> ## 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.

# open.mp Server Not Starting or Gamemode Not Loading: Fixes

> open.mp server not starting or gamemode not loading? Read the console, check the gamemode name and .amx file, plugin type and folder, and the RCON password.

If your open.mp server won't start or the gamemode doesn't load, read the last lines of the console or `log.txt`. The usual causes are a **Game modes** name that doesn't match an `.amx` file in `gamemodes/`, an uncompiled `.pwn` file, a Windows plugin or a plugin in the wrong folder, an RCON password of `changeme`, or a broken `config.json`. A healthy start ends with `[Info] Legacy Network started on port`.

## Quick checks

| Symptom or cause | Check | Fix |
| - | - | - |
| Gamemode not found | **Game modes** name vs files in `gamemodes/` | Use the exact file name without `.amx`, for example `grandlarc 1` |
| Only a `.pwn` file | `gamemodes/` | Compile it to `.amx` with qawno on your PC and upload |
| Plugin fails to load | File in `plugins/` | Use the Linux `.so` build and the same name in **Plugins** |
| Component in the wrong place | Pawn.CMD, Pawn.RakNet, sampvoice, discord-connector, sscanf | Move the open.mp build to `components/` |
| RCON password `changeme` | **Remote console (RCON)** > **RCON password** | Change it; open.mp won't start with `changeme` |
| Settings look wrong | **Game settings** > **Checks** | Fix anything listed |
| Edited `config.json` by hand | **Files** | Fix the JSON or restore `config.json.bak` |

## How to find the error

**1. Start the server and watch the console**

Open the [console](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-server-console.md) and start the server. open.mp prints `Loading component` lines, then `Loaded 22 component(s)` on a fresh server, then loads the gamemode.

**2. Find the last line before it stops**

The line just before the server stops, or the first error after `Loaded … component(s)`, names the problem: usually a script, plugin or component.

**3. Read log.txt for more**

Open `log.txt` in **Files**, or see [read server logs](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-read-server-logs.md). It keeps the full output of the last run.

## How to fix a gamemode that doesn't load

**1. Check the file**

Open **Files** > `gamemodes`. The gamemode must be a compiled `.amx` file. A `.pwn` file alone doesn't run.

**2. Check the name**

In **Game settings** > **Game mode and plugins**, **Game modes** must be the file name without `.amx`, a space and a number, for example `mygamemode 1` for `gamemodes/mygamemode.amx`. File names on Linux are case sensitive.

**3. Check its plugins**

If the console shows errors about missing natives or functions, the gamemode needs a plugin or component that isn't loaded. Install it as shown in [plugins and components](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/open-mp/how-to-install-plugins-and-components-on-open-mp.md).

**4. Save and restart**

Click **Review and save**, then **Save changes**, and **Restart now**.

To test whether the problem is your gamemode, set **Game modes** back to the default with the **Default** button (`gungame 1`) and restart. If the server starts, the problem is in your gamemode or its plugins.

## How to undo a bad config.json change

Stop the server. In **Files**, rename `config.json` to `config.json.broken` and rename `config.json.bak` to `config.json`, then start the server. The panel creates `config.json.bak` each time you save in **Game settings**. You can also [restore a backup](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-create-and-restore-backups.md).

## Frequently asked questions

### The server starts, then stops after a few seconds. Why?

A script or plugin is usually crashing it. Look at the last lines of `log.txt`, remove the last plugin or filterscript you added, and restart to confirm.

### Why do I get errors after migrating from SA-MP?

Some SA-MP plugins need open.mp versions or belong in `components/`. See [migrate from SA-MP](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/open-mp/how-to-migrate-a-samp-server-to-open-mp.md).

### Can I reinstall the server?

Yes, on **Settings**. A reinstall may delete or change files, so make and download a backup first. See [server settings and reinstall](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-manage-server-settings-and-reinstall.md).

### How do I send my log to support?

Our team can. On the console, click **Share log** and **Create link**; passwords, keys and IP addresses are removed automatically. Then [open a ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php) and paste the link.

## 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)
>
> Upload and compile gamemodes.

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

> [card] [config.json explained](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/open-mp/open-mp-config-json-explained.md)
>
> What each key does.

> [card] [Read server logs](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-read-server-logs.md)
>
> Find errors in your logs.

***

> [!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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