This guide walks you through setting up and configuring your Euro Truck Simulator 2 dedicated server. ETS2 supports multiplayer convoy sessions where players can drive together across Europe in real-time.
Before You Start: Make sure you have access to your server via GPanel. If you need help locating your server IP and port, see How to Find Your Server IP and Port. Ports are randomly assigned unless you have a private IP.
First Start in GPanel
After purchasing your Euro Truck Simulator 2 server, follow these steps to get it running for the first time:
- Log in to GPanel and select your ETS2 server from the server list.
- Navigate to the Startup tab to review your startup variables before the first launch.
- Click Start on the main console page. The server will download and install the ETS2 dedicated server files via SteamCMD automatically.
- Wait for the installation to complete. The first startup may take several minutes as it downloads the base game server files.
- Once the server has started, it will generate default configuration files. You may want to stop the server and configure it before inviting players.
Note: The ETS2 dedicated server is a separate free tool available through SteamCMD. It does not require a game license to host, but all connecting players need to own Euro Truck Simulator 2.
Startup Variables
GPanel provides several startup variables that control how the server launches. These can be found under the Startup tab:
| Variable | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
Server Name |
Display name shown in the convoy browser | My ETS2 Server |
Max Players |
Maximum number of players allowed in the convoy | 8 |
Server Password |
Optional password to restrict access | (empty) |
Query Port |
Port used for server browser queries | Assigned automatically |
Server Configuration (server_config.sii)
The main configuration file for your ETS2 server is server_config.sii, located at .local/share/Euro Truck Simulator 2/server_config.sii. You can edit this file through GPanel's File Manager or via SFTP.
Below are the key settings you can configure:
Server Identity
SiiNunit
{
server_config : .server {
lobby_name: "My ETS2 Convoy Server"
description: "Welcome to our European trucking convoy!"
password: ""
max_players: 8
max_vehicles_total: 100
}| Setting | Description | Recommended Value |
|---|---|---|
lobby_name |
The server name displayed in the convoy browser | Any descriptive name |
description |
Server description shown to players before joining | Rules, community info, etc. |
password |
Leave empty for a public server, or set a password for private convoys | Depends on use case |
max_players |
Maximum concurrent players (limited by your server plan) | 8-64 |
max_vehicles_total |
Maximum total vehicles in the session including AI traffic | 50-200 |
Gameplay Settings
speed_limiter: true
traffic: true
time_acceleration: 1
optionally_modded: false
service_no_damage: false
hide_colliding: true| Setting | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
speed_limiter |
Enforces a speed limit (90 km/h for trucks). Set to false to allow unrestricted speed. |
true |
traffic |
Enables AI traffic on the roads. Disabling may improve performance for large convoys. | true |
time_acceleration |
Time scale multiplier. 1 = real-time, higher values speed up the day/night cycle. |
1 |
optionally_modded |
When true, players with mods can join but mods are not required. When false, only vanilla clients can join. |
false |
service_no_damage |
Disables damage from collisions between players | false |
hide_colliding |
Automatically hides players who collide, reducing griefing | true |
Moderator List
You can assign moderators by adding their Steam IDs to the configuration:
moderator_list: 2
moderator_list[0]: 76561198012345678
moderator_list[1]: 76561198087654321The first value (moderator_list: 2) is the total number of moderators. Each moderator is indexed starting at [0]. For more details on moderator capabilities, see Euro Truck Simulator 2 Admin and Mod Setup.
Session Types
ETS2 dedicated servers host Convoy sessions. In convoy mode:
- All connected players share the same world and can see each other driving in real-time.
- Players can take jobs independently or form groups to drive in formation.
- AI traffic is shared across all players (when enabled).
- The server maintains a persistent session that players can join and leave freely.
- Time progresses according to the
time_accelerationsetting for all players simultaneously.
Convoy vs. TruckersMP: The official convoy mode is SCS Software's built-in multiplayer. It is separate from the third-party TruckersMP mod. Dedicated servers run the official convoy mode only.
How to Connect
Via the Convoy Browser
- Launch Euro Truck Simulator 2 and load your profile.
- From the main menu, click Convoy.
- Click Browse Online Sessions.
- Use the search bar to find your server by name, or browse the list.
- Click on your server and press Join. Enter the password if required.
Via Direct IP
- Open the Convoy menu and select Browse Online Sessions.
- Click the Direct IP button at the top of the browser.
- Enter your server's IP address and port (found in GPanel or see How to Find Your Server IP and Port).
- Click Connect and enter the password if one is set.
Save and Session Management
ETS2 convoy servers handle sessions differently from single-player saves:
- Session Persistence: The convoy session persists as long as the server is running. Player progress (money, trucks, jobs) is stored in their local profile, not on the server.
- World State: The server maintains the current world state including time of day, weather, and AI traffic positions.
- Server Restarts: Restarting the server ends the current convoy session. A new session is created when the server starts again. Player profiles are not affected.
- Backups: Since player progress is stored client-side, server backups mainly preserve server configuration. You can back up
server_config.siivia GPanel's File Manager.
Important: If a player disconnects unexpectedly during a job, their progress up to the last autosave point is preserved in their local profile. The server does not store individual player saves.
Related Articles
- Euro Truck Simulator 2 Admin and Mod 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 run into any issues, open a support ticket and our team will assist you.
