How to Back Up Your The Forest Server

Backing up your game server is an essential step to ensure that your hard work in The Forest is preserved. In this guide, you will learn how to back up your server data step by step.

Step 1: Shut Down Your Server

Before making any modifications to your server files, it's crucial to shut down your server. This prevents any data corruption that may occur if files are being accessed or modified while the server is running.

Step 2: Connect to FTP

To access your server files, you'll need to connect via FTP (File Transfer Protocol). This might be the first time you are using FTP, so make sure to follow our detailed guide on how to connect through FTP. In summary, you'll need an FTP client like FileZilla or WinSCP and your server's FTP credentials.

Step 3: Locate the Saves

Once connected to your server through FTP, navigate to the savesMultiplayer folder. This is the location where all your game saves are stored. The folder contains the progress of your players, which is generated when they join the game and make progress.

Step 4: Download the SlotX Folder

In the savesMultiplayer folder, you will see multiple folders named slot1 to slot5. Each folder corresponds to a different save slot. Download the folder that matches the save slot your game is currently using (e.g., if you’re using slot 1, download slot1). This folder holds the player save data.

Step 5: Restart the Server

After you've successfully downloaded your save data, you can now restart your server to continue playing. Your game should launch as usual, and your saved progress will be intact!

Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues, consider the following:

• FTP Connection Issues: Ensure that your FTP credentials are correct and the server is shutdown to prevent data corruption from an autosave or something similar.
• Saving Problems: If you have trouble finding your save folder, verify that you are in the right directory or that, at least, the game has been saved once in-game in a shelter.

• Corrupted Saves: If your server crashes while saving, it may corrupt your files. Always ensure you shut down the server before making backups.

   

Restoring Your Data

If you need to restore your saved data from a backup, you can do this by uploading the saved folder back to the server through FTP. Connect to your server, navigate to the savesMultiplayer folder, and upload the previously downloaded slotX folder. 

Once the upload is complete, restart your server, and your saved game should be restored. The Join button should be next to the “Continue” option.