> ## 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. # MTA Resources Not Downloading: Fix Stuck Downloads on Join > MTA resources not downloading when players join? Keep our External download address, lower Downloads per player, check resource files and restart the server. 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. | Fact | Value | | - | - | | Download address | **External download address** (`httpdownloadurl`), set by us | | Files served | `mods/deathmatch/resource-cache/http-client-files` | | Connections per player | **Downloads per player**: 5 (1 to 8) | | Flood limit | **Download flood limit** (advanced): 20 (1 to 100) | | Built-in web server | HTTP port, game port + 2 (default 22005) | ## 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. > [!WARNING] > > 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](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php) so we can set it again. ## How to fix stuck or failing downloads **1. Find the resource** Watch the [Console](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-server-console.md) 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 `. **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](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-start-stop-and-restart-your-game-server.md). ## 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. ## Frequently asked questions ### Can I use my own download server? On our servers, keep the address we set. If you have a specific need, [open a ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php) first. ### 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](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/multi-theft-auto/mta-anti-cheat-settings.md). ### Do I need to open port 22005? No. The ports are set up for you. See [server ports](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/multi-theft-auto/mta-server-ports-explained.md). ## Related guides > [card] [MTA server guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/multi-theft-auto/multi-theft-auto-server-hosting-guide.md) > > Every MTA page in one place. > [card] [Install resources](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/multi-theft-auto/multi-theft-auto-installing-resources-on-mtasa.md) > > Upload, refresh, start. > [card] [Server ports](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/multi-theft-auto/mta-server-ports-explained.md) > > 22003, 22005 and 22126. > [card] [mtaserver.conf explained](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/multi-theft-auto/mtaserver-conf-explained.md) > > Every setting and its key. *** > [!NOTE] > > **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](https://wiki.multitheftauto.com/wiki/Server_mtaserver.conf). > [!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.