# Unreal Engine Linux dedicated server checklist

> Epic requires a source build of Unreal Engine and a C++ project with a server target to make a dedicated server. Package it for Linux with the server-only option, start it with a map and port, and test with a client built from the same version.

*NetCraftGames (NCG) by Charging Bull Software. Last updated: 2026-10-03. Canonical page: https://netcraftgames.com/guides/unreal-linux-dedicated-server-checklist/*

## The short answer

Per Epic's documentation: use a source build of Unreal Engine and a C++ project that supports client-server play, create a `<PROJECT_NAME>Server.Target.cs` file in the project's Source directory, and run the server with `-log` while testing. By default a dedicated server listens on port 7777. For hosting, you additionally need a **Linux** server package, which means a cross-compile toolchain or a Linux build machine.

## The checklist


1. **Use a source build.** Build Unreal Engine from source. The standard launcher engine cannot produce a dedicated server target.
2. **Add the server target.** In a C++ project create `<PROJECT_NAME>Server.Target.cs` in the Source directory and regenerate project files.
3. **Cook and stage for Linux.** Run BuildCookRun with the Linux platform and the server-only options, so the output contains only server content.
4. **Write a start script.** Launch with a fixed map and port, for example `./YourGameServer.sh /Game/Maps/Lobby -port=7777 -log`, and make it executable.
5. **Test on Linux with a real client.** Run the staged server on a Linux machine and join from a client built from the same version, from a different network.
6. **Add health and join probes.** Reply to a UDP health request and a join request with known answers, so a join can be proven.
7. **Pack and hash.** Archive the staged folder as `.tar.gz` with no links or secrets and record its SHA-256.


## Example packaging command

The shape below is the common one. Adjust paths and configuration for your project and engine version, and read Epic's current documentation.

```bash
RunUAT.sh BuildCookRun -project="YourGame.uproject" -platform=Linux -server -noclient \
  -serverconfig=Shipping -cook -build -stage -pak -archive -archivedirectory=Out
# start with:
./YourGameServer.sh /Game/Maps/Lobby -port=7777 -log
```

## Things that break Unreal servers on a host

| Problem | Symptom | Fix |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Client and server built from different changelists | Connects, then disconnects or desyncs | Rebuild both from one version |
| Server needs a map not cooked | Crash on start | Add the map to the cook list |
| Bound only to localhost | Not reachable | Launch without a localhost-only bind and verify with `ss` |
| Heavy memory use | Process killed (exit 137) | Measure peak memory; use the large profile if you must |
| Start script not executable | Exit 126 | `chmod +x` before packing |
| Large pak files | Upload too big | Strip server content; compress the archive |

## A note on cost

Unreal servers are often heavier than small Unity or Godot servers. If you need the large profile, it spends two plan hours for every hour it runs; see [pricing](https://netcraftgames.com/pricing/) and the [idle shutdown guide](https://netcraftgames.com/guides/idle-shutdown-empty-servers/).

## Frequently asked questions


### Do I need Linux to build an Unreal dedicated server for Linux?

Not necessarily. Epic supports cross-compiling for Linux from Windows with its toolchain, or you can build on a Linux machine. Either way, you must test the packaged server on real Linux, because missing libraries, file permissions and memory limits only show up there. A Windows-only test does not prove the Linux package runs.

## Sources

- [Epic Games: Setting up dedicated servers in Unreal Engine](https://dev.epicgames.com/documentation/en-us/unreal-engine/setting-up-dedicated-servers-in-unreal-engine), accessed 2026-10-03

## Related pages

- [Hosting an Unreal Engine dedicated server](https://netcraftgames.com/engines/unreal-engine/): Host an Unreal Engine replication dedicated server on NetCraftGames: source-built Linux server target, UDP port 7777, probes, the large profile and honest gaps.
- [What a connection config file must contain](https://netcraftgames.com/guides/connection-config-file-contents/): What a deployment manifest and a player connection config must contain for a hosted multiplayer server, with a real example and the rules that cause rejections.
- [Pricing built on honest server hours](https://netcraftgames.com/pricing/): NetCraftGames plans are $49, $79 and $99 a month for weighted server hours, with a $19 boost. What an hour buys, what expires and what is not included.