server_config.sii in Files. The server is ready when the console shows [MP] Session running. Players then join from Convoy in their game.
Before you start
- Log in to the Game Panel.
- Every player needs American Truck Simulator on Steam, on the same game version as the server.
- For DLC or mods, you also need your own copy of the game to export the server packages. Without them, the server uses its default packages and the base map.
How to set up your ATS server
1
Open Startup
Open your server and click Startup. You see four variables: Auto update, Query port, Steam Auth token and Lobby name.
2
Name your session
Enter a Lobby name. SCS limits session names to 63 characters. This is the session name players see in Convoy. The default is
American Truck Simulator.3
Add a Steam token (optional)
Paste a token into Steam Auth token to keep the same server ID after each restart. Without one, the server logs on anonymously. See Steam logon token.
4
Leave Auto update on
Auto update is on by default. The server then updates itself on every start, so it stays on the same version as your players.
5
Click out of the field
There is no Save button. Each field saves when you click outside it. Changes apply the next time the server starts.
6
Start the server
Start the server and open the console. The first start downloads the server, so it takes longer.
American Truck Simulator Startup variables in the FREAKHOSTING Game Panel
How to check the server is running
The server is ready when the console prints these lines:Maximum number of players: 8, the ports 27015 / 27016, the game version, the map (/map/usa.mbd), whether a password is required and whether the session is modded.
Set a password, player count and rules
The panel has no fields for these. Stop the server, open Files and go to.local > share > American Truck Simulator. Edit server_config.sii, save it and start the server again. Your edits stay after restarts.
Change the session name with Lobby name on Startup, not in the file. The panel writes it into the file on every start.
Add your DLC and mods
The server only knows about the DLC and mods listed inserver_packages.sii and server_packages.dat. Export them from your own game with export_server_packages and upload them to the same folder. See export server packages.
How players join
Players open Convoy in American Truck Simulator and look for your Lobby name in the session list. If it isn’t listed, they can search for it directly with the server’s search ID. See not showing in the list.Make your first backup
Once the server runs the way you want, make a panel backup. It includesserver_config.sii and your server packages.
Frequently asked questions
What ports does an ATS server use?
The connection port is 27015 and the query port is 27016 by default. The Query port on Startup is read only.Why is there no Max Players setting for ATS?
The ATS server sets its player count inserver_config.sii. Edit max_players there. The limit is 8.
Do I need to own American Truck Simulator to run the server?
No. You need the game to play and to export server packages for DLC and mods, and Steam needs game ownership to create a logon token.Can I rename the session after the first start?
Yes. Change Lobby name on Startup and restart the server.Related guides
ATS server guide
Every ATS page in one place.
server_config.sii explained
Every setting and its limit.
Export server packages
Add DLC and mods.
Convoy server explained
How the dedicated server works.
Startup variables
How Startup fields save.
Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team on our Game Panel on 30 October 2026 (American Truck Simulator dedicated server 1.61s). Steps may differ slightly if the game changes.
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Last Updated: October 2026