How to Make a Necesse Server
A complete walkthrough for running your own Necesse dedicated server — install it with SteamCMD, open the port, set server.cfg and play co-op 24/7. Necesse is one of the lightest games to host, so it runs on almost anything. Plus the one-click hosted route.
Necesse ships a free dedicated server (Steam app 1169370, anonymous) that runs natively on Linux. It's tiny — a full co-op world runs on very little — and uses port 14159. You can self-host it or use a managed host for an always-online world.
This guide covers the self-hosted SteamCMD route step by step.
What you'll need
A quick checklist before you begin — have these ready and the rest is easy.
- A machine to run the server — almost anything, or a host for 24/7 uptime.
- SteamCMD, to download the free server (app 1169370).
- server.cfg configured (name, password, players).
- Open port: UDP 14159.
- 1-2 GB of RAM and a modest core.
Set up a Necesse dedicated server, step by step
Choose self-host or a managed host
Necesse is so light it runs almost anywhere, but self-hosting still needs a machine on 24/7 and port-forwarding. A managed host gives you an always-online world in minutes. Want zero hassle? Pick a host and skip to step 4.
Install with SteamCMD
The Necesse dedicated server is Steam app 1169370 — a free, anonymous download.
steamcmd +login anonymous +force_install_dir ./necesse +app_update 1169370 validate +quit
Launch & create the world
Start the server; it creates a world (or loads one you name). Necesse keeps a persistent co-op world your group shares.
./StartServer-nogui.sh
Configure server.cfg
Set the server name, password, max players, pause-when-empty and world settings in server.cfg. This controls the whole server.
Open the port
Forward UDP 14159 (the default) so players can find and join. On a managed host this is opened for you.
14159/udp game (default)
Share & play
Give players the IP (and password if set). The server stays online 24/7 so co-op progress carries between sessions. Back up the world folder regularly.
Run a smooth world
Extremely light
Necesse runs a full co-op world on 1-2 GB and a single modest core. It's one of the cheapest games to host.
Set a password for private worlds
Add a password in server.cfg to keep the world to your group.
Pause when empty
Necesse can pause the world when no one is online — handy to save resources on a shared box.
Back up the world
Your world lives in the save folder. Back it up before updates so a bad patch never costs your progress.
Common problems & fixes
Hit a snag? These are the issues people run into most — and how to solve them.
Players can't connect
UDP 14159 isn't open. Forward it on the router and confirm the host firewall allows it.
The server won't start
Re-validate the install with SteamCMD and run the nogui start script. Check the console output for the exact error.
The world reset
A moved or corrupted save. Restore from a backup and don't edit it while the server runs.
I wanted a private world
Set a password in server.cfg — Necesse worlds are open unless you add one.
Skip the setup — host it with ESAGAMES
Want a Necesse world online 24/7 without port-forwarding? Our game server hosting runs it on high-clock CPUs behind a protected Frankfurt network — a cheap, always-on co-op world in minutes.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to own Necesse to host a server?
No. The dedicated server (Steam app 1169370) is a free, anonymous download, separate from the game. You only need the game on the machines that play.
What port does a Necesse server use?
UDP 14159 by default. Forward it so players can find and join. On a managed host it's opened for you.
How much hardware does a Necesse server need?
Very little — 1-2 GB of RAM and a single modest core run a full co-op world. It's one of the lightest games to host.
Where do I configure a Necesse server?
In server.cfg — server name, password, max players, pause-when-empty and world settings. Run the server once to generate it, then stop and edit.
How do I make my Necesse server private?
Set a password in server.cfg. Only players with the password can then join your world.
Does the world stay saved when I log off?
Yes — a dedicated server keeps the world persistent and online 24/7, so co-op progress carries between sessions.
Keep reading
Necesse is a trademark of Fair Games Studio / Mad Ruby. ESAGAMES is an independent hosting provider, not affiliated with or endorsed by them. You must own a legitimate copy of the game to play.