> ## 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 Optional Mods in ATS

> Configure certain mods as optional for your American Truck Simulator Convoy server to increase accessibility and reduce entry barriers for your community.

## Flexible Mod Management

In American Truck Simulator (ATS), standard mods typically require perfect synchronization between the server and every client. However, you can configure your server to allow certain modifications to be "Optional." This flexibility enables players who do not have specific cosmetic or utility mods to still join and enjoy the convoy without receiving a version mismatch error.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Difficulty" icon="gauge-low">
    Intermediate
  </Card>

  <Card title="Time" icon="clock">
    5 Minutes
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

## Configuration Settings

To enable optional mod support, you must modify your server primary configuration file.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Access the File Manager">
    Log in to your [Game Panel](https://panel.freakhosting.com) and navigate to the **Files** tab in the sidebar.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Edit server_config.sii">
    Locate the `server_config.sii` file in your configuration directory and open it with the integrated editor.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enable Optional Client Mods">
    Find the property `mods_optional_for_client` and change its value to `true`.

    ```sii theme={null}
    mods_optional_for_client: true
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save and Restart">
    Commit your changes and **Restart** your server via the **Console** tab to apply the updated rules.
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Strategic Trade-offs & Limitations

While optional mods significantly increase accessibility, they introduce technical trade-offs that administrators should manage carefully.

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Visual Integrity">
    If a client joins without a specific vehicle mod that the server is using, that truck may appear as a generic red "ERROR" placeholder or be entirely invisible to them. This can impact the immersion of roleplay-heavy communities.
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Stability Hazards">
    **Important:** You must never categorize physics-altering mods or map geometry expansions as optional. If a client attempts to navigate terrain that their local game engine does not recognize, it will lead to an immediate client crash.
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

<Tip>
  ### Which Mods Should Be Optional?

  We recommend only setting **sound mods**, **UI enhancements**, or **interior accessories** as optional. These are primarily client-side assets and rarely interfere with the synchronized positions or safety of other drivers in the convoy.
</Tip>

***

<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)
</Note>

<Tip>
  ### Save on Your Hosting

  Ready to get a new server? Use code **KB20** at checkout for **20% off** your first month!
</Tip>

***

<div align="center">
  **Last Updated:** January 2026 | **Mods:** Freedom and stability.
</div>