Windrose Dedicated Server Guide
A dedicated server can help a co-op group maintain a persistent world, but setup depends on the current server app, version, save and operating-system requirements.
Setup checkpoints
| Checkpoint | What to verify |
|---|---|
| Server path | Follow the current official dedicated-server guide for the supported setup path. |
| Configuration | Review configuration and save-handling instructions before starting a persistent world. |
| Compatibility | Match client and server versions and verify supported platform and operating-system details. |
| Maintenance | Plan for ports, updates, backups and troubleshooting as the game changes. |
Windrose solo and co-op guide.
When a dedicated server helps
A dedicated server is useful for a persistent co-op group that wants a world and connection point available outside one player session. Keep the purpose practical: stable access for a known group, repeatable save handling and a clear way for clients to connect. This page does not recommend a hosting provider or describe site infrastructure.
Choose an official setup source
The official guide distinguishes the game files from the free Steam dedicated-server app. Confirm which package the current build provides, then keep the server and client on compatible versions. The exact files and launcher behavior can change, so use the current official guide as the authority.
Simple setup and invite connection
For a basic setup, install the server application, start it with the current defaults, note the generated world or invite information and share the invite code with the intended players. Clients should use the current in-game connection flow. If the code is not visible or no connection is possible, stop and verify the server version, running state and network mode before changing configuration.
Advanced setup without guessing fields
Advanced setup separates ServerDescription.json from WorldDescription.json. Treat the first as the server configuration surface and the second as the world or save description surface. Do not copy unsupported field values from an older guide. Make one change at a time, keep a backup and confirm the current file names and supported options in the official documentation.
Version and save checks
When client and server versions differ, update both sides to the same current build where possible. A world that fails to load may reflect a version mismatch or an incorrect save path rather than a gameplay problem. Preserve the original save before migration, verify which world is selected and test a backup before making a wider change.
LAN versus internet play
Players on the same local network may connect through the local address and selected port. Internet play can require the documented public IP and port setup, including router forwarding and firewall permission. This is a game connection distinction, not a request to configure PirateGamesHub infrastructure.
Maintenance checklist
- Confirm server and client versions match.
- Record the active world and keep a recoverable save backup.
- Check invite code, local or public address and selected port.
- Review firewall and router state only on the host network.
- Recheck the official guide after a server app, version, save, platform or connection-flow update.
Sources: official Windrose Dedicated Server Guide and Windrose Steam listing. Sources last checked: Sep 4, 2026.
Check the current server setup path
The official Dedicated Server Guide describes two practical starting points: the server files included with the game and the separate Windrose Dedicated Server application on Steam. The simple path uses the supplied defaults; the advanced path edits the documented configuration files. Start with the guide version and current server app rather than copying settings from an older build.
For a first connection, launch the server, locate the current invite code and use the game’s Connect to Server flow. A dedicated world can remain available when the usual host is offline, which makes it useful for co-op schedules; this does not make the game offline, and it does not prove that every save, platform or group scenario behaves identically.
Before changing anything, confirm the current version, save location, connection method and operating-system support in the official guide. Port, Docker, Linux/headless, multiple-world and save-transfer details are version-sensitive. Solo vs Co-op, System Requirements and general hosting claims remain outside this guide.
Disclosure: this site may earn a commission if you use an approved affiliate link. Editorial opinions are independent. Read the disclosure.