FAQs for Colony Survival
Comprehensive Colony Survival server FAQ for PingPlayers: configure, administer, join, mod, back up, migrate, and troubleshoot your server.
This FAQ explains how to configure, administer, join, modify, back up, migrate, and troubleshoot a Colony Survival server hosted with PingPlayers.
What version of Colony Survival is running on my server?
By default, your server runs the latest public version of Colony Survival available through Steam.
If Auto Update is enabled, the server will update during restarts.
If Update on Boot is enabled, the server will check for and apply available updates every time it starts.
How do I configure my Colony Survival server?
Most common Colony Survival startup settings are configured through Basic Settings and some file editing.
These settings are passed to the dedicated server as command-line parameters when the server starts.
Basic Settings includes variables such as the world name and other commonly used server options.
Colony Survival does not currently use any Config Manager templates on PingPlayers.
Configuration files found within the server files can be edited directly through File Manager or SFTP.
Restart the server after changing server settings.
What is server.json?
server.json contains many of Colony Survival's advanced server settings.
It includes settings related to areas such as:
- Difficulty (not exactly the same as the Difficulty in Basic Settings)
- Colony limits
- NPC behavior
- Player settings
- Terrain generation
- Saving and autosaving
- Server timing
- Zombie behavior
The file can be edited directly if you need to change advanced options that are not exposed through Basic Settings.
Stop the server before manually editing the file and restart it after saving your changes.
What happens if I edit configuration files manually?
Colony Survival does not currently have any Config Manager-managed configuration files on PingPlayers.
This means configuration files can be edited directly through File Manager or SFTP.
Always stop the server before manually changing configuration files to avoid the game overwriting your changes while it is running.
Restart the server after editing the files.
How do players join my Colony Survival server?
Players join dedicated Colony Survival servers through the in-game server browser.
Launch Colony Survival, open the multiplayer server browser, locate your server, and connect to it.
Direct IP joining is not currently the normal connection method for Colony Survival.
How do I change the world?
The active world is selected through the World Name variable in Basic Settings.
Each unique World Name corresponds to a separate world folder.
Worlds are stored in:
Server/gamedata/savegames/WORLDNAME
If you change the World Name to a name that does not already exist, Colony Survival creates a new world folder for it.
Restart the server after changing the World Name.
Where is my Colony Survival world stored?
Worlds are stored in:
Server/gamedata/savegames/WORLDNAME
Each world has its own folder containing its world data and world-specific configuration.
This includes files such as:
worldconfig.jsonpermissionusers.json, if administrator permissions have been configured- World and colony data
- World-specific mod configuration
Because these settings are stored per world, changing the World Name also changes which administrator permissions and mod configuration are being used.
How do I become an admin?
Administrator permissions are configured separately for each world.
Inside the active world's folder, create a file named:
permissionusers.json
The file should be located in:
Server/gamedata/savegames/WORLDNAME/permissionusers.json
Add your Steam ID using the following format:
{
"STEAMID": {
"includes": [
"god"
]
}
}Replace STEAMID with the administrator's Steam ID.
Save the file and restart the server.
Important: Administrator permissions are world-specific. If you change to another World Name, that world requires its own permissionusers.json file.
How do I add multiple admins?
Multiple administrators can be added by creating a separate JSON entry for each Steam ID.
For example:
{
"76561198000000001": {
"includes": [
"god"
]
},
"76561198000000002": {
"includes": [
"god"
]
}
}Each administrator entry must be separated by a comma, except for the final entry.
Make sure the JSON syntax remains valid, save the file, and restart the server.
What can Colony Survival admins do?
Administrators can use privileged Colony Survival commands from inside the game.
The administrator must first be added to the active world's permissionusers.json file.
Commands are entered through the in-game command interface while connected to the server.
The PingPlayers panel console cannot be used to execute Colony Survival server commands.
Can I use commands through the PingPlayers console?
No.
The normal PingPlayers console should be considered read-only for Colony Survival.
You can use it to view server startup information, logs, warnings, and errors, but commands entered into the panel console are not processed by the game.
Administrator commands should instead be used in-game by a player who has the required permissions.
Does Colony Survival support RCON?
Yes, but Colony Survival uses its own RCON implementation.
The standard PingPlayers RCON console does not work with Colony Survival because the game uses a proprietary RCON system.
Instead, use the colonyserverrcon.exe tool included with the Colony Survival game files.
How do I connect through Colony Survival RCON?
Use the colonyserverrcon.exe utility included with the Colony Survival game files.
You will need:
- The server IP address
- The appropriate server port (RCON uses game port)
- The configured RCON password
Connect using the server address in:
IP:PORT
format and authenticate using the RCON password.
Once connected, supported commands can be issued through the Colony Survival RCON utility.
Why doesn't the PingPlayers RCON tab work?
Colony Survival does not use a standard RCON implementation compatible with the PingPlayers RCON tab.
This does not mean RCON is unavailable.
Use Colony Survival's own colonyserverrcon.exe utility instead.
The normal panel console is also unable to execute Colony Survival commands.
How do I back up my Colony Survival world?
Colony Survival does not automatically create zipped world backups.
However, a server administrator can manually create one while connected to the server.
Use the following command in-game:
/backupThe server creates a zipped backup inside:
Server/gamedata/savegames/
You can then download the backup through File Manager or SFTP for safekeeping.
You can also create a manual backup by stopping the server and downloading the entire world folder from:
Server/gamedata/savegames/WORLDNAME
Does Colony Survival support mods?
Yes.
Colony Survival supports community mods available through the Steam Workshop.
On PingPlayers, Workshop mods are currently installed manually.
Installing a mod requires both:
- Uploading the Workshop mod folder to the server.
- Enabling the mod in the active world's
worldconfig.json.
Mod configuration is world-specific.
How do I install a Steam Workshop mod?
Workshop mods must currently be uploaded manually.
- Subscribe to the desired Colony Survival mod on the Steam Workshop.
- Allow some time for Steam to download the mod to your computer.
- Locate the downloaded Workshop content in:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\workshop\content\366090\Inside this directory, each Workshop mod is stored in a folder named after its Steam Workshop ID.
- Locate the folder belonging to the mod you want to install.
- Upload the entire numbered mod folder to:
Server/gamedata/mods/
- Open the uploaded mod folder and locate its
modInfo.jsonfile. - Note the exact mod name and version listed in
modInfo.json. - Open the active world's:
Server/gamedata/savegames/WORLDNAME/worldconfig.json
- Add the mod to the
ModConfigEntriesarray. - Save the file.
- Restart the server.
The ModName and ModVersionLastKnown values must match the information contained in the mod's modInfo.json.
How do I enable one mod in worldconfig.json?
For one mod, ModConfigEntries should contain one mod object.
For example, to enable NoFallDamage:
{
"DisplayName": "MyWorld3",
"ModConfigEntries": [
{
"ModName": "NoFallDamage",
"ModVersionLastKnown": "0.1.0.2",
"Enabled": true
}
]
}The example above focuses on the relevant mod settings. If your existing worldconfig.json contains additional configuration, preserve those settings when adding the mod.
How do I enable multiple mods?
Multiple mods are added as separate objects inside the ModConfigEntries array.
Each mod object must be separated by a comma, except for the final mod.
For example, to enable both NoFallDamage and Compass:
{
"DisplayName": "MyWorld3",
"ModConfigEntries": [
{
"ModName": "NoFallDamage",
"ModVersionLastKnown": "0.1.0.2",
"Enabled": true
},
{
"ModName": "Compass",
"ModVersionLastKnown": "0.1.1.5",
"Enabled": true
}
]
}For every mod:
ModNamemust match the name in that mod'smodInfo.json.ModVersionLastKnownmust match the version inmodInfo.json.Enabledmust be set totrue.- Some mods may not be listed in the server list in-game and console or log as beingloaded but they may work regardless.
Restart the server after changing worldconfig.json.
How do I add a third or additional mod?
Add another mod object after the previous entry and place a comma between the entries.
For example:
{
"DisplayName": "MyWorld3",
"ModConfigEntries": [
{
"ModName": "Honourable Flying",
"ModVersionLastKnown": "1.0.0",
"Enabled": true
},
{
"ModName": "NoFallDamage",
"ModVersionLastKnown": "0.1.0.2",
"Enabled": true
},
{
"ModName": "Compass",
"ModVersionLastKnown": "0.1.1.5",
"Enabled": true
}
]
}Do not add a comma after the final mod object.
Invalid JSON syntax can prevent the mod configuration from loading correctly.
Where can I find the correct mod name and version?
Do not assume that the Steam Workshop title is the exact internal mod name.
After downloading the Workshop mod, open its folder and locate:
modInfo.json
Use the exact name and version provided in this file when creating the ModConfigEntries entry in worldconfig.json.
This is particularly important because the folder itself is normally named after the Steam Workshop ID rather than the internal mod name.
Why isn't my mod appearing in the in-game server list?
A mod not appearing in the server's displayed mod list does not necessarily mean that the mod failed to load.
Some mods can function correctly on the server without appearing in the same way as other mods in the in-game server listing.
For example, Honourable Flying has been observed to function correctly on the server without being listed, while mods such as NoFallDamage and Compass do appear.
If a mod is not listed, verify its actual functionality before assuming that installation failed.
Why isn't my Workshop mod working?
Check all of the following:
- The correct Workshop mod folder was uploaded.
- The complete numbered folder was uploaded into
Server/gamedata/mods/. - The mod is configured in the active world's
worldconfig.json. - The
ModNameexactly matches the value inmodInfo.json. - The
ModVersionLastKnownmatches the version inmodInfo.json. Enabledis set totrue.- The JSON syntax is valid.
- The correct World Name is currently active.
- The server was restarted after installing or configuring the mod.
Remember that each world has its own worldconfig.json. Configuring a mod for one world does not automatically enable it for another world.
Why did my admins or mods disappear after changing the World Name?
Administrator permissions and mod configuration are stored separately for each world.
Changing the World Name makes the server load a different folder under:
Server/gamedata/savegames/
The new world therefore has its own:
permissionusers.jsonworldconfig.json- World data
If you create or switch to another world, configure its administrators and mods separately.
Can I migrate a Colony Survival server from another host?
Yes.
For a migration, stop both servers before copying data.
The most important data to preserve is the existing world folder or complete savegames directory:
Server/gamedata/savegames/
This preserves the worlds and their world-specific configuration, including administrator permissions and mod configuration.
If the server uses custom Workshop mods, also migrate the required mod folders into:
Server/gamedata/mods/
After uploading the data, recreate the appropriate Basic Settings and command-line parameters, particularly the World Name, so the server loads the correct world.
If you customized other directly editable server configuration files such as server.json, migrate or reproduce those changes as well.
Why can't players find or join my server?
Common causes include:
- The server is still starting.
- The server and client versions do not match.
- The active world failed to load.
- The World Name is configured incorrectly.
- A manually installed mod is causing an error during startup.
- The
worldconfig.jsonfile contains invalid JSON. - A required mod folder is missing.
Check the PingPlayers console for startup errors and confirm that the correct World Name is configured.
Are there any known issues or common configuration mistakes?
- The PingPlayers console is effectively read-only for Colony Survival and cannot be used to execute game commands.
- The standard PingPlayers RCON tab is not compatible with Colony Survival's proprietary RCON implementation.
- Use
colonyserverrcon.exewhen remote command access is required. - Administrator permissions are stored per world in
permissionusers.json. - Mod configuration is stored per world in
worldconfig.json. - Changing the World Name can make it appear that admins or mods have disappeared because the new world uses different configuration files.
- Workshop mods must be uploaded manually to
Server/gamedata/mods/. Some may not show as enabled but they may work regardless. - The mod name and version in
worldconfig.jsonshould match the values in the mod'smodInfo.json. - Invalid JSON syntax in
worldconfig.jsonorpermissionusers.jsoncan prevent the settings from loading. - Some working mods may not appear in the in-game server mod list.
- Some mods require admin access.
- There are no automatic zipped world backups; use the in-game
/backupcommand or manually download the world data.
How are server updates handled?
By default, the server runs the latest version available through Steam.
If Auto Update is enabled, the server will update during restarts.
If Update on Boot is enabled, the server will check for and apply available updates every time it starts.
How do I change zombie or monster difficulty?
Advanced monster difficulty settings can be edited directly in server.json under the DifficultyOptions section.
The server includes five difficulty presets:
- 0 = Peaceful
- 1 = Low
- 2 = Normal
- 3 = High
- 4 = Very High
The default difficulty in server.json is selected using:
"Default": "2"Each difficulty preset contains several values that determine how threatening monsters are:
MonsterScaling– Controls the monster scaling applied by that difficulty.NoThreatColonists– Controls how many colonists can exist before the colony begins contributing threat.ThreatPerColonist– Controls how much threat each applicable colonist contributes.
For example, the Normal preset uses:
{
"Key": "2",
"MonsterScaling": 1.0,
"NoThreatColonists": 25,
"ThreatPerColonist": 0.3
}Higher MonsterScaling values increase the scaling applied to monsters, while the Peaceful preset uses a value of 0.0.
Stop the server before editing server.json and restart it after saving your changes.
How do I change zombie spawning or pathing settings?
Several advanced zombie spawning and pathing settings are available in server.json.
The Banner section contains settings including:
MaximumZombieSpawnRadius– Controls the maximum radius used for zombie spawning.MonsterPathingRadius– Controls the radius used for monster pathing.SafeRadiusMaximum– Controls the maximum safe radius.SafeRadiusMinimum– Controls the minimum safe radius.
The Zombies section also contains:
PunchForce– Controls zombie punch force.PunchHeight– Controls zombie punch height.ReconsiderDecisionTimeMaximum– Controls the maximum decision reconsideration interval.ReconsiderDecisionTimeMinimum– Controls the minimum decision reconsideration interval.SpawnPathingJobs– Controls zombie spawn/pathfinding job behavior.
These are advanced settings. Make changes carefully and keep a copy of the original values in case you need to revert them.
Stop the server before editing server.json and restart it afterward.
How do I change the autosave frequency?
Autosaving behavior can be customized through the Saving section of server.json.
The available settings include:
LogAutosaves– Enables or disables autosave logging.MillisecondsBeforeAutosaveChunk– Controls how long a changed chunk waits before becoming eligible for autosaving.MillisecondsBeforeAutosaveChunkMax– Sets the maximum autosave delay for chunks.MillisecondsBetweenDirtyChunkChecks– Controls how often the server checks for chunks that need saving.SecondsBetweenManualSaves– Controls the interval associated with manual save operations.SecondsBetweenMiscAutoSaving– Controls the interval used for miscellaneous automatic saving.
The default values in the current configuration include:
"MillisecondsBeforeAutosaveChunk": 30000,
"MillisecondsBeforeAutosaveChunkMax": 300000,
"MillisecondsBetweenDirtyChunkChecks": 8000,
"SecondsBetweenManualSaves": 30,
"SecondsBetweenMiscAutoSaving": 300Values beginning with Milliseconds are measured in milliseconds, while values beginning with Seconds are measured in seconds.
For example, SecondsBetweenMiscAutoSaving: 300 represents 300 seconds.
These settings control the game's normal save behavior and are separate from the administrator /backup command, which creates a zipped world backup.
How do I change colony limits?
Advanced colony limits can be edited in the Colony section of server.json.
Available settings include:
BuilderLimitStart– Starting builder limit.ColonistCapStart– Starting colonist cap.ColonyPointsCapStart– Starting colony points cap.DiggerLimitStart– Starting digger limit.ExclusiveRadius– Controls the colony's exclusive radius.HealthMaxStart– Starting maximum colony health.HealthRegenMaxStart– Starting health regeneration maximum.HealthRegenSpeedStart– Starting health regeneration speed.
The same section also contains advanced trading-related values such as:
TradingBaseStacksPerSecondTradingCooldownMSTradingNPCCooldownTradingNPCStacksPerSecond
Stop the server before changing these values and restart it after saving server.json.
How do I change NPC settings?
NPC behavior can be customized in the NPCs section of server.json.
Available options include:
BuilderCooldownMultiplierSeconds– Controls builder cooldown behavior.DiggerCooldownMultiplierSeconds– Controls digger cooldown behavior.FreeNPCs– Controls the number of free NPCs.RecruitmentCost– Controls the recruitment cost for NPCs.ReconsiderDecisionTimeMaximum– Maximum NPC decision reconsideration value.ReconsiderDecisionTimeMinimum– Minimum NPC decision reconsideration value.
These are global advanced server settings rather than settings stored separately inside each world's worldconfig.json.
Stop the server before editing them and restart it afterward.
How do I change player health and regeneration?
Player health settings can be edited through the Player section of server.json.
The available settings include:
StartingHealth– Controls a player's starting health.HealthRegenerateMax– Controls the health level up to which regeneration applies.HealthRegenerationSpeed– Controls health regeneration speed.HealthUpdateTimerMS– Controls the player health update interval.HealthAudioThreshold– Controls the health threshold associated with low-health audio behavior.
For example, the default configuration currently uses:
"StartingHealth": 100,
"HealthRegenerateMax": 30,
"HealthRegenerationSpeed": 1Stop the server before changing these values and restart it afterward.
How do I change the day/night cycle or game speed?
Time-related server settings are located in the Time section of server.json.
Available settings include:
DayTimeStart– Determines when daytime begins.DayTimeEnd– Determines when daytime ends.GameTimeScale– Controls the rate at which game time progresses.GuardShiftDayStart– Controls when the daytime guard shift begins.GuardShiftDayEnd– Controls when the daytime guard shift ends.GuardShiftNightStart– Controls when the nighttime guard shift begins.GuardShiftNightEnd– Controls when the nighttime guard shift ends.SleepTimeStart– Controls the beginning of the sleeping period.SleepTimeEnd– Controls the end of the sleeping period.UseServerPausing– Controls whether server pausing is enabled.
The current default time configuration includes:
"DayTimeEnd": 19.5,
"DayTimeStart": 4.5,
"GameTimeScale": 120,
"GuardShiftDayEnd": 19.0,
"GuardShiftDayStart": 4.0,
"GuardShiftNightEnd": 8.0,
"GuardShiftNightStart": 17.0,
"SleepTimeEnd": 4.5,
"SleepTimeStart": 19.3Changing these values affects the server's global time behavior.
Stop the server before editing server.json and restart it after saving the file.
Can I change server performance or networking settings?
Yes. server.json contains several advanced performance, networking, chunk-processing, and simulation settings.
Examples include:
MaxWorkerThreads– Controls the server's worker thread setting.PathfindingParallelJobs– Controls parallel pathfinding jobs.ListenDirectConnectionsTCP– Controls listening for direct TCP connections.ListenSteamRelayedConnections– Controls Steam-relayed connections.ServerTickRate– Controls the configured server tick rate.ServerTickRateMinimumWarningThreshold– Controls the tick-rate threshold at which warnings may be generated.ServerTimeMillisecondsPerTickMax– Controls the configured maximum server time per tick.
The ChunkQueue section also contains:
MaxQueueSizeRecalculatePriorityCooldownMSTimeoutSeconds
Water simulation has its own advanced settings:
MaxUpdatesPerTickTickTimeMilliSeconds
These settings can have a significant effect on server behavior and performance. They should generally only be changed when you understand the purpose of the specific setting or are troubleshooting a particular issue.
Keep a copy of the original values before making performance-related changes so they can easily be restored.