How to Set Up a SCUM Dedicated Server: Complete Hosting Guide
Step-by-step guide to setting up a SCUM dedicated server in 2025. Covers hardware needs, installation, configuration, ports, and managed hosting options.
Why Run a SCUM Dedicated Server
SCUM’s open-world survival sandbox truly shines on community-run servers. A dedicated server lets you control player counts, loot settings, PvP rules, NPC difficulty, and every other parameter that shapes the survival experience. Since the 1.0 release in June 2025, demand for private SCUM servers has surged as communities build around the new quest system, armed NPCs, and expanded vehicle mechanics.
This guide walks you through setting up a SCUM dedicated server, whether you plan to self-host or use a managed provider.
Hardware Requirements
SCUM’s dedicated server is a 64-bit application. It will not run on 32-bit systems. Here are the specifications you need:
| Component | Minimum (20 players) | Recommended (40+ players) |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 3.0 GHz | Quad-core 3.5 GHz+ |
| RAM | 8 GB | 16 GB |
| Storage | 15 GB (server files) | 30 GB+ NVMe SSD |
| Network | 10 Mbps upload | 50 Mbps+ upload |
| OS | Windows Server 64-bit | Windows Server 64-bit or Linux |
NVMe SSDs are strongly recommended. They reduce zone loading times by roughly 30 percent compared to SATA SSDs, which directly translates to smoother gameplay when players move between areas.
Installation via SteamCMD
The standard installation method uses SteamCMD, Valve’s command-line tool for downloading dedicated server applications.
Step 1: Download SteamCMD
Download SteamCMD from the official Valve developer site and extract it to a directory such as C:\SteamCMD.
Step 2: Install the SCUM Server
Run SteamCMD and execute the following commands:
login anonymous
force_install_dir C:\SCUMServer
app_update 1291220 validate
quitApp ID 1291220 is the SCUM Dedicated Server application. The validate flag ensures all files are verified during installation.
Step 3: Create a Launch Script
Create a batch file to start the server with your desired parameters:
start SCUMServer.exe -log -port=7042 -queryPort=7142 -MaxPlayers=64Key launch parameters include:
- -port: The game connection port (default 7042)
- -queryPort: The Steam query port used for the server browser (default 7142)
- -MaxPlayers: Maximum concurrent players
- -log: Enables logging for troubleshooting
Port Configuration
SCUM requires several ports to be open and forwarded to your server machine:
| Port | Protocol | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 7042 | UDP | Game traffic |
| 7142 | UDP | Steam query |
| 27015 | UDP | Steam communication |
If you are running behind a router or firewall, ensure these ports are forwarded to the machine hosting the server. On cloud providers, add these as inbound rules in your security group or firewall configuration.
Server Configuration: ServerSettings.ini
The primary configuration file is located at SCUM\Saved\Config\WindowsServer\ServerSettings.ini. This file controls the majority of gameplay settings.
Essential Settings
- ServerName: The name displayed in the server browser
- ServerPassword: Leave blank for public access or set a password for private servers
- MaxPlayers: Maximum player slots (keep aligned with your hardware)
- ServerPlaystyle: Set to PVP or PVE to define the server type
- WelcomeMessage: Displayed to players when they join
- MessageOfTheDay: A rotating message shown periodically
Loot and Economy
Loot spawning is controlled through multiplier settings:
- SpawnerProbabilityMultiplier: Adjusts overall loot spawn rates. Higher values mean more loot.
- ExamineSpawnerProbabilityMultiplier: Controls loot found through the examine/search mechanic
For fine-grained economy control, use the EconomyOverride.json file to adjust individual item categories, trader inventories, and pricing.
PvP and Damage
- HumanToHumanDamageMultiplier: Controls PvP damage. Set to 0 to disable PvP entirely. Values above 1.0 increase damage for hardcore servers.
- ProbabilityForArmedNPCToDropItemFromHandsWhenSearched: Controls NPC loot drop chance on death
Security Best Practices
- Always run BattlEye. Never use the
-nobattleyeflag except for private testing. SCUM switched to BattlEye with 1.0 for good reason. - Set a strong admin password. The admin password gives full in-game control, so treat it like a root password.
- Restrict RCON access. If you use remote console tools, whitelist specific IP addresses rather than opening RCON to the internet.
- Schedule regular restarts. Every 4 to 6 hours prevents memory leaks and keeps performance stable.
Self-Hosted vs. Managed Hosting
Self-Hosted
Full control, full responsibility. You handle operating system updates, SteamCMD updates, port management, backups, and monitoring. Best for experienced sysadmins who want maximum customization.
Managed Game Server Hosting
A managed provider handles infrastructure, updates, and uptime monitoring. You focus on game settings and community management.
Reactor offers SCUM dedicated server hosting with automatic updates, scheduled restarts, full configuration access, and high-performance hardware built for survival games. Our servers deploy in minutes and are ready for the 1.0 era.
Launch your SCUM server on Reactor and start building your community today.
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