Hosting a Necesse server
Necesse is a top-down sandbox from Fair Games ApS that mixes exploration, boss fights and dungeon runs with settlement building, where you recruit settlers and give them jobs. It left Early Access with its full release on 16 October 2025, and it runs on Windows, macOS and Linux with online co-op and PvP.
Necesse has a free dedicated server that you can install from the Steam Tools library, through SteamCMD (app 1169370) or as a direct download from the developer. Slots are set when the server is configured, anywhere from 1 to 250 players, and the server listens on UDP port 14159 by default. Settings are kept in server.cfg, with per-world options in worldSettings.cfg inside the save.
What to compare
- RAM for a growing world. Settlers, explored areas and more players all add load over time, so pick a plan you can upgrade as the world grows.
- Pause when empty. The server has a setting to pause the world when nobody is online, off by default. Check your host lets you change it if you want settlements to wait for you.
- Config and save access. World saves are .zip files in the saves folder, so look for file access that lets you upload an existing world, download backups and edit
server.cfg.
- Mod support. Necesse supports the Steam Workshop. If you plan to run mods, check the host lets you install them on the server and whether players need matching mods.
- Backups. Settlements take hours to build up. Automatic backups and an easy restore protect them from a bad update or a griefer.
- Updates. Server and game versions need to match, so a host that updates promptly after patches avoids locked-out players.
- Location. Combat with bosses and other players is timing-sensitive, so a nearby datacentre helps.
See the current Necesse hosting deals for offers from listed providers. For a whole machine, see dedicated servers.
Necesse server hosting FAQ
How many players can join a Necesse server?
Dedicated servers can be set anywhere from 1 to 250 slots. Most groups run far fewer, and the hardware decides how many play smoothly.
Can I run mods on a Necesse server?
Yes, on hosts that let you add them. Necesse has Steam Workshop support. Keep the server's mods in step with what your players run.
Can I upload my existing world?
Yes. Worlds are saved as .zip files, so you can upload yours to the server's saves folder and load it.
Can I host a Necesse server for free?
Yes, if you run it yourself. The Necesse Dedicated Server is free on Steam and SteamCMD, and also available from the developer's site. It is only online while that machine is on, so groups who play at different times usually rent one.
Does the world keep running when nobody is online?
By default, yes. The server has a pause-when-empty option you can turn on if you want the world to wait for players.
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