This guide covers admin setup, server-side resources, custom maps, vehicle management, and troubleshooting for your BeamMP server on Legion Hosting. For initial server setup, authentication keys, and basic configuration, see BeamMP Server Setup Guide.
Admin Setup
BeamMP does not have a traditional admin login or password system. Instead, admin commands are executed through the server console or via server-side Lua plugins that check player identifiers.
Console Commands
The server console in GPanel provides direct access to built-in server commands. Type commands directly into the console input field:
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
kick <player_id> <reason> |
Kicks a player from the server with an optional reason message. |
ban <player_name> |
Bans a player from the server. Banned players cannot reconnect. |
unban <player_name> |
Removes a player's ban, allowing them to reconnect. |
list |
Lists all currently connected players with their IDs. |
say <message> |
Sends a server-wide chat message from the console. |
status |
Displays server status information including player count and uptime. |
help |
Lists all available console commands. |
list command to see connected players and their IDs. These IDs are needed for commands like kick.
Resources Folder Structure
BeamMP uses a Resources folder to organize server-side content. This folder contains two subdirectories with distinct purposes:
Resources/
Client/ <-- Client-side mods (maps, vehicles) synced to players
Server/ <-- Server-side Lua plugins (not sent to players)
Client Resources
Files placed in Resources/Client/ are automatically downloaded by players when they connect. This is used for:
- Custom maps — Map mod .zip files that players need to load the server's map.
- Custom vehicles — Vehicle mod .zip files that add new cars or modify existing ones.
- Other client mods — Any BeamNG.drive mod that needs to be present on the client.
Resources/Client/ is downloaded by every player who joins. Large files or many mods will increase connection times significantly. Keep your client resources lean for the best player experience.
Server Resources (Lua Plugins)
The Resources/Server/ directory contains server-side Lua plugins. These run on the server only and are not sent to players. Each plugin lives in its own subfolder with a main.lua file:
Resources/
Server/
MyPlugin/
main.lua <-- Plugin entry point
AnotherPlugin/
main.lua
Server-side plugins can:
- Respond to player events (join, leave, chat messages, vehicle spawns).
- Implement custom commands triggered via chat (e.g.,
/tp,/give). - Manage vehicle permissions and limits.
- Add economy systems, teleportation, or other custom gameplay features.
- Log player activity and enforce rules.
Adding Custom Maps
To run a custom (non-default) map on your BeamMP server:
- Download the map mod as a
.zipfile from a BeamNG.drive mod source (e.g., the BeamNG.drive mod repository). - Stop your server in GPanel.
- Upload the
.zipfile toResources/Client/via the Files tab or SFTP. Do not extract the zip. - Update the
MAPstartup variable (orMapinServerConfig.toml) to the correct map path for the custom map. This path is typically in the format/levels/map_name/info.json— check the mod's documentation for the exact path. - Start the server.
Map value does not match the actual path inside the mod's .zip file, the server will fail to load the map. Check the mod's documentation or inspect the .zip structure to find the correct /levels/ path.
Resources/Client/ that the player does not already have. Players do not need to manually install map mods.
Vehicle Management
Vehicle management on BeamMP servers is controlled through the MaxCars setting and optionally through server-side Lua plugins.
MaxCars Setting
The MaxCars setting in ServerConfig.toml (or the MAX_CARS startup variable) controls how many vehicles each player can spawn simultaneously:
1— Each player can have one vehicle at a time (recommended for larger servers).2–3— Allows players to have a couple of vehicles, useful for smaller servers or car meets.- Higher values increase server load proportionally.
Custom Vehicle Mods
To add custom vehicles to your server:
- Download the vehicle mod as a
.zipfile. - Place it in
Resources/Client/. - Restart the server. Players will automatically download the vehicle mod on connect.
Restricting Vehicles via Plugins
For more granular control (e.g., banning specific vehicles, limiting vehicle types), you will need a server-side Lua plugin. These plugins can intercept vehicle spawn events and allow or deny them based on custom rules. Check the BeamMP forums for vehicle management plugins.
Installing and Managing Plugins
Server-side Lua plugins extend your server's functionality. Here is how to install and manage them:
Installing a Plugin
- Download the plugin files (typically a folder containing
main.luaand possibly other files). - Stop your server.
- Upload the plugin folder to
Resources/Server/via the Files tab or SFTP. - Ensure the folder structure is correct:
Resources/Server/PluginName/main.lua. - Start the server. The console will show messages as plugins load.
Removing a Plugin
- Stop your server.
- Delete the plugin folder from
Resources/Server/. - Start the server.
Troubleshooting
Authentication Key Errors
- Verify the key is correctly pasted in the
AUTH_KEYstartup variable — no extra spaces or line breaks. - Ensure the key has not been revoked or expired on the BeamMP Keymaster.
- Each key can only be used on one server at a time. If you are using the same key elsewhere, it will fail.
- The console will display authentication errors on startup if the key is invalid.
Players Cannot Connect
- Confirm the server is fully started and showing as online in GPanel.
- Check that the player is using the BeamMP launcher, not the standard BeamNG.drive launcher.
- If the server is set to
Private = true, players must use direct connect with the correct IP and port. See How to Find Your Server IP and Port. - Ensure the player's BeamMP launcher version is compatible with the server version. Outdated launchers may fail to connect.
- If the server is full (
MaxPlayersreached), additional players cannot join until someone leaves.
Mod Sync Problems
- If players get stuck downloading or receive errors about missing mods, verify the mod .zip files in
Resources/Client/are not corrupted. - Re-download and re-upload the mod file if the .zip is damaged.
- Very large mod files may cause timeouts for players on slow connections. Consider removing unnecessary large mods.
- Make sure mod .zip files are not nested (i.e., a .zip inside a folder inside another .zip).
Performance Issues with Many Players/Vehicles
- Reduce
MaxCarsto1per player. - Lower
MaxPlayersif the server is experiencing consistent lag. - Switch to a simpler map (Grid Map or Industrial) for better performance with high player counts.
- Remove unnecessary client mods from
Resources/Client/to reduce download times and memory usage. - Check GPanel's resource usage graphs — if CPU or RAM is consistently at the limit, consider upgrading your server plan. Open a support ticket to discuss options.
Server Not Appearing in Browser
- Ensure
Privateis set tofalsein your configuration. - Verify the authentication key is valid and not in use by another server.
- Wait 1–2 minutes after startup for the server to register with the BeamMP backend.
- Check the console for any errors related to the master server connection.
Related Articles
- BeamMP Server Setup Guide — Initial setup, authentication key, configuration, and connection instructions
- How to Find Your Server IP and Port
- How to Upload Files via SFTP
- Server Startup Guide — General guide for starting any game server on Legion Hosting
Need More Help?
If you are experiencing issues not covered in this guide, our support team is available to assist. Open a ticket at legionhosting.net/submitticket.php with your server details, a description of the problem, and any relevant error messages from the GPanel console.