> ## 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 Change Max Players on Your ATS Server

> How to change max players on an American Truck Simulator server: edit max_players in server_config.sii in Files. The SCS limit is 8 players per convoy session.

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.

| Difficulty | Time | Works on | Panel page |
| - | - | - | - |
| Beginner | 3 minutes | Every FREAKHOSTING ATS server | **Files** |

## How to change the player limit

**1. Stop the server**

[Stop the server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-start-stop-and-restart-your-game-server.md).

**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:

```text theme={null}
 max_players: 4
```

**4. Save and start**

Save the file and start the server.

**5. Check the console**

The [console](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-server-console.md) 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](https://mintcdn.com/freakhostingltd/PUDZTTTrBjlnr5Ut/images/games/american-truck-simulator/ats-config-folder.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=PUDZTTTrBjlnr5Ut\&q=85\&s=1393fb3a637380153d7a4243adcec0a7)

server\_config.sii is in the American Truck Simulator config folder

## 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.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the default player limit on an ATS server?

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

### 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.

### 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](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/american-truck-simulator/ats-server-config-sii-explained.md).

### Can I reserve a slot for myself?

There is no reserved-slot setting. Use a password to control who joins. See [set a password](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/american-truck-simulator/how-to-set-a-password-on-your-ats-server.md).

## 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.

> **[Set a password](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/american-truck-simulator/how-to-set-a-password-on-your-ats-server.md)**
>
> Keep your session private.

> **[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.

***

> [!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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