> ## 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 ETS2 Dedicated Server (Getting Started)

> How to set up a Euro Truck Simulator 2 dedicated server on FREAKHOSTING: set the lobby name on Startup, add a password, start it and join from Convoy.

To set up a Euro Truck Simulator 2 dedicated server on FREAKHOSTING, open your server in the [Game Panel](https://games.freakhosting.com), click **Startup** and enter a **Lobby name**. Add a password in `server_config.sii` if you want one, then start the server. When the console shows `[MP] Session running.`, players find the session in the game's Convoy session browser by its name.

| Difficulty | Time | Works on | Panel page |
| - | - | - | - |
| Beginner | 10 minutes | Every FREAKHOSTING ETS2 server | **Startup**, **Files**, **Console** |

## 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).
* Have Euro Truck Simulator 2 on Steam, up to date. Convoy is built into the game.
* Your server starts with the base Europe map, no DLC and no mods. To add DLC or mods later, see [export server packages](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/euro-truck-simulator-2/how-to-export-server-packages-for-ets2.md).

## How to set up your ETS2 server

**1. Open Startup**

Open your server and click **Startup**. Under **Variables** you see **Auto update**, **Query port**, **Steam Auth token**, **Lobby name** and **Max Players**.

**2. Name your session**

Enter a **Lobby name** of up to 63 characters (the game's limit). This is the name players search for in the Convoy session browser. Each field saves when you click out of it; there is no **Save** button.

**3. Leave Max Players at 8 or lower**

SCS limits a dedicated server to 8 players. A higher number is accepted by the field but the game keeps 8. See [max players](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/euro-truck-simulator-2/increasing-convoy-max-players.md).

**4. Optional: add a Steam logon token**

Without a token the server logs on anonymously and gets a new search ID each start. A token keeps it the same. See [Steam logon token](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/euro-truck-simulator-2/how-to-set-a-steam-logon-token-for-your-ets2-server.md).

**5. Optional: set a password**

Open **Files**, go to `.local` > `share` > `Euro Truck Simulator 2`, open `server_config.sii` and set `password: "yourpassword"`. See [set a password](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/euro-truck-simulator-2/how-to-set-a-password-on-your-ets2-server.md).

**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 through SteamCMD, so it takes longer.

![ETS2 Startup page with Auto update, Query port, Steam Auth token, Lobby name and Max Players variables](https://mintcdn.com/freakhostingltd/PUDZTTTrBjlnr5Ut/images/games/euro-truck-simulator-2/ets2-startup.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=PUDZTTTrBjlnr5Ut\&q=85\&s=fd86495fa1a1e8689983769d585dfaa8)

Startup variables for a Euro Truck Simulator 2 server

## How to tell the server is ready

The server is ready when the console shows these lines:

```text theme={null}
[MP] Session running.
[MP] State: running;  Time: 1286;  Players: 0
```

Above them the server prints a summary you can check, for example:

| Console line | What it tells you |
| - | - |
| `[MP] Session name: ...` | Your **Lobby name** |
| `[MP] Maximum number of players: 8` | The player limit in use |
| `[MP] Game version: 1.61s` | The server's game version |
| `[MP] Password required: No` | Whether a password is set |
| `[MP] Modded session: No` | Whether mods are in `server_packages` |
| `[MP] LogOn Anonymous` | No Steam logon token is set |

![ETS2 server console showing the \[MP\] Session running and State: running lines](https://mintcdn.com/freakhostingltd/PUDZTTTrBjlnr5Ut/images/games/euro-truck-simulator-2/ets2-console-running.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=PUDZTTTrBjlnr5Ut\&q=85\&s=e669f5d8432fb56502785cb6538ee14b)

Console of a running ETS2 dedicated server

## How to join your ETS2 server

**1. Open Convoy**

Start Euro Truck Simulator 2, load your profile and open **Convoy** from the main menu.

**2. Find the session**

In the session browser, search for your exact **Lobby name**, or for the search ID the server shows at start. SCS's browser only lists sessions in your own region unless you search by exact name.

**3. Join**

Select the session, enter the password if you set one, and confirm. If the browser shows missing DLC or mods, see [DLC on the server](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/euro-truck-simulator-2/handling-missing-dlcs.md).

## Make your first backup

Once the lobby name, password and packages are how you want them, make a [panel backup](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-create-and-restore-backups.md). It keeps `server_config.sii` and your `server_packages` files safe.

## Frequently asked questions

### Why can't my friends find my ETS2 server?

Search the exact **Lobby name** in the Convoy browser, because the list is limited to your region. See [not showing in the Convoy list](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/euro-truck-simulator-2/ets2-server-not-showing-in-convoy-list.md).

### When do Startup changes apply?

On the next start. The panel writes **Lobby name**, **Max Players** and **Steam Auth token** into `server_config.sii` each time the server starts, so restart after a change.

### Do I need Auto update on?

Leave **Auto update** on (the default). It updates the server through SteamCMD at each start, so it stays on the same version as players' games.

### Where is the ETS2 server config file?

In **Files** at `.local/share/Euro Truck Simulator 2/server_config.sii`. See [server\_config.sii explained](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/euro-truck-simulator-2/ets2-server-config-sii-explained.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.

> **[server\_config.sii explained](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/euro-truck-simulator-2/ets2-server-config-sii-explained.md)**
>
> Every setting and default.

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

> **[Export server packages](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/euro-truck-simulator-2/how-to-export-server-packages-for-ets2.md)**
>
> Add DLC and mods.

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

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team** on our Game Panel on 30 October 2026 (Euro Truck Simulator 2 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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