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To change max players on a FREAKHOSTING American Truck Simulator server, stop the server, open Files > .local > share > American Truck Simulator, edit max_players in server_config.sii, save and start the server. The ATS panel has no Max Players variable. The value can be 1 to 8: SCS limits every convoy session to 8 players, so you can lower the limit but not raise it.

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How to change the player limit

1

Stop the server

Stop the server.
2

Open server_config.sii

Open Files, go to .local > share > American Truck Simulator and click server_config.sii.
3

Change max_players

Find the max_players line and set the number you want, for example:
4

Save and start

Save the file and start the server.
5

Check the console

The console prints the limit when the server starts, for example [MP] Maximum number of players: 4.
File Manager showing server_config.sii in the American Truck Simulator folder used to change max players

server_config.sii is in the American Truck Simulator config folder

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Why can’t I set more than 8 players?

The SCS dedicated server documentation states that the max_players limit is 8. The game enforces this, so a higher number has no effect. This is the same limit as a convoy you host from your game.

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Frequently asked questions

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What is the default player limit on an ATS server?

8, the maximum. The console shows [MP] Maximum number of players: 8.

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Why is there no Max Players field on Startup?

Our ATS server reads the player limit from server_config.sii, so you change it in the file. Your value stays after restarts.

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Does a lower limit improve performance?

Fewer players means fewer trucks and AI vehicles to sync. AI traffic is set separately with traffic and the max_ai_vehicles_* keys. See server_config.sii explained.

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Can I reserve a slot for myself?

There is no reserved-slot setting. Use a password to control who joins. See set a password.

ATS server guide

Every ATS page in one place.

server_config.sii explained

Every setting and its limit.

Set a password

Keep your session private.

Convoy server explained

How the dedicated server works.
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. Steps may differ slightly if the game changes.

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Need Extra Help?

If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:

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Last Updated: October 2026