When working with Unreal Engine, it’s important to verify that a build is indeed a Dedicated Server build before deploying or streaming it. Here are ways to test and confirm:
Method 1. Check Build Folder Structure
Navigate to the build output folder, typically:
<YourProject>\Engine\Saved\Config\WindowsServer
If this folder does not exist, the build is likely not a server build.
Look for server-specific executable:
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Windows:
<ProjectName>Server.exe -
Linux:
<ProjectName>Server
Dedicated Server builds produce a separate executable ending with Server.
Method 2. Verify Build Type in Project Settings
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Open the Project Settings in Unreal Engine.
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Navigate to Packaging → Build Configuration.
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Confirm that Target is set to “Server”.
If it is set to “Client” or “Development”, the build is not a dedicated server build.
Method 3. Use Command-Line Flags
Run the executable with the -server flag:
<ProjectName>Server.exe -log
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A server build will start without launching the game window and display console logs only.
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A client or non-server build will fail to start in this mode or show the full game window.
Method 4. Check Logs
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Start the server executable.
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Observe the output log.
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Dedicated Server logs will mention “Running as Dedicated Server”.
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If it mentions client features like rendering, it’s not a server build.
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Method 5. Try Connecting a Client
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Launch the dedicated server executable.
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Launch a client build (normal packaged game) and try connecting via
open <server_ip>in console. -
If the client connects and interacts properly, it confirms a working server build.
Method 6. Additional File Check
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Dedicated Server builds do not include content like textures or UI assets.
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Compare the build folder: server builds are smaller and only include necessary engine modules, scripts, and maps.