> ## 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 Mordhau Dedicated Server (Getting Started)

> How to set up a Mordhau dedicated server on FREAKHOSTING: set name and passwords on Startup, start it twice, then join with open IP:port or the browser.

To set up a Mordhau dedicated server on FREAKHOSTING, open your server in the [Game Panel](https://games.freakhosting.com), click **Startup**, set **Server Name**, **Admin Password** and, if you want a private server, **Server Password**. Start the server once so Mordhau creates its config files, stop it, then start it again. Players join from the in-game server browser or with `open 203.0.113.10:7787` in the console.

| Difficulty | Time | Works on | Panel page |
| - | - | - | - |
| Beginner | 10 minutes | Every FREAKHOSTING Mordhau server | **Startup** |

## 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).
* Own Mordhau on Steam so you can test the server.
* Mordhau has no game settings page in the panel. You set the basics on **Startup** and everything else in `Game.ini` with **Files**.

## How to set up your Mordhau server

**1. Open Startup**

Open your server and click **Startup** under **ESSENTIALS**. The **Variables** section lists everything you can change about how the server starts.

**2. Name your server**

Replace the default **Server Name** with your own (up to 40 characters). This is the name players see in the server browser.

**3. Set the admin password**

Enter an **Admin Password** of up to 20 characters. You use it in game with `adminlogin` to get admin rights. Keep it private.

**4. Choose a join password (optional)**

Enter a **Server Password** (up to 20 characters) to make the server private, or leave it empty so anyone can join.

**5. Check the first map**

**DEFAULT\_MAP** is the first map the server loads, in the format `MAPNAME/TYPE_NAME`. The default `Grad/FL_Grad` starts Grad in Frontline. Leave it as it is for your first start.

**6. Start, stop and start again**

Each field saves when you click away. [Start the server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-start-stop-and-restart-your-game-server.md) and watch the [console](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-server-console.md). The first start installs updates and creates `Game.ini`. When the console shows `Session GameSession successfully created`, stop the server and start it again. From this second start your Server Name and passwords are written into `Game.ini`.

![Mordhau Startup page with Max Players, Admin Password, Server Name, Server Password, DEFAULT\_MAP, Auto Update, Query Port and Beacon Port](https://mintcdn.com/freakhostingltd/4aP1F1KWZ9A3tmJI/images/games/mordhau/mordhau-startup.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=4aP1F1KWZ9A3tmJI\&q=85\&s=a53061c451c0b899f6b24322eea7488a)

The Startup page of a Mordhau server in the FREAKHOSTING Game Panel

## What do the Startup variables do?

| Variable | Default | What it does |
| - | - | - |
| **Max Players** | Your plan's slots | The player slots in your plan. For more slots, [open a ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php). |
| **Admin Password** | A random password | Password for `adminlogin` in game (max 20 characters). |
| **Server Name** | A placeholder name | Name in the server browser (max 40 characters). |
| **Server Password** | Empty | Password to join (max 20 characters). Empty means public. |
| **DEFAULT\_MAP** | `Grad/FL_Grad` | First map to load, format `MAPNAME/TYPE_NAME`. |
| **Auto Update** | On | Updates the server every time it starts. |
| **Query Port**, **Beacon Port** | Set by us | Read only. The server needs them; you don't change them. |

Restart the server after any change so it applies.

## How to join your Mordhau server

| Method | What to do |
| - | - |
| Server browser | Search for your **Server Name** in Mordhau's server browser. |
| Console | Press `~` in game and type `open` with the address from the panel, for example `open 203.0.113.10:7787`. |

The address is shown in the panel header and on **Overview** with a copy button.

## Make your first backup

Once your settings and `Game.ini` changes work, make a [backup](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-create-and-restore-backups.md) so you can go back if a later change breaks something. You can also turn on [automatic backups](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-set-up-automatic-backups.md).

## Frequently asked questions

### Where is the Mordhau server config file?

It is `Mordhau/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/Game.ini`. Open it with **Files**. It appears after the first start. See [Game.ini explained](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/mordhau/mordhau-game-ini-settings-explained.md).

### Why does my server still show the old name?

The name is written into `Game.ini` when the server starts. Restart the server after changing **Server Name**. Also change it on **Startup**, not in `Game.ini`, because the panel replaces that line at each start.

### How do I become admin on my Mordhau server?

Open the console in game with `~` and type `adminlogin` followed by your **Admin Password**. See [add admins](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/mordhau/managing-admins.md).

### Does my Mordhau server update itself?

Yes, while **Auto Update** is on. The server checks for an update every time it starts.

## Related guides

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

> [card] [Set a password](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/mordhau/setting-a-password-for-your-mordhau-server.md)
>
> Make your server private.

> [card] [Add admins](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/mordhau/managing-admins.md)
>
> Admin login and permanent admins.

> [card] [Install mods](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/mordhau/installing-mods-modio.md)
>
> mod.io mods with Mods= lines.

> [card] [Not showing in the list](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/mordhau/mordhau-server-not-showing-in-list.md)
>
> Find your server or join by IP.

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

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team** on our Game Panel on 3 November 2026 (Mordhau Release 26 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:** November 2026


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