When setting up a 7 Days To Die multiplayer server, one of the first things you'll probably want to change is its name. Leaving it as the default makes it harder for friends and other players to recognize your server when browsing the multiplayer list, especially if you're planning to build a larger community.
Changing the name of your 7 Days To Die server is straightforward once you know where to look. The process differs depending on how you're hosting, so we'll cover both self-hosted dedicated servers and the simpler method available through Pine Hosting.
How To Change Your 7 Days To Die Server Name On A Self-Hosted Server
If you're running a dedicated server on your own computer or another machine you manage, you'll need to modify its configuration files manually. Your server name is controlled by the ServerName property, which is stored in the server's active XML configuration file.
Step 1: Stop Your 7 Days To Die Server
Before editing anything, you'll need to shut down your dedicated server safely. If you're running it through the Windows startdedicated.bat script, find the server's console or remote management window.
Enter the following command and press Enter:
shutdown
This tells the server to shut down cleanly. Wait until the server process has completely stopped before continuing, and avoid forcing it closed through Task Manager.
Step 2: Locate Your Server Files
If you installed your dedicated server through Steam, follow these steps:
- Open Steam and navigate to your Library.
- Enable the Tools category in your Library filters.
- Find 7 Days To Die Dedicated Server.
- Right-click it and select Manage → Browse Local Files.
- Steam will open the directory containing your dedicated server files.
If you installed your server through SteamCMD, navigate to the installation directory you specified when downloading the server files.
Step 3: Find The Active Server Configuration
Inside your installation directory, locate serverconfig.xml. This file contains several settings, including your server name, description, password, and player limit.
However, your installation may use a custom configuration file. To check, right-click startdedicated.bat, open it with Notepad, and look for the following startup argument:
-configfile=serverconfig.xml
The filename after -configfile= tells the server which configuration it loads. If yours references a different XML file, that's the one you need to edit.
It's recommended to back up your configuration before making changes. You can also create a separate copy named myserver.xml and update the startup argument to -configfile=myserver.xml. This helps prevent future game updates from overwriting your custom settings.
Step 4: Change Your Server Name
Open the active configuration file using Notepad or Notepad++. Press Ctrl + F and search for ServerName.
You should find something similar to this:
<property name="ServerName" value="My Game Host"/>
Replace the text inside the value quotation marks with your preferred server name. For example:
<property name="ServerName" value="Navezgane Survival Community"/>
Only change the name inside the quotation marks, leaving the rest of the XML property intact.
Step 5: Save And Restart Your Server
Press Ctrl + S to save your changes, then close the editor. Restart your dedicated server using startdedicated.bat or your usual startup script.
Once the server has finished loading, open 7 Days To Die, select Join A Game, and search for your new server name in the multiplayer browser.
How To Change Your 7 Days To Die Server Name With Pine Hosting
With our 7 Days To Die hosting, changing your server name is considerably easier because you don't need to locate or manually edit XML configuration files.
Our game panel allows you to modify your server's name directly through the Startup tab.
To change it:
- Log into your Pine Hosting game panel.
- Select your 7 Days To Die server.
- Stop your server before making changes.
- Navigate to the Startup tab.
- Locate the Server Name setting and enter your preferred name.
- Save the change if prompted, then start your server again.
Once your server finishes starting, the updated name should appear in the multiplayer browser.
For other configuration options, such as descriptions and gameplay settings, you can also manage your 7 Days To Die server settings through the Files tab and serverconfig.xml.
Why Is Your 7 Days To Die Server Name Not Changing?
If your previous server name still appears after making changes, there are a few things worth checking.
Your Server Hasn't Been Restarted
Changes to your server name are applied when the server starts. If you've edited the configuration while the server was running, shut it down properly and restart it to load the new name.
You're Editing The Wrong Configuration File
Some self-hosted servers load a custom XML configuration rather than the default serverconfig.xml. Check the -configfile= argument in your startup script to confirm which file is active.
On hosted servers, Startup settings may also override values entered directly into XML files. This can cause 7 Days To Die server settings not to apply as expected.
Your Server Isn't Appearing In Searches
If you can't find the server at all, check its visibility setting and confirm that your multiplayer browser filters aren't hiding it. You can also try connecting directly using the server's IP address and port to determine if it's accessible.
Will Changing Your 7 Days To Die Server Name Reset Your World?
No. Changing the ServerName property only affects how your server is identified in the multiplayer browser. It doesn't delete your world, reset your progress, or remove player inventories.
However, don't confuse ServerName with GameName, which identifies your save game. Changing GameName can cause the server to load or create a different save instead of continuing your existing world.
As long as you're only modifying your server's display name, your existing world and player progress will remain unchanged.
Manage Your 7 Days To Die Server With Pine Hosting
Giving your server a recognizable name is a simple way to help players identify your community. With our 7 Days To Die server hosting, you can update your server name through the Startup tab without touching configuration files.
Our custom game panel also provides convenient access to server files, backups, and other management tools, making it easier to maintain and customize your multiplayer server.
