Linux machines and mini PCs

Running servers on a Linux machine or mini PC

Any spare computer that runs Linux can be a Cosmic Warp machine: an old desktop, a mini PC, a home server, or a server you rent. Your game servers run on it, and you control them from Warp View.

What you need

  • Ubuntu 22.04, Ubuntu 24.04 or Debian 12. Other versions are refused by the installer.
  • A 64-bit Intel/AMD or ARM processor (x86_64 or aarch64).
  • Enough memory and disk. A small server for a few friends is happy with 4 to 8 GB of RAM to itself; big or modded worlds need more. See Machines for example builds.
  • A machine that stays on. Servers only run while it's on. A mini PC on a shelf is ideal: quiet and cheap to run.
  • A wired connection if you can.
  • Admin access (sudo) on the machine.

Install

  1. In Warp View, open Connect a machine, choose the Linux tab and click Generate install command.
  2. On the machine, open a terminal (or connect to it with SSH) and paste the command. It starts with curl and runs with sudo.
  3. Wait for it to finish. Within a minute the machine shows as Online in Warp View.

Each command works once and expires after 30 minutes. If it expires, generate a new one.

The installer:

  1. Checks the operating system and processor.
  2. Installs Docker and Wings, the program that runs your game servers.
  3. Creates the machine's own security key (it never leaves the machine) and connects it to your account over an encrypted connection.
  4. Starts a small service that tells Warp View every minute that the machine is healthy.
  5. If the machine's firewall (ufw) is on, opens the ports Cosmic Warp and your games need.

Running the command again is safe: it only fixes what's missing and never connects the machine twice.

Port 8080, and tunnel mode

Port 8080 lets Cosmic Warp's control panel talk to your machine securely. It's how Warp View starts, stops and swaps your servers. Players never use it.

If the machine is at home, you'd normally forward TCP 8080 on your router, along with your game ports. If you'd rather not open 8080, or can't (for example behind CGNAT), use tunnel mode: add --tunnel <tunnel token> --tunnel-hostname <hostname> to the end of the install command, using a Cloudflare Tunnel you created in your own free Cloudflare account and pointed at https://localhost:8080. The port forwarding guide walks through it. Tunnel mode is new and not yet tested on many machines. It only covers Cosmic Warp's connection: players still need your game ports.

Letting friends join

Friends on your home network can join right away. Friends outside your home need port forwarding on your router. Warp View lists each server's ports, and Can players reach this machine? checks them from the internet. See the port forwarding guide.

Problems

  • "Unsupported OS": install Ubuntu 22.04 or 24.04, or Debian 12, and run the command again.
  • The token was refused: it was already used or is older than 30 minutes. Generate a new command.
  • The machine shows Offline: check it's on and connected to the internet, then run a new install command from Warp View to repair it.
  • Friends can't connect: follow the port forwarding guide.