A Barotrauma dedicated server keeps the sub running when the host leaves, holds up to 16 crew, and gives you admin from your own Steam account. Here is how friends join, how to keep it private, and how to run rounds.
How friends join
Barotrauma has no console connect command. Everyone joins from the menu:
- Open Multiplayer, then Join Server.
- Choose Direct Join and type the address from your server page:
IP:27015 - Enter the password when the game asks for it.
Listed in the browser, kept private by a password
Your server shows up in the in-game server browser, so anyone can find it. The join password is what keeps strangers out. The deploy form fills in a random one for you:
- Keep it and share it with your crew.
- Type your own if you want one that is easy to say over voice chat.
- Clear it for an open server that anyone in the browser can join.
Game modes
You pick the mode on deploy. Mission is the default.
- Mission: One mission per round: travel to the next outpost, salvage, hunt a monster. The usual way to play with friends.
- Sandbox: No objective. Good for learning the sub and trying stations.
- PvP: Two crews, two subs, fighting each other.
- Campaign: A run across the map with money, upgrades and reputation. Campaign progress does not persist after the session ends, so plan it as one sitting.
You are the admin
The server gives your Steam account the game's own Admin rights. In the lobby you can change the mode and the submarine, start the round, kick and ban players, and use the server console commands.
The web console
Your server page also has a web console, so you can run the server from the browser without being in the game:
- Switch the mode to Sandbox, Mission or PvP.
- Pick one of the stock submarines, like Typhon or Humpback.
- Start the round, list players, set the message of the day.
- Turn auto-start on or off (see below).
Campaign is the exception: set it up from the in-game lobby, where you have admin.
Starting a round without an admin
The crew does not need you to start. When everyone in the lobby readies up, the round starts on its own. Without admin they cannot change the mode or the sub, so set those first.
How many players
Pick the size on deploy: 6, 10 or 16 players.