This guide covers everything you need to know about setting up and configuring your Onset dedicated server on Legion Hosting. Onset is a multiplayer sandbox game built on Unreal Engine 4 that allows players to create custom game modes through Lua scripting. For admin commands and package management, see our Onset Admin and Package Setup guide.
What is Onset?
Onset is a multiplayer sandbox game developed by Blue Mountains GmbH that provides a blank canvas for creating virtually any multiplayer experience. Unlike traditional games with fixed gameplay, Onset relies entirely on community-created packages (game modes) written in Lua to define the rules, mechanics, and content of each server.
Key features include:
- Lua Scripting — Complete game mode creation using the Lua programming language with a comprehensive server-side and client-side API
- Unreal Engine 4 — High-quality visuals and physics powered by UE4
- Open World Map — A large open-world environment with diverse terrain, cities, and interiors
- Package System — Modular game mode packages that can be combined and customized
- Multiplayer — Dedicated server support for large player counts with custom game modes
First Start
When your Onset server is provisioned on Legion Hosting, it comes pre-configured with the base server files. To get your server running for the first time:
- Log in to GPanel at gpanel.legionhosting.net
- Select your Onset server from the server list
- Review your Startup Variables to set your server name and max players before the first launch
- Click Start to launch the server
- The server will initialize and generate default configuration files on first boot
- Once the console shows the server is ready and listening, players can connect via the Onset launcher
GPanel Startup Variables
GPanel provides a startup variable under the Startup tab for auto-updates. All other server settings (server name, password, max players) are configured in server_config.json (see below).
| Variable | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
AUTO_UPDATE |
1 |
Auto-update the server on restart. Set to 0 to disable. |
server_config.json, not as GPanel startup variables. See the configuration section below.
Server Configuration (server_config.json)
The main server configuration file is server_config.json, located in the server root directory. You can edit this file through GPanel's File Manager. This file uses JSON format:
{
"servername": "My Onset Server",
"hostname": "0.0.0.0",
"port": 7777,
"maxplayers": 50,
"password": "",
"visible": true,
"streamdistance": 800,
"streamrate": 50,
"tickrate": 50,
"loglevel": 1,
"packages": [
"mygamemode"
],
"plugins": []
}Configuration Settings Explained
| Setting | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
servername |
Onset Server | The name displayed in the Onset launcher server browser. |
hostname |
0.0.0.0 | The IP address the server binds to. Leave as 0.0.0.0 to bind to all interfaces. |
port |
7777 | The primary UDP port for game traffic. Usually managed by GPanel automatically. |
maxplayers |
50 | Maximum number of concurrent players. Higher counts increase resource usage. |
password |
(empty) | Server password. Leave as an empty string for a public server. |
visible |
true | Whether the server appears in the public server browser. |
streamdistance |
800 | The distance (in Unreal units) at which entities are streamed to players. Lower values reduce network load. |
tickrate |
50 | Server tick rate in Hz. Higher values mean smoother gameplay but more CPU usage. |
packages |
(empty array) | List of package folder names to load on startup. Packages define the game mode and gameplay mechanics. |
server_config.json file must be valid JSON. A missing comma, extra comma, or mismatched bracket will prevent the server from starting. Use a JSON validator if you are unsure about your edits.
Network Settings
Onset uses separate ports for game traffic and HTTP queries. Understanding the network configuration is important for proper connectivity:
| Port | Protocol | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
7777 |
UDP | Primary game port for player connections and game data |
7776 |
TCP | HTTP query port for server browser listings and API queries |
How Players Connect
Players connect to Onset servers through the official Onset launcher, not through Steam directly.
Via Server Browser
- Launch the Onset game from Steam
- In the Onset launcher, click Server Browser
- Search for your server name in the list or filter by game mode
- Select the server and click Connect
- Enter the password if one is set
Via Direct Connect
- Launch the Onset game from Steam
- In the Onset launcher, click Direct Connect
- Enter your server's IP address and port (e.g.,
192.168.1.100:7777) - Click Connect
Related Articles
- Onset Admin and Package Setup
- How to Find Your Server IP and Port
- How to Upload Files via SFTP
- Getting Started with Your New Server
Need Help?
If you are experiencing issues with your Onset server or need further assistance, our support team is here to help. Submit a support ticket and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
