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Initializing a Dedicated Server

This guide explains how to initialize a dedicated server using SteamCore for seamless integration with Steam's online features. For a visual walkthrough, watch the Video Tutorial.

Prerequisites​

  • A configured DefaultEngine.ini file for your dedicated server.
  • SteamCore PRO installed and set up in your Unreal Engine project.
  • Access to your Steam App ID for Steam integration.
  • For Steam functionality, ensure the appropriate steamclient libraries are correctly placed on the server.

Initializing with SteamCore Online Subsystem (OSS)​

The SteamCore Online Subsystem (OSS) simplifies dedicated server initialization. After configuring your server settings in DefaultEngine.ini, you can use the Create SteamCore PRO Session node to automatically initialize the server.

Create SteamCore PRO Session Node

Steps​

  1. Ensure your DefaultEngine.ini file is properly configured for the dedicated server.
  2. In your server-side logic (e.g., Game Mode or Game Instance Blueprint), add the Create SteamCore PRO Session node.
  3. Execute the node to initialize the server, which will handle Steam integration automatically.

Adding Server Attributes​

You can include custom attributes (e.g., map name, game mode) to advertise specific server details to players.

Server Attributes Node

Steps​

  1. Add the Set Session Attributes node after the Create SteamCore PRO Session node.
  2. Specify key-value pairs for attributes like MapName, GameMode, or other custom metadata.
  3. These attributes will be visible to players browsing for servers on Steam.

Enabling Steam Functionality​

To use Steam features (e.g., matchmaking, server visibility), you must include the steamclient libraries in your server’s directory. Below are instructions for Windows and Linux servers.

Windows Server​

  1. Locate the Steamclient Libraries:

    • Find the steamclient.dll and related files in your Steam SDK or Steam installation directory.

    Steamclient Libraries (Windows)

  2. Copy the Libraries:

    • Copy the steamclient.dll and associated files to the same directory as your server’s executable (e.g., YourServer/Binaries/Win64/).

    Steamclient Libraries Copied (Windows)

Linux Server​

  1. Locate the steamclient.so File:

    • Use the find command to locate the steamclient.so file in your Steam installation or SDK.
    hulken@gameserver:~$ find . -name "*steamclient.so*"
    ./.local/share/Steam/steamcmd/linux32/steamclient.so
    ./.local/share/Steam/steamcmd/linux64/steamclient.so
    ./.steam/sdk64/steamclient.so

  2. Copy the steamclient.so File:

    • Copy the appropriate steamclient.so file (e.g., 64-bit version) to your server’s executable directory.
    cp /home/hulken/.local/share/Steam/steamcmd/linux64/steamclient.so /home/hulken/LinuxServer/STEAM/Binaries/Linux/

Creating steam_appid.txt​

In some cases, the server may lack permissions to automatically create the steam_appid.txt file. You can create it manually to ensure proper Steam integration.

Windows Example​

  1. Create a file named steam_appid.txt in the root directory of your server (e.g., YourServer/Binaries/Win64/).

  2. Add your Steam App ID as the only content in the file.

    steam_appid.txt (Windows)

Linux Example​

  1. Create the steam_appid.txt file in the server’s executable directory and add your Steam App ID.

    hulken@gameserver:~/LinuxServer$ echo "480" > Steam/Binaries/Linux/steam_appid.txt

Initializing Without OSS​

If you prefer not to use the SteamCore Online Subsystem, you can manually initialize the server with Steam functionality. This requires setting up specific nodes to advertise the server on Steam. Refer to the Steamworks Documentation for a complete list of required nodes.

Manual Initialization Nodes

Steps​

  1. Add nodes such as Initialize Steam Server, Set Server Data, and Advertise Server to your server logic.
  2. Configure each node with the necessary parameters (e.g., server name, port, Steam App ID).
  3. Ensure the steamclient libraries and steam_appid.txt are correctly set up, as described above.

Notes​

  • Always verify that your Steam App ID is correct to avoid authentication issues.
  • Test server initialization in a development environment to ensure Steam integration works as expected.
  • For manual initialization, carefully review the Steamworks API documentation to include all required nodes and settings.
  • Ensure the server has appropriate permissions to access the steamclient libraries and create or read the steam_appid.txt file.