Ground Branch server hosting for your team
Run your own Ground Branch server for planned co-op operations or tight 8 versus 8 matches. BlackFoot Studios ships the dedicated server free, and you set the missions, the map list and who may administer the server.
- Free dedicated server (SteamCMD app 476400)
- 8-player co-op and 8 versus 8 PvP
- Terrorist Hunt, Intel Retrieval, Extraction and more
- Admin roles and your own map list
- Players
- 8 in co-op · 8 v 8 in PvP
- PortsThe game and query ports, set with the Port and QueryPort start options.
- 7777 · 27015 (query)
- Version
- 1.0 (July 2026)
- ConfigIn GroundBranch/ServerConfig; the files are created at the first start.
- Server.ini · MapList.ini · Admin.ini
- Game modes
- PvE missions and PvP modes
- Server software
- Windows
Game modes
- Terrorist Hunt
- Intel Retrieval
- Extraction
- Hostage Rescue
- Uplink
- Defuse
- Team Elimination
Game facts from the Ground Branch Steam store page and update notes, SteamCMD data and community server templates, checked in October 2026.
- DDoS protection
- 20 game server locations
Ground Branch plans are being prepared
Tell us whether you play co-op or PvP and how many players join, and our team will reply with the options. Or open a ticket and we will let you know when the plans are online.
How big should a Ground Branch server be?
Co-op missions run many AI enemies on the server; PvP matches carry up to 16 players. Single-core speed matters most.
Find your size
| Feature |
Small team
Up to 4 players
|
Recommended Full co-op
Up to 8 players
|
PvP
Up to 16 players (8 v 8)
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Memory (RAM)Working memory for the world, the players and every mod. Leave headroom: memory use grows as players explore. | 4 GB | 6 GB | 8 GB |
| CPU coresThe game simulates the world mostly on one thread, so fast cores matter more than many cores. | 2 | 2–3 | 3–4 |
| Disk spaceRoom for the game files, the world and its backups, plus updates and mods. | 25 GB | 25 GB | 30 GB |
| AI enemiesThe number of opposing forces in a co-op mission is the main CPU load; set it per mission in MapList.ini. | Default | Default or more | None in PvP |
| Typical use | A small team running missions | A full co-op squad | Team matches 8 versus 8 |
-
Small team
Up to 4 players
- Memory (RAM)Working memory for the world, the players and every mod. Leave headroom: memory use grows as players explore.
- 4 GB
- CPU coresThe game simulates the world mostly on one thread, so fast cores matter more than many cores.
- 2
- Disk spaceRoom for the game files, the world and its backups, plus updates and mods.
- 25 GB
- AI enemiesThe number of opposing forces in a co-op mission is the main CPU load; set it per mission in MapList.ini.
- Default
- Typical use
- A small team running missions
-
Recommended
Full co-op
Up to 8 players
- Memory (RAM)Working memory for the world, the players and every mod. Leave headroom: memory use grows as players explore.
- 6 GB
- CPU coresThe game simulates the world mostly on one thread, so fast cores matter more than many cores.
- 2–3
- Disk spaceRoom for the game files, the world and its backups, plus updates and mods.
- 25 GB
- AI enemiesThe number of opposing forces in a co-op mission is the main CPU load; set it per mission in MapList.ini.
- Default or more
- Typical use
- A full co-op squad
-
PvP
Up to 16 players (8 v 8)
- Memory (RAM)Working memory for the world, the players and every mod. Leave headroom: memory use grows as players explore.
- 8 GB
- CPU coresThe game simulates the world mostly on one thread, so fast cores matter more than many cores.
- 3–4
- Disk spaceRoom for the game files, the world and its backups, plus updates and mods.
- 30 GB
- AI enemiesThe number of opposing forces in a co-op mission is the main CPU load; set it per mission in MapList.ini.
- None in PvP
- Typical use
- Team matches 8 versus 8
BlackFoot Studios publishes no server hardware figures; these starting points follow common practice for Unreal Engine shooters of this size.
Missions, modes and admin roles
Ground Branch servers run planned co-op missions and competitive team modes from the same install.
Co-op missions
Terrorist Hunt, Intel Retrieval and the new Extraction mode for up to 8 players, plus the Operations campaign.
PvP modes
Hostage Rescue, Uplink, Defuse, Deathmatch and Team Elimination for up to 8 versus 8.
MapList.ini
List the maps and missions your server rotates through, with the number of opposing forces for each.
Admin roles
Admin.ini gives players the SuperAdmin, Admin or Moderator role by Steam ID.
First admin
At the first start the server writes AdminSetupPassword.txt; type admin setup with that password in the console to become SuperAdmin.
Workshop and Mod Kit
The game lists Steam Workshop support, and BlackFoot plans a Mod Kit for maps and missions with version 1.2.
Set up your Ground Branch server
Four steps from an empty server to your first breach.
-
Choose co-op or PvP
Decide what your team plays most, then pick a size from the table above.
-
Pick a location
Choose the one closest to your players from our 20 game server locations.
-
Set up the server files
Set the name, slots and password in Server.ini, your rotation in MapList.ini and your admins in Admin.ini.
-
Join the server
Find the server in the in-game server browser and enter the password if you set one.
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Frequently asked questions
How many players can join a Ground Branch server?
Ground Branch is built for up to 8 players in co-op and 8 versus 8 in PvP. Set the slots in Server.ini.
Is the dedicated server free?
Yes. BlackFoot Studios offers the dedicated server free of charge on Steam as app 476400, for Windows.
Which ports does the server use?
7777 for the game and 27015 for Steam queries by default, set with the Port and QueryPort start options.
How do I become the first admin?
At the first start the server creates AdminSetupPassword.txt. Join the server, open the console and type admin setup followed by that password to become SuperAdmin; then type admin to open the admin menu.
How do I add more admins?
Add a line per player in Admin.ini with their Steam ID and the role SuperAdmin, Admin or Moderator, then restart the server.
How do I set the missions and maps?
MapList.ini lists every map and mission the server rotates through, including the number of opposing forces for co-op missions.
Which game modes can the server run?
Co-op: Terrorist Hunt, Intel Retrieval, Extraction and the Operations campaign. PvP: Hostage Rescue, Uplink, Defuse, Deathmatch and Team Elimination.
Can I use mods?
The game lists Steam Workshop support, and BlackFoot has announced a Mod Kit for maps and missions with version 1.2. Check each mod for server support before adding it.
Is Ground Branch still in Early Access?
No. Version 1.0 left Early Access in July 2026, followed by hotfixes in August. BlackFoot has announced version 1.1 with the first chapter of Operations for late October 2026.
Ready to plan your next operation?
Tell us your team size and modes, and we will help you pick the right Ground Branch server.