Panel/ControlPanel/docs/games/squad.md

Squad — Complete Dedicated Server Guide

Startup Parameters

Default command line

SquadGameServer.exe Port=7787 QueryPort=27165 RCON=21114 FIXEDMAXPLAYERS=80 RANDOM=NONE

Parameters (exhaustive, server-relevant only)

• Port=<port> — Game port. Default: 7787.
• QueryPort=<port> — Steam query port. Default: 27165.
• RCON=<port> — RCON port. Default: 21114.
• FIXEDMAXPLAYERS=<num> — Maximum players (1-100).
• RANDOM=<NONE|FULL|LIMITED> — Random map selection.
• FIXEDVRFILLTHRESHOLD=<num> — VR fill threshold.
• FIXEDMAXTICKRATE=<rate> — Maximum tick rate.

Ports

• Game: UDP 7787 (primary)
• Query: UDP 27165 (Steam query)
• RCON: TCP 21114 (administration)

Config Files & Locations

Windows:

• WindowsServer/Squad/Saved/Config/WindowsServer/ — Configuration directory
• WindowsServer/Squad/Saved/Logs/ — Log files
• WindowsServer/Squad/Saved/SaveGames/ — Save files

Linux:

• /home/squad/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/ — Configuration directory
• /home/squad/Saved/Logs/ — Log files
• /home/squad/Saved/SaveGames/ — Save files

Key Files:

• GameUserSettings.ini: Main server configuration
• Game.ini: Advanced game settings
• Engine.ini: Engine-specific settings

Steam Workshop

Workshop Integration:

• Check Steam Workshop for community content
• Subscribe to collections via Steam client
• Server automatically downloads subscribed content
• Configure workshop content loading in server configuration

Common Mods (curated)

Admin/Management Mods

• Check official mod repositories or community sites for Squad
• Look for server administration, anti-cheat, and quality-of-life mods
• Install according to game's modding framework (if available)

Popular Community Mods

• Search Steam Workshop (if supported) for highly-rated server mods
• Check game's official forums and community sites for recommended mods
• Verify mod compatibility with current server version

Installation Notes

• Follow each mod's specific installation instructions
• Some games require mod loading frameworks or special startup parameters
• Test mods individually before combining multiple mods

Database

Not applicable - this game does not use a database for core functionality.

Administration & Scripting

Remote Administration:

• RCON (Remote Console) access for server management
• Web-based admin panels (game-specific or third-party)
• In-game admin commands and permissions

Backup Strategy:

• Automated daily backups of save files and configuration
• Rotate backups (keep 7 daily, 4 weekly, 12 monthly)
• Test backup restoration procedures regularly
• Store backups in separate location/drive

Auto-Update:

• Use SteamCMD for automatic server updates (Steam games)
• Schedule updates during low-traffic periods
• Backup before applying updates
• Monitor for update announcements and patch notes

Monitoring:

• Server performance monitoring (CPU, memory, network)
• Player connection logs and statistics
• Error log monitoring and alerting
• Uptime tracking and availability reporting

Troubleshooting (game-specific)

Server not starting

• Cause: Missing dependencies, incorrect configuration, or port conflicts
• Fix: Check server logs, verify all required files are present, ensure ports are available

Players cannot connect

• Cause: Firewall blocking server port or incorrect network configuration
• Fix: Open required ports in firewall, verify server is binding to correct IP address

Performance issues/lag

• Cause: Insufficient server resources or suboptimal configuration
• Fix: Monitor CPU/memory usage, optimize server settings, reduce player/entity limits

Configuration not loading

• Cause: Syntax errors in config files or incorrect file paths
• Fix: Validate configuration file syntax, check file permissions, review server logs

Mod/plugin conflicts

• Cause: Incompatible mods or plugin version mismatches
• Fix: Test mods individually, update to compatible versions, check for known conflicts