---
title: "Host"
description: "Install and operate a Dark Pawns server, create a world, manage its settings and players, and learn what public hosting requires before players connect."
type: reference
audience: developers
verified: v0.1.8
canonical: https://darkpawns.org/docs/host/
---

[Documentation](/docs/) / [Host](/docs/host/)

# Host

Install and operate a Dark Pawns server, create a world, manage its settings and players, and learn what public hosting requires before players connect.

Start with [Hosting at a glance](/docs/host/hosting-overview/) for the machine, network, cost, and setup facts. Then follow the install and first-login guides.

[Hosting at a glance](/docs/host/hosting-overview/)See the supported systems, host requirements, listeners, costs, setup steps, and operator guides for running a Dark Pawns world on your machine.

[Install Dark Pawns](/docs/host/install/)Install the signed portable release with the bootstrap command, then create your first server instance and open the setup wizard.

[Your first login](/docs/host/first-login/)Finish first-run setup, connect to your new Dark Pawns server, create the Implementor character, and open the admin console.

[The admin console](/docs/host/admin-console/)Find the admin console page for each task, understand its access gates, and save world or character changes without losing another operator's work.

[Dashboard and logs](/docs/host/dashboard-and-logs/)Read server health and recorded player activity, inspect the separate server and game logs, and export the retained log entries.

[Saved character management](/docs/host/player-management/)Edit a disconnected character's equipment, inventory, flags, name, and password in the admin console, with clear save and delete boundaries.

[Configuration settings](/docs/host/admin-configuration/)Change operator settings, back up or restore their bundle, and understand which changes need a restart on a managed or checkout server.

[Update your server](/docs/host/update-server/)Update a managed Dark Pawns instance from the admin console or command line, and understand the automatic rollback after a failed health check.

[Players can't connect](/docs/host/players-cannot-connect/)Find whether a connection failure comes from the world, the listening address, a firewall, or the client, then choose the next check.