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Squad Server Config: Server.cfg, Admins & Map Rotation

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Squad Server Config: Server.cfg, Admins & Map Rotation

Squad server configuration is managed through three main files in the server directory: Server.cfg (general server settings), Admins.cfg (admin permissions), and MapRotation.cfg (the sequence of maps and layers played). This article explains what each file does, how to edit them, and how they work together to control your server.

Background: How Squad Server Configuration Works

Squad is a team-based tactical shooter developed by Offworld Industries. When you host a dedicated server, you do not configure everything through a graphical interface; instead, you edit plain-text configuration files that the server reads when it starts. These files are located in the server’s Config folder, typically under ...\SquadServer\SquadGame\Config on Windows or .../SquadServer/SquadGame/Config on Linux. The server reads these files at launch, so most changes require a restart to take effect.

The three most important files are:

  • Server.cfg – sets the server name, password, port, tick rate, and other core settings.
  • Admins.cfg – defines which players have admin privileges and what commands they can use.
  • MapRotation.cfg – lists the maps and layers (game modes) that the server will cycle through.

There are also other files like ServerMessages.cfg (for MOTD and rules) and RemoteAdmin.cfg (for RCON settings), but the three above are the ones most server owners edit regularly.

Server.cfg: Core Server Settings

The Server.cfg file is a simple text file with key-value pairs. Each line sets a specific option. Here is a typical example with the most common settings:

ServerName="My Squad Server"
ServerPassword=""
AdminPassword=""
MaxPlayers=80
Port=7787
QueryPort=27165
TickRate=60
  • ServerName – the name shown in the server browser.
  • ServerPassword – if set, players must enter this password to join.
  • AdminPassword – the password required to access admin commands in-game (via console).
  • MaxPlayers – maximum player count (Squad supports up to 100, but 80 is common for performance).
  • Port – the game port (default 7787).
  • QueryPort – the port used for server queries (default 27165).
  • TickRate – how many times per second the server updates the game state (default 60).

You can also set AllowCrossPlay, AllowTeamSwitch, AutoBalanceTeams, and other gameplay-related options. Always back up the original file before editing.

Admins.cfg: Granting Admin Permissions

The Admins.cfg file controls who can use admin commands and what they can do. It uses a simple format: a name, a group, and a set of permissions. The file is read at startup, so you must restart the server after editing it.

Here is an example entry:

Admin="PlayerName"
Group="Admin"
Permissions="reserve,ban,kick"
  • Admin – the player’s in-game name (exact match, case-sensitive).
  • Group – a label for the permission set (you can define multiple groups).
  • Permissions – a comma-separated list of permissions, such as ban, kick, reserve, changemap, config, etc.

To give a player full admin rights, you can use Permissions="*" (asterisk). For a list of all possible permissions, refer to the official Squad server documentation, as the list can change with updates.

Note: The AdminPassword in Server.cfg is not the same as the admin list. The password allows anyone who knows it to access admin commands, but the Admins.cfg file restricts which commands they can use. For security, it is recommended to use Admins.cfg rather than a shared password.

MapRotation.cfg: Controlling the Map Cycle

The MapRotation.cfg file defines the order of maps and layers (game modes) that the server plays. Each line specifies a map and a layer. The format is:

MapName LayerName

For example:

Chora Raas v1
Al Basrah Invasion v1
Fools Road AAS v1
  • MapName – the name of the map (e.g., Chora, Al Basrah, Fools Road).
  • LayerName – the specific layer or game mode (e.g., RAAS v1, Invasion v1, AAS v1).

You can also add comments with // at the start of a line. The server will cycle through these in order, and when it reaches the end, it loops back to the first line. If a layer is not available (e.g., it was removed in an update), the server will skip it and move to the next.

To find valid map and layer names, check the Server.cfg or look in the Game.log file after starting the server – it will list available layers. You can also use the AdminChangeMap command in-game to see the list.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

  • Server not starting after editing config – Most likely a syntax error. Check for missing quotes, extra spaces, or a typo in the file. Use a plain text editor (not Word) and save as UTF-8 without BOM.
  • Admins not working – Ensure the player name matches exactly, including capitalization and spaces. Also, the server must be restarted after editing Admins.cfg.
  • Map rotation not working – Verify that the map and layer names are correct. If you copied them from a website, they might be outdated. Use the in-game admin menu to see the current list.
  • Duplicate maps in rotation – You can list the same map with different layers, but that may cause repetition. Use the MapRotation.cfg to create a balanced sequence.

How to Choose the Right Settings

Choosing settings depends on your server’s purpose. For a public server, you want a mix of maps and layers that are popular and balanced. For a private clan server, you might focus on specific maps for training.

  • Server Name – Make it descriptive and unique to attract players.
  • MaxPlayers – 80 is a good default; higher numbers may cause performance issues on weaker hardware.
  • TickRate – 60 is standard; 120 can improve hit registration but increases CPU load.
  • Map Rotation – Include a variety of maps (e.g., Al Basrah, Chora, Fool’s Road) and layers (AAS, RAAS, Invasion) to keep gameplay fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I add a new map to my rotation?

Edit MapRotation.cfg and add a line with the map name and layer name. To find the exact names, start the server and look at the console output – it will list all available layers. You can also use the in-game admin menu to change the map and see the list.

Can I change the server config without restarting?

Most changes require a restart. Some settings like ServerName can be changed via RCON (remote console) commands, but the safest way is to edit the file and restart the server.

What is the difference between AdminPassword and Admins.cfg?

AdminPassword is a single shared password that grants access to admin commands. Admins.cfg allows you to assign specific permissions to individual players. Using Admins.cfg is more secure and flexible.

Why is my map rotation skipping a map?

If a map or layer is not available on your server (e.g., it requires a DLC or was removed), the server will skip it. Check the server log for errors and ensure the map is installed.

How do I set a reserve slot for my clan?

In Admins.cfg, give a player the reserve permission. Then, in Server.cfg, set ReservedSlots=1 (or more) to reserve that many slots for players with the reserve permission.

Can I use comments in the config files?

Yes, you can add comments by starting a line with // (double slash) in Server.cfg and MapRotation.cfg. In Admins.cfg, comments are also allowed with //.

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