How to use SteamCMD to install the Dedicated Server

In addition to Steam users accessing the Dedicated Server via the Tools interface, anyone can use SteamCMD to install the Return to Moria Dedicated Server.

Please be aware this is a more advanced method of installing the server. It is recommended to first read our basic Getting Started guide here: https://northbeachgames.freshdesk.com/support/solutions/articles/154000217137-getting-started-

To use SteamCMD, follow these steps

1. Download SteamCMD from here: https://steamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/client/installer/steamcmd.zip (always make sure this is up to date before applying patches!)
2. Unzip it into a folder that windows won’t restrict. Example: D:/SteamCMD. 
   1. The EXE file must be in a folder, not a root directory of any drive, or you may get “out of disk space” errors.
3. Run SteamCMD.exe and let it do its updates.
4. (OPTIONAL) Set the path where SteamCMD will install the dedicated server files. Once you complete the install below, the directory will be created for you.
   1. You may find this helpful to make your SteamCMD install in a unique place from the Steam default directory - if you have a copy via Tools and want a separate version from SteamCMD, do not also use \steamapps\common\Return to Moria Dedicated Server
   2. Type the command force_install_dir [drive name and folder]
   3. The following image is an example. YOU MUST DO THIS BEFORE YOU LOGIN!  
5. When you reach the following screen, type in login anonymous and hit enter.
6. Type app_update 3349480 validate and hit enter to download the server files.
7. Grab a beverage of your choice and wait! The server files are approx 3.5GB.
8. If you have not changed the install location, you will find the server files in yourPath/SteamCMD/steamapps/common like the screenshot below.
9. You’re done! Type exit and hit enter to close SteamCMD.
10. Follow the steps in the main guide to customize your server. They can be found here: https://northbeachgames.freshdesk.com/support/solutions/folders/154000747073
    
    Potential Issues / Workarounds:

    Sometimes you may need to install extra packages to get the server to work, because Return to Moria requires some software packages and drivers are present and working, so the server can initialize. Steam typically will install required software but if you encounter errors at launch, these are common solutions to try:

    
    

    1. DirectX runtime:  We have confirmed that Windows Server 2019, 2022 and 2025 (also Windows 10/11) may need the DirectX runtimes installed. This can occur if you have never installed any other game server or Steam content on your machine before. You can download those from here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=8109

    
    

    2. Visual C++: You may also need the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable. This seems to primarily affect Windows Server Datacenter Editions. You can download that here: https://aka.ms/vs/17/release/vc_redist.x64.exe