How to Host a Wreckfest 2 Dedicated Server (Early Access)

To host a Wreckfest 2 server, install the free dedicated server with SteamCMD (app 3519390), create a save folder, and start Wreckfest2.exe --server --save-dir="C:\WF2Server\save". On first start it writes server_config.scnf into that folder, where you set the name, password and game port, and you add your track rotation as a .becl event loop file. Open UDP 30100. Wreckfest 2 is still in Early Access, so expect frequent patches: update the server every time the game updates, or players cannot join.

Early Access, and what that means for a server

Wreckfest 2 has been in Early Access on Steam since March 2025, made by Bugbear and published by THQ Nordic. It is PC only for now. The game gets regular patches that add tracks, cars and features, and occasionally change the server's config files. That is good for the game and a small chore for server owners:

• The server must be on the same build as the players. A patch on Steam means updating your server.
• Config file formats can shift between builds. Keep a backup of your working files before each update.
• Features you read about in an older guide may have moved. Bugbear includes a server config guide PDF with the game files; check it after big updates.

What you need

Step 1: Install

steamcmd +force_install_dir C:\WF2Server +login anonymous +app_update 3519390 validate +quit

You can also install it from the Tools section of your Steam library by searching for the Wreckfest 2 Dedicated Server. Try anonymous login first with SteamCMD.

Step 2: Create the save folder and start once

The save folder holds every config file, and it must exist before the first launch:

mkdir C:\WF2Server\save
C:\WF2Server\Wreckfest2.exe --server --save-dir="C:\WF2Server\save"

Without --save-dir, the server stores its files under %LocalAppData%\Wreckfest 2\, which is easy to lose track of. Once it has started and written its files, stop it.

Step 3: Edit server_config.scnf

The config is JSON. The network part looks like this:

"net server config": [
  {
    "name": "Wreckfest 2 Club Night",
    "description": "Clean racing, then a derby.",
    "password": "",
    "log file name": "../server.log",
    "game port": 30100
  }
]

The game part, under "game server config", sets the "event loop name" (which .becl file to run), the "cup list", countdown and voting times, and ban durations. Every file and key is covered in the Wreckfest 2 config files guide.

JSON is unforgiving. A missing comma or an extra one stops the server from reading the file, so run edits through a JSON validator.

Step 4: Set the track rotation

The event loop lives in a .becl file in the save folder, default_loop.becl to begin with. It is a JSON list of events, each with a track, game mode, weather, AI set and rules like laps and participants. Copy the default, rename it, edit it, and point "event loop name" at the new name.

Step 5: Add yourself as admin

Roles and bans are stored in server_privilege.sprv. The server console accepts a role command in the form:

role 76561198000000001,admin

with your SteamID64. Type help in the server console to confirm the current syntax and role names for your build, since Early Access updates can change them.

Step 6: Open the port and join

Forward UDP 30100 (or your "game port") to the server, and allow it through Windows Firewall. Behind CGNAT, forwarding will not work. Players then:

1. Launch Wreckfest 2 and click Multiplayer Server Browser.
2. Search for your server's name, or click Connect to Address and enter the IP and port.
3. Enter the password if you set one.

If drivers cannot find or reach it, see the Wreckfest 2 connection fixes.

Running more than one server

Each instance needs its own --save-dir, its own "game port" and its own forwarded port. A league can run a practice server and a race server side by side this way.

Letting someone else keep it patched

A GamezServers Wreckfest 2 server installs the dedicated server, sets up the save folder and keeps Auto Update on, so a restart from the panel pulls each Early Access patch. Server Name and Password are panel fields written into server_config.scnf on every start, so set them there rather than in the file. The event loop, cup and privilege files are in the file manager, and the server has its own address with the port open. A race club can split the bill between up to 10 members. Comparing racing games to host? See best racing games with dedicated servers.

FAQ

Is Wreckfest 2 out of Early Access?

No. It has been in Early Access on Steam since March 2025, on PC only, with regular patches.

What port does a Wreckfest 2 server use?

UDP 30100 by default, set as "game port" in server_config.scnf.

Is the Wreckfest 2 dedicated server free?

Yes. It is a free tool on Steam (app 3519390). Players need their own copy of the game.

How many players can a Wreckfest 2 server hold?

Up to 24 per event, counting drivers and bots together.

Does the Wreckfest 2 server run on Linux?

There is no native Linux build. Linux hosts run the Windows server under Wine.