Soulmask Dedicated Server Setup: A Comprehensive Guide

The Soulmask survival game is heating the industry with early access launched a few months back. If you want to enjoy with friends while keeping costs down, getting your own Soulmask dedicated server setup is the way to go.

Fortunately, the process is simple once you have your SteamCMD up and running. While the multiplayer mode allows for up to 70 players, handling that capacity falls back on how capable your device is. A dedicated game server allows you to dedicate the resources on one device to host the game efficiently.

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Preliminary Checks and Preparations

Your first check should be how many friends you expect to connect to your server and how that connection will be. Our recommendation is to plan for a higher number of players than you expect.

For the connection, a wireless connection will serve you best as it eliminates the need to stay in a fixed location for the local area network. A router will serve you best in this regard to connect multiple devices to your server.

When picking a router, ensure it has sufficient connectivity speeds. Soulmask, most likely, will take up 100 kbps of bandwidth for each player. Use that as a yardstick to pick your router. If cost allows, go for the best.

The router and supporting cables form the external peripheral needed for the Soulmask server setup. Once that is out of the way, you should turn your attention to the device itself, whether it is your Windows laptop or Linux system.

You need the latest drivers to optimize connections and get the best experience. Run driver updates on your system and run the installations manually if you have to. The update installation shouldn’t end at this point. You will need ongoing updates to maintain performance.

Soulmask Server Requirements

To reiterate our concerns about having the right device, we’ve outlined the optimal system specifications for a Soulmask dedicated server setup as follows:

Soulmask Dedicated Server Setup Specifications

For now, macOS is yet to have a native setup for the Soulmask dedicated hosting. That leaves us with Windows and Linux systems.

You should already have the game on your primary device before you run the Soulmask dedicated server setup. Doing that will show you if the device is capable of handling the game smoothly.

Here are the specifications on how to set up a private server for Soulmask:

Windows

Having Steam on your PC will not be enough to download the dedicated server. That is because the server is unavailable on that platform, unlike other games where you can just search on Steam. For that, Valve has another tool, the SteamCMD, which simplifies the download.

Another crucial specification is the Soulmask dedicated server ports 8777 and 27015. These will be necessary to allow wireless connection to your server. Once set up, you can join your server from outside your home, provided you are still within reach of your router.

Now, here are the steps for the Soulmask dedicated server setup, beginning with SteamCMD:

1. After you’ve installed SteamCMD, open the Steamapps folder.
2. Open the “Common” folder and you’ll find the Soulmask dedicated server for Windows.
3. In the folder, you should find a StartServer.bat file.
4. Launch the StartServer.bat file to open the server.
5. Wait for a few seconds and close the server.
6. Closing the server will allow you to configure it, as we will discuss soon enough.

Linux

We did pick up a memory usage of up to 12 GB of RAM when starting up the server. Again, this aligns with our earlier stance of having at least 16 GB of RAM before running the Soulmask server on your device.

The steps in this Soulmask dedicated server setup guide worked smoothly on Ubuntu. Even so, we believe it should work for other Linux operating systems.

Once you have your SteamCMD installed, the next step will be to create a user to run the Soulmask server on your Linux. The process is as described below:

1. Run the command “sudo useradd -m soulmask” in Terminal.
2. Swap to the new user by entering the command “sudo -u soulmask -s”
3. Change to the home directory by using the command “cd ~”

What you’ve just done will help you avoid permission issues when running the server and reduce access to other parts of your system. Once complete, you can proceed to install the Soulmask server with the following steps:

1. Enter the command “/usr/games/steamcmd +@sSteamCmdForcePlatformType linux +force_install_dir /home/soulmask/soulmaskserver +login anonymous +app_update 3017300 +quit” to download the server. Note that this command will download the server to this directory: “/home/soulmask/soulmaskserver”
2. Exit the soulmask user by entering the command “exit.”
3. Create a systemmd service that will run the Soulmask server on your Linux system. Enter the command “sudo nano /etc/systemd/system/soulmaskserver.service”
4. Use the nano text editor to edit this service. Ensure you fill out the following details: SERVERNAME, MAXPLAYERS, SERVERPASSWORD, ADMINPASSWORD, PVE, etc.
5. Save and quit the service file.
6. Enable the service with this command: “sudo systemctl enable soulmaskserver”
7. Use the command “sudo systemctl start soulmaskserver” to start your Soulmask server.

How to Host a Soulmask Server

Much of our guide so far has focused on setting up the server on your own device. As such, you will bear the cost of everything. If the cost seems like a tall wall to climb, there are other ways to still run your server efficiently.

The other option you have is to go for a virtual private server (VPS). Now, this can be managed for you by the company or unmanaged. We will show you how these approaches work and when to pick one over the other as we discuss them below

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Dedicated server hosting

We agree that the Soulmask server setup isn’t as complex as other games. However, you still need technical depth to run and maintain a dedicated server. That is because everything that concerns the operations will occur on your choice PC.

In dedicated server hosting, you have close physical proximity and complete control over the PC or system. You can do anything you want, like adding new drivers, upgrading the hardware (RAM, graphics card, etc.), and other changes that affect performance.

For efficient operations, you have to be savvy in software operations. If you move from Windows to Ubuntu or other Linux operating systems, a slight learning curve might be needed.

Managed VPS hosting

With this approach, you don’t have to be a technical expert to run your own server. If you want to run your server hosting for business, then this is the most likely approach.

Once paid, the hosting service will manage the server for you. That includes carrying out administrative and maintenance tasks like running updates, fixing security breaches, providing technical support, etc.

Having a managed VPS frees you up to do other things. It is the best setup if you are the busy type or have other concerns to address.

Whenever you need to scale up your server, the VPS service is always ready to do that. However, you will have to pay more for the expanded capability.

Unmanaged VPS hosting

Now, there might be situations where you do not have or want to use your PC as the server but still want oversight on its operations. The best approach for that is unmanaged VPS hosting. In this setup, you purchase a server from the VPS service and provide all the technical expertise needed to operate it.

That means you will be responsible for configuring the server and changing the Soulmask server settings to fit your needs. Providing technical support for your players will also fall on you.

This approach requires advanced technical knowledge. As such, we only recommend them to those experienced in setting up and running servers.

The primary benefit this setup gives is that you are in control of the server while offsetting the need to physically own the server. In addition, you can always upscale your server or change the configuration to fit your needs.

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What to Consider When Choosing a Soulmask Dedicated Server Hosting

Before picking a dedicated server hosting, take a moment to ask yourself the following questions:

• Do I want total control over the hardware and software?
• Do I want total control over how my server operates?
• Will I need to expand the server capacity soon?
• How much do I have to spend on a server?
• Do I have enough skills to handle server operations on my own?
• Do I have the time to handle server operations on my own?

The answers to those questions should point you in the right direction. To compare all three options, here’s a table to guide you:

Configuring Your Server

This stage allows you to tweak several things about your server, like the name, password, maximum number of players, GM access, etc. Here’s how to do it:

Locate the Server Files

Go back to your Steamapps folder and open the Soulmask dedicated server for Windows. You will find that in the common folder. Once open, locate the StartServer.bat file.

We don’t want you to effect changes in that file. Instead, copy and paste it into the same folder. Be sure to rename the file according to your server’s name. For example, you can rename it as StartTestServer.bat.

Edit Configuration Files

Open your new .bat file with a text editor. Replace the line that says “startserver” with the following:

“Call “name of the original .bat file.” In this case, we will have “Call StartServer.”

On the same line, you can add several pieces of information to configure your Soulmask server settings. They are as follows:

• For server name: -SteamServerName=\”your server name\”
• For the maximum number of players: -MaxPlayers=
• For server password: -PSW=\”enter your password”\
• Setting admin password: -adminpsw=\”enter your GM password”\
• Picking between PVP or PVE mode: -pvp or -pve

Save and restart the server

In this final step, save the information on your .bat file and launch it. You should see everything in the WS folder in the main Soulmask dedicated server for Windows folder.

Installing SteamCMD

For Windows

1. Go to the official Valve SteamCMD page with a direct link for the zip file download.
2. Create a folder called SteamCMD. You can use another name, but ensure it is easily identifiable.
3. Extract the zip file to the folder above.
4. Create a new .bat file by right-clicking to open the txt file option.
5. Rename the file as “Soulmaskupdate.bat.”
6. Open the file with a notepad or text editor.
7. Enter the following command: “steamcmd +login anonymous +app_update 3017310 validate +quit.” Close and run the .bat file to install the Soulmask dedicated server.

For Linux

1. Run the following command to update your operating system: “sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y”
2. Use the command “sudo dpkg –add-architecture i386” “sudo apt update” to add the i386 architecture.
3. Use the following command to install the prerequisites: “sudo apt install lib32gcc-s1 software-properties-common -y”
4. Type the following command to install SteamCMD

“wget https://steamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/client/installer/steamcmd_linux.tar.gz

tar -xvzf steamcmd_linux.tar.gz

cd steamcmd

./steamcmd.sh”

To navigate SteamCMD, here are a few basic commands you can use:

• For login: “Login anonymous”
• To set the installation directory for the app: “Force_install_dir/path/to/directory”
• To quit SteamCMD: “quit”
• To update server: “app_update”

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Setup Commands for Your Soulmask Server

The table below shows a few commands you can use on the server after installation:

Connecting to Your Server for the First Time

Your first connection should come from the Soulmask installed locally on the device as the server. You should keep your PC’s IP address handy for this process.

With that in mind, follow the steps below to connect with your server locally:

1. Load the game on Steam and go to the online mode.
2. Click “Private Servers” in the left panel.
3. Your server may or may not appear in the list for now since you just set it up.
4. If it doesn’t appear, use the “Connect directly to server” button.
5. Enter your IP and enter the port number 8777.
6. Enter the password if you had set up a password during server configuration.
7. Click “Connect.”

Once connected, you should see your username on the server. Go ahead and play the game a bit.

Note that the connection is not yet open for other players to connect wirelessly. For that, you’ll need to complete the port forwarding process.

In the meantime, the common issues you may experience are as follows:

• Connection timeout: This issue is likely due to a poor internet connection. Review your connection and try again.
• Unable to connect: You should check your firewall settings.

How to Set Up a Private Server for Soulmask

The steps we described above work very much for a dedicated server as much as it does for a private server. However, the latter is more customized for private usage and not just open for anyone to join.

Making your server private boils down to the configurations you’ve set up. The most important part is granting yourself admin access to use the console commands. With the console commands, you can tweak your game to your taste.

Use the following commands to configure your server and enable admin access:

• For server name: -SteamServerName=\”your server name\”
• For the maximum number of players: -MaxPlayers=
• For server password: -PSW=\”enter your password”\
• Setting admin password: -adminpsw=\”enter your GM password”\
• Picking between PVP or PVE mode: -pvp or -pve

Your server will remain in the private server list on Steam if you don’t allow port forwarding.

The command console allows you to do many things, including the following:

• Add items to a controlled character’s inventory
• Add experience to the targeted player-controlled character
• Unlock a specific fashion
• Add a specified gameplay effect
• Add an invisible actor
• Add a natural gift

Dealing with Firewalls

This stage is crucial to allow your firewalls to allow game traffic through the specified ports. Here’s how to do it on Windows and Linux:

For Windows

You can configure the firewall through PowerShell or the firewall settings. For the PowerShell option, follow the steps below:

• Open PowerShell and run it as an administrator
• Run the following command:
  New-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName “Soulmask Server” -Direction Inbound -LocalPort 8777,27015 -Protocol TCP -Action AllowNew-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName “Soulmask Server” -Direction Outbound -LocalPort 8777,27015 -Protocol TCP -Action AllowNew-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName “Soulmask Server” -Direction Outbound -LocalPort 8777,27015 -Protocol UDP -Action AllowNew-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName “Soulmask Server” -Direction Inbound -LocalPort 8777,27015 -Protocol UDP -Action AllowThe ports will be opened and those on your local network can connect to your server. All they need is your local IP. To get that, you can follow the steps below

• Run the command ipconfig in PowerShell or CMD.
• Select your connection type: Ethernet adapter, Ethernet
• Find and copy the IPv4 address.

For Linux

• Use the command [line 1 “sudo apt update” and line 2 “sudo apt install UFW”] to install UFW on your server.
• Allow ports 8777 and 27015 for the Soulmask server
• Enter “sudo ufw enable” to enable UFW
• Enter “sudo ufw status” to check UFW status
• Remember to enable SSH access when running these commands.

Port Forwarding for Wireless Connection

By now, your Soulmask dedicated server setup should be ready but unavailable to those outside your local network. To enable wireless access through your router, you need to complete the port forwarding process.

This process varies with routers. Hence, we recommend you check with your router company’s website to know where the settings are.

Once you are in the settings, do the following:

• Create a new rule and call it Soulmask.
• Select the UDP protocol.
• Enter 8777 for the internal port and 27015 for the other port.
• Do the same thing for the TCP protocol.
• Enter your PC’s IP address
• Save the rule.

Use another PC or Linux system to test this wireless connection. Your server might take up to 15 minutes before appearing on the public server. Once that happens, use the “Direct Connect” button.

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Server Improvements

Periodic checks will help identify issues quickly so you can provide fixes without compromising efficiency. Monitor the performance to see if there is a need for hardware improvements. For example, you might need a faster router if the connection begins to slow down with multiple players.

While monitoring your server performance, ensure your system is up-to-date. Otherwise, install the updates and restart the server.

Server Security

The first step to securing your server begins with setting a password and enabling admin access. If you have trusted individuals, you can also enable admin access for them.

Change your passwords as soon as you notice any breaches. Outside of that, keep your PC safe and away from unauthorized access.

Backup and Restore Procedures

How to create regular backups

You have two options when creating backups: create them manually or automate the process. For manual backups, your focus should be on the WS folder in the Soulmask dedicated server for Windows server. Simply copy the files in the folder to a secure location.

For an automated process, do the following:

• Create a script to automate the back process.
• Schedule the script.

Here’s an example of how the script will look like:

@echo off

set SERVER_DIR=C:\path\to\your\soulmask\server

set BACKUP_DIR=C:\path\to\your\backup\directory

set TIMESTAMP=%date:~10,4%%date:~4,2%%date:~7,2%_%time:~0,2%%time:~3,2%%time:~6,2%

set BACKUP_FILE=%BACKUP_DIR%\soulmask_backup_%TIMESTAMP%.zip

echo Backing up Soulmask server…

powershell Compress-Archive -Path %SERVER_DIR%\* -DestinationPath %BACKUP_FILE%

echo Backup completed: %BACKUP_FILE%

Once complete, save the script as a .bat file.

How to Restore the Server From a Backup

The process is as simple as locating your backup and restoring it to the original server folder. Before doing that, ensure you stop the server. Then, replace it in the original directory.

Restart the server to confirm that the backup is restored. If necessary, load the game and connect to the server to test the connection and game settings.

Useful Tools and Resources for Gamers

There are a few things you can do to make players feel at home when playing with your Soulmask dedicated server setup. These include the following:

• Setting up a Discord channel: Gamers appreciate having communication outside the game. The best way to build a community is through a Discord channel. With this setup, you can see the player likes and dislikes and make improvements to your server.
• Providing an email: This setup will allow direct communication for player complaints. It will also build trustworthiness for your server.
• Using server monitoring tools: Use tools that provide detailed insights into performance, including server health and analytics.
• Backup solutions: These will help you get back on your feet quickly if anything happens to your current server. An example would be recovering from a system crash.
• Anti-cheat software integration: Use these tools to promote fairness within the gameplay.

Tips for Managing a Player Community

• Keep your rules clear from the beginning
• Use trustworthy moderators to enforce the rules and resolve disputes.
• Keep your server up-to-date with the latest patches.
• Maintain an active presence on Discord and other channels to interact with the players.
• Address cheating to ensure your players have a sense of fair play.
• Roll out regular rewards for loyalty and consistency.
• Communicate changes early with your players to ensure transparency.

Final Word

With a Soulmask dedicated server setup, you can keep your connection private or open it up as a public server. Either way, having your own server allows you to enable several customizations. Tweak the server to your taste and ensure the gameplay is on course with what you want.

Hosting your own dedicated server might be technically demanding, but it will be worth your time. If you are up to getting your first server, check out our list of the best dedicated game servers to get started.

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Next Steps: What Now?

• Understand What Is a Dedicated Server in Gaming
• Check out the Top 5 Best Gaming Server Hosting Brands
• Get the Latest Game Server Hosting Coupons & Promo Codes

Further Reading – Useful Resources

• Best Dedicated VPS Hosting Services
• Best Managed Dedicated Server Hosting Services
• https://gaminginbox.com/guides/soulmask-admin-console-commands/
• https://www.howtogeek.com/66214/how-to-forward-ports-on-your-router/
• https://github.com/jsknnr/soulmask-dedicated-server