> ## 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 Install or Change a Gamemode on Your open.mp Server

> Install a gamemode on open.mp: upload the compiled .amx to gamemodes, enter its name in Game modes (for example grandlarc 1), add filterscripts and restart.

To install a gamemode on your open.mp server, upload the compiled `.amx` file to the `gamemodes` folder in **Files**, then open **Game settings**, enter the file name without `.amx` followed by a space and `1` in **Game modes** (for example `grandlarc 1`), click **Review and save**, then **Save changes**, and restart. Filterscripts go in `filterscripts` and are listed under **Filterscripts**.

| Difficulty | Time | Works on | Panel pages |
| - | - | - | - |
| Intermediate | 10 minutes | Every FREAKHOSTING open.mp server | **Files**, **Game settings** |

## Before you start

* Make a [backup](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-create-and-restore-backups.md).
* Have the compiled `.amx` file. The server runs `.amx` files, not `.pwn` source files.
* If your gamemode needs plugins, install them too. See [install plugins and components](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/open-mp/how-to-install-plugins-and-components-on-open-mp.md).
* If it reads data files (for example INI files), they go in `scriptfiles`.

## Which folder does each file go in?

| File | Folder |
| - | - |
| Gamemode (`.amx`) | `gamemodes/` |
| Filterscript (`.amx`) | `filterscripts/` |
| Data files used by scripts | `scriptfiles/` |
| Custom models (`.txd`, `.dff`) | `models/` |

Your server already includes three example gamemodes in `gamemodes/`: `gungame` (the default), `derby` and `simpletdm`.

## How to install a gamemode

**1. Upload the .amx file**

Open **Files**, go into `gamemodes` and upload your `.amx` file with the [File Manager](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-file-manager.md) or [SFTP](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-connect-via-sftp.md).

**2. Open Game settings**

Click **Game settings** and open the **Game mode and plugins** section.

**3. Enter the gamemode name**

In **Game modes**, replace `gungame 1` with your file name without `.amx`, a space, and how many times to run it. For `gamemodes/grandlarc.amx`, enter `grandlarc 1`.

**4. Add filterscripts (optional)**

Upload filterscripts to `filterscripts/`, then add each name without `.amx`, one per line, in **Filterscripts**.

**5. Save and restart**

Click **Review and save**, then **Save changes**, and click **Restart now**. Check the [console](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-server-console.md) for errors while the gamemode loads.

## How to rotate several gamemodes

Put one gamemode per line in **Game modes**, in the order they should run. The number after the name is how many times it runs before the next one starts.

```text theme={null}
gungame 2
derby 1
```

This runs `gungame` twice, then `derby` once. With RCON, `/rcon gmx` loads the next gamemode in the list and `/rcon changemode derby` switches straight to `derby` ([open.mp documentation](https://open.mp/docs/server/ControllingServer)).

## How to compile a .pwn file for open.mp

If you only have the `.pwn` source, compile it on your Windows PC with qawno, the Pawn editor in the open.mp server download ([open.mp installation guide](https://open.mp/docs/server/Installation)):

**1. Open the source**

Open `qawno.exe` from the `qawno` folder of the open.mp server package and press **Ctrl+O** to open your `.pwn` file.

**2. Use the open.mp include**

Replace `#include <a_samp>` with `#include <open.mp>`.

**3. Compile**

Press **F5** to compile. Fix any errors qawno shows, then upload the compiled `.amx` file to your server.

## How to load a filterscript without restarting

Logged in to RCON, use these commands with the filterscript name:

| Command | Example |
| - | - |
| `/rcon loadfs name` | `/rcon loadfs gl_actions` |
| `/rcon unloadfs name` | `/rcon unloadfs gl_actions` |
| `/rcon reloadfs name` | `/rcon reloadfs gl_actions` |

Add the name to **Filterscripts** as well, or it won't load after the next restart.

## Frequently asked questions

### Will my old SA-MP gamemode work?

Usually, yes. open.mp says old `.amx` files load without changes. Plugins may need open.mp-compatible versions. See [migrate from SA-MP](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/open-mp/how-to-migrate-a-samp-server-to-open-mp.md).

### Why does the server still run the old gamemode?

Settings apply after a restart. Check that you saved **Game modes** and restarted, and that the name matches the `.amx` file exactly, without the extension.

### Can I compile on the server?

The server only runs compiled `.amx` files. Compile on your PC with qawno and upload the result.

## Related guides

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

> [card] [Plugins and components](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/open-mp/how-to-install-plugins-and-components-on-open-mp.md)
>
> Install streamer, sscanf and more.

> [card] [Server not starting](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/open-mp/open-mp-server-not-starting-gamemode-not-loading.md)
>
> Fix gamemode and plugin errors.

> [card] [RCON commands](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/open-mp/open-mp-rcon-commands-and-admin-login.md)
>
> gmx, changemode and loadfs.

> [card] [File Manager](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-file-manager.md)
>
> Upload and edit files.

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team** on our Game Panel on 3 November 2026 (open.mp server 1.6.7.3218). 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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