> ## 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.

# ETS2 server_config.sii Explained: Every Server Setting

> ETS2 server_config.sii explained: where the Euro Truck Simulator 2 server config file is, every key with its default and limit, and which keys the panel resets.

`server_config.sii` is the main config file of a Euro Truck Simulator 2 dedicated server. On FREAKHOSTING it is in **Files** at `.local/share/Euro Truck Simulator 2/server_config.sii`. It holds the lobby name, password, player limit, ports, logon token, moderators and session rules. Five keys are rewritten from **Startup** at every start; edit the rest in the file and restart.

| Fact | Value |
| - | - |
| Path | `.local/share/Euro Truck Simulator 2/server_config.sii` |
| Edit with | **Files** (File Manager) or SFTP |
| Applies | After a restart |
| Set from **Startup** | `lobby_name`, `max_players`, `connection_dedicated_port`, `query_dedicated_port`, `server_logon_token` |

## How to edit server\_config.sii

**1. Stop the server**

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

**2. Open the file**

Open **Files** and go to `.local` > `share` > `Euro Truck Simulator 2`. The `.local` folder starts with a dot, but the File Manager lists it. Open `server_config.sii`.

**3. Change the values**

Keep the format `key: value`. Text goes in double quotes, for example `password: "convoy2026"`. True/false values have no quotes.

**4. Save and start**

Save the file and start the server. Check the summary lines in the [console](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-server-console.md), such as `[MP] Password required: Yes`.

> [!WARNING]
>
> Change `lobby_name`, `max_players` and `server_logon_token` on **Startup**, not in the file. The panel writes the **Startup** values into the file at every start, so file edits to those keys are lost.

## Every key in server\_config.sii

Defaults are the values on a new FREAKHOSTING server. Limits are from SCS's documentation.

### Session

| Key | Default | Limit | What it does |
| - | - | - | - |
| `lobby_name` | `"Euro Truck Simulator 2 server"` | 63 characters | Session name in the browser. Set it with **Lobby name**. |
| `description` | `""` | 63 characters | Session description. |
| `welcome_message` | `""` | 127 characters | Message shown to players who join. |
| `password` | `""` (none) | 63 characters | Session password. Empty means no password. |
| `max_players` | `8` | 8 | Player limit. Set it with **Max Players**, 8 or lower. |
| `moderator_list` | `0` | | Number of moderators, followed by `moderator_list[0]`, `moderator_list[1]` and so on with Steam IDs. |

### Ports and account

| Key | Default | What it does |
| - | - | - |
| `connection_virtual_port` | `100` | Internal port (100 to 200). Leave as is. |
| `query_virtual_port` | `101` | Internal port (100 to 200). Leave as is. |
| `connection_dedicated_port` | `27015` | Network port. Set by the panel. |
| `query_dedicated_port` | `27016` | Query port. Set by the panel (**Query port**). |
| `server_logon_token` | `""` | Steam logon token. Set it with **Steam Auth token**. |

### Rules

| Key | Default | What it does |
| - | - | - |
| `player_damage` | `true` | Players can damage each other. |
| `traffic` | `true` | AI traffic on or off. |
| `max_vehicles_total` | `100` | Vehicle limit for the session. |
| `max_ai_vehicles_player` | `50` | AI vehicle limit per player. |
| `max_ai_vehicles_player_spawn` | `50` | AI vehicle spawn limit per player. |
| `hide_in_company` | `false` | Hide other players in company areas. |
| `hide_colliding` | `true` | Hide a colliding vehicle after a teleport. |
| `force_speed_limiter` | `false` | Force the speed limiter for everyone. |
| `mods_optioning` | `false` | Let mods marked as optional really be optional. |
| `timezones` | `0` | Time zone mode, 0 to 2. |
| `service_no_collision` | `false` | Turn off collisions in service areas. |
| `in_menu_ghosting` | `false` | Turn off collisions while a player is paused. |
| `name_tags` | `true` | Show name tags above vehicles. |
| `friends_only` | `false` | Not used by a dedicated server. |
| `show_server` | `true` | Not used by a dedicated server. |

SCS doesn't explain the vehicle limits or the three `timezones` values in detail. Leave them at the default unless you are testing.

## Example: a private session with moderators

```text theme={null}
password: "convoy2026"
description: "Weekly convoy, Fridays"
welcome_message: "Welcome! Keep to the speed limit."
force_speed_limiter: true
moderator_list: 1
moderator_list[0]: 76561198000000001
```

## Other files in the config folder

| File | What it is |
| - | - |
| `server_packages.sii` and `server_packages.dat` | Map, DLC and mods. Replace them with your own export. |
| `server.log.txt` | The server's game log. |
| `live_streams.sii` | A radio list. Players' radios use their own game's copy. |

## Frequently asked questions

### Why did my lobby name or max players change back?

Those keys come from **Startup** at each start. Change them on **Startup** instead of in the file.

### Do I need to restart after editing server\_config.sii?

Yes. The server reads the file when it starts.

### Can I set more than 8 players in server\_config.sii?

No. SCS's maximum is 8, and on our test the game reset a higher value to 8 at start. See [max players](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/euro-truck-simulator-2/increasing-convoy-max-players.md).

### Where is the server's log file?

`server.log.txt` in the same folder. See [won't start or settings reset](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/euro-truck-simulator-2/ets2-server-wont-start-or-config-resets.md).

## Related guides

> **[ETS2 server guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/euro-truck-simulator-2/euro-truck-simulator-2-server-hosting-guide.md)**
>
> Every ETS2 page in one place.

> **[Set a password](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/euro-truck-simulator-2/how-to-set-a-password-on-your-ets2-server.md)**
>
> The `password` key.

> **[Moderators and commands](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/euro-truck-simulator-2/admin-commands-and-moderation.md)**
>
> `moderator_list`.

> **[Hardcore convoy settings](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/euro-truck-simulator-2/disabling-gps-and-hardcore-mode.md)**
>
> Rules for a stricter session.

> **[File Manager](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-file-manager.md)**
>
> Open and edit files.

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team** on our Game Panel on 30 October 2026 (Euro Truck Simulator 2 dedicated server 1.61s), and checked against SCS Software's [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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