> ## 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.

# SCP:SL Server Errors: Authentication, Start and Plugin Problems Fixed

> Fix SCP:SL server errors: 'This server requires authentication from central servers', a first start waiting at the EULA, plugin errors and failed joins.

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.

| Difficulty | Time | Works on | Panel page |
| - | - | - | - |
| Beginner | 5 to 15 minutes | Every FREAKHOSTING SCP:SL server | **Console**, **Game settings**, **Files** |

## Quick fixes

| Problem | Cause | Fix |
| - | - | - |
| "This server requires authentication from central servers" | Offline mode or wrong authentication settings | Switch on **Check players with the central server** on **Game settings**, and set `preauth_challenge: true` in `config_gameplay.txt` |
| Console stops at `Do you accept the EULA? [yes/no]` | First start | Read the EULA and type `yes` in the console |
| **Game settings** says `config_gameplay.txt does not exist yet` | The first start hasn't finished | Start the server, accept the EULA and let it load |
| Errors naming a plugin while starting | Wrong EXILED or game version, or a missing dependency | Update or remove the plugin. See [install EXILED plugins](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/scp-secret-laboratory/how-to-install-exiled-plugins-on-scp-secret-laboratory.md) |
| Server not in the list | Not verified | See [not showing in the list](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/scp-secret-laboratory/scp-secret-laboratory-server-not-showing-in-list.md) |
| `[SECURITY VIOLATION] Specified port is not registered.` | The IP is already registered with Northwood | [Open a ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php) |
| Config changes don't apply | Edited a template or the wrong port folder | Edit `.config/SCP Secret Laboratory/config/<port>/`, not `ConfigTemplates`, and restart |

## 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:

```yaml theme={null}
preauth_challenge: true
```

**3. Restart**

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

## 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](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](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php) and we set it up with you. See [getting started](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/scp-secret-laboratory/getting-started-with-your-scp-secret-laboratory-server.md).

## 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.

## Frequently asked questions

### 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](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-create-and-restore-backups.md), and use **Game settings** where you can.

### 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](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/scp-secret-laboratory/how-to-update-exiled-and-scp-secret-laboratory.md).

### 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.

### 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](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-read-server-logs.md).

## 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] [Getting started](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/scp-secret-laboratory/getting-started-with-your-scp-secret-laboratory-server.md)
>
> First start and the EULA.

> [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] [Install EXILED plugins](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/scp-secret-laboratory/how-to-install-exiled-plugins-on-scp-secret-laboratory.md)
>
> Plugin folders and configs.

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

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Checked against the official [SCP:SL tech wiki server issues guides](https://techwiki.scpslgame.com/books/server-issues)** on 3 November 2026. Panel steps match our Game Panel 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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