The BCU Tool: Build & AI Optimization
As Sons of the Forest communities grow into 2026, many dedicated servers face "Entity Bloat." A server with 50,000+ placed logs and a hundred wandering mutants will experience massive TPS (Ticks Per Second) drops. The **Build Cleanup Utility (BCU)**, introduced in early 2026, is the official solution for maintaining high-performance community servers.
🛠️ BCU Core Functions
- Structure Compaction: Merges multiple log-entities into a single optimized "Wall" object, reducing the physics-engine load.
- Entity Tethering 2.0: Only calculates the AI for mutants within 200m of a player, putting distant mutants into "Deep Sleep" mode.
- Fragile Decay: Automatically removes abandoned structures that haven't been repaired for 14 real-world days.
Implementing AI Batching
A major cause of server stutter in the 2025/2026 meta is mutant AI calculation. Use the BCU to enable **Mutant AI Batching** via your DedicatedServer.cfg:
🧟 Batch Frequency
Set Mutant_AI_Batching=true. The server will update mutant positions every 2 ticks instead of every 1, doubling your AI CPU capacity with zero visible difference.
📍 Spawning Caps
The BCU allows you to set **Zone-Based Spawning**. Limit the number of mutants in the "Base Areas" to 20, while allowing 100+ in the "Wilderness" for a more balanced load.
Building Optimization (BCU Commands)
If you are an admin on a server with "Mega-Fortresses," run these commands once a week to maintain 60 FPS for your players:
# BCU Console Commands (2026)
/bcu compact_all # Merges log physics into single-body objects.
/bcu purge_abandoned # Deletes structures with zero player interaction in 14 days.
/bcu stat_report # Generates a report of the top 5 lag-causing builds.
Recommended BCU Configurations:
| Setting | Value | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Structure_LOD_Distance | 150.0 | Dramatically improves player FPS in base areas. |
| AI_Sleep_Radius | 300.0 | Reduces CPU load by deactivating distant mutants. |
| Physics_Refresh_Rate | 30 | Lowering to 30Hz stabilizes "Falling Tree" desync. |
Does the BCU tool delete player builds?
Only if they are **unrepaired and abandoned**. The purge_abandoned command ignores any build within a 50m radius of a Powered Flame Altar or a recent player login point.
Can I use BCU on a local save?
The BCU is primarily a **Dedicated Server binary extension**. However, you can use the compact_all command on local saves if you have the 'Admin Console' mod enabled.
Is 'Building Decay' mandatory?
No. You can set Structure_Decay_Enabled=false in the BCU settings if you want to allow players to keep their ruins forever, though this will eventually degrade performance.
Next Steps
- Explore the Part 2 Bunker Cities
- Thermal Insulation & Base Design
- Back to Sons of the Forest Wiki Home
BCU-Managed Hosting: Supercraft’s SotF servers include **Auto-BCU** scripts. We automatically run compaction and stale-build purges in the background, ensuring your server stays as fast as the day you launched it.
Looking for managed Sons of the Forest server hosting? Supercraft runs Sons of the Forest dedicated servers with daily backups, instant setup, and 5 region options. Plans from $5.99/mo.