Dedicated Server Guide

With Update v0.8.6, Ships At Sea introduces Dedicated Server support, expanding multiplayer beyond the existing peer-to-peer system.

Overview

• Peer-to-Peer (P2P) multiplayer remains unchanged
  • Play with friends via Friends List
  • Supports up to 4 players
• Dedicated Servers (New)
  • Host or rent your own server
  • No Friends List required
  • Supports up to 8 players
  • Ideal for building larger communities

Requirements

• A separate machine is required
• ⚠️ You cannot run the game and the dedicated server on the same machine
• Open the following ports on your server machine:
  • 15000 (TCP/UDP)
  • 7777 (TCP/UDP)
• Ensure proper port forwarding on your router (Steps vary by router manufacturer)

Installing the Dedicated Server (Steam Client)

1. Open Steam
2. Go to Library
3. Select Tools from the filter
4. Search for Ships At Sea Dedicated Server
5. Install the tool

Required Setup

Create steam_appid.txt

Navigate to:
Ships At Sea Dedicated Server\SAS\Binaries\Win64

Create a text file named:
steam_appid.txt

Add the following content:
1266540

Running the Server

You can start the server manually via command line:
SasServer.exe -log

The -log parameter enables live logging output.

Installing via SteamCMD (Advanced)

If you prefer command-line installation:

1. Download SteamCMD: https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/SteamCMD
2. Extract steamcmd.zip to a folder
3. Open Command Prompt in that folder
4. Run: steamcmd
5. Log in: login anonymous (Or use your Steam account if required)
6. Download the Ships At Sea Dedicated Server: app_update 3951240 validate
7. After installation, navigate to: steamcmd\steamapps\common\Ships At Sea Dedicated Server
8. Start the server: SasServer.exe -log

Customizing Server Name

Step 1 – Locate Config Folder
steamapps\common\Ships At Sea Dedicated Server\SAS\Saved\Config\WindowsServer

Create the folder if it does not exist.

Step 2 – Create Settings File

Create a text file and call it:
DedicatedServerSettings.ini

Add:

[/Script/Sas.DedicatedServerSettings]
DedicatedServerName=My Dedicated Server

Replace with your preferred server name.

Step 3 – Restart Server

Restart the server to apply changes.
Your custom name will now appear in the server list.

Additional Notes

• Use -log to view server output
• Auto-save interval: every 5 minutes
• More configuration options coming in future updates
• Windows only (Linux support is coming)

Troubleshooting – Cannot Connect

If your server appears in the list but players cannot connect:

Possible causes:

• Server is behind CG-NAT (no public IP from ISP)
• Ports are not properly forwarded:
• Port 7777 (TCP/UDP)
• Port 15000 (TCP/UDP)
• Server is not running on a separate machine

Coming Soon

• Linux support
• Password protection
• Expanded server management options
• Additional configuration settings