Linux Dedicated Server on Linux Crashes Immediately After v2.5 Update

[givemeanameagain]

Howdy folks,


I'm running into an issue with the 7 Days to Die dedicated server on Linux. The server was working fine on v2.4, but after updating to v2.5 via SteamCMD, it silently exits immediately after launch. This happens even on a completely fresh install—no mods, default server config, default map.


Steps I’ve taken:

• Fresh Contabo VPS30 with Ubuntu (recent version).
• Installed SteamCMD and the dedicated server from scratch.
• Attempted app_update 294420 validate and reinstall from scratch.
• Tried with default config file (serverconfig.xml) and default map.
• Attempted to force older library versions, but the server still exits silently.
• Checked strace output; the process exits cleanly with no error codes.
• No anti-cheat interference (BattlEye only affects clients).

System info:

• VPS: Contabo VPS30
• OS: Ubuntu 22.04 LTS x86_64
• RAM: 30 GB
• CPU: 8 vCPUs

Logs attached:

• output_log__<datetime>.txt from server start attempts
• strace_output.txt showing process initialization and clean exit

Notes:

• No mods installed.
• Previous version v2.4 worked without issue on the same VPS.
• The crash happens immediately, before any clients can connect.

I’m wondering if this is a v2.5 server bug or if there is some dependency/library change I’m missing. Any guidance or confirmation from other Linux users who updated to v2.5 would be appreciated.


Thanks in advance!

(don't be fooled. I have used multiple AI's to get this far)

 

[meganoth]

Howdy folks,


I'm running into an issue with the 7 Days to Die dedicated server on Linux. The server was working fine on v2.4, but after updating to v2.5 via SteamCMD, it silently exits immediately after launch. This happens even on a completely fresh install—no mods, default server config, default map.


Steps I’ve taken:

• Fresh Contabo VPS30 with Ubuntu (recent version).
• Installed SteamCMD and the dedicated server from scratch.
• Attempted app_update 294420 validate and reinstall from scratch.
• Tried with default config file (serverconfig.xml) and default map.
• Attempted to force older library versions, but the server still exits silently.
• Checked strace output; the process exits cleanly with no error codes.
• No anti-cheat interference (BattlEye only affects clients).

System info:

• VPS: Contabo VPS30
• OS: Ubuntu 22.04 LTS x86_64
• RAM: 30 GB
• CPU: 8 vCPUs

Logs attached:

• output_log__<datetime>.txt from server start attempts
• strace_output.txt showing process initialization and clean exit

Notes:

• No mods installed.
• Previous version v2.4 worked without issue on the same VPS.
• The crash happens immediately, before any clients can connect.

I’m wondering if this is a v2.5 server bug or if there is some dependency/library change I’m missing. Any guidance or confirmation from other Linux users who updated to v2.5 would be appreciated.


Thanks in advance!

(don't be fooled. I have used multiple AI's to get this far)

Reboot your machine. I think there is a zombie process (how fitting) of 7d2d running that occupies telnet and game ports.

While you are at it you could also adjust your file limit according to this message from the logfile:

WRN The open files limit is too low (1024) and may cause crashes. Recommended is at least 10240. Follow these steps to increment it:
- Open /etc/security/limits.conf with a text editor: 'sudo editor /etc/security/limits.conf'
- Add or update the line: 'kyle soft nofile 10240'
- Save the file and exit the editor
- Apply the changes: Log out and back in or restart the system

 

[givemeanameagain]

YAY YOU SOLVED IT! Thank you for you quick and effective response in a form I could follow without AI assistance =) Any chance we could get the default folder to be less intense then "7 Days to Die Dedicated Server".... it's a pain to type cd "7 Days to Die Dedicated Server" every time I need to navigate to it lol.

 

[meganoth]

The unix way is to type "cd 7" and then the tab key ;-). Auto-Completion kicks in

Not sure about your setup, but it is also possible to rename and move that folder, you just have to tell services that need that info where to find it now. I.e. you can tell steamcmd with "force_install_dir /home/[your_username]/V2" as the first command to update the copy in directory V2 in your home directory.