> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.freakhosting.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# ATS server_config.sii Explained: Every Setting and Default

> ATS server_config.sii explained: where it is on your FREAKHOSTING server, every setting with its default and limit, and which keys the panel rewrites.

`server_config.sii` is the main settings file of an American Truck Simulator dedicated server. On FREAKHOSTING it is in **Files** under `.local` > `share` > `American Truck Simulator`. It holds the session name, password, player limit (8 at most), gameplay rules and moderators. Stop the server, edit, save and start. The panel rewrites the session name, ports and logon token from **Startup** on every start; your other edits stay.

| Fact | Value |
| - | - |
| Folder in **Files** | `/home/container/.local/share/American Truck Simulator` |
| Other files there | `server_packages.sii`, `server_packages.dat`, `config_ds.cfg`, `live_streams.sii`, `server.log.txt` |
| Set on **Startup** instead | `lobby_name`, `connection_dedicated_port`, `query_dedicated_port`, `server_logon_token` |
| Apply changes | Restart the server |

![File Manager showing the American Truck Simulator config folder with server\_config.sii and server\_packages files](https://mintcdn.com/freakhostingltd/PUDZTTTrBjlnr5Ut/images/games/american-truck-simulator/ats-config-folder.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=PUDZTTTrBjlnr5Ut\&q=85\&s=1393fb3a637380153d7a4243adcec0a7)

The American Truck Simulator config folder in the File Manager

## How to edit server\_config.sii

**1. Stop the server**

[Stop the server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-start-stop-and-restart-your-game-server.md) so it doesn't save over your changes.

**2. Open the file**

Open **Files**, then `.local` > `share` > `American Truck Simulator`, and click `server_config.sii`.

**3. Change the values**

Change only the value after the colon. Keep the quotes around text values, and write `true` or `false` for on/off settings.

**4. Save and start**

Save the file and start the server. Check the summary lines in the [console](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-server-console.md), for example `[MP] Password required: Yes`.

## Session settings

| Key | Default on our server | What it does |
| - | - | - |
| `lobby_name` | `"American Truck Simulator"` | Session name, up to 63 characters. **Set it with Lobby name on Startup.** |
| `description` | `""` | Session description, up to 63 characters. |
| `welcome_message` | `""` | Message shown to players who join, up to 127 characters. |
| `password` | `""` (no password) | Session password, up to 63 characters. |
| `max_players` | `8` | Maximum players. The limit is 8. |
| `max_vehicles_total` | `100` | Vehicle limit for the session. Keep the default unless you have a reason to change it. |
| `max_ai_vehicles_player` | `50` | AI vehicle limit per player. Keep the default unless you have a reason to change it. |
| `max_ai_vehicles_player_spawn` | `50` | AI vehicle spawn limit per player. Keep the default unless you have a reason to change it. |

## Gameplay settings

| Key | Default | What it does |
| - | - | - |
| `player_damage` | `true` | Players can damage each other. |
| `traffic` | `true` | AI traffic is on. |
| `hide_in_company` | `false` | Hides other players in company areas. |
| `hide_colliding` | `true` | Hides a colliding vehicle after a teleport. |
| `force_speed_limiter` | `false` | Forces the speed limiter on for everyone. |
| `mods_optioning` | `false` | Lets mods marked optional really be optional. |
| `timezones` | `0` | Accepts values 0 to 2. |
| `service_no_collision` | `false` | Turns off collisions in service areas. |
| `in_menu_ghosting` | `false` | Turns off collisions while a player is paused. |
| `name_tags` | `true` | Shows player names above vehicles. |
| `friends_only`, `show_server` | `false`, `true` | Not used by the dedicated server. |

## Network and moderators

| Key | Default | What it does |
| - | - | - |
| `connection_virtual_port` | `100` | Virtual port, 100 to 200. |
| `query_virtual_port` | `101` | Virtual port, 100 to 200. |
| `connection_dedicated_port` | `27015` | Game port. Set by the panel. |
| `query_dedicated_port` | `27016` | Query port. Set by the panel (**Query port**, read only). |
| `server_logon_token` | `""` | Steam logon token. **Set it with Steam Auth token on Startup.** |
| `moderator_list` | `0` | Number of moderators, followed by one `moderator_list[n]` line per Steam ID. |

Example with a password, 6 players and one moderator:

```text theme={null}
 password: "convoy2026"
 max_players: 6
 moderator_list: 1
 moderator_list[0]: 76561198000000001
```

## Frequently asked questions

### Why did my lobby name change back?

The panel writes **Lobby name** from **Startup** into `lobby_name` on every start. Change it on **Startup**. The same applies to the ports and `server_logon_token`.

### Do my other edits stay after a restart?

Yes. We tested it: `password`, `description`, `welcome_message`, `moderator_list` and the gameplay settings stay. The game re-saves the file on start but keeps your values.

### Where is server\_config.sii if I can't see the .local folder?

Open **Files** at the top level of your server; `.local` is a folder there. You can also connect with [SFTP](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-connect-via-sftp.md).

### Can I set more than 8 players?

No. SCS limits `max_players` to 8.

## Related guides

> **[ATS server guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/american-truck-simulator/american-truck-simulator-server-hosting-guide.md)**
>
> Every ATS page in one place.

> **[Set a password](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/american-truck-simulator/how-to-set-a-password-on-your-ats-server.md)**
>
> The `password` key, step by step.

> **[Change max players](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/american-truck-simulator/how-to-change-max-players-on-your-ats-server.md)**
>
> `max_players`, up to 8.

> **[Moderators and commands](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/american-truck-simulator/admin-commands-for-ats.md)**
>
> `moderator_list` and chat commands.

> **[File Manager](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-file-manager.md)**
>
> Edit files in the panel.

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team** on our Game Panel on 30 October 2026 (American Truck Simulator dedicated server 1.61s) and checked against the official [SCS dedicated server documentation](https://modding.scssoft.com/wiki/Documentation/Tools/Dedicated_Server). Steps may differ slightly if the game changes.

> [!NOTE]
>
> ### Need Extra Help?
>
> If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:
>
> * **Live Chat:** Quick assistance via our website.
> * **Support Ticket:** [Open a Ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php)
> * **Discord:** [Join our Community](https://discord.gg/freakhosting)
> * **Email:** [support@freakhosting.com](mailto:support@freakhosting.com)

> [!TIP]
>
> ### Save on Your Hosting
>
> Ready to upgrade your hosting? Use code **KB20** at checkout for **20% off** your first order!

***

**Last Updated:** October 2026


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