---
title: "How to Enable the Experimental Branch in 7 Days to Die"
description: "Guide on switching to experimental branch"
url: https://help.chiphead.tech/en/articles/190-how-to-enable-the-experimental-branch-in-7-days-to-die
collection: "7 Days to Die"
updated: 2026-06-13
language: en
---

# How to Enable the Experimental Branch in 7 Days to Die

Guide on switching to experimental branch

**7 Days to Die** often releases **experimental beta versions** to test new features and content before they’re officially launched. With **ChipHead**, switching to the experimental branch is quick and easy, letting you experience the latest updates as soon as they’re available.

> **Warning:** **Important:** Before making any changes, make sure to **back up your server**. You can follow our backup guide to learn how to do this safely.

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### Switching Your Server to the Experimental Branch

You can change your server version to the experimental branch through the **ChipHead Panel**:

1.  Log in to your **ChipHead Panel** and **stop** your server.
    
    ![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/gattachments/pUBErm7mnPRKtQ56j84Gh3hj0e910w4Ice1MFMy6uHEG139KUqql87018NjEe2sP6uYE89bCAft.png)
    
    ![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/attachments/20260613134404_5422.png)
    
2.  Navigate to **Startup**.
    
    ![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/attachments/20260613134415_8143.webp)
    
3.  Under **Beta Branch** field, type “**Experimental”** as the environment.
    
    ![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/gattachments/RcPWqGwKkiOqzoIjEKCpX6VhJlERH2WP4T1u9TDvBh1DjwegncSiBMeEfDat0xel1juGnusEX7z.png)
    
    > **Warning:** Make sure to save your changes.
    
4.  **Start/Restart** your server to apply the new version.
    
    ![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/attachments/20260613134451_7872.webp)
    

> **Success:** Your server will now be running the **experimental branch** of 7 Days to Die.

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### Setting Your Game Client to Experimental

To join your server, you’ll also need to switch your **Steam client** to the same experimental version:

1.  Open **Steam** and find **7 Days to Die** in your Library.
    
2.  Right-click the game and choose **Properties**.
    
    ![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/gattachments/q7FeuerVjJOCNXDh0QmXxwUJzquV6akJNcxInLVxBIjGadycw24y7USGv6t0756WUmvzkcPCf6O.png)
    
3.  Go to the **Betas** tab.
    
    ![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/gattachments/NaShdao6CjUNennmLa09NsmK43LPz80VPPSdRtI91ei2ys9K1H60Mkzy8Q1RFiwpVJ90FZiflCE.png)
    
4.  Select the experimental build you want from the dropdown menu.
    
    ![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/gattachments/EyBkPjY4g8erJ7KjmaeG2BPTWU58zYjzsKyy5Kp38Wu951yEcDjkgBSi2loTQsdvLbAJS3YoTxV.png)
    
5.  Steam will automatically download and install the chosen version.
    

> **Success:** Once the download is complete, you can launch the game and connect to your **ChipHead** server running the experimental branch.

> **Info:** To return to the standard version later, repeat the same steps and select **None** in step 4.

* * *

> **Success:** That’s it! You’re now ready to explore all the new content and features in the **7 Days to Die experimental branch** with your **ChipHead** server.