> ## 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 Set Up an SCP: Secret Laboratory Server (Getting Started) > How to set up an SCP: Secret Laboratory server on FREAKHOSTING: accept the EULA in the console, set the name in Game settings and join by IP. To set up an SCP: Secret Laboratory server on FREAKHOSTING, start it in the [Game Panel](https://games.freakhosting.com), read the SCP:SL EULA and type `yes` in the console if you agree. The server then creates its config folder. Set **Server name** on **Game settings**, click **Review and save** and restart. Players join in game by connecting directly with your server's IP and port. | Difficulty | Time | Works on | Panel page | | - | - | - | - | | Beginner | 10 minutes | Every FREAKHOSTING SCP:SL server | **Console**, **Game settings** | ## Before you start * Log in to the [Game Panel](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-login-and-access-the-game-panel.md) and open your server. * Have SCP: Secret Laboratory installed from Steam. * Your server runs LocalAdmin (the program that starts and manages the SCP:SL server) with EXILED already installed. You don't need plugins to play. ## How to start your server for the first time **1. Start the server** Click **Start** and open **Console**. The server first updates the game files through SteamCMD, then starts LocalAdmin. You see `Welcome to LocalAdmin version …`. **2. Read the EULA** LocalAdmin shows `Before starting please read and accept the SCP:SL EULA.` and the link [https://link.scpslgame.com/eula](https://link.scpslgame.com/eula). A copy, `EULA.pdf`, is also in your server's main folder in **Files**. Read it. Accepting it is your decision, so FREAKHOSTING does not accept it for you. **3. Accept it in the console** At `Do you accept the EULA? [yes/no]`, type `yes` in the console box ("Type a command…") and press Enter. LocalAdmin then carries on and creates the config folder for your port. **4. Wait for the server to finish loading** Let the server run until the console stops scrolling. If it does not carry on after you type `yes`, [open a ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php) and the team will set it up with you. ## How to name your server **1. Open Game settings** Click **Game settings** under **GAME SETTINGS**. This page edits `config_gameplay.txt`. If it shows `config_gameplay.txt does not exist yet`, the first start has not finished yet; go back to the steps above. **2. Set the name** In **Server**, enter a **Server name**. This is the name in the server list. It supports colour tags such as `Name`; see [lobby and server name](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/scp-secret-laboratory/customizing-the-lobby-waiting-screen.md). **3. Check your slots** **Player slots** shows the slots in your plan. For more slots, [open a ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php). **4. Save and restart** Click **Review and save**, check the changes and save. Then [restart the server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-start-stop-and-restart-your-game-server.md). ![SCP: Secret Laboratory Game settings page with the Presets menu open and the Server section with Server name and Player slots](https://mintcdn.com/freakhostingltd/4aP1F1KWZ9A3tmJI/images/games/scp-secret-laboratory/scpsl-game-settings.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=4aP1F1KWZ9A3tmJI\&q=85\&s=1074c381dd5afed180ef1ff0cd9c54ee) Game settings for SCP: Secret Laboratory in the FREAKHOSTING Game Panel ## How to join your SCP:SL server | Method | What to do | | - | - | | Direct connect | In SCP:SL, open the server browser, use the button to connect directly to a server by IP, and enter your address, for example `203.0.113.10:7777` | | Server list | Only verified servers are shown. See [verify your server](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/scp-secret-laboratory/how-to-verify-your-scp-secret-laboratory-server.md) | Use the IP and port shown for your server in the Game Panel. Your port can be different from `7777`. ## What to do next 1. [Make yourself admin](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/scp-secret-laboratory/scp-secret-laboratory-configuring-remoteadmin-ra.md) so you can use Remote Admin. 2. Change the rules on **Game settings**; see [game settings explained](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/scp-secret-laboratory/scp-secret-laboratory-game-settings-explained.md). 3. Make a [backup](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-create-and-restore-backups.md) once your configs are set up. ## Frequently asked questions ### Why does Game settings say config\_gameplay.txt does not exist yet? The server creates its config folder only after the first start, when the EULA is accepted. Start the server, accept the EULA in the console, let it load, then open **Game settings** again. ### What port does SCP: Secret Laboratory use? SCP:SL usually uses port 7777, but your server uses the port shown in the Game Panel. The config folder is named after that port, for example `.config/SCP Secret Laboratory/config/7777/`. ### Do I need EXILED to run the server? No. EXILED is installed with the server for plugins, and the server runs normally without extra plugins. ### Where are the server's config files? In **Files**, open `.config/SCP Secret Laboratory/config//`. You find `config_gameplay.txt` and `config_remoteadmin.txt` there. ## Related guides > [card] [SCP:SL server guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/scp-secret-laboratory/scp-secret-laboratory-server-hosting-guide.md) > > Every SCP:SL page in one place. > [card] [Make yourself admin](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/scp-secret-laboratory/scp-secret-laboratory-configuring-remoteadmin-ra.md) > > Owner role and the RA panel. > [card] [Game settings explained](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/scp-secret-laboratory/scp-secret-laboratory-game-settings-explained.md) > > Every setting on the page. > [card] [Not showing in the list](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/scp-secret-laboratory/scp-secret-laboratory-server-not-showing-in-list.md) > > Verification and direct connect. > [card] [Use the console](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-server-console.md) > > Send commands to your server. *** > [!NOTE] > > **Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team** on our Game Panel on 3 November 2026 (SCP: Secret Laboratory dedicated server with EXILED, LocalAdmin 2.5.16). Game behaviour checked against the [official SCP:SL tech wiki](https://techwiki.scpslgame.com/books/server-guides). 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.