Before you start
Tavern's current beta uses direct connections and backups made with the server stopped. Back up only after stopping the server. This guide does not cover moving a database file by itself.
Match the game and server versions and keep the PC awake while the crew plays. Review the publisher's dedicated-server requirements for your group size, with extra resources if you also play on the host PC. Preserve existing saves before import or recovery.
Use a Windows 10 or 11 x64 PC. Keep it on, awake, and connected while friends play, with enough memory left for Windows and your own game.
New to Tavern? Apply for the alpha. If you already have a server, keep a separate backup before linking or importing it.
Set up with Tavern
Set the crew's server identity
Choose Windrose and Install a new server. Review server name, player limit, player password, and service region. Let the world preparation finish instead of moving a database into a new installation by hand.
Choose a direct route
Select local network or direct internet access in Tavern. Tavern uses a direct address here. The publisher also describes invite codes, but that is a different way to join.
Wait for the world to load
Complete setup, then Start and read the progress. Tavern checks the selected world database and startup checks. Keep the original configuration and world identifiers when linking an existing installation.
Finish the review and choose Create server. When setup is complete, start it and follow any instructions Tavern shows. Join yourself, then ask a friend to try the connection your group will use.
Bring your friends
Direct IP in-game
Choose Play > Connect to Server > Direct IP and use the address from Tavern. Use the LAN address at home or the verified public address for a crew outside your network.
Both TCP and UDP
Follow both TCP and UDP entries in Tavern's network checklist. Opening only one can prevent joining. The usual game port is 7777, but use the value shown for your server. This setup uses local or direct internet access.
Changing local ports
For custom ports, stop the selected server and open Networking > Ports. Edit its local ports, save, update any router or tunnel mappings, then start the server and use the updated address. Tavern keeps game-required adjacent ports together and checks for conflicts. These controls require a Tavern build with the Ports section.
Share the connection details from the right server in Tavern. For friends outside your home, test with someone on another network; joining from the host PC alone is not enough.
Make it your world
Settings and world identity
Use Settings > Game Config for the current game settings. The server's ServerDescription.json and saved-world data have different jobs. Preserve world identifiers and review any restart or stopped-server requirement before changing a world.
Keep configuration with your recovery plan
The world backup covers R5/Saved. ServerDescription.json sits outside that tree. Retain a separate configuration copy when planning full manual recovery; do not assume a save snapshot includes every installation file.
Protect your progress
Stop the server through Tavern before Create backup. Tavern needs the world to stop saving before it can make a complete backup. Wait for backup completion, preserve the original, and review restores slowly. An isolated database file is not the standalone world-import path this beta supports.
In Backups, choose Create backup for this server. Wait for Activity to report completion and check that the backup appears in the list. Do this before updates, imports, or major changes.
Restoring replaces the current world data, so keep a copy of your latest progress first. Use Tavern's stop control and wait for shutdown before turning the PC off.
If something gets stuck
The invite code does not fit this setup
Confirm whether the server is using Tavern's direct route or the publisher's separate invitation flow. For this guide, use Direct IP and the assigned address rather than substituting a code.
A backup will not start while playing
Schedule a pause with your crew, stop the server through Tavern, and wait for shutdown. Then retry the backup and confirm completion before restarting. Do not manually copy a database that is still being written.
Do I need to leave my game open?
The dedicated server runs separately from your game client. The host PC, server, and selected connection route need to remain available while friends play.
Sources & testing status
Checked against Tavern's app source and the publisher resources below. Game support is in beta; your installed alpha may differ. This review did not include a new gameplay, restore, or outside-network join test.
The game's documentation may include features Tavern does not yet offer. Use the options available in your version of the app.