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This Squad dedicated server guide lists every FREAKHOSTING help page for Squad. Your server runs the official Squad dedicated server. You set the basics, such as Server Name and Advertise Server, on Startup, and everything else in the config files in SquadGame/ServerConfig/, which you edit in Files. New here? Start with getting started.

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How your Squad server is set up

Stop the server before you edit a config file, then start it again so Squad reads the change. Values that have a Startup variable, such as ServerName, are written from Startup at every start, so change those on Startup rather than in Server.cfg.

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Most asked

  1. Add admins: Admin=<SteamID64>:<Group> in Admins.cfg.
  2. Admin commands: kick, ban, broadcast and change layer.
  3. Server.cfg explained: every key and our defaults.
  4. Map rotation: MapRotationMode and LayerRotation.cfg.
  5. Set up RCON: RCON is off until you set a password.
  6. Not showing in the browser: Advertise Server and the ready line.
  7. Set a password: AdminSetServerPassword.

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Start here

Getting started

Name, listing, first start and first admin.

Log in to the Game Panel

Open your server.

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Game Panel guides

Server settings

Every Startup variable explained.

Add admins

Admins.cfg groups and access levels.

Set up RCON

Rcon.cfg password and port.

Map rotation

Layers, factions and voting.

MOTD and messages

Welcome text and rotating messages.

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Commands and settings

Server.cfg explained

Every key, default and config file.

Admin commands

Kick, ban, warn, layers and more.

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Guides and tips

Set a password

Make your server private.

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Troubleshooting

Not showing in the browser

Get your server listed.

Server not starting

Read the log and undo bad edits.

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Frequently asked questions

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Does the Game Panel have a Squad settings page?

No. Squad uses Startup for the server name, listing, team change rules, reserved slots and demo recording. Everything else is in the .cfg files in SquadGame/ServerConfig/.

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Can I change the number of player slots?

Your player slots come from your plan. For more slots, open a ticket.

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Can I install Squad workshop mods?

Squad mods use Steam Workshop IDs, and installing them needs a reinstall of the server files. Open a ticket and we’ll help you add them.

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How do I back up my Squad server?

Use Backups in the Game Panel, or automatic backups. Back up before you edit config files.

Start, stop and restart

Control your server’s power.

File Manager

Edit config files.

Startup variables

How Startup works.

Backups

Make and restore backups.
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.

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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