Where does enshrouded_server.json live?

In the server install folder, next to enshrouded_server.exe. The server creates it with defaults on first run; stop the server, replace the file, then start it again to apply changes.

Why are my custom gameSettings ignored?

The server only reads the gameSettings block when gameSettingsPreset is set to Custom. On Default, Relaxed or Hard the named preset wins and your tuned values are silently dropped. This generator flips the preset to Custom automatically whenever you change a knob.

How do server passwords work since the user-groups update?

There is no single server password anymore. Each user group (Admin, Friend, Guest by default) has its own password and permission set (canKickBan, canAccessInventories, canEditBase, canExtendBase, reservedSlots); players pick their role by entering that group's password. A blank password makes the role open to everyone, so set all of them.

Does this tool collect real passwords?

No. The generated userGroups ship with CHANGE_ME_ADMIN, CHANGE_ME_FRIEND and CHANGE_ME_GUEST placeholders that you replace privately on the server.

Tools / Enshrouded

Enshrouded Server Config Generator

Build a complete enshrouded_server.json: pick a difficulty preset, set up Admin/Friend/Guest groups with permissions, tune gameplay knobs - and let the generator handle the trap where custom gameSettings are silently ignored unless the preset says Custom. No passwords collected.

Preset

Server

Server name Player slots (1-16)

Query port (UDP) Text chat

Voice chat Voice chat mode

User groups & permissions

Players join a role by entering that group's password. Passwords in the output are placeholders - do not type real ones here.

Group	Include	Kick/ban	Inventories	Edit base	Extend base	Reserved
Admin
Friend
Guest

Gameplay knobs (switching any of these flips the preset to Custom)

Player health factor (0.25-4) Enemy damage factor (0.25-4)

Enemy health factor (0.25-4) Resource drop factor (0.25-4)

Mining speed factor (0.25-4) Plant growth factor (0.25-4)

Day length (minutes) Night length (minutes)

On death, tombstone holds Enemy amount

Weather frequency Equipment durability

Starving debuff Pacify all enemies

Generating...

The Custom-preset trap

Since the user-groups update, enshrouded_server.json carries a gameSettingsPreset (Default, Relaxed, Hard, or Custom) and a gameSettings block. The block is only read when the preset is Custom - tuned values under a named preset are silently ignored. This generator flips the preset to Custom the moment you change a knob, and tells you it did.

Schema reconstructed from hosting-provider mirrors of the official dedicated-server guide (the Zendesk article blocks robots). Fields only one source documents are left out and listed as verify notes in the result.

How to install

Stop the Enshrouded server.
Open enshrouded_server.json next to enshrouded_server.exe (the server creates it on first run).
Replace the contents with the generated config and keep UTF-8 encoding.
Replace the CHANGE_ME_* group passwords privately.
Forward the query port (UDP) and start the server.

FAQ

Why are my custom settings ignored?

Because gameSettingsPreset was not Custom. The named presets win over the gameSettings block. Use this generator and the flip happens automatically.

How do passwords work now?

Per group, not per server: each entry in userGroups has its own password and permissions. Blank passwords make the role open to everyone - the generator always emits placeholders so no role ships open by accident.

What are the duration units?

Nanoseconds. 30 minutes of day is 1800000000000. The form takes minutes and converts for you.

Can I run more than 16 players?

No - slotCount is hard-capped at 16 by the server.