The Best The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria Server Hosting

Hosting a Return to Moria server

The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria is a survival crafting game from Free Range Games, published by North Beach Games. You lead a company of Dwarves back into the Mines of Moria in the Fourth Age, mining, building bases, forging gear and fighting through procedurally generated depths. Online co-op holds up to eight players, with full crossplay between Steam, Epic, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.

The developer publishes a free dedicated server for anyone who owns the game, found in the Tools section of your Steam library or through SteamCMD. It is configured with MoriaServerConfig.ini, with MoriaServerPermissions.txt for player access and MoriaServerRules.txt for a join message. When the server starts it gives you an invite code, and players can join with that code or by IP and port. Eight players can be connected at once, though any number can have characters on the world.

What to compare

• Crossplay-friendly setup. If some of your group plays on PS5 or Xbox, check the host shows you the server's invite code, since that is the easiest way for console players to join.
• Config file access. World settings, passwords and permissions live in the ini and text files above. A host that lets you edit them directly saves waiting on support.
• Save uploads. You can move a PC world from Steam or Epic into the server's SaveGamesDedicated folder. Look for file access that makes this simple.
• Backups. Deep Moria worlds with built-up bases are worth protecting. Automatic backups and a quick restore help after a bad update.
• Updates. Server and game versions need to match after each patch. A host that updates promptly keeps the whole group able to join.
• Enough memory and CPU. Procedural depths, enemy hordes and large bases all run on the server. Size the plan for eight players at the busiest point of your world, not the first evening.
• Location. Pick a datacentre near most of your group to keep combat in the mines responsive.

See the current Return to Moria hosting deals for offers from listed providers. For a whole machine, see dedicated servers.

Return to Moria server hosting FAQ

How many players can join a Return to Moria server?

Eight at the same time. That limit is set by the game, but more players than that can have characters on the same world and take turns.

Can PS5 and Xbox players join a dedicated server?

Yes. Players on Steam, Epic, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S can all join the same dedicated server.

Can I move my existing world to a dedicated server?

Yes. Copy the PC save from your AppData folder into the server's SaveGamesDedicated folder, then start the server.

Can I host a Return to Moria server for free?

Yes, if you own the game and run it yourself. The dedicated server is a free tool on Steam and SteamCMD. It is only online while that machine is on, so groups who play at different times usually rent one.