Deploy a dedicated Barotrauma server for co-operative submarine survival on Jupiter's moon Europa with crew roles and monster encounters.
Grab the automated bash script from GitHub to follow along with the video.
wget https://raw.githubusercontent.com/mhmdali94/Docker/main/gaming/barotrauma/barotrauma-ubuntu.sh
chmod +x barotrauma-ubuntu.sh
sudo bash barotrauma-ubuntu.shDownload the automated install script that configures Docker and sets up the Barotrauma dedicated server with proper volume mounts for save persistence.
wget https://raw.githubusercontent.com/mhmdali94/Docker/main/gaming/barotrauma/barotrauma-ubuntu.shGrant the script execution permissions before running it.
chmod +x barotrauma-ubuntu.shThe script installs Docker if needed, then sets up the Barotrauma dedicated server automatically. The server downloads game files on first launch.
sudo bash barotrauma-ubuntu.shEdit serversettings.xml to customize your server name, password, and player limit:
# Edit server settings
nano /opt/barotrauma/serversettings.xml
# Key settings:
# Name — your server display name
# Password — leave empty for public server
# MaxPlayers — maximum crew size
# ServerMessage — welcome message for playersOpen Barotrauma, go to Join Server, select Direct IP, and enter your server address:
<your-server-ip>:27015| Port | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 27015 UDP | Game connection port |
| 27016 UDP | Server query port |
Barotrauma is a co-op submarine survival game set in the oceans of Jupiter's moon Europa. Players take on crew roles (captain, engineer, medic, security) aboard a submarine, managing systems, fighting creatures, and completing missions. A dedicated server enables persistent campaigns without the host staying online.
A dedicated Barotrauma server keeps your campaign persistent so crew members can continue the mission at different times. It supports more players than peer hosting, enables Workshop mods, and provides a stable connection for deep-sea missions without host network lag.
Barotrauma uses UDP port 27015 for game connections. Open UDP port 27015 in your firewall. The server web interface may use additional ports for the browser-based admin panel.
Alternatives include the built-in host session (host stays online), Steam Remote Play Together, and peer-to-peer co-op. Self-hosting provides a persistent campaign and stable connection for all crew members.
Avoid self-hosting Barotrauma if your group only plays occasional sessions with 2-3 players — the built-in hosting works fine for casual play. Self-hosting is most valuable for dedicated crews with regular sessions.
PrismaTechWork provides end-to-end infrastructure services — from initial deployment and security hardening to ongoing monitoring, automated backups, and dedicated support. Whether you need a single-server setup or a multi-site network, our team ensures your infrastructure is built right, secured properly, and maintained reliably.
Players choose from six main job roles: Captain (commands the submarine), Engineer (maintains and repairs systems), Mechanic (fixes mechanical issues), Medic (treats injuries and poisons), Security Officer (combat defense), and Assistant (general helper). Each role has specific tools, abilities, and responsibilities in the crew.
Yes. The campaign save file stores the submarine's location in Europa, mission progress, crew experience, and the submarine's current state. When the server restarts, it loads from the save file and the crew continues from where they left off. Crew members who are offline miss the session but their character persists.
Yes. Custom submarines from the Steam Workshop or built with the in-game submarine editor can be loaded on the server. Place the submarine file in the Submarines directory and select it when creating or continuing a campaign. All players need the same submarine installed if it is a Workshop mod.
When your character dies in campaign mode, you can respawn as a new crew member with reduced experience in that run, or if the entire crew dies the campaign may end depending on settings. Permadeath settings are configurable — hardcore campaigns use true permadeath while casual campaigns allow respawning.
Yes, but it is awkward — Barotrauma is designed for co-op and managing all crew roles alone is difficult. Solo play is better done through the single-player mode with AI crew members. A dedicated server makes more sense for 2+ players. Use the AI crew feature to fill roles you do not have human players for.