> ## 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 a Dedicated Convoy Server in ETS2

> Launch your own persistent Euro Truck Simulator 2 world. Learn how to configure authentication, synchronize map data, and optimize your VTC hosting.

## Persistent European Trucking

Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2) provides a strong **Dedicated Convoy Server** mode, facilitating a persistent, always-online environment for communities and Virtual Trucking Companies (VTCs). Unlike standard peer-to-peer sessions that terminate when the host disconnects, a dedicated server remains active 24/7, maintains perfectly synchronized AI traffic across all participants, and provides a stable technical foundation for large-scale events. This guide walk you through the essential steps to initialize and optimize your dedicated hosting instance.

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

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

***

## Step 1: Authentication & Visibility

To authorize your server for the public masterlist, you must link it to your Steam identity using a **Game Server Login Token (GSLT)**.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Generate GSLT">
    Navigate to the [Steam GSLT Account Manager](https://steamcommunity.com/dev/managegameservers) and log in.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Register App ID">
    Enter **`227300`** into the App ID field and provide a descriptive memo. Click **Create** to retrieve your unique alphanumeric token.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Apply the Token">
    In the [Game Panel](https://games.freakhosting.com), open the **Startup** tab. Paste your token into the **Game Server Login Token** field.
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Step 2: Strategic Configuration

The core behavior of your convoy is governed by the `server_config.sii` file.

<Info>
  ### Technical Path

  The configuration is situated within: `/.local/share/Euro Truck Simulator 2/server_config.sii`.
</Info>

### Key Behavioral Variables

| Variable      | Recommended Value | Impact on Convoy                                  |
| :------------ | :---------------: | :------------------------------------------------ |
| `lobby_name`  |  "Your VTC Name"  | The title displayed in the public server browser. |
| `max_players` |    `8` to `128`   | The total number of driver slots available.       |
| `password`    |   "SecretPhrase"  | Restricts access to authorized members only.      |
| `description` |  "Join our VTC!"  | Displays community rules or mission details.      |

***

## Step 3: Synchronizing Map & Mod Data

To prevent connection rejections caused by "Incompatible Data," you must synchronize your server's world state with your local game client.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Export Manifests">
    On your local PC, open the ETS2 console (**\~**) and execute the command: `export_server_packages`.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Identify Exported Files">
    Navigate to your local `Documents/Euro Truck Simulator 2/` directory and locate `server_packages.sii` and `server_packages.dat`.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Deploy to Hosting">
    Upload these two files into your server's root directory via the File Manager. This ensures the server only accepts players with the exact same DLCs and modifications as your client.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Important>
  ### The "First Initialization" Protocol

  A dedicated server must be successfully started at least once to generate its internal directory structure. If you cannot locate the configuration files, click **Start**, monitor the console until it initializes, then **Stop** the server before attempting to modify any `.sii` files.
</Important>

***

<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 | **ETS2:** Convoy system online.
</div>