Soulmask is a survival game built around exploration, tribe management, base building, crafting, combat, and long-term progression. While public servers are an option, they are not always the best choice if you just want to play with a small group of friends.
If you want your own private Soulmask server, you have two main options: self-hosting or using dedicated Soulmask server hosting. Self-hosting gives you more direct control but requires more setup, while dedicated hosting is usually easier, more reliable, and better for groups that want a server online all the time.
This guide compares Soulmask self-hosting vs dedicated hosting, explains the setup process, and helps you decide which option is better for your friend group.
What Is Soulmask Self-Hosting?
Soulmask self-hosting means running the server from your own PC or home server. You are responsible for installing the dedicated server files, changing the server settings, opening firewall access, forwarding ports, managing updates, and troubleshooting connection issues.
This option can work well if you enjoy technical setup or only want to test a server with a few friends. However, it also means your server depends on your own hardware and home internet connection.
If your PC is turned off, your Soulmask server goes offline. If your internet connection drops, your friends disconnect. If your upload speed is limited, players may experience lag.
What Is Dedicated Soulmask Server Hosting?
Dedicated Soulmask server hosting means your server runs on hosting hardware instead of your personal PC. You manage the server through a game panel, where you can usually start, stop, restart, update, and configure the server more easily.
This is the simpler option for most friend groups. You do not need to leave your PC running all day, expose your home network, or deal with as much manual network setup.
With dedicated hosting, your Soulmask server can stay online even when you are not playing, making it easier for friends to join whenever they want.
Soulmask Self-Hosting Requirements
Before self-hosting a Soulmask server, make sure your setup can handle it. Survival servers can become more demanding over time as players explore, build bases, recruit followers, and expand the world.
For a small private Soulmask server, you should consider:
- CPU: A modern processor helps keep the server responsive.
- RAM: More memory is useful as your world and player count grow.
- Storage: SSD storage is recommended for faster loading and saving.
- Upload speed: Hosting depends heavily on upload speed, not just download speed.
- Network stability: A wired connection is better than Wi-Fi.
- Port forwarding: Friends may need open ports to connect from outside your network.
- Updates: You are responsible for updating the server when the game changes.
Self-hosting can save money, but it does require more time, patience, and troubleshooting.
How To Self-Host A Soulmask Server
Self-hosting a Soulmask server means your own PC will run the server for your friends. This gives you control, but it also means you are responsible for installing the server, keeping your computer online, and making sure your friends can connect.
If you are new to server hosting, do not worry. The process can be broken down into a few basic steps.
Step 1: Make Sure Your PC Can Handle The Server
Before you start, check that your computer is strong enough to host the server. Soulmask can become more demanding as your group explores, builds bases, recruits tribesmen, and saves more world data.
If you are hosting and playing on the same PC, your computer will be doing extra work. For a small group of friends, this may be fine, but if you notice lag, crashes, or long loading times, your PC may be struggling.
You should also make sure your internet connection is stable. A wired Ethernet connection is better than Wi-Fi because it is usually more reliable for hosting.
Step 2: Download The Soulmask Dedicated Server Files
Next, you need the dedicated server files. These are separate from the normal Soulmask game files and are used to run the server world.
Most self-hosted game servers are installed through Steam tools or SteamCMD. SteamCMD is a tool that lets you download and update dedicated server files without needing to launch the full Steam client.
For beginners, the easiest approach is to create a new folder somewhere simple, such as:
C:\SoulmaskServer
Keep all your server files in this folder. This makes it much easier to find your settings, backups, logs, and update files later.
Step 3: Set Your Server Name And Password
After the server files are installed, you need to edit the basic server settings.
The two most important settings for a private server are:
- Server name
- Server password
Your server name is what your friends will look for when joining. Choose something clear, such as:
Friends Only Soulmask
Your server password keeps random players out. Since this is a friends-only server, do not skip this step. Share the password only with the people you want to invite.
Step 4: Choose Basic Gameplay Settings
Once your server name and password are ready, you can look at the gameplay settings.
For your first Soulmask server, it is best to keep most settings close to default. This helps you avoid breaking anything before you understand how the server works.
Later, you can change settings such as difficulty, player limits, gathering rates, or other world options depending on how your group wants to play.
For a casual friend group, slightly easier settings can make the game more enjoyable, especially if everyone only plays a few times per week.
Step 5: Allow The Server Through Your Firewall
Your computer may block outside connections by default. This means the server might work for you, but your friends may not be able to join.
To fix this, you may need to allow the Soulmask server through Windows Firewall or your antivirus firewall.
When Windows asks whether to allow the server on private or public networks, choose the option that matches your setup. For most home users, this will usually be your private network.
Step 6: Forward The Server Ports On Your Router
Port forwarding is often the hardest part of self-hosting.
Your router controls traffic coming into your home network. If your friends are trying to join from outside your house, the router needs to know which computer is running the Soulmask server.
This is what port forwarding does. It sends Soulmask server traffic to your hosting PC.
The exact steps depend on your router, but the general process is:
- Log into your router.
- Find the port forwarding section.
- Add the ports required by your Soulmask server.
- Point those ports to your hosting PC’s local IP address.
- Save the changes and restart the router if needed.
If this part feels confusing, that is normal. Port forwarding is one of the main reasons many players choose dedicated Soulmask server hosting instead.
Step 7: Start The Server
Once the files, settings, firewall, and ports are ready, you can start the server.
When it launches, watch the server window or console for errors. If everything loads correctly, the server should be running and ready for testing.
Do not invite everyone immediately. Test it first.
Step 8: Join The Server Yourself
Before asking friends to connect, try joining the server from your own game.
If you can join successfully, that means the server is running. However, it does not always mean outside players can join yet, because your friends still depend on the firewall and port forwarding being correct.
Step 9: Ask One Friend To Test The Connection
After you confirm the server works for you, ask one friend to join.
If they can connect, your setup is probably working. If they cannot, check the most common issues:
- The server password is wrong
- The server is not fully started
- The game or server version is outdated
- The firewall is blocking the connection
- The ports are not forwarded correctly
- The wrong IP address was shared
- Your internet provider may be using CGNAT
Testing with one friend first makes troubleshooting much easier than inviting the whole group at once.
Step 10: Keep Your PC Online While Friends Play
With self-hosting, your server only stays online while your hosting PC is running. If you shut down your computer, restart it, lose internet, or close the server window, your friends will be disconnected.
This is the biggest downside of self-hosting. It works well for short play sessions, but it can become annoying if your friends want to play when you are offline.
That is why dedicated Soulmask hosting is usually better for long-term private servers.
Why Dedicated Soulmask Hosting Is Easier
Dedicated Soulmask hosting removes many of the technical problems that come with self-hosting. You do not need to keep your own PC online, rely on your home upload speed, or troubleshoot your router just to let friends connect.
Instead, your server runs on hosting hardware designed for multiplayer use. You can manage it through a control panel, restart it when needed, edit files, adjust settings, and keep the world online more easily.
This makes dedicated hosting especially useful if your friends play at different times or if you want a private world that stays available throughout the week.
Soulmask Self-Hosting Vs Dedicated Hosting: Quick Comparison
| Use Case | Self-Hosting | Dedicated Soulmask Hosting |
|---|---|---|
| Setup difficulty | More technical and requires manual setup | More beginner-friendly with easier server management |
| Server uptime | Depends on your PC being turned on and connected | Can stay online 24/7 for your friends |
| Performance | Limited by your home PC and internet connection | Runs on hardware designed for multiplayer servers |
| Network setup | May require firewall changes and port forwarding | Usually handled by the hosting provider |
| Best for | Testing, learning, or very small temporary groups | Long-term private Soulmask servers for friends |
| Maintenance | Manual updates, backups, and troubleshooting | Easier updates, restarts, and file access through a panel |
| Scalability | Limited by your home hardware and upload speed | Easier to upgrade if more friends join later |
Which Option Should You Choose?
Choose Soulmask self-hosting if you enjoy technical setup, want to test server files, or only plan to play temporarily with a very small group. It can work well if your PC is powerful enough and your internet connection is stable.
Choose dedicated Soulmask server hosting if you want a smoother experience, better uptime, easier management, and fewer connection issues. It is usually the better choice for friend groups that want a private world available whenever people feel like playing.
For most players, dedicated hosting is the more practical long-term option.
Tips For Running A Private Soulmask Server
Before everyone joins, set a few basic rules. Decide whether the server is PvE only, whether players should share resources, where bases can be built, and whether major progression should be done together.
You should also create regular backups. Even on a private Soulmask server, mistakes can happen. A bad setting change, corrupted save, or accidental damage can ruin hours of progress.
Finally, keep the server updated. When Soulmask receives updates, the server may need to update before players can join again.
Host Your Soulmask Server With Pine Hosting
Pine Hosting makes it easier to launch and manage a private Soulmask server without dealing with home internet limits, port forwarding, or hardware problems.
With Pine Hosting, you get reliable Soulmask server hosting, easy server management, DDoS protection, and room to grow if more friends join your tribe world. Instead of spending your time fixing hosting issues, you can focus on building, exploring, recruiting tribesmen, and enjoying Soulmask with your friends.
