> ## 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.

# How to Set Up an American Truck Simulator Dedicated Server

> How to set up an American Truck Simulator dedicated server on FREAKHOSTING: set the Lobby name, add a token, edit server_config.sii, start and join.

To set up an American Truck Simulator dedicated server on FREAKHOSTING, open your server in the [Game Panel](https://games.freakhosting.com), click **Startup**, enter a **Lobby name** and (optionally) a **Steam Auth token**, then start the server. Set a password or fewer players in `server_config.sii` in **Files**. The server is ready when the console shows `[MP] Session running.` Players then join from Convoy in their game.

| Difficulty | Time | Works on | Panel page |
| - | - | - | - |
| Beginner | 10 minutes | Every FREAKHOSTING ATS server | **Startup** and **Files** |

## Before you start

* Log in to the [Game Panel](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-login-and-access-the-game-panel.md).
* 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](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/american-truck-simulator/how-to-set-a-steam-logon-token-for-your-ats-server.md).

**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](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-start-stop-and-restart-your-game-server.md) and open the [console](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-server-console.md). The first start downloads the server, so it takes longer.

![ATS Startup page with Auto update, Query port, Steam Auth token and Lobby name variables](https://mintcdn.com/freakhostingltd/PUDZTTTrBjlnr5Ut/images/games/american-truck-simulator/ats-startup.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=PUDZTTTrBjlnr5Ut\&q=85\&s=7d8ceb8021b86e9744e25e06c04d00b7)

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:

```text theme={null}
[MP] Session running.
[MP] State: running;  Time: 1426;  Players: 0
```

Above them, a summary shows the session name, `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.

| Setting | Key in `server_config.sii` | Guide |
| - | - | - |
| Password | `password` | [Set a password](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/american-truck-simulator/how-to-set-a-password-on-your-ats-server.md) |
| Player count (up to 8) | `max_players` | [Change max players](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/american-truck-simulator/how-to-change-max-players-on-your-ats-server.md) |
| Moderators | `moderator_list` | [Moderators and commands](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/american-truck-simulator/admin-commands-for-ats.md) |
| Description and welcome message | `description`, `welcome_message` | [server\_config.sii explained](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/american-truck-simulator/ats-server-config-sii-explained.md) |

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 in `server_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](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/american-truck-simulator/how-to-export-server-packages-for-ats.md).

## 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](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/american-truck-simulator/ats-server-not-showing-in-convoy-list.md).

## Make your first backup

Once the server runs the way you want, make a [panel backup](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-create-and-restore-backups.md). It includes `server_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 in `server_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](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/american-truck-simulator/american-truck-simulator-server-hosting-guide.md)**
>
> Every ATS page in one place.

> **[server\_config.sii explained](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/american-truck-simulator/ats-server-config-sii-explained.md)**
>
> Every setting and its limit.

> **[Export server packages](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/american-truck-simulator/how-to-export-server-packages-for-ats.md)**
>
> Add DLC and mods.

> **[Convoy server explained](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/american-truck-simulator/american-truck-simulator-setting-up-an-ats-convoy-server.md)**
>
> How the dedicated server works.

> **[Startup variables](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-configure-startup-variables.md)**
>
> How Startup fields save.

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> **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.

> [!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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