How to Change Auto-Save and Anti-Cheat Settings on Your The Forest Server

Your The Forest server saves your world on a timer, and you can decide how often that happens. You can also switch on Valve Anti-Cheat (VAC) and add a contact address that shows in the server info. All of this is done from the Server Config page in the RiverHosting panel, with no file editing.

Before you start

• You need to be logged in to the RiverHosting panel at https://panel.riverhosting.com and have your The Forest server open.
• You do not need to stop the server to change these settings. They only take effect after the next restart.
• If other players are online, pick a quiet moment for the restart.

1. How to change the auto-save interval, VAC and server contact

1. In the GAME section of the left-hand menu, click The Forest, then the Server Config tab at the top of the page.

   

2. Scroll down to the General card.
3. In Auto-Save Interval (minutes), enter how often the server should save your world. The game enforces a minimum of 15 minutes, so use 15 or higher. The field accepts numbers up to 60, and the default is 15.
4. Switch the VAC (Valve Anti-Cheat) toggle on if you want Valve Anti-Cheat running. It is off by default and is recommended for public servers.
5. Optional: in Server Contact, type a contact such as an email address (up to 64 characters). It is shown in the server info.
6. Click Save Changes at the bottom of the page.

After saving, the panel shows "Settings saved. Restart the server to apply." and offers a restart prompt. If you change your mind before saving, click Revert to go back to the previous values.

2. How to restart so the changes apply

1. Click Console in the left-hand menu.

   

2. On the Console page, click Restart.

   

3. Wait for the status badge at the top of the page to show ONLINE again.

You can also use the restart prompt that appears right after you save. On other server pages, the Quick Console tab (the >_ tab on the right edge of the screen) has the same Restart button.

3. How to add a nightly backup for extra safety

Auto-save keeps your current world up to date, but a backup gives you something to go back to. You can set one up on a schedule.

1. In the SERVER section of the left-hand menu, click Settings, then the Schedules tab at the top of the page.

   

2. Click New Schedule and choose the Nightly Backup preset (04:00 by default).
3. Pick the time you want and save the schedule.

Troubleshooting

• The new interval does not seem to apply: make sure you clicked Save Changes and then restarted the server. The settings only apply after a restart.
• My world does not save more often with a low number: the game enforces a minimum auto-save interval of 15 minutes, so any value below 15 will not speed up saving. Set 15 or higher. Auto-save also only runs while players are connected.
• The page is read only: your account needs permission to edit startup settings. Ask the server owner to update your access on the Users tab under Settings.
• My server is not in the server browser: that is a Steam login token issue, not an auto-save or VAC issue. Check the Identity & Visibility card on the Server Config page.
• Server Contact is cut off: it can be at most 64 characters, so shorten it.

Need help?

If your settings will not save or the server does not come back after a restart, our team is happy to help. Visit https://riverhosting.com/support and tell us what you changed and what you see on screen.