> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.wasabihosting.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Squad Server Configuration Guide

> Configure your Squad server hosting - Server.cfg, Rcon.cfg, MOTD, layer rotation, and License.cfg explained with practical examples.

Squad dedicated servers are configured with plain-text `.cfg` files in the **`SquadGame/ServerConfig/`** folder. Each file has one job: server identity, RCON access, the message of the day, the map rotation, and (for licensed servers) your license. This guide walks through each file with working examples you can adapt.

## Configuration Files Overview

| File                                      | Purpose                                                                        |
| ----------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| `Server.cfg`                              | Server name, player cap, password, advertising, reserved slots                 |
| `Rcon.cfg`                                | RCON port and password for remote administration                               |
| `Admins.cfg`                              | Admin groups and SteamIDs — covered in [Admin Setup](/games/squad/admin-setup) |
| `MOTD.motd`                               | Message of the day shown to players                                            |
| `LayerRotation.cfg` / `LevelRotation.cfg` | Map and layer rotation                                                         |
| `License.cfg`                             | Server license key (licensed servers only)                                     |
| `Bans.cfg`                                | Ban list (usually managed by admin commands/RCON tools)                        |

<Info>
  File names and available settings can shift slightly between Squad versions — if a file mentioned here looks different on your server, check the files actually present in `SquadGame/ServerConfig/` via the panel's [File Manager](/server/file-management), depending on server version.
</Info>

## Server.cfg

The main identity file. One setting per line:

```ini theme={null}
ServerName="[EU] My Wasabi Community Server | New Player Friendly"
ShouldAdvertise=true
IsLANMatch=false
MaxPlayers=100
NumReservedSlots=2
Password=
PreventTeamChangeIfUnbalanced=true
RandomizeMapRotation=false
```

| Setting            | Description                                                                                                    |
| ------------------ | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `ServerName`       | Name shown in the server browser (in quotes). Include your region/community tag — it's your storefront.        |
| `ShouldAdvertise`  | `true` lists the server publicly; `false` hides it (players can still join via favorites if they've added it). |
| `MaxPlayers`       | Player cap — up to 100.                                                                                        |
| `NumReservedSlots` | Slots held back for whitelisted players (a licensed-server perk when used for priority access).                |
| `Password`         | Join password. Leave empty for a public server.                                                                |

## Rcon.cfg

Enables remote administration (BattleMetrics and similar tools connect through this):

```ini theme={null}
Port=21114
Password=MyStrongRconPassword
```

Use a long, unique password — RCON access is full admin access. Consider locking the RCON port down with the [Firewall Manager](/firewall-manager) so only your admin tools can reach it.

## MOTD.motd

A plain-text message shown to players. Keep it short and useful:

```text theme={null}
Welcome to [EU] My Wasabi Community Server!
Rules: no teamkilling, SLs need a mic, claim vehicles in squad name.
Discord: discord.gg/yourcommunity
```

## Map & Layer Rotation

Squad maps are divided into **layers** — a map plus a game mode and version, like `Yehorivka_RAAS_v1`. Your rotation file lists one layer per line, and the server cycles through them in order:

```ini theme={null}
Yehorivka_RAAS_v1
Gorodok_RAAS_v1
Narva_AAS_v1
Mutaha_RAAS_v1
Fallujah_Invasion_v1
Goose_Bay_RAAS_v1
```

* Current Squad versions use **`LayerRotation.cfg`** for layer-based rotation; **`LevelRotation.cfg`** exists for rotating by level (map) instead, depending on server version. If both are present, the layer rotation typically takes priority — keep your rotation in one file to avoid confusion.
* Layer names must match exactly (spelling and `_v1`/`_v2` suffixes matter). An invalid layer name is skipped or can cause the rotation to fall back to defaults.
* Set `RandomizeMapRotation=true` in `Server.cfg` if you'd rather shuffle than cycle in order.
* Workshop mods add their own layers — add those layer names to the rotation the same way (see [Installing Mods](/games/squad/install-mods)).

<Tip>
  Balance your rotation for your population: large open layers (Yehorivka, Gorodok) play poorly at low player counts. Many communities keep a separate "seeding" rotation of small infantry layers and switch with `AdminChangeLayer` while the server fills.
</Tip>

## License.cfg

If OWI grants your community a server license, you'll receive a license key to place in `License.cfg`:

```text theme={null}
YourLicenseKeyFromOWI
```

Unlicensed servers simply leave this file empty — everything else works normally.

## Editing Configs on Wasabi Hosting

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the File Manager">
    Log in to the [Game Panel](https://panel.wasabihosting.com), open your Squad server, and navigate to `SquadGame/ServerConfig/` in the **File Manager**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Edit carefully">
    Keep **each setting on its own line**, don't add stray quotes, and don't reorder `Key=Value` pairs into other formats. Save the file when done.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Restart to apply">
    Most config changes require a **server restart** from the panel Console. Rotation edits take effect for subsequent map changes; identity settings like `ServerName` need the restart.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Warning>
  Take a quick [backup](/server/backups) before big config overhauls — restoring a known-good `ServerConfig` folder beats debugging a server that won't show up in the browser.
</Warning>

Need more slots or better performance for full-pop nights? [Order or upgrade your Squad server](https://wasabihosting.com/game-servers/squad) from €16.00/month — upgrades keep all your files.