> ## 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 a Squad Server MOTD and Rotating Server Messages

> Set a Squad server MOTD in MOTD.cfg and rotating messages in ServerMessages.cfg. ServerMessageInterval in Server.cfg sets the gap, 300 seconds by default.

To set a message of the day (MOTD) on your Squad server, stop the server, open `SquadGame/ServerConfig/MOTD.cfg` in **Files**, type your welcome text and save. Players see it when they join. For messages that repeat during the match, add one message per line to `ServerMessages.cfg`. `ServerMessageInterval` in `Server.cfg` sets the gap between them, 300 seconds by default.

| Difficulty | Time | Works on | Files |
| - | - | - | - |
| Beginner | 5 minutes | Every FREAKHOSTING Squad server | `MOTD.cfg`, `ServerMessages.cfg`, `Server.cfg` |

## Before you start

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

## How to set the Squad MOTD

**1. Open MOTD.cfg**

Click **Files**, go to `SquadGame/ServerConfig/` and open `MOTD.cfg`. Keep the file name in capitals: on Linux servers the name is case-sensitive.

**2. Write your message**

Type your welcome text, rules or community links. Text doesn't wrap in game, so put line breaks in yourself to keep lines short.

**3. Save and start**

Save the file and start the server. Join to check how it looks.

The MOTD supports only `<a>` tags for links, for example:

```html theme={null}
Welcome to our server. Read the rules on <a href="https://example.com/rules">our website</a>.
```

## How to set rotating server messages

**1. Open ServerMessages.cfg**

In `SquadGame/ServerConfig/`, open `ServerMessages.cfg`.

**2. Add one message per line**

Each line is one message. The server shows them in turn.

**3. Set the interval (optional)**

Open `Server.cfg` and change `ServerMessageInterval=300` to the number of seconds you want between messages, for example `ServerMessageInterval=600`.

**4. Save and start**

Save the files and start the server.

Example `ServerMessages.cfg`:

```text theme={null}
No team killing. Repeat offenders are banned.
Join our Discord: example.com/discord
Squad leaders must have a microphone.
```

## How to send a one-off message

Admins can send a message to everyone straight away with `AdminBroadcast <Message>` in the in-game admin console or over [RCON](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/squad/how-to-set-up-rcon-on-your-squad-server.md), for example `AdminBroadcast Server restarts in 10 minutes`.

## Frequently asked questions

### Why doesn't my Squad MOTD show?

Check that the file is named `MOTD.cfg` in capitals, is in `SquadGame/ServerConfig/`, and that you restarted the server after saving.

### Can I use colours or images in the MOTD?

Only `<a>` link tags are supported. Use plain text for everything else.

### How often are server messages shown?

Every `ServerMessageInterval` seconds, set in `Server.cfg`. The default on your server is 300 seconds (5 minutes).

## Related guides

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

> [card] [Server.cfg explained](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/squad/squad-server-cfg-explained.md)
>
> Every key and default.

> [card] [Admin commands](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/squad/squad-admin-commands-list.md)
>
> AdminBroadcast and more.

> [card] [File Manager](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-file-manager.md)
>
> Edit files in the panel.

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team** on our Game Panel on 3 November 2026 (Squad dedicated server v10.6.3). Steps may differ slightly if the game changes. MOTD rules checked against the [official Squad Wiki](https://squad.fandom.com/wiki/Server_Configuration).

> [!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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