How to Host a Nightingale Server (Dedicated Server Guide 2026)

To host a Nightingale server, install the free Nightingale Dedicated Server with SteamCMD (app 3796810), copy NWX/Config/ExampleServerSettings.ini to ServerSettings.ini, and set Password, AdminPassword and StartingDifficulty under [/Script/NWX.NWXServerSettings]. Max players (6 supported) and the port (UDP 7777) can only be set on the command line. Players join through Join a Game > IP/LAN. The first character to connect to a fresh server brings their realms with them, so choose who joins first.

What do you need to run a Nightingale server?

Nightingale is an Unreal Engine 5 game with large realms and detailed building, so the server is not small. The server tool runs on Windows and Linux from the same Steam app and does not need a copy of the game.

We would not run it on less than 8 GB. Each realm the group has open adds load, more than an extra player in the same realm.

How do I install the Nightingale dedicated server?

Inflexion's dedicated server guide covers two ways in. In the Steam client, tick Tools in the library filter, find Nightingale Dedicated Server and install it. Or use SteamCMD:

steamcmd +login anonymous +force_install_dir C:\NightingaleServer +app_update 3796810 +quit

Start it with NWXServer.exe -log on Windows or ./NWXServer.sh on Linux. Press Ctrl+C once (twice if needed) for a clean shutdown, so the realms save.

What goes in ServerSettings.ini?

Copy NWX/Config/ExampleServerSettings.ini to NWX/Config/ServerSettings.ini and edit it. The whole file is three settings:

[/Script/NWX.NWXServerSettings]
Password=foxgloveclub
AdminPassword=only-for-us
StartingDifficulty=medium

Which settings only work on the command line?

Several options are ignored if you put them in the ini. Add them to the start line (or Properties > Launch Options in Steam):

NWXServer.exe -log -port=7777 -ini:Game:[/Script/Engine.GameSession]:MaxPlayers=6

The three ini settings also have command line forms, for example -ini:ServerSettings:[/Script/NWX.NWXServerSettings]:Password=.... When both exist, the command line value is the one that counts. That matters on hosted servers, where the panel usually builds the start line for you.

The gotcha: the first player brings their realms

Nightingale moves characters between servers: when you join any server, your character comes with you, with inventory, appearance and everything attached to it. On a brand new dedicated server there is one more step. The first player to connect also sends their realms, and the server imports them. That is how you move an online world onto your own server on purpose.

It also catches groups out. If a friend with a throwaway character happens to join first, the server is built around their realms, not yours. Two ways to control it:

• Want your world on the server? Make sure your character is the very first to connect.
• Want a clean start? Join first with a brand new character, which sets up an empty Abeyance realm. After that, existing characters join without importing anything.

To start over, stop the server and delete NWX/Saved/Offline and NWX/Saved/Config, then let the right person join first. Full steps: how to move a Nightingale realm to a dedicated server.

Where does the server save realms and characters?

Backing up NWX/Saved/Offline, NWX/Saved/Config and NWX/Config captures the whole server. The server also copies Offline into an OfflineBackup folder the first time it starts on each weekday, which is a handy extra restore point.

What ports does a Nightingale server use?

Only one: UDP 7777 by default, or whatever you set with -port= (1024 to 65535). Forward it on your router and allow it through the firewall. See our port forwarding guide.

How do players join a Nightingale server?

1. Select Play and pick a character.
2. Choose Join a Game.
3. Set the connection type to IP/LAN.
4. Type the IP in the address box and the port in the separate port box. Pasting ip:port into one field fails.
5. Enter the connection password.

Admins enter the admin password in game to unlock kick and ban.

Common problems

• Server has the wrong realms: someone else connected first and their realms were imported. Reset NWX/Saved/Offline and NWX/Saved/Config and rejoin in the right order.
• Max players stays at 6: it was put in the ini, where it is ignored. Use the -ini:Game: argument.
• Port change ignored: the = is missing from -port=.
• Password in the ini does nothing: a command line password is overriding it.
• Cannot connect after an update: the server is on the old build. Update it with SteamCMD and restart.

FAQ

How many players can join a Nightingale server?

Six is the supported maximum. You can raise it with the MaxPlayers launch argument, but Inflexion says going past six is unsupported and may misbehave.

Can I move my Nightingale world to a dedicated server?

Yes. Connect to the brand new server with your character first, and your realms are imported with it.

Where are Nightingale server saves stored?

Realms are in NWX/Saved/Offline/DedicatedServer/Deploy and characters in NWX/Saved/Offline/<PlatformID>/Profiles.

Does Nightingale support mods?

There is no mod support, so the server runs the game as Inflexion ships it.

The easy option: host it with us

Nightingale hosting on GamezServers starts at 19.99 USD a month for 8 GB, with 12 GB and 16 GB plans and 50% off the first month for new customers. Our panel passes max players, difficulty, the connection password and the admin password as launch options, which means they override anything you type into ServerSettings.ini, so change them in the panel and restart. There is an optional Beta ID, auto update, a one click Backup before a risky realm, and the group can split the bill.