Where server settings live
On a dedicated server, game settings are controlled server-side and apply to everyone who joins. On a self-hosted server they live in enshrouded_server.json and the in-game host settings; on a managed Flux server you edit the same values through the web file browser or the game menu, then restart. Changes take effect on the next server start.
Difficulty presets
Enshrouded ships with preset difficulties — roughly Relaxed, Default, and Hard — plus a fully Custom mode that unlocks every individual multiplier. Presets are the fastest way to set a tone; Custom is where you fine-tune. Start from the preset closest to your group and adjust from there.
| Preset | Best for | Feel |
|---|---|---|
| Relaxed | Builders / casual co-op | Weaker enemies, slower survival drain, generous resources |
| Default | Balanced co-op | The intended Enshrouded experience |
| Hard | Experienced groups | Tougher combat, faster drain, scarcer resources |
| Custom | Any group | Every multiplier set individually |
Combat settings
Combat multipliers scale how dangerous Embervale is. The two that matter most are enemy damage and enemy health. Raising enemy damage makes fights lethal and rewards dodging and blocking; raising enemy health makes fights longer and more attrition-based. For a group new to the game, keep both near default; for a hardened group, push damage up before health so combat stays fast but deadly.
| Setting | Relaxed | Balanced | Hardcore |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enemy damage | 0.75x | 1.0x | 1.5x |
| Enemy health | 0.75x | 1.0x | 1.25x |
| Player stamina cost | Low | Default | High |
Survival settings
Survival multipliers govern how fast hunger, thirst-style needs, and the punishing effects of the Shroud tick down. Slower drain suits players who want to focus on building and exploration; faster drain makes food, water, and Shroud timers a constant pressure. If your group finds themselves constantly foraging instead of adventuring, ease the survival drain down a notch.
- Survival drain — how quickly needs deplete. Lower for builders, higher for hardcore survival.
- Shroud timer — how long you can survive inside the Shroud. Shorten it for tension, lengthen it for exploration.
- Fall damage and environmental hazards — toggle down for creative building sessions.
Resource and progression settings
Resource multipliers change how much material you gather per node and how durable your tools and gear are. Higher gathering and lower durability loss speeds up progression — good for shorter co-op runs where you want to reach the fun content quickly. Default rates preserve the intended grind. For a long-term server, default or slightly boosted gathering keeps building satisfying without trivialising it.
| Setting | Faster progress | Default | Slower / grindy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resource drop rate | 1.5x | 1.0x | 0.75x |
| Durability loss | Reduced | Default | Increased |
| Experience rate | 1.25x | 1.0x | 1.0x |
Recommended settings by playstyle
Relaxed builder group
Enemy damage 0.75x, enemy health 0.75x, survival drain low, resource drop 1.5x, durability loss reduced. This lets your group focus on the voxel building and exploration without frequent deaths or constant foraging.
Balanced co-op (recommended)
Leave everything at the Default preset (1.0x across the board). This is the experience Keen Games designed and the best starting point for a mixed-skill group of friends before you customise anything.
Hardcore survival
Enemy damage 1.5x, enemy health 1.25x, survival drain high, resource drop 0.75x, durability loss increased, Shroud timer shortened. Expect deaths, tight resources, and genuine tension — best for experienced groups who have already finished the game once.
Applying settings on a Flux server
On a managed Flux server you can change these values through the dashboard file browser or the in-game menu and restart the server in one click — no config uploads over FTP, no command line. If you have not set your server up yet, start with our Enshrouded setup guide.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best Enshrouded server settings?
For most groups, start from the Default preset (all multipliers at 1.0x) and adjust from there. Relaxed builder groups lower enemy damage/health and survival drain and raise resource rates; hardcore groups raise enemy damage first, increase survival drain, and reduce resource drops.
How do I change Enshrouded server settings?
On a self-hosted server, edit enshrouded_server.json and the in-game host settings, then restart. On a managed Flux server, edit the same values through the web file browser or game menu and restart the server from the dashboard.
Can I change the difficulty on an Enshrouded server after starting?
Yes. Server settings can be changed at any time and apply on the next server restart. Progress and your world are preserved — only the multipliers change.
Do Enshrouded server settings apply to all players?
Yes. On a dedicated server, game settings are controlled server-side and apply to everyone who joins, so the whole group shares the same difficulty and rates.