Enshrouded Multiplayer: Co-op Play, Hosting and Player Permissions

Does Enshrouded support co-op and how many players can join?

Enshrouded is a co-op online multiplayer game that can also be played solo and offline. The game supports up to 16 players in its online co-op mode, and the FAQ encourages players to bring a friend or three before setting out into the Shroud.

For getting started with multiplayer server hosting, the FAQ points players to the Multiplayer & Server Hosting category on the knowledge base.

How peer-to-peer hosts configure a session

For hosts of a peer-to-peer session, the server can be configured from within the game in the Host Settings menu. These settings are stored in the file “enshrouded_user.json” for the host player, in the same folder as the save data.

Peer-to-peer hosting uses 3 pre-defined groups, and hosts can set up passwords for each group. The password a player uses to join determines that player’s permission level. If a group is enabled but no password is set, every player can freely join the server with that group’s permission level.

What the peer-to-peer permission presets allow

The peer-to-peer presets differ mainly in base building, container access and world changes. The Visitor preset does not allow changes to player bases, use of chests and other containers, or changes to the game world outside the base.

The Helper preset allows combat, looting, exploration and progress in the game world, but not use of chests and other containers or changes to player bases. The Friend preset allows combat, looting, exploration and progress, use of chests and other containers, and adding or removing blocks and props and terraforming, but not adding, upgrading or removing Flame Altars.

The Admin preset allows combat, looting, exploration and progress, use of chests and other containers, block and prop changes and terraforming, adding, upgrading and removing Flame Altars, and kicking and banning other players.

How dedicated server user groups and passwords work

On dedicated servers, player permissions are handled via user groups. Each group can be set up in “enshrouded_server.json” with a unique configuration of permissions and an accompanying password that grants those permissions to the logged-in player. By default, the file starts with 3 user groups that may serve as a base for hosts.

Update 2 adapted the structure of “enshrouded_server.json” to allow management of several passwords for various user groups. The password was previously defined in line 3 of the file via “password”: “”, and that line is no longer used to set up the password for dedicated servers. If the game detects a password defined in line 3, it sets up a new “default” user group using that password and granting the same permission level players had before Update 2.

The presets are only generated when “enshrouded_server.json” is freshly created after updating with Update 2. When an already defined password is detected, only the “default” user group is created, with permissions identical to the Friend preset.

By default, randomized passwords are created to prevent unwanted players from joining the server. If no password is set, every player can see and access the server, and there is no rights management for the server other than the password.

What the dedicated server presets allow

In the dedicated server presets, the Admin group allows changes to player bases, use of chests and other containers, and kicking and banning other players. The Friend group allows changes to player bases and use of chests and other containers. The Guest group does not allow changes to player bases or use of chests and other containers.

All user groups have full access to the game world outside the player bases and can engage in combat, collect materials, dig for resources and solve quests.

How to add custom user groups and reserved slots

“enshrouded_server.json” also allows setting up new and unique user groups. Add a new user group section with a new name, define a password and select the permissions needed for that player group.

A number of reserved slots can be configured for each user group by adding the line “reservedSlots”: 1 to the user group. When one or more reserved slots are set, the lobby is marked as “full” for players trying to log in under a different user group who would fill up all session slots.

1. Open “enshrouded_server.json” for the dedicated server.
2. Add a new user group section with a new name.
3. Define a password for the group.
4. Select the permissions needed for that player group.
5. Optionally add “reservedSlots”: 1 to the user group to reserve slots for it.

What carries over when you move a character between servers

A character can be taken between servers and will retain entire equipment and inventory, as well as levels and skills unlocked. Equipment includes both used gear and items in the backpack.

The character also keeps map memory (locations and fog of war removed), personal crafting recipes that do not require a workbench, previously collected Shroud roots, previously found lore texts and tutorials, and towers found by the player alone.

The character does not keep most crafting recipes, because they depend on NPCs and crafting stations unlocked in the world. Available NPCs for summon must be liberated in the new world, and towers found by others and shared with the group are not retained.

Do enemies attack player bases in multiplayer?

At the time of the FAQ, enemies are only interested in attacking players, not their bases or dwellings. The FAQ notes that this might change after Early Access based on player feedback.

Official references

ВОПРОСЫ И ОТВЕТЫ | Enshrouded

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