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When a player joins an MTA:SA server, their game downloads the client files of every running resource. On FREAKHOSTING, External download address in Game settings is set up by us so these downloads come from our download address. If downloads hang or fail, don’t change that address. Lower Downloads per player, check the resource that fails in the console, and restart the server.

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How MTA resource downloads work

The server keeps the client-side files of running resources (scripts, models, textures, sounds) in resource-cache. Players download them before they spawn. Without an external address, players download from the server’s built-in web server. On our servers, External download address points to our download address, which serves the same files.
Don’t change or empty External download address. If you clear it, players download from the built-in web server instead. If it was changed by accident, open a ticket so we can set it again.

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How to fix stuck or failing downloads

1

Find the resource

Watch the Console while a player joins, and ask the player which file it stops on. Check mods/deathmatch/logs/server.log for errors.
2

Check the resource files

Every file listed in the resource’s meta.xml must exist with the exact same name and capitalisation. Re-upload the resource if a file is missing or damaged, then type refresh and restart <resource-name>.
3

Lower Downloads per player

In Game settings > Network and downloads, set Downloads per player lower, for example 3. The panel notes that fewer connections can reduce timeouts.
4

Check the flood limit

With many players joining at once, raise Download flood limit (advanced) a little. It limits how many new connections one address may start in a short time.
5

Restart

Review and save, then restart the server.

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Why is the download so big?

Large resources, such as custom vehicles, maps and skins, make every new player wait. To keep joins fast:
  • Stop resources you don’t use.
  • Compress textures and remove unused files from meta.xml.
  • Ask the resource’s author whether some files can be downloaded later instead of at join.

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Frequently asked questions

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Can I use my own download server?

On our servers, keep the address we set. If you have a specific need, open a ticket first.

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A player is kicked with a download error. Why?

Check Special detections to turn on. Detections 22 and 23 kick players with resource download errors or corrupted files. Remove them if they cause trouble. See anti-cheat settings.

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Do I need to open port 22005?

No. The ports are set up for you. See server ports.

MTA server guide

Every MTA page in one place.

Install resources

Upload, refresh, start.

Server ports

22003, 22005 and 22126.

mtaserver.conf explained

Every setting and its key.
Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team on our Game Panel on 2 November 2026 (MTA:SA server 1.6, 64-bit). Steps may differ slightly if the game changes. Download settings checked against the official Multi Theft Auto wiki.

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Need Extra Help?

If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:

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Last Updated: November 2026