> ## 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 Plugins and Components on an open.mp Server > Install plugins on open.mp: upload Linux .so plugins to plugins and list them under Plugins in Game settings; put open.mp components in the components folder. To install a plugin on your open.mp server, upload its Linux `.so` file to a `plugins` folder in **Files**, then open **Game settings** and add the name without the extension (for example `streamer`) to **Plugins**, one per line. Click **Review and save**, then **Save changes**, and restart. open.mp components, such as Pawn.CMD and sscanf, go in the `components` folder instead and load automatically. | 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). * Download the **Linux** build of each plugin (`.so`). Your server runs on Linux, so Windows `.dll` files don't load. * Check the plugin's page for an open.mp version or open.mp notes. ## Plugin or component: what is the difference? | Type | What it is | Folder | How it loads | | - | - | - | - | | Legacy plugin | A SA-MP style plugin | `plugins/` | Listed in **Plugins** (`pawn.legacy_plugins` in `config.json`) | | Component | A native open.mp extension | `components/` | Every file in the folder loads at start | The [open.mp installation guide](https://open.mp/docs/server/Installation) says these must go in `components`, not `plugins`: **Pawn.CMD**, **Pawn.RakNet**, **sampvoice**, **discord-connector** and **sscanf** (an open.mp-compatible build; the guide names sscanf 2.13.8). It also says YSF isn't needed on open.mp, and FCNPC is replaced by the official open.mp NPC component. ## How to install a legacy plugin **1. Create the plugins folder** Open **Files**. If there is no `plugins` folder yet, create one in the main folder of your server, next to `config.json`. **2. Upload the .so file** Upload the plugin's Linux `.so` file into `plugins/` 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). If the download is a zip, extract it on your PC first and upload only the `.so` file and any files the plugin's readme names. **3. Add it in Game settings** Open **Game settings** > **Game mode and plugins** and type the plugin name without `.so` in **Plugins**, one per line. For `plugins/streamer.so`, enter `streamer`. **4. Save and restart** Click **Review and save**, then **Save changes**, and click **Restart now**. **5. Check the console** Watch the [console](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-server-console.md) or `log.txt` while the server starts. A plugin that fails to load is reported there. ## How to install a component **1. Upload to components** Upload the component's Linux `.so` file into the `components` folder. **2. Restart** Restart the server. You don't need to list components in **Game settings**. **3. Check it loaded** The console prints `Loading component` for each file and then `Loaded n component(s)`. A fresh server loads 22; the number goes up by one for each component you add. ## Does my plugin need a database? Plugins such as MySQL need a database. Create one on **Databases** in the Game Panel and copy its host, user name and password into your script or plugin config. See [manage databases](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-manage-databases.md). ## Frequently asked questions ### Why does my plugin not load? The most common causes are a Windows `.dll` instead of a Linux `.so`, a name in **Plugins** that doesn't match the file name, a component placed in `plugins/`, or a plugin that isn't compatible with open.mp. See [server not starting](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/open-mp/open-mp-server-not-starting-gamemode-not-loading.md). ### Do I need to remove the default components? No. Leave the files that came with the server in `components` alone. The server needs them to run. ### Do I need the plugin's include file on the server? No. Include (`.inc`) files are only needed on your PC when you compile your gamemode with qawno. ## 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] [Install a gamemode](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/open-mp/how-to-install-a-gamemode-and-filterscripts-on-open-mp.md) > > Gamemodes and filterscripts. > [card] [Migrate from SA-MP](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/open-mp/how-to-migrate-a-samp-server-to-open-mp.md) > > Move your SA-MP server over. > [card] [Server not starting](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/open-mp/open-mp-server-not-starting-gamemode-not-loading.md) > > Fix plugin and gamemode errors. > [card] [Databases](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-manage-databases.md) > > Create a MySQL database. *** > [!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 This documentation is built and hosted on [Mintlify](https://mintlify.com), a developer documentation platform.