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Most SCP: Secret Laboratory server errors have a config cause. “This server requires authentication from central servers” means online_mode or preauth_challenge is off in config_gameplay.txt: set both to true and restart. A first start that stops at Do you accept the EULA? [yes/no] waits for you to type yes. Plugin errors usually mean a plugin doesn’t match your EXILED version.

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Quick fixes

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How to fix “This server requires authentication from central servers”

1

Switch on the central server check

Open Game settings and, in Security and anti-cheat, switch on Check players with the central server (online_mode). Click Review and save and save.
2

Check preauth_challenge

In Files, open .config/SCP Secret Laboratory/config/<port>/config_gameplay.txt and make sure it says:
3

Restart

Restart the server and join again.

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How to get past the first start

On the first start, LocalAdmin asks you to accept the SCP:SL EULA. Read it at https://link.scpslgame.com/eula, then type yes in the console and press Enter. If the server still doesn’t finish starting, open a ticket and we set it up with you. See getting started.

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How to find a broken plugin

1

Read the console

Start the server and look in Console for the first error that names a plugin.
2

Move the plugin out

Stop the server and move that plugin’s .dll out of .config/EXILED/Plugins/ (for example into a new folder in your server’s main folder).
3

Start again

If the server starts, update the plugin to a version for your EXILED and game version, or leave it out.

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Frequently asked questions

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Why can’t players join after I changed a setting?

A typing mistake in config_gameplay.txt can stop the server from loading. Undo the change, or restore the file from a backup, and use Game settings where you can.

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Why does my server break after a game update?

EXILED and plugins must match the game version. Update EXILED and your plugins. See update EXILED.

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Can I turn off the central server check for a test server?

You can, but anyone can then join under any name, and the server cannot be on the public list. Keep it on for a public server.

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Where do I see the server’s error messages?

In Console while the server runs, and in Logs in the Game Panel. See read server logs.

SCP:SL server guide

Every SCP:SL page in one place.

Getting started

First start and the EULA.

Not showing in the list

Verification and direct connect.

Install EXILED plugins

Plugin folders and configs.

Read server logs

Find error messages.
Checked against the official SCP:SL tech wiki server issues guides on 3 November 2026. Panel steps match our Game Panel on 3 November 2026. Steps may differ slightly if the game changes.

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Need Extra Help?

If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:

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Last Updated: November 2026