This guide covers admin and moderator setup, mod compatibility, and troubleshooting for your Euro Truck Simulator 2 dedicated server. Learn how to manage your convoy, configure mods, and resolve common issues.

Admin and Moderator Setup

ETS2 convoy servers use a moderator system defined in the server_config.sii file. There is no separate admin role; the server host and designated moderators share management responsibilities.

Adding Moderators

To add moderators to your server, edit server_config.sii and configure the moderator_list section:

    moderator_list: 3
    moderator_list[0]: 76561198012345678
    moderator_list[1]: 76561198087654321
    moderator_list[2]: 76561198011223344

Key points about the moderator list:

• The first line (moderator_list: 3) must equal the total number of moderator entries.
• Each entry uses a 0-based index and a Steam64 ID.
• Changes require a server restart to take effect.

Finding Steam64 IDs

To find a player's Steam64 ID:

1. Go to the player's Steam profile page.
2. If the URL contains a custom name (e.g., steamcommunity.com/id/playername), use a Steam ID lookup tool like steamid.io to convert it.
3. If the URL contains a number (e.g., steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561198012345678), that number is the Steam64 ID.

Moderator Capabilities

Moderators in an ETS2 convoy session have the following capabilities:

Mod Compatibility in Convoy Mode

ETS2's convoy mode has specific rules about mod usage that are controlled by the optionally_modded setting in your server configuration.

The optionally_modded Flag

Mod Syncing Rules

Understanding how mods interact in convoy mode is important:

• No automatic mod sync: The server does not distribute mods to players. Each player loads their own local mods independently.
• Visual mods: Truck skins, UI changes, and sound mods work fine because they only affect the local player's experience.
• Map mods: Map expansion mods (like ProMods) can cause issues if not all players have them installed. Players without the map mod will not see roads or areas added by the mod.
• Truck/trailer mods: Custom trucks or trailers from mods will appear as default vehicles to players who do not have the same mod installed.
• Gameplay mods: Mods that alter physics, economy, or traffic behavior only affect the local player and do not sync across the convoy.

Convoy Session Management

Managing your convoy session effectively keeps the experience smooth for all players:

Starting a Session

• The convoy session starts automatically when the server boots up.
• The server creates a new session each time it starts. There is no persistent session across restarts.
• Players will need to rejoin after a server restart.

Managing Active Sessions

• Monitor the server console in GPanel for player join/leave messages and errors.
• Use the moderator tools in-game to manage players.
• If the server becomes unresponsive, use GPanel's Restart button to create a fresh session.

Scheduled Restarts

For long-running servers, periodic restarts can help maintain performance. You can schedule restarts through GPanel's Schedules feature. Notify your players before restarting so they can finish active jobs.

DLC Compatibility

Euro Truck Simulator 2 has numerous map DLCs that expand the drivable area. DLC compatibility in convoy mode follows these rules:

Troubleshooting

Convoy Not Appearing in Browser

• Verify the server is fully started by checking the GPanel console for a successful startup message.
• Make sure the server's ports (game port and query port) are not blocked. Check GPanel's Network tab.
• Try connecting via Direct IP instead of the browser. If Direct IP works but the browser does not, the query port may be misconfigured.
• Ensure the server name (lobby_name) is set in server_config.sii and not left blank.
• Both the server and client must be on the same game version. Update your game and restart the server if needed.

Connection Issues

• "Session not found": The server may have restarted or the session ended. Check GPanel to confirm the server is running.
• "Version mismatch": Update your game client to match the server version. The server updates automatically on restart.
• High latency / rubber-banding: This is often caused by players with slow connections. Reducing max_vehicles_total and disabling traffic can help.
• Cannot connect via Direct IP: Double-check the IP and port. Make sure you are using the game port, not the query port. See How to Find Your Server IP and Port.

Mod Desync Issues

• Invisible trucks: This can happen when a player uses a modded truck that others do not have. The truck may appear as a default model or be invisible in rare cases. Ask all players to use the same mod set.
• Map mismatches: If some players have map mods and others do not, those without the mod may see players driving through empty space. Coordinate map mods across your group.
• Crashes on join: If a player crashes when joining a modded session, have them disable all mods and try again. Re-enable mods one at a time to identify the problematic mod.

Performance Issues

• Server lag with many players: Reduce max_vehicles_total to lower the number of AI vehicles. Disabling traffic entirely (traffic: false) significantly reduces server load.
• High CPU usage: Large player counts with AI traffic enabled are the main cause. Consider reducing max_players if performance is poor.
• Time acceleration impact: High time_acceleration values increase the rate of world updates and can affect server performance. Keep it at 1 for best stability.

Traffic Settings Impact

The traffic system has a notable impact on server performance and gameplay:

For large convoys (16+ players), disabling traffic is recommended to maintain smooth performance.

Related Articles

• Euro Truck Simulator 2 Server Setup Guide
• How to Find Your Server IP and Port
• How to Upload Files via SFTP
• Getting Started with Your New Server