Screw Drivers Server Setup

Setting up a dedicated server for Screw Drivers lets you create a persistent racing environment that stays online even when you close the game. The server files are included in the game installation, so you do not need to download anything extra. This guide walks you through every step from finding the files to getting your first players connected.

Locating the server files

The dedicated server executable is located in your Screw Drivers installation directory. Navigate to the game folder through Steam: right-click Screw Drivers in your library, select Manage, then Browse Local Files. Look for the server executable — it is named Screw Drivers Server.exe. This is the file you will run to host games.

Copy the server executable and any associated configuration files to a dedicated folder if you plan to run the server separately from your game client. This keeps things organized and prevents accidental changes.

Configuring the server

Before starting the server, review the configuration options. The server configuration file controls settings like maximum player count, track rotation, race duration, and physics synchronization. Default settings work fine for most casual sessions, but competitive communities may want to tweak these values.

Set a server name that players can recognize in the server browser. A clear name helps players find your server and understand what kind of racing you offer. Password-protect the server if you want to limit access to invited players only.

Port forwarding

For players outside your local network to connect, you need to forward specific ports on your router. Screw Drivers uses three UDP ports: 8766, 38011, and 38012. All three must be forwarded for the server to accept external connections.

Access your router’s admin panel by entering its IP address in a web browser. The address is usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 — check your router’s documentation if neither works. Log in with your admin credentials (often printed on the router itself).

Navigate to the port forwarding section, sometimes called Virtual Servers or NAT Forwarding. Create three rules, one for each port:

• Port 8766 UDP — forward to your server machine’s local IP address
• Port 38011 UDP — same local IP address
• Port 38012 UDP — same local IP address

Your server machine’s local IP address can be found by running ipconfig in a Command Prompt. Look for the IPv4 address under your active network adapter — it will be something like 192.168.1.xxx.

Assign a static IP to your server machine so the port forwarding rules do not break if the IP changes. Most routers allow DHCP reservation, which permanently assigns the same IP to a specific device.

Windows Firewall configuration

Windows Firewall blocks incoming connections by default, which prevents external players from reaching your server. You must create an inbound rule to allow the server executable through the firewall.

Open Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security. Click Inbound Rules, then New Rule. Select Program, browse to Screw Drivers Server.exe, and choose Allow the Connection. Apply the rule to Domain, Private, and Public networks. Name the rule something descriptive like Screw Drivers Server.

Alternatively, you can create port-based rules for UDP 8766, 38011, and 38012 if you prefer not to allow the entire executable. Port rules are more restrictive and slightly more secure.

If you have third-party antivirus or firewall software, check its settings as well. Some security suites have their own firewall that overrides Windows Defender. Add exceptions for the server executable or the three UDP ports in whatever firewall is active.

Inviting friends through Steam

For casual play, Steam invites are the simplest option. Start the server or host a game through the main menu, then open the Steam overlay and invite friends directly. They will connect without needing to know your IP address or configure port forwarding, as Steam handles the connection routing.

Steam invites work best for small groups playing together. For larger communities or servers that run independently of your game client, use the dedicated server approach with port forwarding.

Starting the server

Run Screw Drivers Server.exe to start the server. A console window will appear showing server status, connected players, and log output. The server is ready when it displays a message indicating it is listening for connections.

Players can find your server in the server browser if they are on the same network. External players need your public IP address, which you can find by searching “what is my IP” in any browser. Share this address with your friends so they can connect manually through the game’s direct connect option.

Troubleshooting connection issues

If external players cannot connect, check these common problems in order:

First, verify port forwarding is configured correctly. Use an online port checker tool to test whether UDP ports 8766, 38011, and 38012 are open on your public IP. If they show as closed, your port forwarding rules are not working — double-check the local IP and port numbers.

Second, confirm Windows Firewall is not blocking the connection. Temporarily disable the firewall to test whether it is the cause. If players can connect with the firewall off, re-enable it and add the proper exception for the server executable.

Third, check for double NAT. If your network has two routers in series — for example, an ISP modem in bridge mode feeding a personal router — port forwarding on only one router will not work. Both routers need matching rules, or you need to put one in bridge mode.

Fourth, verify the server is actually running and listening. Check the console window for error messages. If the server failed to bind to a port, another application may be using it. Close conflicting programs and restart the server.

Related resources

• Multiplayer Tips for performance optimization
• Controls for driving keybindings
• Builds for race-optimized vehicles