> ## 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.

# mtaserver.conf Explained: Every MTA Server Setting

> mtaserver.conf explained: every MTA:SA server setting with its Game settings field, value on a fresh FREAKHOSTING server, range and what it does.

`mtaserver.conf` is the main configuration file of an MTA:SA server. On FREAKHOSTING it is at `mods/deathmatch/mtaserver.conf`, and **Game settings** in the Game Panel edits it for you, field by field. Each setting is an XML tag, such as `<fpslimit>60</fpslimit>`. The server reads the file at start, so restart after any change. The tables below list every setting with its panel field.

| Fact | Value |
| - | - |
| File | `mods/deathmatch/mtaserver.conf` |
| Edit in the panel | **Game settings** |
| Edit by hand | **mtaserver.conf: open the raw file** link, or **Files** |
| Previous version | `mtaserver.conf.bak` (after a panel save) |
| Applies | After a restart |

## Server

| Panel field | Key | Fresh value | What it does |
| - | - | - | - |
| **Server name** | `servername` | Default MTA Server | Name in the in-game server browser. |
| **Player slots** | `maxplayers` | Your plan's slots | How many players can be online at once. |
| **Server password** | `password` | Empty | Players need it to join. Empty = open server. |
| **Owner e-mail** | `owner_email_address` | Empty | Address the MTA team can reach you on (not public). Missing or wrong can hide the server from the list. |
| **Show in the server list** | `ase` | On (`1`) | Reports the server to the MTA master list. |
| **Client frame rate limit** | `fpslimit` | 36 | FPS limit for players, 25 to 100 in the panel. See [FPS limit](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/multi-theft-auto/configuring-fps-limit.md). |

## Network and downloads

| Panel field | Key | Fresh value | What it does |
| - | - | - | - |
| **External download address** | `httpdownloadurl` | Set by us | Where players download resources. Don't change it. |
| **Downloads per player** | `httpmaxconnectionsperclient` | 5 | Download connections per player, 1 to 8. |
| **Download flood limit** (advanced) | `httpdosthreshold` | 20 | New connections one address may start in a short time, 1 to 100. |
| **Bandwidth saving** | `bandwidth_reduction` | Medium | `none`, `medium` or `maximum`. |
| **Do not announce on the LAN** (advanced) | `donotbroadcastlan` | Off | Turns off LAN discovery. |

## Sync and bandwidth

| Panel field | Key | Fresh value |
| - | - | - |
| **Player sync** | `player_sync_interval` | 100 ms |
| **Distant player sync** | `lightweight_sync_interval` | 1500 ms |
| **Camera sync** | `camera_sync_interval` | 500 ms |
| **Ped sync** | `ped_sync_interval` | 400 ms |
| **Empty vehicle sync** | `unoccupied_vehicle_sync_interval` | 400 ms |
| **Bullet sync** | `bullet_sync` | On |
| **Vehicle extrapolation** | `vehext_percent` | 0 % |
| **Vehicle extrapolation limit** | `vehext_ping_limit` | 150 ms |
| **Latency reduction** | `latency_reduction` | Off |

What each one does: [lag and sync settings](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/multi-theft-auto/reducing-lag-sync-and-bandwidth-settings.md).

## Voice chat

| Panel field | Key | Fresh value | What it does |
| - | - | - | - |
| **Voice chat** | `voice` | Off (`0`) | Turns player voice chat on. |

## Security and anti-cheat

| Panel field | Key | Fresh value | What it does |
| - | - | - | - |
| **Anti-cheats to turn off** | `disableac` | Empty | Anti-cheat numbers to disable. Empty keeps all on. |
| **Special detections to turn on** | `enablesd` | Empty | Extra detections to enable. |
| **Allow custom skins** | `allow_gta3_img_mods` | No (`none`) | `none` or `peds` (modified player skins). |
| **Oldest allowed client** | `minclientversion` | Kept up to date by the server | Older clients can't join. |
| **Update the oldest allowed client** | `minclientversion_auto_update` | On, after a few days (`1`) | `0` off, `1` after a few days, `2` at once. |
| **ACL groups protected by serial** | `auth_serial_groups` | Admin | Groups that may only log in from approved serials. |
| **Protect the web interface the same way** | `auth_serial_http` | On | Applies the serial check to web logins. |
| **Protect database credentials** | `database_credentials_protection` | On | Extra protection for MySQL connections. |

Details: [anti-cheat settings](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/multi-theft-auto/mta-anti-cheat-settings.md) and [client versions](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/multi-theft-auto/mta-client-version-requirements.md).

## Backups and maintenance

| Panel field | Key | Fresh value | What it does |
| - | - | - | - |
| **Backup every** | `backup_interval` | 3 days | Days between basic backups of some server files, 0 to 30. Made at server start. |
| **Backups to keep** | `backup_copies` | 5 | Copies kept, 0 to 100. |
| **Tidy the databases** | `compact_internal_databases` | At start, after a backup (`1`) | When the internal SQLite databases are compacted. |
| **Send crash dumps to MTA** | `crash_dump_upload` | On | Uploads crash reports to the MTA team. |
| **Script debug log level** | `scriptdebugloglevel` | 0 | How much script debug goes to the log, 0 to 3. |
| **Web debug level** | `htmldebuglevel` | 0 | Script debug in the web interface, 0 to 3. |
| **Skip repeated log lines** | `filter_duplicate_log_lines` | On | Identical lines in a row are logged once. |

These MTA backups are small and only cover some server files. For a full copy, use [panel backups](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-create-and-restore-backups.md).

## Settings that are not in Game settings

| Key | Notes |
| - | - |
| `serverport`, `httpport` | Set by us: 22003 and 22005 on a default server. See [ports](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/multi-theft-auto/mta-server-ports-explained.md). |
| `serverip` | `auto`. Leave it. |
| `<resource src="..." startup="1" protected="0"/>` | Resources that start with the server. See [installing resources](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/multi-theft-auto/multi-theft-auto-installing-resources-on-mtasa.md). |
| `<module src="..."/>` | Server modules. See [MySQL and modules](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/multi-theft-auto/installing-modules-mysql.md). |
| `recommendedclientversion` | Offers older clients an update when they connect. |

Edit these in the raw file with the server stopped.

## Frequently asked questions

### Where is mtaserver.conf on my server?

At `mods/deathmatch/mtaserver.conf`. Open it from the link at the bottom of **Game settings** or in the [File Manager](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-file-manager.md).

### Can a broken mtaserver.conf stop my server from starting?

Yes. MTA needs valid XML. Restore `mtaserver.conf.bak` or a backup, or use **Game settings**, which only writes valid values.

### Why can't I change the port in mtaserver.conf?

Ports are assigned by us for your server. If you need a different port, [open a ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php).

## 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] [Change server settings](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/multi-theft-auto/how-to-change-mta-server-settings.md)
>
> Use Game settings.

> [card] [Lag and sync settings](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/multi-theft-auto/reducing-lag-sync-and-bandwidth-settings.md)
>
> Sync and bandwidth.

> [card] [Anti-cheat settings](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/multi-theft-auto/mta-anti-cheat-settings.md)
>
> disableac and enablesd.

***

> [!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. Keys 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


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