This guide covers everything you need to get your Tower Unite dedicated server running on Legion Hosting, from first-time startup and configuration to game modes, player management, and how to connect. For admin commands, Workshop content, and server management, see Tower Unite Admin Commands.
What is Tower Unite?
Tower Unite is a community-driven social platform and party game developed by PixelTail Games. Players gather in a shared Plaza hub to socialize, play minigames (Ball Race, Virus, Zombie Massacre, Little Crusaders, Accelerate, and more), build custom Condos, and earn in-game currency. Dedicated servers allow communities to host their own persistent Plaza or game worlds with custom settings.
First Start
When you first receive your Tower Unite server, follow these steps to get it online:
- Log in to GPanel and select your Tower Unite server.
- Navigate to the Startup tab and configure your desired server name, max players, and other startup variables.
- Go to the Console tab and click Start.
- The server will download and install the Tower Unite dedicated server files on first boot. This may take several minutes depending on the download size.
- Once the console displays a message indicating the server is listening for connections, your server is online.
- Players can now find and join your server through the in-game server browser.
GPanel Startup Variables
Tower Unite exposes several configuration options as startup variables in GPanel. Navigate to the Startup tab to view and modify these. Changes require a server restart to take effect.
| Variable | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
SERVER_TITLE |
Tower Unite Server |
The name displayed in the in-game server browser. |
SERVER_MAX_PLAYER |
40 |
Maximum number of simultaneous players. |
STEAM_LOGIN_TOKEN |
empty | Steam Game Server Login Token. Required for the server to appear in the server browser. Generate one at steamcommunity.com/dev/managegameservers using App ID 394690. |
STEAM_ADMIN_ID |
empty | Your Steam ID (numeric). Grants admin privileges on the server. |
Server Configuration
Beyond startup variables, Tower Unite dedicated servers can be configured through the server configuration file and command-line parameters. The primary configuration is typically managed through the Startup tab in GPanel, which passes parameters to the server executable.
Key Configuration Options
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
Server Name |
The display name shown in the server browser. Choose something descriptive so players can find you. |
Max Players |
Player limit. 16–32 is recommended for a smooth experience in Plaza. Game modes may support fewer. |
Password |
When set, players must enter this password to join your server. |
Map / Game Mode |
Determines whether the server runs the Plaza hub, a specific game mode, or a Condo session. |
Game Modes
Tower Unite features multiple game modes that can be hosted on your dedicated server. The two primary modes for dedicated servers are:
Plaza
The Plaza is the main social hub where players gather, access minigames, shop, and interact. This is the most common mode for dedicated servers and provides the full Tower Unite experience.
- Players can queue for and join game worlds (Ball Race, Virus, etc.) from within the Plaza.
- Shops, casino, arcade, and other Plaza attractions are all available.
- Supports the highest player counts (up to 64).
Condos
Condos are personal building spaces where players can construct and decorate custom rooms and environments. Dedicated servers can host Condo sessions for collaborative building.
- Players can build together in shared Condo spaces.
- The Condo owner controls permissions (who can build, edit, or just view).
- Condo data is tied to the hosting player's account.
Server Name and Password
Setting the Server Name
Your server name is what players see in the server browser. Set it via the SERVER_TITLE startup variable in GPanel. Choose a unique, descriptive name so your community can easily find the server.
Setting a Password
Tower Unite does not have a password startup variable. Server access is managed through the TowerServer.ini configuration file located at Tower/Saved/Config/TowerServer.ini.
Max Players and Performance
Tower Unite is a social game with a relatively lightweight server footprint compared to survival or physics-based games. However, player count still affects performance:
- 16–32 players: Ideal for most servers. Provides a smooth experience with good population.
- 32–64 players: Possible for Plaza servers, but may require more server resources. Player-placed items and Workshop models increase load.
- Workshop content: Players using custom Workshop models and items add to the data that must be synchronized. Servers with many active builders may experience higher resource usage.
How to Connect
Players connect to Tower Unite dedicated servers through the in-game server browser.
Via the Server Browser
- Launch Tower Unite through Steam.
- From the main menu, click Join Game or Server Browser.
- Browse the server list or use the search bar to find your server by name.
- Click on your server and select Join.
- If the server has a password, you will be prompted to enter it.
Via Direct Connect
- In the server browser, look for the Direct Connect option.
- Enter your server's IP address and port in the format
IP:PORT. - Click Connect.
To find your server's IP address and port, see How to Find Your Server IP and Port.
Save Management
Tower Unite server data is handled differently depending on the mode:
- Plaza: The Plaza world itself does not have a save file — it is a static environment. Player inventories and currency are stored server-side by PixelTail Games (tied to Steam accounts), not on your dedicated server.
- Condos: Condo save data is tied to individual player accounts and stored by the game's backend services. Your server hosts the session but does not store the Condo build data locally.
- Server configuration: Your server settings and configuration files persist across restarts. Back these up periodically via the Files tab in GPanel or through SFTP.
Related Articles
- Tower Unite Admin Commands — Admin setup, player management, Workshop content, and troubleshooting
- 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 and a description of the problem.
