Choose the hosting route first
Jagex lists three options: rent from its named hosting partner, run the server on a computer you own, or configure a cloud computer yourself. Renting reduces local network work; home and cloud hosting put installation, backups and updates on the owner. The published guide documented up to six players as of version 0.11, distinct from an ordinary four-player co-op world.
Home-server basics from the official guide
The dedicated server runs on a 64-bit Windows or Linux system. Jagex’s version 0.11 memory guidance was 2 GB plus 1 GB per player. The default server port starts at 7777, with additional servers using subsequent ports. Those ports must be reachable over UDP through the relevant firewall and router. Network arrangements vary by provider, so use Jagex’s full guide before changing router settings.
Install the free RuneScape: Dragonwilds – Dedicated Servers product via Steam or SteamCMD. The official guide identifies app ID 4019830 for the dedicated-server product. This is separate from the main game’s Steam app ID 1374490.
Configure and find the world
Jagex lists mandatory settings for the owner’s Player ID, server name, default world name and admin password. Set them while the server is stopped; changes made while it is running may be lost. Back up world saves before moving or replacing them.
To join, open the Worlds screen, switch to Public and search the exact world name, including its letter case. If the server is missing, compare the client and server versions, check the name and mandatory values, and inspect the server log. If other players can see it but cannot join, Jagex says UDP forwarding is a likely problem. Its 1.0 notes also say dedicated servers have a crossplay option.
The linked official how-to contains the current file paths, complete configuration syntax and world-transfer steps. Keep that page open while setting up; this guide is a readable checklist, not a replacement for the source configuration file.