> ## 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.

# Icarus Dedicated Server Stuck in Lobby Selection Mode: Fix

> Icarus dedicated server in lobby selection mode? No prospect is loaded. Pick one in the lobby, or set ResumeProspect or LoadProspect and the idle timers.

When an Icarus dedicated server is in lobby selection mode, it is running but has no prospect loaded. Join and pick a prospect in the **Server Lobby**, or set `ResumeProspect=True` or `LoadProspect=<save name>` in `ServerSettings.ini` so it loads one at start-up. If it keeps returning to the lobby, raise `ShutdownIfNotJoinedFor` and `ShutdownIfEmptyFor` (300 seconds by default), or set them to `-1`.

| Cause | Fix |
| - | - |
| New server, no prospect yet | Create one in the **Server Lobby** |
| Nobody joined within 300 seconds | Raise `ShutdownIfNotJoinedFor` or set `-1` |
| Server was empty for 300 seconds | Raise `ShutdownIfEmptyFor` or set `-1` |
| An admin used `ReturnToLobby` | Load the prospect again |
| `ResumeProspect` off and no `LoadProspect` | Set `ResumeProspect=True` |

## Why your Icarus server goes to the lobby

The lobby is the server's waiting state. RocketWerkz's docs say the server enters it when no prospect is loaded at start-up by `LoadProspect`, `ResumeProspect` or `CreateProspect`. It also returns there when the idle timers run out:

* `ShutdownIfNotJoinedFor`: after a prospect loads, the server waits this many seconds for a first player, with the game paused. Default 300.
* `ShutdownIfEmptyFor`: after the last player leaves, the server waits this many seconds, paused, then returns to the lobby. Default 300.

## How to load a prospect from the lobby

1. Join the server. You land in the **Server Lobby**.
2. Pick a saved prospect to load, or create a new one. If `AllowNonAdminsToLaunchProspects=False`, log in first with `AdminLogin <password>` (no slash needed in the lobby).
3. Or type a command in the lobby chat: `ResumeProspect` for the last prospect, or `LoadProspect FriendsOlympus` for a named one.

## How to keep your prospect loaded

**1. Stop the server**

Open your server in the [Game Panel](https://games.freakhosting.com) and click **Stop**.

**2. Edit ServerSettings.ini**

In **Files**, open `Icarus/Saved/Config/WindowsServer/ServerSettings.ini` (create it as shown in [getting started](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/icarus/getting-started-with-your-icarus-server.md#how-to-create-serversettings-ini) if it is missing) and set:

```ini theme={null}
ResumeProspect=True
ShutdownIfNotJoinedFor=-1
ShutdownIfEmptyFor=-1
```

**3. Save and start**

Click **Save Content** and **Start**. The server loads the last prospect and keeps it loaded when nobody is online.

A value below 0 means "run indefinitely". If you prefer the world to pause when nobody plays, use a longer time instead, for example `3600.000000` for one hour.

## Frequently asked questions

### Does the lobby mean my prospect is lost?

No. The prospect is still saved in `Icarus/Saved/PlayerData/DedicatedServer/Prospects/`. Load it again from the lobby.

### Why is ResumeProspect not loading anything?

On a new server `LastProspectName` is empty, so there is nothing to resume. Launch a prospect once from the lobby; after that the server remembers it.

### Can I make the server return to the lobby on purpose?

Yes. Log in as admin and type `/ReturnToLobby` to kick everyone and return now, or `/ReturnToLobbyWhenEmpty` to return as soon as the last player leaves. See [admin commands](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/icarus/icarus-admin-commands.md).

## Related guides

> [card] [Icarus server guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/icarus/icarus-server-hosting-guide.md)
>
> Every Icarus page in one place.

> [card] [Resume prospects](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/icarus/resuming-prospects.md)
>
> ResumeProspect and LoadProspect.

> [card] [ServerSettings.ini explained](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/icarus/icarus-serversettings-ini-explained.md)
>
> The idle timers and every key.

> [card] [Prospect settings](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/icarus/icarus-configuring-prospect-settings.md)
>
> Create and load prospects.

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team** on our Game Panel on 3 November 2026 (Icarus Dedicated Server), and checked against the official [RocketWerkz server config docs](https://github.com/RocketWerkz/IcarusDedicatedServer/wiki/Server-Config-&-Launch-Parameters). 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:** November 2026


This documentation is built and hosted on [Mintlify](https://mintlify.com), a developer documentation platform.