Back to Docs| Platform | Support | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Linux | ✅ Native | |
| Windows | ✅ Native |
Hardware Requirements
- RAM: 2GB minimum, scales with player count
- CPU: 2+ vCPU
- Storage: 3GB for game files
- Network: 50-100 Mbps recommended for 16+ players
Linux Installation
1. Install via SteamCMD
mkdir -p /opt/barotrauma
cd /opt/barotrauma
# Download SteamCMD
curl -sqL "https://steamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/client/installer/steamcmd_linux.tar.gz" | tar xvz
# Install Barotrauma dedicated server (AppID 1026860)
./steamcmd.sh +force_install_dir /opt/barotrauma +login anonymous +app_update 1026860 validate +quit
2. Server Configuration
Create /opt/barotrauma/serversettings.xml:
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
</Submarine>
</Campaign>
</Network>
</Gameplay>
</ServerSettings>
3. Campaign Configuration
Create /opt/barotrauma/config_player.xml:
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<campaignSettings>
</MoneyDistribution>
</Difficulty>
</campaignSettings>
4. Launch Script
Create /opt/barotrauma/start_server.sh:
#!/bin/bash
cd /opt/barotrauma
# Run dedicated server
./DedicatedServer \
-servername "DeluxHost Barotrauma" \
-port 27015 \
-queryport 27016 \
-log
Make executable:
chmod +x /opt/barotrauma/start_server.sh
5. Systemd Service
Create /etc/systemd/system/barotrauma.service:
[Unit]
Description=Barotrauma Dedicated Server
After=network.target
[Service]
Type=simple
User=barotrauma
WorkingDirectory=/opt/barotrauma
ExecStart=/opt/barotrauma/start_server.sh
Restart=on-failure
RestartSec=10
StandardOutput=journal
[Install]
WantedBy=multi-user.target
Enable and start:
sudo systemctl daemon-reload
sudo systemctl enable barotrauma
sudo systemctl start barotrauma
6. Firewall Configuration
# Allow Barotrauma ports
sudo ufw allow 27015/udp
sudo ufw allow 27016/udp
Windows Server Setup
1. Install via SteamCMD
mkdir C:\Games\Barotrauma
cd C:\Games\Barotrauma
REM Download and extract SteamCMD
powershell -Command "Invoke-WebRequest https://steamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/client/installer/steamcmd_windows.zip -OutFile steamcmd.zip; Expand-Archive steamcmd.zip -DestinationPath ."
REM Install Barotrauma dedicated server
steamcmd.exe +force_install_dir C:\Games\Barotrauma +login anonymous +app_update 1026860 validate +quit
2. Server Configuration
Place serversettings.xml and config_player.xml in C:\Games\Barotrauma\ with the same content as Linux version.
3. Run as Windows Service (NSSM)
REM Download NSSM
nssm install BarotraumaServer "C:\Games\Barotrauma\DedicatedServer.exe" "-servername 'DeluxHost Barotrauma' -port 27015 -queryport 27016"
nssm set BarotraumaServer AppDirectory "C:\Games\Barotrauma"
nssm start BarotraumaServer
Tips & Tweaks
Admin Commands (In-Game Console)
Press ~ to open console in multiplayer sessions:
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
kick <player> | Kick a player |
ban <steamid> | Ban by Steam ID |
unban <steamid> | Unban player |
mute <player> | Mute player voice |
unmute <player> | Unmute player |
restart | Restart mission |
disablesaving | Disable save file saving |
Campaign Save Location
Save files are stored in:
Submarine Selection
Popular submarines:
Configure in serversettings.xml:
</Submarine>
Difficulty Settings
Adjust difficulty multipliers in config_player.xml:
| Multiplier | Low | Normal | Hard | Extreme |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EnemyHealth | 0.5 | 1.0 | 1.5 | 2.0 |
| ProjectileDamage | 0.5 | 1.0 | 1.5 | 2.0 |
| Cost | 0.8 | 1.0 | 1.2 | 1.5 |
| MissionReward | 1.5 | 1.0 | 0.7 | 0.5 |
Workshop Mods/Submarines
Enable custom submarines via Workshop:
Download workshop mods and add their IDs to the config.
Performance Optimization
| Setting | Impact | Notes |
|---|---|---|
MaxPlayers | Highest | Each player ~2-3MB RAM |
Difficulty | Medium | Higher difficulty increases CPU |
EnableCampaignMode | Medium | Campaign uses more resources than missions |
AutoRestart | Low | Periodic restarts prevent memory leaks |
Server Rotation
Create mission rotation in serversettings.xml:
Monitoring Server Health
# Monitor RAM usage
free -h
# Check process
ps aux | grep DedicatedServer
# View logs
tail -f /opt/barotrauma/log.txt
Common Issues
Useful Tips
- Linux: ~/.local/share/Barotrauma/SavedCampaigns/
- Windows: %APPDATA%\Barotrauma\SavedCampaigns\
- Dugong: Medium-sized, balanced
- Typhon: Large, well-armored
- Humpback: Small, maneuverable
- Orca: Military-grade
- Catfish: Stealth-focused
- High RAM Usage: Reduce MaxPlayers or enable periodic restarts
- Mission Failures: Verify Difficulty is not too high
- Submarine Won't Load: Check submarine path in serversettings.xml
- Player Disconnects: Increase KickAFKTime if needed
- Campaign Save Corruption: Keep multiple backup saves using autosave_slots
- Money Management: Adjust MoneyDistribution percentages per role
- Hull Integrity: Higher HullRepairAmount makes repairs easier
- Wreck Threshold: Set wreck to 70% damage for challenging gameplay
- Anti-Grief: Use AllowRagdollButton=false to prevent physics abuse
Related articles
CS2
How to install and configure a Counter-Strike 2 dedicated server on Linux VPS with SteamCMD
Palworld
Create a dedicated Palworld server on Linux with SteamCMD. Configuration, ports and automatic startup.
Rust
Install and manage a Rust server (Facepunch) on Linux with SteamCMD. Includes automatic updates, Oxide plugins and optimizations.
DeluxHost, founded in 2023, offers high-quality hosting solutions for various digital needs. We provide shared hosting, VPS, and dedicated servers with advanced security and global data centers.
