Keeping your server updated is super important for optimal performance and ensuring you and your friends can connect without any version mismatch errors. Luckily, updating The Forest on your MintServers panel is an absolute breeze and only takes a few clicks!
Before running any updates, we highly recommend creating a quick backup of your server. Game updates can sometimes alter core files, and having a fresh backup ensures your hard-earned base and character data stay completely safe!
Step 1: Create a Server Backup
Let us make sure your survival world is securely saved before we change any game files.
- Log into your MintServers panel and click the Stop button on the Console page.
- Navigate to the Backups tab on the left-hand sidebar.
- Click the blue Create Backup button.
- Give your backup a name (like "Pre-Update Backup") and start the process. Wait until the backup finishes completely.
Step 2: Run the Update
Our panel uses SteamCMD to automatically fetch the latest game files directly from Steam. The easiest way to apply an update is by utilizing the built-in Auto Update setting.
Method A: Enabling Auto Update (Recommended)
There is an Auto Update feature located in your Game Settings, but please note that it is disabled by default. Turning this on ensures your server updates every time it reboots.
- With your server still stopped, navigate to the Game Settings tab on the left-hand sidebar.
- Scroll down to find the Auto Update toggle or variable.
- Enable this setting. The panel will automatically save your changes once you toggle it or click outside the text box.
- Return to the Console tab and click Start. The panel will automatically check for and download the update during the startup sequence!
Method B: Using the Reinstall Button
If you prefer to leave Auto Update off and force a manual update right now, you can use the reinstall feature.
- Navigate to the Settings tab on the left-hand sidebar.
- Look for the Reinstall Server button. Do not panic! Clicking this button on a SteamCMD game like The Forest will not wipe your save files or configurations. It simply tells the server to download the newest core game files and patch over the old ones.
- Click Reinstall Server and confirm the prompt.
- Wait a few minutes for the process to finish. You can watch the progress if you quickly switch back to the Console tab.
- Once the console shows the installation is complete, click Start to boot your newly updated server!
Step 3: Update Your Game Client
Your server is now running the latest version, but you also need to make sure your personal game client is updated, or you will not be able to join!
- Open Steam on your computer.
- Navigate to your Library and locate The Forest.
- If Steam has not automatically queued the update, click the blue Update button.
- Once your game finishes downloading the patch, launch the game and connect to your server.
🛠️ Troubleshooting Version Mismatches
If you or your friends are getting a Version Mismatch error when trying to join, it means the server and the player are running different versions of the game. First, have all players completely close out of Steam and reopen it to force Steam to check for client updates.
If everyone's game is fully updated but the server is still rejecting connections, the server update might not have applied properly. No worries! Let us fix that together. If the update process seems stuck or you are still having trouble connecting after following these steps, just open a support ticket and our team will gladly jump in and update it for you!