SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) lets you connect to your game server and transfer files directly from your computer — including large files, full mod folders, and backups. If you need to upload something the GPanel file manager cannot handle (such as entire directories or files over the browser size limit), SFTP is the right tool.
When to use SFTP: Use SFTP when you need to upload folders, large files (e.g., world saves, mod packs, backups), or multiple files at once. For quick single-file edits, the GPanel file manager may be sufficient.
Connection Details
Your SFTP connection uses your server's IP address and the credentials from GPanel.
Your SFTP connection details
| Host / Address | Your server's IP address (shown on the GPanel dashboard or Console tab) |
|---|---|
| Port | 2022 |
| Protocol | SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) |
| Username | Your GPanel username |
| Password | Found in the Settings tab on GPanel |
Important: Always use port 2022, not the default SFTP port 22. Connections on port 22 will not work.
Option 1 — FileZilla (Recommended)
FileZilla is a free, cross-platform FTP/SFTP client available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Step 1 — Download and Install FileZilla
- Go to filezilla-project.org and download the FileZilla Client (not FileZilla Server).
- Run the installer and follow the on-screen prompts.
Step 2 — Open the Site Manager
- Launch FileZilla.
- Click File → Site Manager (or press Ctrl+S).
- Click New Site and give it a name such as Legion Hosting.
Step 3 — Enter Connection Settings
- Set Protocol to
SFTP - SSH File Transfer Protocol. - Set Host to your server's IP address (found on the GPanel dashboard).
- Set Port to
2022. - Set Logon Type to
Normal. - Enter your GPanel Username and Password (password is in the Settings tab on GPanel).
- Click Connect.
Step 4 — Accept the Host Key
- On first connection, FileZilla will show an Unknown host key dialog.
- Check Always trust this host and click OK.
Step 5 — Upload Files
- The left panel shows your local computer. Navigate to the files or folders you want to upload.
- The right panel shows your server's file system. Navigate to the destination folder (e.g.,
/home/container/mods/). - Drag and drop files or folders from the left panel to the right panel, or right-click a file and choose Upload.
- Monitor transfer progress in the bottom queue panel.
Option 2 — WinSCP (Windows Only)
WinSCP is a popular free SFTP client for Windows with a familiar two-panel file explorer interface.
Step 1 — Download and Install WinSCP
- Go to winscp.net and download the installer.
- Run the installer. When asked for an interface style, choose Commander for a dual-pane view, or Explorer if you prefer a single-pane view.
Step 2 — Create a New Session
- Launch WinSCP. The Login dialog opens automatically.
- Set File protocol to
SFTP. - Enter your server's IP address in the Host name field (found on the GPanel dashboard).
- Set Port number to
2022. - Enter your GPanel User name and Password (password is in the Settings tab on GPanel).
- Click Login.
Step 3 — Accept the Host Key and Upload
- Accept the server host key warning on first connection.
- Your local files appear on the left; server files on the right.
- Navigate to your target folder on the server, then drag files from the left panel to the right, or use F5 to copy selected files.
Common Upload Tasks
Uploading a Config File
Configuration files (e.g., servertest.ini, server.properties) are usually located in a specific subfolder of your server's home directory. Common paths:
- Project Zomboid:
/home/container/.cache/server/ - ARK: Survival Ascended:
/home/container/ShooterGame/Saved/Config/WindowsServer/ - Minecraft:
/home/container/
Navigate to the correct path in your SFTP client, then drag your edited config file onto the server panel to replace the existing file.
Stop the server first before replacing active config files. Uploading a config while the server is running may cause the server to overwrite your file on shutdown.
Uploading Mods
- Stop your server from GPanel.
- Connect via SFTP and navigate to your game's mods folder (e.g.,
/home/container/mods/or the game-specific path). - Drag the entire mod folder or
.jar/.pakfile from your local machine to the server mods directory. - Start the server from GPanel once the upload is complete.
Uploading a World Save or Backup
- Stop your server from GPanel.
- Connect via SFTP and navigate to the saves directory for your game.
- Upload the entire save folder (drag the folder itself, not just its contents, unless you are merging into an existing save).
- Confirm the folder structure matches what was there before.
- Start the server from GPanel.
Tip: Before overwriting a save, rename the existing server-side folder first (e.g., add
_backup to the end) so you can restore it if something goes wrong.
Troubleshooting
- Double-check that the port is set to 2022, not 22.
- Verify the IP address matches the one shown on your GPanel dashboard.
- Ensure your server is running — SFTP access may require the game server process to be active on some plans.
- Check that your firewall or antivirus is not blocking outbound connections on port 2022.
- Use the same username and password you use to log into gpanel.legionhosting.net.
- Usernames are case-sensitive. Copy the username directly from GPanel if unsure.
- If you recently changed your GPanel password, update it in your SFTP client's saved session.
- Reset your GPanel password from the client area if you have forgotten it.
- Large mod packs or world saves can take several minutes. Let the transfer run to completion.
- In FileZilla, you can increase the number of simultaneous transfers: go to Edit → Settings → Transfers and set maximum simultaneous transfers to 3.
- If the connection drops mid-transfer, FileZilla can resume: right-click the failed file in the queue and choose Reset and requeue failed transfers.
- Your home directory is
/home/container/. If the client drops you into a different directory, manually type this path into the remote path bar. - Ensure you are connected with the correct username — each GPanel account only has access to its own server's files.
Still need help? Open a support ticket and include your server IP address, the SFTP client you are using, and a description of the error.
