> ## 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 Filterscripts on a SA-MP Server

> How to install SA-MP plugins and filterscripts: upload Linux .so plugins to a plugins folder, list them with .so in server.cfg, and add filterscripts by name.

To install a plugin on a FREAKHOSTING SA-MP server, create a `plugins` folder in **Files**, upload the plugin's **Linux** `.so` file there, and add a `plugins` line to `server.cfg` with the `.so` extension, for example `plugins streamer.so`. For a filterscript, upload the `.amx` to `filterscripts` and add its name without `.amx` to the `filterscripts` line. Restart to load them.

| Difficulty | Time | Works on | Panel page |
| - | - | - | - |
| Intermediate | 10 minutes | Every FREAKHOSTING SA-MP server | **Files** |

## What is the difference between a plugin and a filterscript?

| | Plugin | Filterscript |
| - | - | - |
| What it is | A compiled library that adds functions (natives) to your scripts | A Pawn script that runs next to your gamemode |
| File on our servers | Linux `.so` | `.amx` |
| Folder | `plugins/` (create it) | `filterscripts/` |
| `server.cfg` line | `plugins streamer.so sscanf.so` | `filterscripts base myadmin` |
| Extension in `server.cfg` | Required (`.so`) | Left out |

Your server runs on Linux, so Windows `.dll` plugins don't work. Download the Linux build from the plugin's release page.

## Before you start

* Download the Linux `.so` file of each plugin your gamemode needs, in the version its include file expects.
* Make a [backup](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-create-and-restore-backups.md).

## How to install a plugin

**1. Stop the server**

[Stop the server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-start-stop-and-restart-your-game-server.md).

**2. Create the plugins folder**

A new server has no `plugins` folder. In **Files**, click **New folder** and name it `plugins`.

**3. Upload the .so file**

Open `plugins` and click **Upload**. Upload the Linux file, for example `streamer.so`.

**4. Add the plugins line**

Open `server.cfg` and add a line with every plugin, separated by spaces, each with `.so`:

```text theme={null}
plugins streamer.so sscanf.so
```

Keep all plugins on one `plugins` line.

**5. Start and check the console**

Start the server. The [console](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-server-console.md) lists each plugin under **Server Plugins** and ends with `Loaded 2 plugins.` (or your number). A plugin that fails shows `Failed` with the reason.

![SA-MP server Files page showing the main folder before a plugins folder is created](https://mintcdn.com/freakhostingltd/m3ZOEtGPuZd9DW2_/images/games/samp/samp-files.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=m3ZOEtGPuZd9DW2_\&q=85\&s=40c5165dcbbf018ca7715a1aa43c1298)

The SA-MP main folder, where you create the plugins folder

## How to install a filterscript

**1. Upload the .amx file**

In **Files**, open `filterscripts` and upload the compiled `.amx`, for example `myadmin.amx`.

**2. Add it to the filterscripts line**

In `server.cfg`, add the name without `.amx` to the end of the line:

```text theme={null}
filterscripts base gl_actions gl_property gl_realtime myadmin
```

**3. Save and restart**

Save and [restart the server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-start-stop-and-restart-your-game-server.md). The console shows `Loaded 5 filterscripts.` (or your number).

### Load a filterscript without restarting

Log in to RCON in game and use these commands. They don't change `server.cfg`, so add the filterscript there too if it should load after a restart.

| Command | Example |
| - | - |
| `/rcon loadfs <name>` | `/rcon loadfs myadmin` |
| `/rcon unloadfs <name>` | `/rcon unloadfs myadmin` |
| `/rcon reloadfs <name>` | `/rcon reloadfs myadmin` |

## How to use a MySQL plugin with your server

**1. Create a database**

Open **Databases** and click **Create database**. See [databases](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-manage-databases.md).

**2. Copy the details**

Copy the host, database name, user name and password from the database's card.

**3. Enter them in your script**

Put the details where your gamemode or plugin expects them, then install the MySQL plugin's Linux `.so` as above and restart.

## Frequently asked questions

### Why does my plugin say "cannot open shared object file"?

Usually the `plugins` line is missing the `.so` extension, or the file isn't in `plugins`. Check the spelling and case: Linux file names are case-sensitive. See [common errors](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/samp/samp-server-common-errors.md).

### Can I use .dll plugins?

No. `.dll` files are for Windows servers. Your server needs the Linux `.so` build of the same plugin.

### My gamemode says "Run time error 19". What does that mean?

A function the script calls isn't available, usually because the plugin that provides it didn't load. Check the plugin lines in the console. See [common errors](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/samp/samp-server-common-errors.md).

### Can I use plugins made for open.mp components?

Components are for the open.mp server only. See [SA-MP or open.mp?](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/samp/samp-vs-open-mp.md).

## Related guides

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

> [card] [Install a gamemode](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/samp/how-to-install-a-samp-gamemode.md)
>
> Upload and select your gamemode.

> [card] [Common errors](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/samp/samp-server-common-errors.md)
>
> Plugins that fail to load.

> [card] [server.cfg explained](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/samp/samp-server-cfg-explained.md)
>
> The plugins and filterscripts lines.

> [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 (SA-MP 0.3.7-R2 Linux server). Plugin and filterscript rules checked against the official [open.mp server.cfg documentation](https://open.mp/docs/server/server.cfg) on 3 November 2026. 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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