This guide covers server administration, game lobby management, player management, version updates, and troubleshooting for your OpenRA dedicated server. OpenRA recreates classic Command & Conquer RTS games with three mods: Red Alert, Dune 2000, and Tiberian Dawn. For initial setup, startup variables, and connection instructions, see OpenRA Server Setup Guide.
1. Server Administration Overview
OpenRA dedicated servers are managed through:
- GPanel Console: View server output and send commands in the Console tab of GPanel.
- Startup Variables: Configure server name, password, visibility, and privacy settings.
- In-Game Lobby: The host or admin can manage game settings, maps, and players from the pre-game lobby.
2. Lobby Management
OpenRA uses a lobby system where players gather before a match starts. The server admin (first player to join) can:
- Change the map for the next game.
- Adjust game options (starting resources, tech level, fog of war, etc.).
- Set team assignments and spawn points.
- Add AI players to fill empty slots.
- Kick players from the lobby.
- Start the game when all players are ready.
3. Game Settings
These settings are configured in the lobby before each match:
Common Game Options
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Starting Cash | Initial money for each player. Higher values speed up early game. |
| Tech Level | Determines which units and structures are available. |
| Game Speed | Simulation speed multiplier. |
| Fog of War | Toggle fog of war visibility. |
| Shroud | Toggle unexplored area darkness. |
| Crates | Enable random supply crates on the map. |
| Build Radius | Control how close buildings must be to each other. |
| Short Game | Enable faster victory conditions. |
AI Players
Add AI opponents from the lobby. AI difficulty levels vary by mod but typically include Easy, Medium, Hard, and Brutal settings.
4. Server Settings via GPanel
| Action | How To |
|---|---|
| Change Server Name | Update SERVER_NAME in GPanel Startup tab and restart. |
| Set Password | Update PASSWORD in GPanel Startup tab and restart. |
| Make Server Public | Set PUBLIC to true in GPanel Startup tab and restart. |
| Enable GeoIP | Set GEOIP to true in GPanel Startup tab. |
| Anonymize IPs | Set ANONYMOUS to true (default) in GPanel Startup tab. |
| Require Auth | Set AUTH to true to require OpenRA account authentication. |
5. Updating the Server
OpenRA releases new versions periodically. To update your server:
- Stop the server in GPanel.
- Go to the Settings tab and click Reinstall Server.
- The installer will download the latest OpenRA release automatically.
- Start the server.
6. Mod-Specific Notes
Red Alert
- Features Allies and Soviets factions with unique unit rosters.
- Naval combat and the Chronosphere superweapon.
- Popular maps: Tanya's Tale, Arena, Haos Ridges.
Dune 2000
- Three playable houses: Atreides, Harkonnen, and Ordos.
- Desert terrain with spice harvesting as the primary economy.
- Sandworms can destroy units crossing open desert.
Tiberian Dawn
- GDI vs. Brotherhood of Nod asymmetric warfare.
- Tiberium harvesting economy with Tiberium fields that spread.
- Ion Cannon and Nuclear Strike superweapons.
7. Troubleshooting
Server Not Starting
- Check the GPanel console for error messages.
- Ensure the installation completed successfully. If not, try a reinstall.
- Verify no other process is using the same port.
Players Cannot Connect
- Verify the server is running in GPanel.
- Check the correct IP and port from the Network tab.
- Ensure players are running the same OpenRA version as the server.
- If
AUTHis enabled, players need an OpenRA account. - If a password is set, ensure players have the correct password.
Server Not Appearing in Lobby Browser
- Ensure
PUBLICis set totrue. - The server must be running and have completed initialization.
- It may take a few minutes for the server to appear in the public listing.
Related Articles
Need Help?
If you run into issues with your OpenRA server that are not covered here, open a support ticket and include your server IP, the mod you are running (Red Alert, Dune 2000, or Tiberian Dawn), and any relevant error messages from the GPanel console.
