How to Host a Wurm Unlimited Server (Dedicated Server Guide 2026)

To host a Wurm Unlimited server, install the free dedicated server with SteamCMD (app 402370) and start WurmServerLauncher with your settings, either in its window on Windows or headless with arguments like start=dist/Adventure servername="Oakvale" maxplayers=25 pvp=false. Open TCP 3724 for the game and UDP 27016 for the server list. Your world is a folder (the bundled Adventure or Creative map, or your own), and GM powers are set in that world's wurmplayers.db, not by a setting.

What do you need to run a Wurm Unlimited server?

Wurm Unlimited is the self hosted version of Wurm Online, so a server is the normal way to play it with others. Memory follows map size and how much has been built far more than player count.

Choose the map first, then size the server. Memory grows slowly as the world fills with items, so check it now and then on a long running world. Every player needs their own copy of Wurm Unlimited; the server does not.

How do I install the Wurm Unlimited dedicated server?

1. Install SteamCMD.
2. Download the server:

steamcmd +force_install_dir C:\wurm-server +login anonymous +app_update 402370 validate +quit

3. On Windows, run WurmServerLauncher.exe to get the launcher window, pick a world folder from the list, set the options and press start.
4. On a headless Linux machine, run ./WurmServerLauncher with arguments instead (next section). Wurmpedia's server administration page documents both.

What settings does the server take?

Headless servers are configured on the start line:

./WurmServerLauncher start=dist/Adventure ip=0.0.0.0 externalport=3724 queryport=27016 servername="Oakvale" serverpassword=hearth maxplayers=25 pvp=false epicsettings=false adminpwd=changeme

Deeper world rules (database paths, maintenance mode, pruning inactive players) live in each world's wurm.ini. Restart after any change.

The gotcha: how to actually become a GM

New owners expect a setting that makes them admin. There is not one for a headless server. GM power is a number on your character, stored in the world's player database, from 0 (normal player) up to 5 (Implementor). Power 2 and up can manage players; power 4 and 5 can spawn items and creatures and set skills.

To give yourself power 5:

1. Log in once so your character exists, then stop the server so it writes everything to disk.
2. Download wurmplayers.db from the world folder's sqlite folder.
3. Open it in a SQLite editor such as DB Browser for SQLite and browse the PLAYERS table.
4. Find your character and change POWER from 0 to 5. Write the changes.
5. Upload the file back and start the server.

The trap inside the trap is the name: Wurm only capitalizes the first letter, so a character you typed as OakGM is stored as Oakgm. Search for it that way. Editing the file while the server runs is the other common failure, because the server writes over it.

How do I use a custom map?

1. Copy the bundled dist/Creative folder and give the copy a new name.
2. Put your map's top_layer.map and rock_layer.map (plus any other layer files your generator made) into the copy.
3. Clear the databases in its sqlite folder (the folder includes a rebuild script) so no old items or deeds sit on the new terrain. Wurmpedia notes 4096 maps do not work without this step.
4. Point start= at the new folder and start the server.

Rebuilding the databases deletes characters and progress in that world, so do it before anyone settles. Changing start= later moves everyone to a different world.

What ports does a Wurm Unlimited server use?

A server missing from the list almost always means the query port is closed. Our port forwarding guide has the router steps.

How do players join a Wurm Unlimited server?

1. Launch Wurm Unlimited on Steam.
2. Open the server list and search for your server name. Players on the same network can also use the LAN tab.
3. Select it, enter the password if asked, and create a character.

Characters and skills belong to each server, and nothing carries over from Wurm Online.

Moving an existing world onto it

A Wurm world is its whole folder: the map layers, wurm.ini and the sqlite databases. Stop the old server, copy the folder, upload it next to dist/Adventure on the new server, point start= at it and start. Back up the folder before every game update.

Common problems

• Not in the server list: UDP 27016 is closed. Players on your network can still use the LAN tab.
• GM power did not stick: the database was edited while the server ran, or the name's capitals did not match.
• Items floating on a new map: the old databases were kept. Rebuild them for a fresh map.
• Everyone started over: start= points at a different world folder.
• "You can not log on to this type of server": IS_GAME_SERVER is off in the world's wurm.ini.

FAQ

How do I make myself GM on a Wurm Unlimited server?

Stop the server, set your character's POWER to 5 in the PLAYERS table of wurmplayers.db, upload it and restart.

What does Epic mode do in Wurm Unlimited?

It applies the Epic rules from Wurm Online, including a faster skill curve. Leave it off for the standard Freedom style experience.

Can I use a custom map on Wurm Unlimited?

Yes. Copy a bundled world folder, add your top_layer.map and rock_layer.map, rebuild the databases and point the server at it.

Do Wurm Online characters carry over to Wurm Unlimited?

No. Every Wurm Unlimited server has its own characters and skills.

The easy option: host it with us

Wurm Unlimited hosting on GamezServers starts at 9.99 USD a month for 4 GB, with 8, 12 and 16 GB plans and 50% off the first month for new customers. The panel builds the launcher line for you: server name, passwords, max players, PvP, Epic and which world folder to load. Custom maps and wurmplayers.db go up and down over SFTP, there is a one click Backup before you touch the databases, and the world keeps aging while you are offline. Our server type runs the standard launcher, so it plays without server mods.