Quick answer
Use the official dedicated-server documentation and Steam tooling. Choose hardware from expected population, map, plugins, and save behavior; keep configuration and secrets out of public repositories; test locally before exposing ports; and back up the identity and save directories before updates.
Step-by-step plan
- Read the current official dedicated-server setup documentation.
- Choose a host and resources for the intended population and map.
- Install the server files with the supported Steam tooling.
- Configure identity, map, ports, rules, and update behavior.
- Test joins privately, then create backups before public access.
Hardware questions need workload context
A player count alone is not enough. Map size, plugins, save activity, CPU performance, memory, storage, and network quality all affect the result.
Protect credentials and identity
Keep tokens, remote administration credentials, and private addresses out of screenshots and version control.
Updates need a rollback plan
Back up the server identity and saves before changing versions or plugins. Verify the server starts and accepts a test client after maintenance.
Checklist
- Official docs
- Capacity estimate
- Private test
- Secrets protected
- Backups
- Update and rollback plan
What to verify before acting
- This guide does not expose real credentials or IPs.
- Hosting providers and commands change.