Set up The Forest dedicated server on Linux

Install HaruHost

On Ubuntu (x86-64), run:

curl -fsSL https://haruhost.com/install.sh | sudo bash

HaruHost installs as a service. Sign in with the QR code it shows in your SSH session, then open the web panel from any browser.

What HaruHost does for you

• Wine and Proton: nothing to install or configure. HaruHost runs the Windows server on Linux for you.
• Docker: on Ubuntu, HaruHost installs and sets up Docker with one click when you create your first server.
• SteamCMD: not needed. HaruHost downloads the server and everything it needs to run, and updates it with one button.
• systemd and screen: not needed. HaruHost runs as a service and keeps the server running without an open SSH session.
• Settings: Manual Config opens Server.cfg and the start file in the browser, with the server's name, passwords, player limit, difficulty and save slot.
• Getting friends in: with the Tunnel, the server shows in the game's server list at a public address, and friends search its Lobby Name.
• An existing server: Import Existing Server brings its world and settings over.
• Players: the Players page shows who is online, by name.

Step by step

1. Run the install command and sign in.
2. In the web panel, choose Add → New game server, pick your Linux server, then The Forest.
3. Choose Create New Server, or Import Existing Server and point HaruHost at the server's folder on that machine.
4. On the Connection step, choose Tunnel, or Ports to use the server's own address.
5. Create the server. If Docker isn't installed yet, HaruHost asks first; press Install, then Create Server.
6. Start the server and send friends the Lobby Name from the Details tab; see how friends join.

Open the ports

With the Tunnel, nothing needs to be opened. With Ports, open your port range for UDP in your VPS provider's firewall; HaruHost shows it under Devices → Manage device → Network Settings.

Questions