How to Create Your Own Tibia Server

Ever wanted to create your own OT server? Setting up an otserver might seem daunting, but with the right tools and guidance, it's entirely achievable. This guide covers everything from choosing a distribution to getting your server online.

Choosing a Server Distribution

The first decision is which server software to use. The main options are:

The Forgotten Server (TFS)

TFS is the most popular open-source OT server, maintained by the OTLand community. It supports Tibia versions from 7.x to 13.x and has extensive documentation.

Canary

Canary is a modern fork by OpenTibiaBR, focused on Tibia 13.x. It's actively developed and includes many modern features out of the box.

Blacktek

A newer distribution gaining traction, offering a balance between TFS and Canary with unique features.

Prerequisites

Before you start, you'll need:

A computer or VPS to host the server
Basic knowledge of MySQL/MariaDB
A Tibia client matching your chosen version
A web server (Apache/Nginx) for the account management site
An AAC (Automatic Account Creator) like MyAAC or ZnoteAAC

Step-by-Step Setup (TFS on Windows)

Step 1: Download and Extract TFS

Download the latest TFS release from the GitHub releases page. Extract it to a folder like C:orgottenserver.

Step 2: Set Up the Database

Install a MySQL/MariaDB server (XAMPP or UniServerZ work great for Windows). Create a new database and import the schema file from the TFS folder (usually schema.sql).

Step 3: Configure config.lua

Open config.lua in a text editor and configure:

Database connection (host, user, password, database name)
Server IP (your public IP or 127.0.0.1 for local testing)
Server port (default 7172)
Client version
Exp rate, skill rate, loot rate

Step 4: Install an AAC

Download MyAAC and place it in your web server's directory. Follow the installation wizard to connect it to your TFS database. This creates the website where players register accounts and create characters.

Step 5: Start the Server

Run forgottenserver.exe (or the equivalent for your distribution). If configured correctly, you should see the server start without errors.

Step 6: Connect and Test

Use OTClient V8 or an IP changer to connect to your server. Create an account through your AAC website, make a character, and log in.

Setting Up on Linux (VPS)

For a production server, Linux is recommended. The basic steps are:

Install dependencies: sudo apt install build-essential cmake libluajit-5.1-dev libmysqlclient-dev libpugixml-dev
Clone and compile TFS from GitHub
Install MySQL/MariaDB and create the database
Configure config.lua
Set up Nginx or Apache with PHP for the AAC
Open the server port in your firewall

Detailed tutorials are available on OTLand forums and the OpenTibiaBR docs.

Essential Configuration Tips

Start with a pre-made datapack — Don't build everything from scratch. Many community datapacks are available on OTLand.
Use a real map for authenticity — The Tibia real map is widely available and instantly recognizable to players.
Test thoroughly before going public — Check all quests, NPCs, and PvP mechanics.
Set up automatic backups — Database corruption can destroy your server.
Monitor your server — Use tools to track uptime and player count.

Listing Your Server on OpenTibiaServer.com

Once your server is live, list it on our platform to get players:

Add your server to our list
Configure your server's ping endpoint so we can monitor uptime
Claim your server to verify ownership
Optionally promote your server for more visibility

Our platform monitors your server every 10 minutes and displays real-time player counts to potential players — all with anti-spoofing verification.

Common Challenges

Compilation errors — Make sure you have all dependencies installed. OTLand has troubleshooting guides.
Client compatibility — Players need the exact client version your server runs.
Getting players — List on multiple directories, promote on Discord, and engage with the community on OTLand.
DDoS protection — Use a VPS with DDoS protection, or Cloudflare for your website.

Learn More

New to the OT world? These articles will help:

Ready to Build?

Creating your own OT server is a rewarding project that combines programming, game design, and community management. Start small, learn from the community, and don't be afraid to ask for help on OTLand.

Once your server is ready, don't forget to list it on OpenTibiaServer.com to start growing your player base!

OpenTibiaServer.com