Pavlov dedicated server FAQ
Running your own Pavlov community server means Linux, SteamCMD, firewall ports, and ongoing maintenance. This FAQ summarizes what the wiki covers — or you can skip it with managed Pavforest hosting.
Requirements
Can I host Pavlov on Windows?+
No. There are no Windows server binaries. Pavlov dedicated servers run on Linux only (Ubuntu 20.04–24.04 and Rocky Linux 8 are known good). You can run Linux in a VM on Windows, but that adds complexity.
What hardware do I need?+
RAM: ~2 GB for a basic 10-player vanilla server; 4 GB+ for 24 players with mods or large maps. Insufficient RAM is a common crash cause.
CPU: Pavlov is mostly single-threaded — clock speed matters more than core count. ~2.5 GHz for ~10 players; ~4 GHz for 24 players. One server ≈ one CPU core; leave overhead if running multiple instances.
Players: Shack hard cap 24; PC up to 50.
Which Linux distros work?+
Ubuntu 18.04 through 24.04 (x86_64) and Rocky Linux 8 are documented. Minimal cloud images may miss dependencies. Avoid very old releases (Ubuntu 15.04 is known to fail).
What ports do I open?+
Typical firewall rules:
UDP 7777, 8177 — game traffic (Shack may also need TCP 7777, 8177)
TCP RCON port — default 9100 for remote admin
Allow ICMP echo if you want external ping checks. Cloud setups use security groups / firewall tags targeting your instance.
ServerKey (required since Dec 2024)
How do I get a Pavlov ServerKey?+
1. In Pavlov VR, open Settings → General → Generate Server Code (6-character pin, valid ~15 minutes).
2. Visit api-key.vankrupt.net with your player ID and pin.
3. Put the key in Game.ini: ServerKey="YOUR_KEY" or launch flag -KEY="YOUR_KEY".
One key can be reused across multiple servers (limit ~10 mentioned). Never share your key — abuse can ban your account.
Why doesn't my server show in the browser?+
Missing or invalid ServerKey is the most common post-2024 cause. Also check ports, firewall, correct Shack vs PC SteamCMD branch, and that the server process is running.
Self-host vs managed hosting
Should I host Pavlov at home?+
The wiki discourages home hosting. You need port forwarding, hairpin NAT / loopback for local testing, and must avoid CGNAT (carrier-grade NAT blocks inbound connections). Security risk: you're exposing an unaudited dedicated server to the internet — use a DMZ or separate machine. Most communities use a cloud VPS or a managed host instead.
What does manual setup involve?+
Typical steps: create a steam user, install SteamCMD, download the correct Pavlov dedicated branch (Shack vs PC), install libc++ dependencies, configure Game.ini and map rotation, set RCON password, configure systemd, and open firewall ports. The full wiki guide is hundreds of lines — expect hours of troubleshooting.
When should I pay for Pavlov hosting?+
If you have a Discord community or clan ready to play, but don't want Linux/SteamCMD work. Managed hosts provision dependencies, ServerKey setup, RCON, and panels. Pavforest targets $5.99/mo with web RCON, Shack & PC, maps, mods, and DDoS protection — setup in around 24 hours.
How many public Pavlov servers exist?+
The wiki notes there are often more servers than players. Launch with a built-in audience (friends, Discord, tournaments) or your server may sit empty.
Shack vs PC branch
How do I pick Shack or PC SteamCMD branch?+
Shack (Quest / standalone) and PC (Steam VR) use different dedicated server branches. Pavforest selects the correct branch automatically. Manual installs must use the branch matching your players' edition.
Let Pavforest handle setup
SteamCMD, systemd, RCON, ServerKey, maps, and a browser control panel — without SSH.
How it works Pricing