricate ecological systems, and persistent player interactions place significant strain on server hardware. The primary considerations revolve around processing power, memory allocation, storage speed, and network bandwidth.

At the core of any server's performance lies its Central Processing Unit (CPU). For Eco, a multi-core processor is not merely beneficial but often essential. The game's simulation engine, which meticulously tracks resource flows, animal populations, plant growth, and player-built structures, can distribute these computational tasks across multiple cores. A single-core processor, even one with a high clock speed, will quickly become a bottleneck, leading to noticeable lag and a degraded player experience. Academic literature on game server architecture frequently emphasizes the importance of parallel processing for complex simulations. Specifically, a CPU with at least four physical cores, operating at a base clock speed of 3.0 GHz or higher, is a recommended starting point. Processors from Intel's Xeon or i7/i9 series, or AMD's Ryzen 7/9 series, are typically well-suited for this role, offering both high clock speeds and sufficient core counts. The instruction set architecture (ISA) and cache size also play a role, with larger caches generally improving performance by reducing the latency of data access.

Memory, or Random Access Memory (RAM), is another critical component. Eco is known for its memory-intensive nature, particularly as the world evolves and more players join. Each chunk of the game world, every item, every creature, and every player action consumes a portion of the server's RAM. Insufficient RAM will force the server to rely on slower disk-based virtual memory (swapping), leading to significant performance degradation. For a small server catering to 2-4 players, 8 GB of RAM might suffice, but this is a bare minimum. As the player count increases and the world becomes more developed, 16 GB is a more realistic starting point, with 32 GB or even 64 GB being advisable for larger communities or servers intended for long-term play. The type of RAM also matters; DDR4 or DDR5 memory with higher clock speeds (e.g., 3200 MHz or higher) will offer better performance than older, slower modules. Error-Correcting Code (ECC) RAM, while more expensive, can enhance server stability by detecting and correcting memory errors, a valuable feature for mission-critical applications like game servers.

Storage speed is often overlooked but is paramount for Eco. The game's world data, player inventories, and server logs are constantly being read from and written to disk. A traditional Hard Disk Drive (HDD) with spinning platters will introduce significant I/O bottlenecks, causing stuttering and slow loading times. Solid State Drives (SSDs) are a non-negotiable requirement. Specifically, NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) SSDs, which connect directly to the PCIe bus, offer vastly superior read/write speeds compared to SATA SSDs. While SATA SSDs are an improvement over HDDs, NVMe drives can be several times faster, drastically reducing world loading times and improving overall server responsiveness. A minimum of 250 GB of NVMe storage is recommended for the operating system and game files, with more space allocated if frequent backups or extensive logging are planned. The endurance rating (TBW - Terabytes Written) of the SSD should also be considered for long-term server operation.

Network bandwidth and latency are equally crucial for a smooth multiplayer experience. Eco is a real-time simulation, and high latency or insufficient bandwidth will manifest as desynchronization, rubber-banding, and delayed player actions. A stable internet connection with a minimum upload and download speed of 100 Mbps is a good baseline for a small server. For larger communities, a gigabit (1 Gbps) connection is highly recommended. More importantly, the server's connection should have low latency to the players. This often means choosing a hosting provider with data centers geographically close to the majority of your player base. The server's network interface card (NIC) should also be capable of handling the chosen bandwidth, with a 1 Gbps or 10 Gbps Ethernet adapter being standard for modern server hardware. The concept of "ping" directly relates to latency, and lower ping values (measured in milliseconds) indicate a more responsive connection.

Finally, the operating system (OS) choice impacts resource utilization. While Eco can run on Windows Server, Linux distributions (such as Ubuntu Server or Debian) are often preferred in professional server environments due to their lower overhead, enhanced security, and greater flexibility. Linux typically consumes fewer system resources, leaving more available for the game server itself. Familiarity with command-line interfaces is beneficial for managing Linux-based servers.

In summary, a robust Eco server demands a multi-core CPU, ample high-speed RAM, fast NVMe storage, and a low-latency, high-bandwidth network connection. Skimping on any of these components will inevitably lead to a suboptimal gaming experience for your community.

Beginner's Guide

Embarking on the journey of hosting your own Eco server can seem daunting, but with a structured approach, even novices can establish a thriving digital ecosystem for their friends and community. This guide will demystify the process, from initial setup to basic configuration, ensuring a smooth launch for your Eco world.

The very first step involves acquiring the necessary server files. These are typically distributed through the game's official channels, often via SteamCMD (Steam Command Line Interface). SteamCMD is a command-line version of the Steam client that allows you to download and update dedicated server files for various games without needing the full Steam client installed. Instructions for installing SteamCMD are readily available on Valve's developer documentation. Once SteamCMD is set up, you'll use specific commands to log in anonymously and download the Eco dedicated server files. This process ensures you always have the latest version of the server software, which is crucial for compatibility with the game client and for receiving bug fixes and new features.

After downloading the server files, the next crucial step is initial configuration. Eco servers are primarily configured through a set of text files, most notably Server.eco and Config.eco. These files, usually located in the server's main directory or a Configs subdirectory, contain a myriad of settings that control everything from world generation parameters to server rules and administrative privileges. It is imperative to open these files with a plain text editor (such as Notepad on Windows, or Nano/Vim on Linux) and not a word processor, which can introduce formatting errors.

Within Server.eco, you'll define fundamental aspects of your world. Key parameters include ServerName, which is the name that will appear in the server browser; ServerDescription, providing details about your server; and MaxPlayers, setting the maximum number of concurrent players. You'll also find settings related to world size (WorldSize), which directly impacts resource generation and exploration, and Difficulty, influencing aspects like resource scarcity and animal behavior. For a beginner, starting with a moderate world size and default difficulty settings is often advisable to avoid overwhelming complexity.

The Config.eco file delves into more granular gameplay mechanics. Here, you can adjust rates for skill gain, resource decay, plant growth, and even the speed of crafting. For instance, SkillGainMultiplier can be increased to accelerate player progression, while CraftingTimeMultiplier can be lowered to make crafting faster. It's important to understand that altering these values significantly can drastically change the game's balance. A common recommendation for new server owners is to make small, incremental changes and observe their impact before implementing major overhauls. Documentation provided by the Eco developers or community wikis often detail the function of each configuration parameter (The Eco Wiki).

Port forwarding is a critical networking step if you are hosting the server from your home network. For players to connect to your server from outside your local network, your router needs to be configured to direct incoming traffic on specific ports to the internal IP address of your server machine. Eco typically uses TCP and UDP ports, with the default being 3000. You will need to access your router's administration interface (usually via a web browser) and locate the "Port Forwarding" or "NAT" section. Here, you'll create a new rule to forward the Eco port(s) to your server's internal IP address. It is crucial to assign a static internal IP address to your server machine to prevent it from changing and breaking your port forwarding rules. If you are using a dedicated hosting provider, they will typically handle network configuration, and port forwarding may not be necessary or will be managed through their control panel.

Once the configuration files are edited and port forwarding is set up (if applicable), you can launch the server. This is usually done by executing a batch file (.bat on Windows) or a shell script (.sh on Linux) provided with the server files. The server will then start, and you'll see a console window displaying its activity, including player connections, world saves, and any errors. It's good practice to monitor this console, especially during the initial launch, to identify and address any issues promptly.

Connecting to your server is the final step. From the Eco game client, navigate to the server browser. If you are hosting locally, you can often connect using "localhost" or your internal IP address. For external players, they will need your public IP address (which can be found by searching "what is my IP" on a search engine) or the domain name if you have one configured. Ensure that your firewall on the server machine is configured to allow incoming connections on the Eco server port.

Regular backups are paramount. Eco worlds can represent hundreds or thousands of hours of collective effort. Implement a routine backup strategy, ideally automating the process, to save your world data. Most hosting providers offer backup solutions, or you can use scripts to compress and store your server's world folder periodically.

By following these steps, you will successfully launch your Eco server, laying the groundwork for countless hours of collaborative world-building and ecological simulation. Remember, patience and a willingness to consult community resources are your best allies in this endeavor.

Hosting Service Comparison and Recommendations

Selecting the optimal hosting service for your Eco server is a pivotal decision that directly impacts performance, reliability, and the overall player experience. The landscape of game server hosting is diverse, ranging from shared hosting to dedicated servers and cloud-based solutions, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. For Eco, a game known for its resource intensity, the choice of host is even more critical.

Shared hosting, while often the most economical option, typically involves multiple game servers (and sometimes other applications) running on a single physical machine. This model can lead to "noisy neighbor" issues, where the resource demands of one server negatively impact the performance of others. For Eco, which requires consistent CPU, RAM, and I/O, shared hosting is generally not recommended, especially for servers intended for more than a handful of players. The lack of guaranteed resources can result in unpredictable lag, stuttering, and even server crashes, leading to player frustration. While some providers offer "game-optimized" shared hosting, the fundamental limitations of resource contention remain.

Virtual Private Servers (VPS) offer a significant step up from shared hosting. With a VPS, you are allocated a dedicated portion of a physical server's resources (CPU cores, RAM, storage), which are guaranteed to be available to your instance. This isolation prevents the "noisy neighbor" problem to a large extent. VPS solutions provide root access, allowing for greater control over the operating system and server software, which is beneficial for advanced configurations and troubleshooting. For a small to medium-sized Eco server (up to 10-15 players), a well-provisioned VPS can be an excellent choice. Look for VPS providers that offer high-frequency CPUs, NVMe storage, and ample RAM. The cost-effectiveness of a VPS, combined with its improved performance over shared hosting, makes it a popular choice for many game server administrators.

Dedicated servers represent the pinnacle of hosting solutions for game servers. With a dedicated server, you lease an entire physical machine, granting you exclusive access to all its resources. This eliminates any resource contention issues and provides the highest level of performance, stability, and customization. For large Eco communities, competitive servers, or those planning for long-term, high-player-count operations, a dedicated server is the ideal choice. While more expensive than VPS, the unparalleled performance and control justify the investment for serious server administrators. When evaluating dedicated server providers, prioritize those offering enterprise-grade hardware, robust network infrastructure, and 24/7 technical support. The ability to choose specific CPU models, RAM configurations, and storage types allows for fine-tuning the server to Eco's specific demands.

Cloud hosting, offered by major providers like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform (GCP), and Microsoft Azure, provides a highly scalable and flexible alternative. These platforms allow you to provision virtual machines with custom specifications, scaling resources up or down as needed. While offering immense flexibility and global reach, cloud hosting can be more complex to manage for beginners and its cost model (pay-as-you-go) can be unpredictable if not carefully monitored. However, for those with technical expertise and a need for dynamic resource allocation, cloud platforms can be a powerful option. The ability to deploy servers in various geographical regions can also help minimize latency for a globally distributed player base.

When recommending specific providers, it's crucial to maintain fairness and acknowledge that "best" is subjective and depends on individual needs and budget. However, based on the requirements of Eco, certain types of providers consistently deliver better results.

For VPS hosting, providers like DigitalOcean, Linode, Vultr, and OVHcloud are frequently cited for their balance of performance, features, and competitive pricing. They offer various tiers of VPS instances, allowing you to select configurations with sufficient CPU cores, RAM, and NVMe storage. Their control panels are generally user-friendly, and they provide extensive documentation.

For dedicated servers, established providers such as OVHcloud, Hetzner, and ServerMania offer a wide range of hardware configurations at competitive prices. These companies specialize in bare-metal servers and often have their own data centers, ensuring robust infrastructure. Their offerings typically include options for high-performance CPUs, large amounts of ECC RAM, and fast NVMe storage, all essential for a demanding game like Eco.

When making your final decision, consider the following factors:

Geographic Location of Data Centers: Choose a data center geographically close to the majority of your player base to minimize latency.

Hardware Specifications: Ensure the CPU, RAM, and storage meet or exceed the recommended Eco server requirements. Prioritize NVMe SSDs.

Network Uptime and Bandwidth: Look for providers with high uptime guarantees (e.g., 99.9% or higher) and ample bandwidth.

Customer Support: Responsive and knowledgeable technical support is invaluable, especially for troubleshooting.

Scalability: Consider if the provider offers easy upgrade paths for CPU, RAM, or storage as your server grows.

Backup Solutions: Reliable automated backup options are crucial for protecting your world data.

Cost: Balance performance with your budget, but be wary of overly cheap options that may compromise on quality.

Ultimately, the best hosting service for your Eco server will be one that provides stable performance, sufficient resources, and reliable support, allowing your community to thrive without technical impediments. Thorough research and perhaps even a trial period (if offered) can help solidify your choice.

Troubleshooting

Even with meticulous planning and setup, technical issues are an inevitable part of managing any game server, and Eco is no exception. Effective troubleshooting requires a systematic approach, combining diagnostic tools, log analysis, and an understanding of common pitfalls. This section will guide you through identifying and resolving prevalent Eco server problems, ensuring a smoother experience for both administrators and players.

One of the most frequent issues encountered is players being unable to connect to the server. This can stem from several sources. First, verify that the server process is actually running. On Windows, check Task Manager; on Linux, use commands like htop or ps aux | grep Eco. If the server isn't running, attempt to restart it and observe any error messages in the console. Second, firewall configurations are a common culprit. Ensure that both the operating system's firewall (e.g., Windows Defender Firewall, ufw on Linux) and any network hardware firewalls (like your router's firewall if self-hosting) are configured to allow incoming TCP and UDP traffic on the Eco server port (default 3000). Incorrect port forwarding on your router, if applicable, will also prevent external connections. Tools like canyouseeme.org can help verify if your server's port is open to the internet. Third, incorrect IP address or port provided to players can cause connection failures. Double-check that players are using the correct public IP address (or domain name) and port. DNS resolution issues can also occur if you are using a domain name; ensure your A record points to the correct server IP.

Server lag and performance issues are another significant concern, often manifesting as delayed actions, stuttering, or desynchronization. The first step is to monitor server resource usage.

CPU utilization: High CPU usage (consistently above 80-90%) indicates a bottleneck. This could be due to an underpowered CPU, an excessive number of players for the current hardware, or a specific game mechanic (e.g., complex world simulations, large number of active machines) taxing the processor.

RAM usage: If RAM usage is consistently near 100%, the server is likely swapping to disk, which severely degrades performance. This necessitates an upgrade to more RAM.

Disk I/O: Slow disk read/write speeds, especially if not using an NVMe SSD, can cause lag during world saves or when loading new chunks. Monitor disk activity using tools like iostat on Linux or Resource Monitor on Windows.

Network latency/packet loss: Use ping and traceroute commands to diagnose network issues between the server and players. High ping or packet loss indicates a problem with the network path, either at the hosting provider's end or the player's ISP.

Server crashes or unexpected shutdowns are critical issues that require immediate attention. The most valuable resource for diagnosing crashes is the server log files. Eco servers generate detailed logs, typically found in a Logs directory within the server's installation. These logs record server events, errors, and warnings. When a crash occurs, examine the log file immediately preceding the crash for error messages, stack traces, or critical warnings. Common causes include:

Out-of-memory errors: Indicated by messages like "System.OutOfMemoryException" in logs, pointing to insufficient RAM.

Corrupted world data: Can occur due to improper shutdowns or disk errors. Restoring from a recent backup is often the only solution.

Software conflicts: Less common, but other applications running on the same server might interfere.

Game bugs: Occasionally, a bug in the Eco server software itself can cause crashes. Keeping the server updated to the latest version is crucial.

World corruption is a particularly distressing issue for Eco server owners. This can manifest as missing structures, reverted progress, or an inability to load the world. The primary defense against world corruption is a robust backup strategy. If corruption occurs, the most reliable solution is to restore the world from the most recent uncorrupted backup. Regularly scheduled, automated backups are non-negotiable for any serious Eco server.

Configuration errors can lead to unexpected gameplay behavior or server startup failures. Always double-check any changes made to Server.eco or Config.eco for typos, incorrect syntax, or invalid values. A single misplaced character can prevent the server from starting or cause unintended effects. When making changes, it's good practice to back up the original configuration files first.

For persistent or complex issues, leveraging community resources is highly recommended. The official Eco forums, Discord servers, and community wikis are invaluable sources of information. Other server administrators may have encountered similar problems and can offer solutions or insights. When seeking help, provide as much detail as possible: server specifications, operating system, exact error messages from logs, and steps already taken to troubleshoot.

In summary, effective troubleshooting for an Eco server involves:

Verifying server status and connectivity.

Monitoring resource utilization (CPU, RAM, Disk I/O, Network).

Analyzing server log files for error messages.

Implementing and utilizing a robust backup and restore strategy.

Carefully reviewing configuration files for errors.

Engaging with the Eco community for support.

By systematically addressing these areas, you can efficiently diagnose and resolve most issues that arise, ensuring the continued smooth operation of your Eco server.

Performance Optimization Tips

Achieving optimal performance for an Eco server is an ongoing process that extends beyond merely meeting the minimum hardware requirements. Given Eco's intricate simulation mechanics, even well-provisioned servers can benefit significantly from strategic optimizations. These tips focus on maximizing resource efficiency, reducing latency, and ensuring a consistently smooth experience for all players.

1. Hardware and Infrastructure Optimization: The foundation of performance lies in robust hardware. As previously discussed, an NVMe SSD is paramount. The speed difference between NVMe and SATA SSDs, and especially HDDs, is substantial and directly impacts world loading, saving, and general responsiveness. Ensure your server's operating system and Eco game files reside on an NVMe drive. CPU clock speed and core count are both important. While Eco can utilize multiple cores, individual core performance (clock speed) is still critical for many single-threaded operations within the game engine. Prioritize CPUs with high single-core performance in addition to a good core count. Ample RAM is non-negotiable. If your server is frequently swapping to disk, adding more RAM is the most impactful upgrade. Monitor RAM usage closely and aim to keep it below 80% utilization during peak times. Network latency is often overlooked. Choose a hosting provider with data centers geographically close to your primary player base. Lower ping translates directly to a more responsive and less desynchronized gameplay experience. A stable, high-bandwidth connection (1 Gbps or higher) is ideal.

2. Operating System and Software Configuration: Choose a lightweight operating system. Linux distributions like Ubuntu Server or Debian are generally preferred over Windows Server for game hosting due to their lower resource overhead and greater stability. They consume less RAM and CPU, leaving more resources for the Eco server itself. Keep the server software updated. Regularly update the Eco dedicated server files via SteamCMD. Developers frequently release performance improvements, bug fixes, and optimizations that can significantly enhance server stability and speed. Minimize background processes. Ensure that no unnecessary applications or services are running on the server machine. Every background process consumes CPU cycles, RAM, and potentially network bandwidth that could otherwise be allocated to Eco. Disable or uninstall any non-essential software. Optimize firewall rules. While necessary for security, overly complex or inefficient firewall rules can introduce minor latency. Ensure your firewall is configured to allow Eco traffic efficiently without excessive logging or deep packet inspection if not strictly required.

3. In-Game Configuration and World Management: Adjust Config.eco parameters judiciously. Several settings within Config.eco directly impact server load. For instance:

WorldSize: A smaller world size reduces the amount of data the server needs to manage, leading to better performance. For smaller communities, a 60x60 or 72x72 world might be more efficient than a 96x96 or larger.

AnimalCountMultiplier / PlantGrowthRateMultiplier: While these add to the simulation's richness, excessively high values can increase CPU load. Experiment with slightly reduced values if performance is an issue.

MeteorImpactDay: Delaying the meteor impact can reduce the immediate pressure on the server to simulate complex end-game scenarios.

MaxPlayers: While you might have the hardware for more, setting a realistic MaxPlayers limit based on observed performance can prevent overload during peak times. Regularly prune inactive objects and players. Over time, abandoned structures, vehicles, and inactive player data can accumulate, increasing the world file size and server load. While Eco has some internal cleanup, manual intervention or community-driven cleanup efforts can help. Encourage efficient player building practices. Large, sprawling, or overly complex structures, especially those with many moving parts or intricate logic, can contribute to server load. Educating players on efficient building can indirectly aid performance. Implement a restart schedule. Regular server restarts (e.g., daily or every 24-48 hours) can help clear memory leaks, refresh server processes, and apply updates, leading to more stable performance over time. Schedule these during off-peak hours.

4. Advanced Optimizations (for experienced administrators): Consider a dedicated database server. For very large Eco servers, offloading the database (which Eco uses for persistent world data) to a separate, optimized database server can reduce I/O contention on the main game server. This is a complex setup but can yield significant benefits. Utilize server monitoring tools. Beyond basic OS tools, dedicated server monitoring solutions (e.g., Prometheus with Grafana, Zabbix) can provide detailed insights into CPU, RAM, disk I/O, network, and even specific game server metrics, allowing for proactive identification of bottlenecks. Explore server-side mods/plugins. While Eco has a more limited modding scene compared to some other games, any server-side modifications should be carefully vetted for performance impact. Some mods might introduce optimizations, while others could degrade performance.

By systematically applying these optimization strategies, you can significantly enhance the stability, responsiveness, and overall enjoyment of your Eco server, providing a superior gaming environment for your community.

Technical Q&A

This section addresses common technical questions that arise when setting up and managing an Eco server, providing concise and authoritative answers to guide both novice and experienced administrators.

Q1: What is the difference between a "tick rate" and "FPS" for an Eco server, and which is more important?

A1: The "tick rate" (often measured in ticks per second, or TPS) refers to how many times per second the server updates the game world's state, including physics, AI, and game logic. A higher tick rate means a more granular and responsive simulation. "FPS" (Frames Per Second) typically refers to the rendering rate of a graphical client, not the server itself. For an Eco server, the tick rate is far more important than FPS. A low tick rate will result in a sluggish, desynchronized world where player actions feel delayed, regardless of client-side FPS. Eco aims for a stable tick rate, and server performance directly impacts its ability to maintain this rate. If the server cannot process all game logic within a single tick interval, the tick rate will drop, leading to "server lag".

Q2: How does WorldSize in Server.eco impact server performance, and what's a good starting size?

A2: WorldSize directly impacts the amount of data the server needs to manage, store, and simulate. A larger world means more chunks to load, more resources to track, more potential for player-built structures, and a larger save file. This translates to increased demands on CPU (for simulation), RAM (for loaded chunks and entities), and disk I/O (for saving/loading). For a small server (2-4 players), a WorldSize of 60 (meaning a 60x60 grid of chunks) is a good starting point, offering ample space without excessive resource strain. For medium servers (5-10 players), 72 or 80 might be suitable. Only for very large, well-resourced servers should you consider 96 or higher. It's generally better to start smaller and expand if needed, as reducing world size later can be complex or impossible without a full world reset.

Q3: Is it better to host an Eco server on Windows or Linux?

A3: For dedicated Eco servers, Linux is generally preferred over Windows. Linux distributions (like Ubuntu Server or Debian) typically have a lower resource overhead, meaning they consume less CPU and RAM, leaving more resources available for the Eco server application itself. They are also often considered more stable and secure for server environments, requiring fewer reboots and offering more granular control through the command line. While Eco does run on Windows Server, the additional overhead of the graphical user interface and background services can impact performance, especially on systems with limited resources (Operating System Concepts). However, if you are more familiar with Windows and prefer a graphical interface, Windows Server can be a viable option, provided you have sufficient hardware.

Q4: What is the significance of "port forwarding" for an Eco server, and how do I do it?

A4: Port forwarding is a network configuration technique that allows external devices (players on the internet) to connect to a specific device (your Eco server) within your local area network (LAN). When you host a server from your home network, your router acts as a gateway, and by default, it blocks unsolicited incoming connections for security. Port forwarding tells your router to direct traffic arriving on a specific port (e.g., Eco's default port 3000) to the internal IP address of your server machine. To do it, you typically:

Assign a static internal IP address to your server machine.

Access your router's administration interface (usually via a web browser, e.g., 192.168.1.1).

Navigate to the "Port Forwarding," "NAT," or "Virtual Servers" section.

Create a new rule: specify the external port (e.g., 3000), internal port (e.g., 3000), protocol (TCP/UDP or Both), and the static internal IP address of your server. Without correct port forwarding, players outside your local network will not be able to find or connect to your server. This step is usually not necessary if you are using a dedicated hosting provider, as they manage network configurations.

Q5: My server is experiencing frequent crashes. What's the first thing I should check?

A5: The absolute first thing you should check when your Eco server crashes is the server log files. These files, typically located in a Logs directory within your server's installation, contain a chronological record of server events, warnings, and crucially, error messages. Look for entries immediately preceding the crash. Common error messages include "System.OutOfMemoryException" (indicating insufficient RAM), "Access Violation" (often related to corrupted data or a software bug), or specific Eco engine errors. The log files are your primary diagnostic tool for understanding the cause of a crash. If you find a recurring error, searching for that specific error message on the Eco forums or community wikis can often lead to a solution.

Q6: How important are server backups, and how often should I perform them?

A6: Server backups are critically important and non-negotiable. An Eco world represents countless hours of player effort, and losing it due to hardware failure, world corruption, or accidental deletion can be devastating. You should perform backups regularly and automatically. For active servers, a daily backup is a minimum recommendation. For very active servers, consider more frequent backups (e.g., every 6-12 hours). It's also wise to keep multiple backup points (e.g., the last 7 daily backups) to allow for restoration to an earlier state if a recent backup is also corrupted. Store backups on a separate drive or, ideally, off-site (e.g., cloud storage) to protect against physical server failure. Many hosting providers offer automated backup solutions, which should be utilized.

Q7: Can I run other applications on the same machine as my Eco server?

A7: While technically possible, it is generally not recommended to run other resource-intensive applications on the same machine as your Eco server, especially if it's a production server for a community. Every additional application consumes CPU, RAM, and disk I/O, potentially impacting the Eco server's performance and stability. If you must run other applications, ensure they are lightweight and non-critical. For optimal performance and reliability, a dedicated server machine (or a dedicated VPS instance) running only the Eco server and essential operating system services is the ideal setup. This minimizes resource contention and simplifies troubleshooting.

Q8: What is "desynchronization" in Eco, and how can I reduce it?

A8: Desynchronization, often called "desync," occurs when the game state displayed on a player's client does not match the authoritative game state on the server. In Eco, this can manifest as objects appearing in different locations for different players, resources not being consumed correctly, or actions not registering. Desync is primarily caused by high network latency (ping) or server performance bottlenecks (low tick rate). To reduce desync:

Choose a hosting location close to your players to minimize ping.

Ensure your server hardware is robust enough to maintain a stable tick rate (sufficient CPU, RAM, NVMe storage).

Optimize your server configuration (e.g., WorldSize, MaxPlayers) to prevent overload.

Check for network issues on both the server and player side (e.g., packet loss, bandwidth saturation). A well-performing server with a low-latency connection is the best defense against desynchronization.