Stormworks: Build and Rescue is a sandbox simulation game where players design and pilot vehicles to complete rescue missions in a dynamic open-world environment. This guide covers everything you need to set up and configure your dedicated Stormworks server on Legion Hosting.
First Start in GPanel
The initial server startup generates the default configuration files and world data. Follow these steps to get started:
- Log in to GPanel.
- Select your Stormworks server from the server list.
- Click Start to launch the server for the first time.
- Watch the console output. The server will download game files and generate its default configuration. Wait until you see a message confirming the server is ready and listening for connections.
- Stop the server once startup is complete. Your configuration files are now ready to edit.
Note: The first startup may take several minutes as the server validates game assets and generates the initial world. Be patient and do not interrupt the process.
Startup Variables
GPanel provides configurable startup variables for your Stormworks server. Navigate to the Startup tab in GPanel to adjust these values:
| Variable | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
SERVER_NAME |
Name displayed in the server browser | Stormworks Server |
SERVER_PASSWORD |
Password to join (leave blank for public) | blank |
MAX_PLAYERS |
Maximum players allowed on the server | 32 |
STEAM64_ID |
Steam64 ID of the server admin. Find yours at steamidfinder.com. | empty |
Important: Always stop the server before changing startup variables. Changes only take effect after a restart.
Server Configuration
Stormworks server settings are managed through the server_config.xml file located in the server's save data directory. You can edit this through GPanel's File Manager or via SFTP.
Basic Server Settings
<server_data
port="25564"
max_players="32"
save_name="autosave_server"
name="My Legion Stormworks Server"
password=""
/>Key Configuration Options
| Setting | Description | Values |
|---|---|---|
port |
Game port for player connections | Must match your GPanel allocation |
max_players |
Maximum simultaneous players | 1-32 (depends on your plan) |
save_name |
Name of the active save | autosave_server |
name |
Server name in browser | Any text string |
password |
Join password | Any string or blank for public |
is_public |
List on public server browser | true / false |
World Settings
Stormworks provides several world configuration options that affect gameplay. These can be set through the configuration file or via launch parameters:
Game Settings
<game_settings
day_night_cycle="true"
sunrise="6.0"
sunset="18.0"
infinite_fuel="false"
infinite_ammo="false"
vehicle_damage="true"
player_damage="true"
npc_damage="true"
aggressive_animals="true"
teleport_enabled="false"
map_teleport_enabled="false"
photo_mode_enabled="true"
unlock_all_components="false"
unlock_all_islands="false"
/>World Settings Explained
| Setting | Description | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
day_night_cycle |
Enable the day/night cycle | true for immersive play |
infinite_fuel |
Vehicles never run out of fuel | false for survival, true for creative |
infinite_ammo |
Unlimited ammunition for weapons | false for survival |
vehicle_damage |
Vehicles can be damaged | true for realism |
unlock_all_components |
All crafting components available from start | true for creative servers |
unlock_all_islands |
All islands accessible from start | true for open exploration |
teleport_enabled |
Allow players to teleport | false for survival |
Creative vs. Survival: For a creative/sandbox server, enable
infinite_fuel, unlock_all_components, unlock_all_islands, and teleport_enabled. For a survival experience, keep these disabled so players must progress through the game naturally.
Currency and Progression
Stormworks features a currency system where players earn money by completing rescue missions and transport jobs. You can configure the starting balance and economy:
<economy_settings
starting_currency="50000"
currency_reward_multiplier="1.0"
research_speed_multiplier="1.0"
/>| Setting | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
starting_currency |
Money given to new players | 50000 |
currency_reward_multiplier |
Multiplier for mission payouts (2.0 = double rewards) | 1.0 |
research_speed_multiplier |
Speed of component research | 1.0 |
Vehicle Spawn Settings
Control how vehicles behave on your server:
<vehicle_settings
max_vehicles="50"
vehicle_despawn_time="1800"
allow_workshop_vehicles="true"
auto_clean_vehicles="true"
/>- max_vehicles: The total number of vehicles that can exist in the world simultaneously. Lower values help with server performance.
- vehicle_despawn_time: Time in seconds before unoccupied vehicles are automatically removed (0 to disable).
- allow_workshop_vehicles: Allow players to spawn vehicles from the Steam Workshop.
- auto_clean_vehicles: Automatically clean up abandoned vehicles to prevent lag.
Performance Note: Vehicle count is the primary factor affecting server performance in Stormworks. Complex vehicles with many components use more resources. If you experience lag, consider reducing
max_vehicles or enabling auto_clean_vehicles.
Save Slots and Management
Stormworks supports multiple save slots, allowing you to maintain different worlds or configurations:
- Save data is stored in the
server_data/directory. - The active save is determined by the
save_nameattribute inserver_config.xml(default:autosave_server). - Each save maintains its own world state, vehicles, player progress, and currency balances.
Save data is stored in the server's data directory. To back up a save:
- Stop the server.
- Navigate to the save data folder in GPanel's File Manager (typically under
save/). - Download the save folder for the active slot via SFTP.
- Store the backup in a safe location.
Tip: Back up your save data regularly, especially before making major configuration changes or server updates. You can restore a backup by uploading the saved files back to the same directory.
Connecting to Your Server
Via Server Browser
- Launch Stormworks: Build and Rescue from Steam.
- From the main menu, select Multiplayer.
- Click Join Game to open the server browser.
- Search for your server by name or scroll through the list.
- Click on your server and press Join. Enter the password if one is set.
Via Direct Connect
- Find your server IP and port in GPanel on the main dashboard page. See also: How to Find Your Server IP and Port.
- In the Stormworks multiplayer menu, select Direct Connect.
- Enter your server IP address and port.
- Click Connect.
Connection Issues? If you cannot connect, ensure the server is running in GPanel, verify the IP and port are correct, and check that you are using the game port (not the Steam query port). Your server will be assigned a random port unless you have a private IP. Allow a few minutes after startup for the server to fully initialize.
Related Articles
- Stormworks Admin and World Management
- How to Find Your Server IP and Port
- How to Upload Files via SFTP
- Getting Started with Your New Server
Need help with something not covered here? Open a support ticket and our team will assist you.
