HaruHostThe Forest dedicated server
The Forest server manager for Windows and Linux
What HaruHost does for The Forest
Windows
Run the server on any Windows PC, from the desktop app or the background service.
Linux and VPS
Run it on an Ubuntu VPS or a Linux home server, installed with one command and managed from the web panel.
Tunnel Paid
When HaruHost runs as a service on Linux, friends find the server in The Forest's own server list (search the Lobby Name), like any public server. No port forwarding, even behind CGNAT, through one of 14 regions.
Import an existing server
Browse to an existing server's folder; HaruHost recognises it and keeps your saves and settings.
Player list
Who is online, by name. Paid plans show every player; the free plan shows one.
Auto Config Windows
Change the server's settings with simple options instead of editing config files.
Automation Paid
Restart, update, back up and post to Discord on a schedule, after a crash or when the game updates.
Backups Paid
Back up the world with a keep count, on demand or from an automation, and restore it in one step.
Files Paid
Upload and download server files in the browser, with folders as ZIP.
Discord bot Paid
From Discord, start, stop, restart and update the server and see who is online.
HaruHost fixes game problems as The Forest updates. Report anything in the HaruHost Discord.
The Forest server guides
Getting players in
Setting it up
Latest The Forest changes
The Forest server questions
Can HaruHost host The Forest servers?
Yes, with you as the host. HaruHost runs The Forest dedicated servers on your own Windows or Linux PC, home server or VPS: when HaruHost runs as a service on Linux, friends can join through the Tunnel without port forwarding (paid plans) and you see who is playing.
Can I host The Forest servers on Linux?
Yes. The Forest servers run on Windows and Linux, and you manage them from the desktop app or the web panel.
Do my friends need port forwarding to join?
Not on a VPS, and not with the Tunnel. On a VPS, friends join at its public address once your port range is open in the provider's firewall, if it has one. At home, when HaruHost runs as a service on Linux, the Tunnel (paid plans) lets them join through one of 14 regions without router changes. On Windows, HaruHost's router and firewall helpers open the game's ports where your network allows it.
Can I import my existing The Forest server?
Yes. Browse to its folder and HaruHost recognises the server and imports it with its saves and settings.
Can I see who is playing?
Yes. The Players page lists who is online, by name. Paid plans show every player; the free plan shows one.
