How to Set Up a SCUM Dedicated Server (2025) – Complete Step-by-Step Guide

This guide explains how to install, configure, and run a SCUM dedicated server.

Prerequisites

Harware Requirements

• Minimum 8GB RAM (more recommended for high player counts).
• Plan for increased usage with configuration and mods.

Network

Ensure the following ports are open and forwarded to your server:

Important: Avoid using ports between 27020–27050 due to Steam conflicts.

Operating System

• 64-bit Windows required (SCUMServer.exe is 64-bit only).
• Install the following dependencies:
  • Visual C++ Redistributables: 2012, 2013, 2015–2022
  • DirectX End-User Runtimes

SteamCMD

Download and install SteamCMD for Windows.

Server Installation

Use the following batch script to install or update your SCUM dedicated server via SteamCMD. This automates the process and ensures your server stays up to date.

Instructions:

1. Replace the paths in INSTALL_DIR and STEAMCMD_DIR with the actual locations on your system.
2. Save the script as install_update_scum.bat.
3. Run it whenever you want to install or update the server.

@echo off
set INSTALL_DIR=C:\scumserver
set STEAMCMD_DIR=C:\steamcmd

if not exist "%STEAMCMD_DIR%\steamcmd.exe" (
    echo SteamCMD not found in %STEAMCMD_DIR%. Please install it first.
    pause
    exit /b
)

"%STEAMCMD_DIR%\steamcmd.exe" +force_install_dir "%INSTALL_DIR%" +login anonymous +app_update 3792580 validate +quit

echo SCUM Server installed or updated successfully.
pause

Running the Server

1. Create a batch file: scum_server.bat in SCUM\Binaries\Win64\ with:

start SCUMServer.exe -log -port=7777 -MaxPlayers=64

Adjust -port and -MaxPlayers as needed.

Optional Commandline Arguments

• -nobattleye — Disable BattlEye anti-cheat (not recommended)
• -queryPort= — Allows you to set the query port (Should be +2 of the servers game port)

Port Forwarding

If you're hosting from home or elsewhere, you will need to port forward the following ports to ensure players can connect.

Make sure to forward these ports on your router/firewall to your local machine's IP address.

Visit portforward.com for router-specific instructions and tutorials.

Finding Your Server in Lists

• Add your server to Steam favorites via IP:PORT
• Use the SCUM in-game unofficial server list (visibility not guaranteed!)

Automatic Startup (Windows)

1. Open Task Scheduler.
2. Create Basic Task:
   • Trigger: When the computer starts
   • Action: Start a program – point to your batch file
   • Set "Start in" path to the batch file directory
   • In "General" tab:
     • Run whether user is logged in or not
     • Run with highest privileges (recommended)

Updating

To update your SCUM server after an official game update, simply run the batch script we made above (install_update_scum.bat). It will automatically fetch the latest files and apply necessary updates.

• You can run this script via Task Scheduler if you want to automate updates daily or weekly.
• Ensure the server is not running while updating to avoid file conflicts.

Backing Up Server Data

Regular backups are essential to prevent data loss. Here's how to do it:

Manual Backup

1. Stop your SCUM server.
2. Navigate to your server's installation directory (e.g. C:\scumserver).
3. Copy the entire folder (or at least the Saved directory inside SCUM\Saved) to a backup location.

Automated Backup Using Scheduled Task (Windows)

1. Create a backup script, e.g. backup_scum.bat:

@echo off
set SERVER_DIR=C:\scumserver
set BACKUP_DIR=D:\scum_backups\%date:~10,4%-%date:~4,2%-%date:~7,2%_%time:~0,2%%time:~3,2%
mkdir "%BACKUP_DIR%"
xcopy "%SERVER_DIR%\SCUM\Saved" "%BACKUP_DIR%" /E /I /Y

2. Open Task Scheduler.
3. Create a new task:
   • Trigger: Daily at a time when the server is not busy
   • Action: Run the batch file
   • Enable "Run with highest privileges"
   • Optional: Stop the server before the backup, then restart it

Tips

• Use compression (e.g. .zip) to save space
• Rotate backups to avoid consuming too much disk space
• Store backups on external or offsite storage for better security

Troubleshooting

• Server not showing: Check firewall and port forwarding rules.
• Update issues: Re-run the steam update script (install_update_scum.bat).
• RCON not working: Ensure TCP port is open.

Summary

Setting up a SCUM dedicated server with SteamCMD gives you full control, fast updates, and a reliable hosting experience. With automated install/update scripts, proper port forwarding, and scheduled backups, you’ll be well-equipped to manage your server like a pro.

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