This guide covers everything you need to set up and configure your The Front dedicated server on Legion Hosting, including first start, GPanel startup variables, ServerConfig_.ini configuration, game mode settings, connecting to your server, and save management. For admin console commands, see The Front Admin Commands.
What Is The Front
The Front is a post-apocalyptic open-world survival shooter developed by Samar Studio. Set in a devastated world overrun by mutants and hostile factions, players must scavenge resources, craft weapons and equipment, build and fortify bases, and fight for survival against both AI enemies and other players. The game combines third-person shooter mechanics with deep base-building and survival systems.
Key features of the dedicated server include:
- Support for up to 40+ concurrent players on a single server
- PvP and PvE game modes with configurable fight mode types
- Extensive gameplay tuning through the
ServerConfig_.iniconfiguration file - Base raiding mechanics with configurable raid NPC levels and cooldowns
- Beacon-based territory control and building protection systems
- In-game admin console with over 100 commands for live server management
First Start
When you first receive your The Front server from Legion Hosting, it needs to complete an initial installation before it can be played on.
- Log in to GPanel and select your The Front server from the server list.
- Click the Console tab and press Start.
- The server will download and install The Front dedicated server files via Steam (App ID 2334200). This initial download can take several minutes depending on disk speed.
- Once the download completes, the server will start automatically. The first boot generates the initial world data and may take longer than subsequent starts.
- Wait until the console output indicates the server is ready and listening for connections. You should see messages indicating that the game port is active.
GPanel Startup Variables
Core server settings are configured as startup variables in GPanel. These values are passed as command-line parameters when the server launches and override any corresponding settings in configuration files.
- In GPanel, select your The Front server.
- Click the Startup tab.
- Set the variables listed below. Changes take effect the next time you start or restart the server.
| Variable | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
SRV_NAME |
Pterodactyl hosted Server |
The name displayed in the in-game server browser (-ServerName launch parameter). Make it descriptive so players can find your server. |
MAX_PLAYERS |
10 |
Maximum number of simultaneous players (-QueueThreshold parameter). Adjust based on your server's available resources. |
BEACON_PORT |
27016 |
The Unreal Engine beacon port used for connection handshakes. Automatically configured (game port + 1). |
QUERY_PORT |
27017 |
The UDP port used by Steam for server browser queries. Automatically configured (game port + 2). |
SHUTDOWN_PORT |
27017 |
The shutdown service listening port. Used for remote shutdown signals. Automatically configured (game port + 3). |
ServerConfig_.ini file, the startup variable takes precedence. Use startup variables for core identity settings and the config file for detailed gameplay tuning.
ServerConfig_.ini Configuration
Detailed server and gameplay settings are controlled through the ServerConfig_.ini file. This is the primary configuration file for tuning your server's behavior, rules, and gameplay parameters.
Locating the File
The configuration file is located at:
TheFrontManager/ServerConfig_.iniAccess this file through the GPanel Files tab or via SFTP. All settings go under the [BaseServerConfig] section header.
Basic Server Settings
| Setting | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
ServerName |
"My Server" |
Display name for the server in the server browser. Enclose in quotes. |
ServerPassword |
(empty) | Password required to join the server. Leave empty for a public server. |
ServerTitle |
(empty) | A short description of your server displayed in the server browser. |
ServerAdminAccounts |
(empty) | Semicolon-separated list of Steam64 IDs for admin accounts. Example: 76561198012345678;76561198087654321; |
QueueThreshold |
40 |
Maximum number of players allowed on the server at once. |
IsCanMail |
1.000000 |
Enable or disable the in-game mail and chat system. Set to 0 to disable. |
UseSteamSocket |
1 |
Use Steam networking sockets for connections. Leave enabled for most setups. |
Game Mode and Fight Settings
| Setting | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
ServerFightModeType |
0 |
Server PvP mode. 0 = PvP (players can attack each other), 1 = PvE (players cannot damage each other). |
IsCanSelfDamage |
1 |
Allow players to damage themselves. 1 = enabled, 0 = disabled. |
IsCanFriendDamage |
1 |
Allow friendly fire between squad members. 1 = enabled, 0 = disabled. |
Port Configuration
| Setting | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
Port |
5001 |
Primary game port (UDP). Players connect on this port. |
BeaconPort |
5002 |
Unreal Engine beacon port for connection handshakes. |
ShutDownServicePort |
5004 |
Port for remote shutdown service signals. |
QueryPort |
5003 |
Steam query port for server browser listings. |
Example ServerConfig_.ini
Below is an example configuration file showing common settings:
[BaseServerConfig]
ServerName="My Legion Server"
ServerPassword=
ServerTitle="A friendly survival server"
ServerAdminAccounts=76561198012345678;
QueueThreshold=40
ServerFightModeType=1
IsCanSelfDamage=0
IsCanFriendDamage=0
IsCanMail=1.000000
UseSteamSocket=1
PlayerAddExpRate=1.5Game Mode Settings
The Front supports PvP and PvE modes that fundamentally change the multiplayer experience. The mode is set via the ServerFightModeType setting.
PvE Mode (ServerFightModeType=1)
- Players cannot damage each other directly.
- Focus is on cooperative survival against AI enemies and mutants.
- Bases are protected from player raids (NPC raids still occur).
- Ideal for communities focused on building and exploration.
- Players can still form squads, trade, and cooperate.
PvP Mode (ServerFightModeType=0)
- Players can attack and kill each other.
- Bases and structures can be raided by other players.
- Territory control through the Beacon system becomes competitive.
- Damage multipliers between players can be tuned with admin commands (
SetMeleePlayerDamageRatio,SetRangedPlayerDamageRatio). - Recommended for competitive and experienced players.
Building and Raid Settings
These settings control base protection and raiding mechanics. They can be configured via admin console commands or the config file:
| Setting / Command | Description |
|---|---|
SetPlayerMaxHouseFlagNumber [N] |
Maximum number of Beacons (territory flags) each player can place. |
SetHouseFlagExcitantTime [0-24] |
Sets the attack/raid window in hours. During this window, enemy players can damage structures within a Beacon's territory. |
SetHFTrapMaxNum [N] |
Maximum number of traps that can be placed within a Beacon's coverage area. |
SetConstructDisableRot [1/0] |
Toggle structure decay. When enabled (1), structures slowly decay over time if not maintained. |
SetConstructMaxHealthRatio [multiplier] |
Multiplier for maximum structure durability. Higher values make buildings harder to destroy. |
SetConstructDefenseRatio [multiplier] |
Multiplier for damage taken by structures. Lower values reduce damage to buildings. |
SetCityNPCLevelRate, SetCityNPCDamageRate, SetCityNPCHealthRate, and SetCityNPCNumRate commands.
Experience and Resource Rate Settings
You can tune experience gain rates, resource collection rates, and various gameplay multipliers through the ServerConfig_.ini file or via admin console commands while the server is running.
Experience Rates
| Setting / Command | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
PlayerAddExpRate |
1 |
Multiplier for all experience gained by players. Set to 2 for double XP. |
SetPlayerKillAddExpRate [N] |
1 |
Multiplier for experience gained from killing NPCs. |
SetPlayerFarmAddExpRate [N] |
1 |
Multiplier for experience gained from gathering resources. |
SetPlayerCraftAddExpRate [N] |
1 |
Multiplier for experience gained from crafting items. |
Resource Collection Rates
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
GMSetTreeGainRate [N] |
Wood collection multiplier. |
GMSetBushGainRate [N] |
Plant and bush collection multiplier. |
GMSetOreGainRate [N] |
Ore and mineral collection multiplier. |
GMSetCropReapRate [N] |
Crop harvesting yield multiplier. |
GMSetFleshGainRate [N] |
Animal flesh/meat collection multiplier. |
GMSetCropGrowRate [N] |
Crop growth speed multiplier. |
GMSetTTC_Oil_Rate [N] |
Oil well production multiplier. |
GMSetWaterCollector_Rate [N] |
Dew/water collector production multiplier. |
GMSetTTC_Fish_Rate [N] |
Fish basket production multiplier. |
How to Connect
Players connect to your The Front server through the in-game server browser. Find your server IP and port from the GPanel Console tab or see How to Find Your Server IP and Port.
Via In-Game Server Browser
- Launch The Front.
- From the main menu, click Servers.
- Click the Dedicated Servers tab at the top.
- Use the search bar or scroll through the list to find your server by name (the name you set in the
ServerNamesetting). - Click on your server and press Join. Enter the password if one is set.
ServerName setting is configured correctly.
Via Steam Server Browser
- In Steam, go to View > Game Servers (or Servers).
- Click the Favorites tab and then Add a Server.
- Enter your server's IP and query port in the format
IP:QUERY_PORT(for example,192.168.1.100:5003). - Once the server appears, double-click it to launch The Front and connect.
Save Management and World Wipes
The Front automatically saves world data at regular intervals. Understanding the save system is important for managing your server's world.
Save Location
World save data is stored in the server's data directory. The save interval can be configured with the SetSaveGameInterval admin command (value in seconds).
Manual Save
To trigger a manual world save, use the admin console command:
SaveWorldThis is useful before performing maintenance, making configuration changes, or shutting down the server.
Creating Backups
- Stop the server from GPanel.
- Navigate to the server's save directory via the GPanel Files tab or SFTP.
- Download the save files to your local computer for safekeeping.
- Also back up your
ServerConfig_.inifile to preserve your settings.
Starting a New World (World Wipe)
To wipe the world and start fresh:
- Stop the server from GPanel.
- Navigate to the save data directory.
- Delete or rename the existing world save files.
- Optionally, set the
ClearSeverTimeparameter inServerConfig_.inito a date (format:yyyy-mm-dd) to schedule a wipe. - Start the server. It will generate a fresh world from scratch.
Port Reference
The Front uses the following network ports. These are automatically configured by your hosting plan on Legion Hosting.
| Port | Protocol | Default | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Game Port | UDP | 5001 |
Primary game connections. Players connect on this port. |
| Beacon Port | UDP | 5002 |
Unreal Engine beacon port for connection handshakes. |
| Query Port | UDP | 5003 |
Steam server browser queries. |
| Shutdown Service Port | TCP | 5004 |
Remote shutdown service listener. |
Related Articles
- The Front Admin Commands
- 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 still having issues with your The Front server, please open a support ticket and our team will be happy to assist you.
