How to Create an Aloft Game Server

Aloft has now officially launched into Early Access on Steam!
Aloft is a beautiful survival game set high in the clouds, where players can transform islands into flying ships and embark on an adventurous journey. What makes that even better is doing it with 8 of your friends. If you're unsure of where to start, we have you covered. There are a few ways to create your Aloft server, and we're going to discuss them below.

Step 1: Choose a Method

Based on your technology skills, you'll want to pick an option that makes you feel most comfortable. For most players, renting a server will be the fastest and easiest way to get in-game!

Rent an Aloft Server

This option allows you to be up and running in minutes, with added benefits for customization and management. Every host offers different features, so we will focus on the features offered at Nodecraft.

• Pros

  • Full control over your server files

  • Unlimited player slots

  • Instant One-Click Updates

  • Anyone can join with your Aloft Friend Code

  • Full File access in the browser or via FTP

  • Give trusted friends access to start, stop, and manage your Aloft server

  • Cloud backups

  • The most flexibility in any server hosting experience.

  • Easily save your progress and swap to a different configuration setup or game, then come back later

• Cons

  • Hosting costs

Host your own Aloft Server

If you’re comfortable with technical details and don’t mind extra work, hosting your dedicated server on personal hardware is an option, and the Aloft team has provided instructions for setting up a dedicated server on their official wiki.

• Pros

  • Complete control over server settings and configuration

  • No recurring fees (beyond electricity and internet costs)

• Cons

  • Requires technical expertise

  • Requires more time and manual work to set up

  • Your home connection would need to be thoroughly secured

  • You’ll need sufficient hardware and a stable internet connection

  • Updates and backups must be managed manually

  • Can require port forwarding

  • This can break some internet provider’s Terms & Conditions

  Note: Only give out your IP address to people you trust.

Peer-to-Peer Lobbies

Aloft supports peer-to-peer hosting for local multiplayer sessions. This method allows one player to host a session directly from their game.

• Pros

  • Free and straightforward to set up

• Cons

  • Limited to the host’s hardware and internet capabilities

  • The server only runs while the host is online

  • Limited control of your gaming experience

Step 2: Setting Up Your Aloft Server

Every method for setting up an Aloft Server comes with its own set of steps. Likewise, each server host has its own process for setting up a game server. That’s why we’re here to show you just how simple it is to get started with Nodecraft.

1. Rent your Aloft Server with a free trial. Server size matters, so we’ve put together recommendations tailored to each level of Aloft servers.

2. Set up your Aloft server instance on your Nodecraft Dashboard.

   1. Login and go to your Nodecraft dashboard.

   2. Click Create Server
      

   3. Choose Aloft from the list of available games.

   4. Click New Save and fill out the form to set up your server:

      1. Server Name - This is how you name your server Instance so you know which Aloft server is yours if you have access to multiple in Nodecraft Pro.

      2. DNS Hostname - Aloft does not support DNS hostnames at this time as you can only join a server by finding it in the server browser in game or entering the "Friend Code" in the server browser.

      3. Server Location - Rely on the auto-setup or pick a datacenter location near you.

      4. Auto-Deploy - turn this on to instantly deploy your server.

   5. Once finished, click Create Server at the bottom.

3. Configure your Aloft Server

   1. From your Nodecraft Dashboard, click the Gear Icon on the server’s card under Currently Playing.
      

   2. With Nodecraft’s dynamic control panel, you can edit your server game settings exactly how you would like them to be, such as the name it will have in the server browser, if the server is private or public, and if islands are Private.
      

   3. For advanced control over your server save file, utilize the in-app, dual-pane file manager by navigating to Server Files in the left menu. Navigate to: .wine/drive_c/users/wine/AppData/LocalLow/Astrolabe Interactive/Aloft/Data01/Saves/.

   4. Once you're ready to begin playing, Start your Aloft server in the top left of the screen.

   5. Grab your server Friend Code from your server Overview in Nodecraft's control panel and share it with the players you want to invite.

      1. Note: If you set your server setting to Publically Visible, then anyone can join your server without this code by finding your server in the in game Server Browser -- just give them the Server Name you set in Game Settings.
         

   Note: If you need help learning How to Join Your Aloft Server, check out our guide!

Step 3: Play Aloft with Friends

Now you’re ready to take to the skies! Your multiplayer Aloft server is up, customized, and ready to go. Check out our Knowledgebase to learn more about joining your Aloft server and other helpful tips.

Still need help with your Aloft Server?

Need assistance with creating your own Aloft server? Our support team is here to help!