Simulation · Lightweight
Host an OpenTTD Dedicated Server with Swarm Hosts
Host OpenTTD on your own Windows 10/11 or Linux computer. Swarm Hosts gives you a browser control panel to start, stop, monitor, and back up your server.
- Guided settings
- Backups
Available in Early Access
Hardware and runtime
What OpenTTD needs
Minimum requirements are a starting point. World size, player count, content, and game settings can require more resources.
- CPU
- 1+ cores
- Memory
- 512 MiB minimum
- Player traffic
- TCP and UDP
- Backup coverage
- 1 saved data location
The guided launch form sets the initial server name, password, maximum clients, and public-listing choice. Existing openttd.cfg edits are preserved across restarts. After the file exists, change these values through Files & Backups → File Manager while the server is stopped; changing the initial form values does not rewrite the existing file.
- Gameplay: 3979/tcp
- Discovery: 3979/udp
- Persistent data: /home/steam/openttd-data
- Minimum resources: 1 CPU and 512 MB RAM
- Runtime: OpenTTD 15.3
- Base graphics: OpenGFX 8.0
Technical overview
The managed image includes OpenTTD 15.3 and the OpenGFX 8.0 base set. It runs in dedicated server mode with persistent configuration and saves under /home/steam/openttd-data; no Steam account is required.
Launch workflow
From host to running server
The first empty-volume start creates the persistent configuration and initial map automatically. Later starts preserve the existing configuration and saves.
- Open Launch and choose OpenTTD.
- Set the server name, optional player password, and maximum client count.
- Disable public listing if you do not want the server advertised in the server browser. Set a password to restrict who can join.
- Choose a healthy Swarm Host with at least 1 CPU and 512 MB RAM, then launch the server.
Networking
How players connect
After the Swarm Server becomes Running, copy its player hostname or IP and port from the connection details. In OpenTTD 15.3, open Multiplayer, choose Add server, and enter that host:port. The same assigned port carries TCP gameplay traffic and UDP discovery traffic.
Managed shared relay when the game, host, and current relay path support it.
Game management tools
Manage your OpenTTD server
Available tools depend on the game, server status, and your permissions. The game guide explains any setup needed for Server Actions.
- resource settings and version management
- persistent-file access and backups
- logs and monitoring; and
- start, stop, restart, and delete lifecycle operations.
Mods & Content status
Mods and custom content
NewGRF and scenario files are manually uploaded. Provider lookup, compatibility resolution, and automatic updates are unavailable.
Manage NewGRF and scenario files manually. Check their licences and compatibility before uploading them, and keep a backup of the working setup. Automatic content discovery and updates are unavailable.
Know before launch
Before you launch
- Host on Windows 10/11 or Linux with Docker Desktop in Linux-container mode on Windows, or Docker Engine or rootful Podman on Linux.
- Managed shared relay when the game, host, and current relay path support it.
- If the first start takes longer than expected, review the log for map generation and confirm the server eventually reports multiplayer online.
- If direct entry cannot connect, verify the displayed player hostname and port and confirm the Swarm Server still reports Running.
- Server Actions intentionally show as unavailable. Use typed settings, backups, files, logs, monitoring, and lifecycle controls instead of raw admin protocol input.
Windows 10/11 + Linux
Ready to host OpenTTD?
Connect the Windows or Linux computer you already own, then follow the game-specific launch path.