How to Set Up a Soulmask Dedicated Server on Linux vs Windows

When choosing between Linux and Windows for your server, the core difference lies in overhead and accessibility. Linux is generally preferred for dedicated servers because it consumes fewer system resources (RAM and CPU) due to its headless environment, leading to better game performance. Windows, on the other hand, provides a familiar graphical interface, making file navigation and basic troubleshooting easier for users less comfortable with command-line interfaces.

Here is a comprehensive, step-by-step tutorial on how to set up a Soulmask dedicated server on both operating systems.

Server Prerequisites

Regardless of your operating system, your hardware must meet the following minimum requirements to handle Soulmask efficiently:

• CPU: 2 to 4 cores minimum
• RAM: 16GB minimum (Memory is heavily utilized as player counts and built structures increase)
• Storage: 20GB of free space (SSD highly recommended over HDD to prevent saving/loading hitches)
• Network: Ports 8777 (UDP) and 27015 (UDP) must be open for player connections and Steam server queries. Port 18888 (TCP) is used locally for Telnet (safe shutdowns).

Part 1: Windows Server Setup

1. Install SteamCMD

SteamCMD is the command-line version of Steam used to download game server files.

1. Create a folder on your root drive (e.g., C:\steamcmd).
2. Download the SteamCMD zip file from Valve's official site and extract steamcmd.exe into this folder.
3. Double-click steamcmd.exe to run it. It will download the necessary updates. Once you see Steam>, type quit and hit Enter.

2. Download the Soulmask Server Files

Create a folder for the game server (e.g., C:\SoulmaskServer). Open a text editor (like Notepad) and paste the following code:

@echo off
C:\steamcmd\steamcmd.exe +login anonymous +force_install_dir C:\SoulmaskServer +app_update 3017310 validate +quit

Save the file as UpdateServer.bat in your C:\SoulmaskServer folder, then run it and wait for the download to finish.

3. Configure and Launch the Server

Inside C:\SoulmaskServer, locate StartServer.bat. Right-click the file and select Edit. You can append your custom server parameters to the end of the execution line. For example:

call StartServer.bat -SteamServerName="My Soulmask Server" -MaxPlayers=40 -PSW="JoinPassword" -adminpsw="AdminPassword"

Save the file and double-click StartServer.bat to launch your server.

4. Configure Windows Firewall

1. Open Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security.
2. Click Inbound Rules > New Rule > Port.
3. Select UDP, and enter 8777, 27015 in the specific local ports box. Allow the connection, name the rule "Soulmask UDP", and save.
4. Repeat this exact process for Outbound Rules.

Part 2: Linux Server Setup (Ubuntu/Debian)

1. Prepare the System and Install SteamCMD

It is best practice to run the server on a dedicated user rather than root. Open your terminal and create a new user:

sudo useradd -m soulmask

Update your package lists and install SteamCMD:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install software-properties-common
sudo add-apt-repository multiverse
sudo dpkg --add-architecture i386
sudo apt update
sudo apt install steamcmd

2. Download the Soulmask Server Files

Switch to your new soulmask user:

sudo -u soulmask -s
cd ~

Download the server files using SteamCMD. (Note: The Linux SteamCMD App ID for Soulmask is 3017300)

/usr/games/steamcmd +force_install_dir /home/soulmask/server +login anonymous +app_update 3017300 validate +quit

3. Create a Systemd Service for Auto-Start

A systemd service ensures your server restarts automatically if it crashes or if the physical server reboots. Exit the soulmask user by typing exit to return to your sudo user, then create the service file:

sudo nano /etc/systemd/system/soulmask.service

Paste the following configuration (adjust the parameters like -SteamServerName as needed):

[Unit]
Description=Soulmask Dedicated Server
After=network.target

[Service]
Type=simple
User=soulmask
WorkingDirectory=/home/soulmask/server
ExecStart=/home/soulmask/server/StartServer.sh -SteamServerName="My Linux Server" -MaxPlayers=40 -PSW="JoinPassword" -adminpsw="AdminPassword"
Restart=on-failure

[Install]
WantedBy=multi-user.target

Save (Ctrl+O, Enter) and exit (Ctrl+X). Enable and start the service:

sudo systemctl enable soulmask
sudo systemctl start soulmask

4. Configure Linux Firewall (UFW)

Open the necessary ports through Uncomplicated Firewall (UFW):

sudo ufw allow 8777/udp
sudo ufw allow 27015/udp
sudo ufw reload

Part 3: Important Server Management Tips

Essential Launch Parameters

When editing your .bat or .sh startup file, you can utilize these key parameters:

• -SteamServerName="Name" : The name displayed in the in-game server browser.
• -MaxPlayers=X : Maximum number of concurrent players (up to 70).
• -PSW="Password" : The password required for players to join. Remove this parameter completely for a public server.
• -adminpsw="AdminPass" : The GM (Game Master) password used to execute admin commands in-game.
• -pve or -pvp : Sets the server ruleset.

Performing a Safe Shutdown (Critical)

Open your operating system's command prompt or terminal and connect to the server's Telnet port via your local IP:

telnet 127.0.0.1 18888

Force the server to save the world state:

saveworld 1

Initiate a safe shutdown sequence (the number represents the delay in seconds):

quit 30