How to Move a FOUNDRY World to a Dedicated Server

To move a FOUNDRY world to a dedicated server, copy the world's folder from %USERPROFILE%\AppData\LocalLow\Channel 3 Entertainment\Foundry\save\ (it is named after your world plus a number, like ironworks_1213232), rename it to a plain name such as ironworks, and upload it into the server's save folder. Then set server_world_name in app.cfg (or Server World Name in a panel) to that exact name and restart. Server and players must be on the same game version with the same mods.

What you can and cannot move

What goes where

Press Windows + R, paste %USERPROFILE%\AppData\LocalLow\Channel 3 Entertainment\Foundry\save and press Enter. If you have several worlds with similar names, the number at the end tells them apart, so check the folder's modified date to pick the one you played last.

Before you start

• Close FOUNDRY on the PC that hosted the world, so the last autosave is written.
• Back up the world folder. Factory worlds get big, so zip it.
• Match the version. FOUNDRY is in Early Access. Channel 3's dedicated server page lists a version mismatch as the first thing to check when players cannot connect.
• Match the mods. Write down every mod the world uses. Mods do not sync when players join, so make a Steam Workshop collection with the exact list for your group.

Step 1: Start the server once and stop it

Let the server start so it creates its world and save folder, then stop it. On GamezServers the default world is MyFoundry, saved in serverfiles/save/MyFoundry/. That shows you exactly where your world goes.

Step 2: Rename and upload the world

Rename your folder from ironworks_1213232 to something short with no spaces or numbers tacked on, like ironworks. Upload it into the same save folder as the server's own world, so you have serverfiles/save/ironworks/ with the save files directly inside. Zip it and extract on the server, or use an SFTP app such as FileZilla or WinSCP for big worlds.

Step 3: Set the world name in app.cfg

The server loads the folder named by server_world_name:

server_name=Ironworks Co-op
server_password=only_friends
server_world_name=ironworks
pause_server_when_empty=true
autosave_interval=300

The name must match the folder exactly, capitals included. Edit with the server stopped.

Step 4: Upload mods and start

Upload the same mods into Mods/, including Unfoundry, which most server side mods need. Start the server and wait for Dedicated server is now running!. Players join through Multiplayer, then IP Direct Connect, with the address and port.

The gotcha: the folder name and the panel

Two things trip up nearly every FOUNDRY move.

First, the number. Your PC names world folders name_number, but the dedicated server uses server_world_name as the folder name directly. Point it at ironworks while the folder is still called ironworks_1213232, and the server cannot find it, so it generates a new world in a new folder called ironworks. Renaming the folder and the setting to the same plain name avoids that completely.

Second, on most hosting panels, ours included, app.cfg is rewritten on every start. Server World Name, server name, password, max players, autosave interval, pause when empty and public listing all come from the panel. If you only edit app.cfg, the panel puts its own values back and the server opens MyFoundry again. Set Server World Name in the panel to your folder's name.

What happens to players

Research is shared by everyone on a dedicated server and is part of the world, so the tech tree you unlocked comes with it. The factory, storage and everything built travel inside the world folder. If someone's personal inventory looks different after the move, the world is still intact, and building materials are waiting in your storage.

Common problems

• Server makes a new empty world: the world name does not match the folder exactly (the number suffix is the usual culprit), or the panel overwrote your app.cfg edit.
• Cannot connect, version mismatch: the server is on an older build. Restart it with auto update on.
• Mods missing or machines gone: a mod is not in the server's Mods/ folder, Unfoundry is missing, or a player lacks a mod. Everyone needs the same list.
• Factory jammed when you come back: Pause Server When Empty was off, so it ran unattended. Turn it on if you only want production while someone is online.
• Server not in the browser: it is not set to public. Use IP Direct Connect instead.

Moving it to GamezServers

On a FOUNDRY server from GamezServers, you upload the world over SFTP (login in Settings) or in the file manager, which also does zips, extract and downloading a file from a link straight to the server. Set Server World Name in the panel and click Backup before replacing anything. The factory is then there for the whole group without anyone's PC running. For app.cfg and mods in depth, see how to host a FOUNDRY server.

FAQ

Where are FOUNDRY saves stored?

Single player worlds are in %USERPROFILE%\AppData\LocalLow\Channel 3 Entertainment\Foundry\save\. A self hosted dedicated server saves to ...\FoundryDedicatedServer\save\ unless app.cfg sets another folder.

Why does my FOUNDRY server make a new world instead of loading mine?

The world name does not match the folder name exactly, usually because of the number at the end of local folder names. On a panel, set the world name there.

Do players need the same mods?

Yes. FOUNDRY mods do not sync on join, so share a Workshop collection with the server's exact mod list.

Is research kept when I move a world?

Yes. Research on a server is shared and saved with the world, so the whole group keeps the tech tree.