> ## 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.

# Squad Server Not Starting or Stuck on Starting: Fixes

> Squad server not starting? Check the console for the up for play line, read SquadGame.log, undo your last config edit or restore a backup to fix it.

If your Squad server isn't starting, open the **Console** and look for the line `Bringing World … up for play`, which means the server is ready. If it never appears, read the last lines of the console or `SquadGame/Saved/Logs/SquadGame.log` for the error. Most start problems come from a recent config edit: undo it, check the true/false values on **Startup**, or restore a backup.

## Quick checks

| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
| - | - | - |
| Stopped soon after a config edit | Typo in a `.cfg` file | Undo the edit or restore the file from a backup |
| Setting doesn't apply | Value not exactly `true`/`false`, or changed in `Server.cfg` instead of **Startup** | Type lower-case `true` or `false` on **Startup**, restart |
| First start after purchase takes long | Server files still installing (about 15 GB) | Wait for the install to finish |
| Stops with no clear error | Corrupted or missing files | Restore a backup, or reinstall |

## What does a normal Squad start look like?

These console lines show a healthy start, in this order:

| Line | Meaning |
| - | - |
| `LogInit: Build: …//Squad/v10.6.3` | The server version |
| `LogOnline: STEAM: [AppId: 393380] Game Server API initialized 1` | Steam is connected |
| `LogSquad: OnPreLoadMap: Loading map with URL: …` | The first layer is loading |
| `LogNet: … IpNetDriver listening on port …` | The game port is open |
| `LogWorld: Bringing World … up for play` | Ready: players can join |

In our test the server was ready about 20 seconds after start.

## How to fix a Squad server that won't start

**1. Read the error**

Open the [console](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-server-console.md) and start the server. Note the last lines before it stops. For the full log, open `SquadGame/Saved/Logs/SquadGame.log` in **Files** or use [Logs](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-read-server-logs.md).

**2. Undo your last edit**

If you edited a file in `SquadGame/ServerConfig/`, check it for typos: one `Key=Value` per line, quotes kept around text values, and `//` before comments. Remove the change and try again.

**3. Check Startup**

On **Startup**, make sure the true/false variables say exactly `true` or `false`, and that **Server Name** isn't empty.

**4. Restore a backup**

If you can't find the problem, [restore a backup](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-create-and-restore-backups.md) from before the change.

**5. Reinstall as a last resort**

A [reinstall](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-manage-server-settings-and-reinstall.md) downloads the server files again (about 15 GB), so it takes a while. Back up your `ServerConfig` folder first.

If none of this helps, [open a ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php) and include the last 20 lines of the console.

## Frequently asked questions

### Where is the Squad server log?

`SquadGame/Saved/Logs/SquadGame.log`, in **Files**. You can also use the panel's **Logs** page and the console.

### How long should a Squad server take to start?

In our test it was ready about 20 seconds after start. The first install after purchase takes longer because the server files are about 15 GB.

### Will a reinstall delete my config?

Make a backup first so you can restore your `ServerConfig` files. See [server settings and reinstall](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-manage-server-settings-and-reinstall.md).

## 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)
>
> Correct keys and values.

> [card] [Not showing in the browser](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/squad/squad-server-not-showing-in-server-browser.md)
>
> Running but not listed.

> [card] [Server settings](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/squad/how-to-change-squad-server-settings-in-the-game-panel.md)
>
> Startup variables.

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

> [!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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