> ## 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 Migrate a SA-MP Server to open.mp

> Migrate a SA-MP server to open.mp: back up, copy gamemodes, filterscripts, scriptfiles and plugins, move server.cfg values into Game settings, then restart.

To migrate a SA-MP server to open.mp, back up your SA-MP server, copy its `gamemodes`, `filterscripts`, `scriptfiles` and Linux plugins to your open.mp server, then enter your `server.cfg` values (name, gamemode, filterscripts, plugins, password) in **Game settings** and restart. According to [open.mp](https://open.mp/), old `.amx` scripts load without changes, and players on the SA-MP client can still join.

| Difficulty | Time | Works on | Panel pages |
| - | - | - | - |
| Intermediate | 20 to 40 minutes | A FREAKHOSTING open.mp server | **Files**, **Game settings** |

## Before you start

* You need an open.mp server. To keep your SA-MP server running instead, see our [SA-MP server guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/samp/samp-server-hosting-guide.md).
* [Back up](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-create-and-restore-backups.md) both servers.
* Download your SA-MP files to your PC with [SFTP](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-connect-via-sftp.md) or by downloading a backup.
* If your gamemode uses a MySQL database, note its details. The database itself doesn't need to move unless it was on the old server.

## What moves where?

| On SA-MP | On open.mp |
| - | - |
| `gamemodes/*.amx` | `gamemodes/` |
| `filterscripts/*.amx` | `filterscripts/` |
| `scriptfiles/` | `scriptfiles/` |
| `plugins/*.so` | `plugins/` (legacy plugins) or `components/` (open.mp components) |
| `server.cfg` | **Game settings**, which writes `config.json` |
| `samp.ban` | Ban again with `/rcon banip`; open.mp uses `bans.json` |

## How the main server.cfg lines map to Game settings

| `server.cfg` line | **Game settings** field | `config.json` key |
| - | - | - |
| `hostname` | **Server name** | `name` |
| `gamemode0 grandlarc 1` | **Game modes** (`grandlarc 1`) | `pawn.main_scripts` |
| `filterscripts` | **Filterscripts**, one per line | `pawn.side_scripts` |
| `plugins` | **Plugins**, one per line, without `.so` | `pawn.legacy_plugins` |
| `password` | **Server password** | `password` |
| `rcon_password` | **RCON password** | `rcon.password` |
| `announce` | **Show in the server list** | `announce` |
| `query` | **Allow queries** | `enable_query` |
| `weburl` | **Website** | `website` |
| `language` | **Language** | `language` |
| `maxplayers` | **Player slots** (set by your plan) | `max_players` |

open.mp can still read a `server.cfg`, but its documentation recommends `config.json` because it has more settings ([config.json documentation](https://open.mp/docs/server/config.json)). On FREAKHOSTING, use **Game settings**.

## How to migrate

**1. Upload your scripts**

On the open.mp server, open **Files** and upload your gamemodes to `gamemodes/`, filterscripts to `filterscripts/` and the contents of `scriptfiles/` to `scriptfiles/`.

**2. Upload your plugins**

Create a `plugins` folder and upload your Linux `.so` plugins. Pawn.CMD, Pawn.RakNet, sampvoice, discord-connector and sscanf must be the open.mp versions in `components/` instead. See [plugins and components](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/open-mp/how-to-install-plugins-and-components-on-open-mp.md).

**3. Enter your settings**

Open **Game settings** and fill in the fields from the table above. For **Game modes**, use the same name and number as your `gamemode0` line.

**4. Turn on RCON**

In **Remote console (RCON)**, turn on **Enable RCON** if you use RCON. See [RCON and admin login](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/open-mp/open-mp-rcon-commands-and-admin-login.md).

**5. Save, restart and test**

Click **Review and save**, then **Save changes**, and **Restart now**. Read the [console](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-server-console.md) for errors, then join and test logins, commands and saved data.

## Should I recompile my gamemode?

Not to get started, because old `.amx` files run. When you next edit your gamemode, the [open.mp guide](https://open.mp/docs/server/Installation) recommends compiling it with qawno and changing `#include <a_samp>` to `#include <open.mp>`. Expect new warnings about deprecated functions and tags; fix them one by one. The guide also says YSF isn't needed and FCNPC is replaced by the open.mp NPC component.

## Can SA-MP players still join?

Yes. **Allow 0.3.7 clients** in **Game settings** > **Network** is on by default, so players with the SA-MP 0.3.7 client can join. Players can also use the [open.mp launcher](https://open.mp/downloads/launcher).

## Frequently asked questions

### Will my player accounts and data move over?

Data in `scriptfiles/` (for example INI or SQLite files) moves when you copy the folder. Data in a MySQL database stays in that database; point your script at it as before.

### Can I go back to SA-MP?

Yes. Your SA-MP files are unchanged on your PC or backup. Keep that backup until the open.mp server runs well.

### Why does a plugin fail after migrating?

It may be a Windows `.dll`, the wrong folder, or a version that doesn't work with open.mp. See [server not starting](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/open-mp/open-mp-server-not-starting-gamemode-not-loading.md).

## 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] [SA-MP server guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/samp/samp-server-hosting-guide.md)
>
> Our SA-MP help pages.

> [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] [Plugins and components](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/open-mp/how-to-install-plugins-and-components-on-open-mp.md)
>
> Legacy plugins and components.

> [card] [config.json explained](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/open-mp/open-mp-config-json-explained.md)
>
> Every key, with its panel field.

***

> [!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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