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Multiplayer

Servers & multiplayer

Own servers, settings, modding, anti-cheat: everything known about multiplayer and community servers.

Ardem is built around servers of up to 64 players, official and private. The studio wants to give server owners “as many parameters as possible” – its founders ran community servers themselves.

Not published yet: server files, ports, config format, remote control (e.g. RCON) and admin commands. This page will be updated as soon as facts are out.
Status of claim ConfirmedIn progressPlannedUnknownDropped

Servers & hosting

  • ConfirmedUp to 64 players per server; the long-term goal is 100.Studio
  • PlannedServer files are planned after launch so communities can host on their own hardware.Studio
  • PlannedServers will also be rentable from hosting providers.Studio
  • UnknownSelf-hosting “only on Linux Docker” according to a moderator reply – the official FAQ doesn't say so.Moderator
  • ConfirmedA new server browser is in (as of October 2026).Dev Q&A Oct 9, 2026
  • ConfirmedServers compute everything for all 64 players – which is why most objects have no physics.Dev Q&A Oct 9, 2026

Settings for server owners

“Everything you can change in single-player, a server owner can change too” – via simple presets or in full detail.

  • ConfirmedPresets (around four) for a quick start, plus deep detailed settings.Dev Q&A Oct 9, 2026
  • ConfirmedZombie density, behaviour, speed and the ratio of sprinters to walkers.Dev Q&A Oct 9, 2026
  • ConfirmedZombie heatmap: a 256 × 256 pixel texture decides where zombies spawn. A tool to edit, export and upload it to the server already exists.Dev Q&A Oct 9, 2026
  • ConfirmedFirst-person only, third-person or both – per server.Dev Q&A Oct 9, 2026
  • ConfirmedLogout timer against combat logging: your character stays in the world, seated, for a configurable time.Dev Q&A Oct 9, 2026
  • PlannedOffline raid protection as a server option, off by default; detects players who log out mid-raid.Dev Q&A Oct 9, 2026
  • PlannedCustom spawn points and starting gear per server – “no technical challenge”.Dev Q&A Oct 9, 2026
  • UnknownName tags above players – maybe as a server option; the community is split.Dev Q&A Oct 9, 2026

Multiplayer rules

  • ConfirmedPvE, PvP or roleplay – or a mix (PvPvE), depending on the server.Studio
  • ConfirmedSpawn points along the coast; plus your own beds or sleeping bags with a cooldown and a limited number.Dev Q&A Oct 9, 2026
  • ConfirmedClans control access to doors and bases. Shared GPS positions within a clan are planned.Dev Q&A Oct 9, 2026
  • ConfirmedNo artificial limits on big clans – resources and visibility are meant to balance it out.Dev Q&A Oct 9, 2026
  • ConfirmedSingle-player works offline.Moderator

Modding

The core team comes from the modding scene and used to run community servers.

  • PlannedModding is “a major part of the long-term vision”. The studio is working with CurseForge to enable mods early.Studio
  • UnknownSteam additionally lists the Steam Workshop – how both fit together is unclear.Steam
  • PlannedA mod kit; technically almost anything is moddable, the limits are licensing and a manageable scope.Dev Q&A Oct 9, 2026
  • PlannedTraders and safe zones will likely be left to modders.Dev Q&A Oct 9, 2026

Anti-cheat

  • In progressSeveral anti-cheat solutions are being evaluated – balancing protection against performance.Dev Q&A Oct 9, 2026
  • PlannedTools for server owners to catch cheaters more easily (flying, teleport, speedhack, item spawning).Moderator

Still unknown

  • UnknownServer files, operating system, ports and launch parameters.
  • UnknownRemote control (e.g. RCON), admin commands, log files.
  • UnknownConfig format, admin and ban lists, world save format.
  • UnknownWipes, base decay, character transfer between servers.